Livable Raleigh

National Veterans Month Brunch
2024-11-25 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Five Points Center for Active Adults, 2000 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
We proudly honor Raleigh’s veterans and thank them for their service.
Come and enjoy the end of National Veterans and Military Families Month with us at Five Points. We are partnering with Oak Street Health and Raleigh’s Veterans of Foreign Wars to provide a brunch honoring Raleigh’s veterans. Each veteran will receive a thank you card and an honorary frame at the event. Registration is required.
Location: Five Points Center for Active AdultsAges: Veterans of Any AgeCost: FreeRegistration is Required

Holiday Crafting Workshop
2024-12-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Five Points Center for Active Adults, 2000 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
Come enjoy a fun holiday crafting workshop on how to create kimekomi holiday trees!
Kimekomi trees are made from a technique where a pattern is drawn and then cut onto a surface, such as a styrofoam foam form. Fabric is then placed over the pattern and tucked and glued into the cuts. The trees are then decorated with objects such as ribbons and beads. Come practice your crafting skills and enjoy some good company during the holiday season.Location: Five Points Center for Active AdultsAge: 18+Cost: $19 Residents / $34 Non-Residents

Help Us Shape the Future of the City of Raleigh Museum!
2024-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
As the City and the Museum grow, now is an important time to reassess the Museum’s location and program to ensure it continues to reflect Raleigh’s history. We are hosting an event at the museum for members of the public to provide input on the vision and opportunity for the future of the museum. Come provide input on where a permanent COR Museum should be and what it should look like.Location: City of Raleigh MuseumAges: AllCost: Free

Reindeer Rodeo at Abbotts Creek
2024-12-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Reindeer Rodeo!
Bring your little one for a fun-filled morning of crafts, games, and treats. Participants are free to drop in anytime during the event. Please allow 30-45 minutes to rotate through different craft stations. Pre-registration is required for each participant. See you at the Rodeo!
Location: Abbotts Creek Community CenterAges: 3-6Cost: $7Register on RecLink

Sip and Shop
2024-12-06 17:30 - 21:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Join the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum for our free annual holiday Sip and Shop event from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the museum.
Browse gift options from a variety of vendors, including local artists, craftspeople, creators, makers, and more, while sipping a festive cocktail or mocktail and listening to holiday music.
Participants will be entered into a raffle for a family four-pack of tickets to the hottest event in town – the Holiday Express at Pullen Park! Admission is free and includes the opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits, but we ask that you register on Eventbrite.Location: City of Raleigh MuseumAge: AllCost: FreeRegistration is Encouraged

Gingerbread Decorating Party
2024-12-06 18:00 - 20:30 | Green Rd Community Center, 4201 Green Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Join DJ Young Fresh Prince for a festive bash filled with cookie decorating, awesome tunes, and endless fun!
Bring your creativity and your dancing shoes—let’s make some sweet memories together!Location: Green Road ParkAges: AllCost: Free

Santa's Workshop and Toy Drive
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614
The holiday season is here!
Come join the Raleigh Youth Council at Abbotts Creek Community Center for your personal tour through Santa’s workshop!
Enjoy Art and Craft Activities, Festive Music, and a picture with a very special visitor! In addition, please help put a smile on a child’s face by donating a new toy for children in need. Toy donations are optional but much appreciated.
Location: Abbotts Creek ParkAge: Families with children 0 to 12 yearsCost: FreeRegister on RecLink

Celebrate the Holidays at Moore Square
2024-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Moore Square, 200 S. Blount St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
Join us at Moore Square for special performances, games for the kids, food trucks, craft beer, and mulled wine, and meet Santa Claus from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Caroling teams will compete and help raise money for the Wake Tech Community College Foundation’s Fostering Bright Futures Program.
Location: Moore SquareAges: AllCost: Free

Gingerbread and a Jolly Trolley Ride!
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St, Raleigh, NC, 27605
Welcome to the holiday season!
Decorate a gingerbread house inspired by Raleigh’s historic sites! This family-friendly program will take you to two historic locations in Raleigh. Meet at Fred Fletcher Park and take a trolley ride to Latta University Historic Park to explore its history. Then, ride the trolley back to Borden Building at Fletcher Park to build your own gingerbread house inspired by the Latta house. Each registrant will have their own gingerbread house, and decorating supplies will be provided.Location: Fred Fletcher ParkAges: 5+Cost: $15

Santa's Trolley
2024-12-13 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-14 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Help Santa on this special Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour!
Santa is lost in Raleigh and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas! New this year, arrive up to 30 minutes early or stay after your tour to make a s’more!The trolley leaves from Mordecai Historic Park at 1 Mimosa St in Raleigh. Advance registration is required. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364.
Location: Mordecai Historic ParkTimes: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.Cost: $15Ages: AllRegister on RecLink

Celebrate All of the Holidays
2024-12-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Barwell Road Community Center, 5857 Barwell Park Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27610, United States
December is a month of many holidays that bring family and friends together.
Celebrate & learn about your holiday and those of family, friends, and acquaintances. The event will include crafts, activities, photo opportunities, and music. We invite everyone of all ages to participate.
Location: Barwell Road Community CenterAges: AllCost: Free

Soulful Holiday Open House 2024
2024-12-13 17:30 - 21:00 | John Chavis Community Center, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Let’s bring soul and good times to John Chavis Memorial Park and celebrate the holidays with joy and laughter!
Festive, jolly, and bright activities will fill the rooms of the community center and be spread throughout the park for families to enjoy. Activities will include inflatables, trackless train rides, photo opportunities, crafts, carol-oke, light holiday-themed refreshments, live entertainment by Soultriii, beautiful decorations, and more.
Watch for our special guest, Holly the Elf, to make an appearance!
Location: John Chavis Memorial ParkAges: AllCost: Free

Annual Toys From Teens Event
2024-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Roberts Park Community Center, 1300 E. Martin St, Raleigh, NC, 27610
The Raleigh Youth Council is Hosting the Annual Toys From Teens!
This event is for families with children from birth to 12 years. Participants will create festive crafts, meet Santa, and receive a gift (while supplies last). A child must be present to receive a gift.
Location: Roberts Park Community Center
Ages: 0 to 12 years old
Cost: Free (Registration will be available at the event)
Register on RecLink

Holiday Open House - Mordecai Park
2024-12-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Join us at the annual Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park!
See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 239 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, discover historic artifacts, and more.
On Saturday, December 14, do some holiday shopping at the Merry and Bright: A North Pole Market! Visit our vendors to find unique gifts, create festive crafts, and sample food vendors. Enjoy seasonal entertainment and stop by a cooking demonstration in our historic kitchen. Visit Paper and Stars Studio’s Eventbrite page to register and receive event updates. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364.
Ages: AllCost: Free

Associated

La Chocolatada de Luisito
2024-12-15 13:00 - 15:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Artist Studio Project, The Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, El Centro Hispano, and The Dominican Association of NC invite you to attend our 8th Annual La Chocolatada de Luisito.
This is a Free Bilingual Family-Friendly Holiday Storytime Event. It includes Free Books, Crafts, Chocolates, Songs, Treats, Hot Chocolate, Pastries, and more.
This family-friendly event forms part of the 10th Annual El Quixote Festival.
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Cost: Free
Ages: All

Holiday Open House - Mordecai Park
2024-12-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Join us at the annual Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park!
See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 239 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, discover historic artifacts, and more. Enjoy seasonal entertainment and stop by a cooking demonstration in our historic kitchen. Visit Paper and Stars Studio’s Eventbrite page to register and receive event updates. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364.
Ages: AllCost: Free

Cuts & Christmas
2024-12-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Sanderford Road Community Center, 2623 Sanderford Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27610
Come on out to Sanderford Road Community Center for free haircuts, games, food, and fun!
Our partners at All-Embracing Barber and Beauty Shop will be offering free haircuts and handing out gifts for all children!
Ages: 1 – 18Cost: FreeRegister on RecLink

Native Wildlife
2024-12-22 15:00 - 16:30 | Forest Ridge Park, 2100 Old NC 98 HWY, Wake Forest, NC, 27587
Join us for a wild adventure as we explore the amazing creatures that call Falls Lake home. Through exciting games, hands-on activities, and fascinating stories, you’ll discover how these animals survive, hunt, and stay safe in the great outdoors. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 6-11Cost: $3

Holiday Pajama Party
2024-12-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Worthdale Park Community Center, 1001 Cooper Road, Raleigh, 27610
It’s the most wonderful time at Worthdale Community Center on Dec. 22 because we are hosting our Holiday Pajama Party! We’ll have food with a cocoa bar, games, face painting, and a surprise from the North Pole!Location: Worthdale Community Center Ages: 5 – 12Cost: Free

Get Outside!
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Forest Ridge Park, 2100 Old NC 98 HWY, Wake Forest, NC, 27587
Put on your hiking boots and get ready to Opt Outside!
Join us as we explore the breathtaking trails of Forest Ridge Park, where nature’s beauty surrounds you at every turn. From the rustling of the leaves to the distant calls of wildlife, this hike offers a chance to immerse yourself in the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, this experience is designed to help you unwind, reconnect with nature, and recharge both physically and mentally. Step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover the hidden gems of Forest Ridge Park — the perfect escape for all levels of hikers!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 14+Cost: $6Register on RecLink

Emancipation Day Breakfast
2025-01-04 09:00 - 11:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Join us for a hot breakfast while learning about Anna Julia Cooper, an advocate for women’s rights, education, and civil rights.
Lectures presented by Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner tickets cost $20 each, with half of the proceeds supporting the Turner Historic House Museum. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org
Location: City of Raleigh MuseumDate: Saturday, Jan. 4Time: 9 – 11 a.m.Ages: AllCost: $20 per personEmancipation Day Breakfast Tickets

‘Bottom Rail on Top’: Black Civil War Reenactors
2025-01-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Pope House Museum, 511 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the powerful stories of Black soldiers who shaped American history.
Join us for an unforgettable event where the United States Colored Troops and their allies bring to life the courageous men who fought for freedom, both on the front lines and in the camps. Hear their incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of their pivotal role in shaping our nation’s past.
Best of all, this inspiring event is completely free! Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history come alive—bring your friends and family and be a part of this meaningful experience.
This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org
Location: Pope House Museum
Age: All
Cost: Free
No Registration Required

Emancipation Day Trolley: Oberlin Village Tour
2025-01-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Pope House Museum, 511 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Located on the outskirts of Raleigh, Oberlin Village was a vibrant African American community established after the Civil War.
Celebrate Emancipation Day by joining local historian Carmen Wimberly Cauthen and Historic Turner House Foundation director Cheryl Williams for a guided tour of Oberlin Village.
This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org
Location: Pope House Museum
Age: All
Cost: $4 for Children / $10 for Adults

Music of Freedom
2025-01-04 18:00 - 20:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Don’t miss the grand finale of our Emancipation Day celebration: Music of Freedom!
Join us for an inspiring evening of classical music performed by the talented Strings of Color, as they honor the abolitionists whose contributions to music played a vital role in the fight for freedom. This is a unique opportunity to experience powerful music while learning about the courageous individuals who helped shape our nation’s history.
Best of all, this unforgettable event is completely free! Bring your friends and family for an evening of history, music, and inspiration you won’t want to miss. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Age: All
Cost: Free
No Registration Required

Family Fun Day at the City of Raleigh Museum
2025-01-11 11:00 - 14:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at our first Family Fun Day celebration at the museum!
Experience the thrill of a scavenger hunt, unleash your creativity with fun craft, and discover a VERY special surprise that awaits you. Join us for a day filled with excitement and make lasting memories!
Location: City of Raleigh MuseumAges: AllCost: Free

Sertoma Art Center Renovation Project Open House
2025-01-14 16:00 - 19:00 | Sertoma Arts Center, 1400 Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612, United States
Join us at our Public Open House to seek feedback on the Concept Designs for the Sertoma Arts Center Improvements on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Your input is essential – we look forward to hearing from you!
Location: Sertoma Arts Center
Ages: All
Cost: Free

Lunchbox Lecture with Oakwood Cemetery
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Feed your belly and your brain!
Bring your lunch to the City of Raleigh Museum and listen to a captivating lecture every third Thursday of the month. Lectures will run for 30 minutes and topics vary each month.
Oakwood Cemetery is known as a Cemetery Full of Life. But what makes it so? Join the City of Raleigh Museum to discover the stories behind the stones, as well as how this active burial space operates as a museum! You’ll learn about some of the Cemetery’s well-loved “residents,”, uncover long-buried stories, and honor heroes resting under the oaks—talk presented by Oakwood Cemetery Executive Director Robin Simonton.
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Ages: All
Cost: Free

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy at Chavis Park
2025-01-20 12:00 - 15:00 | John Chavis Community Center, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
John Chavis Memorial Park presents King Day
A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20, from 12 – 3 p.m. This event will celebrate Dr. King’s life through service, children’s activities, and more!
Location: John Chavis Memorial Park
Age: All
Cost: Free
