Parks & Rec

The 2023 Summer Concert Series is here! Concerts are free and we encourage tips for the bands. Performers may change without notice. May be canceled for inclement weather. Bring your own chair or blanket. No food is available at Fred Fletcher Park. Pullen Park June 11 - Raleigh Jazz Orchestra June 25 - Triangle Taiko July 9 - Canceled July 30 - Husbandos August 13 - The Tune Swingers Orchestra- Canceled due to heat August 20 - Raleigh Jazz Orchestra September 17 - The Blue Notes Fred Fletcher Park July 23 - Capital Transit September 10 - Thelonious September 24 - SWAG Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ages: All Cost: Free

Join us at Walnut Terrace to learn more about Raleigh Parks’ Active Adults Program (50+), connect with local community services, and enjoy a free lunch! Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. A special thanks to our program partners City of Raleigh Housing and Neighborhoods Department and Oak Street Health.

Join us on an epic quest to discover a time of castles, knights, and dragons! Experience the rich world of medieval fantasy and the history behind this favorite era of the imagination. Create fun themed crafts, practice your sword skills, and purchase magical objects necessary for your adventures from our talented vendors. Enjoy magical entertainment, food, and drink while you explore beautiful Fletcher Park in downtown Raleigh.

Raleigh Parks is excited to announce the return of Holiday Express in 2023. For 17 nights from November 29 – December 15, Pullen Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland of holiday happenings throughout the park. Mark your calendars for the ticket on-sale date of Wednesday, October 4.

The committee is responsible for the study of issues related to park facilities, features, developments, and modifications. The committee prepares recommendations and proposals for the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board based on in-depth review and study of park-related issues and concerns. The Parks Committee a standing committee of the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board will meet in the Raleigh Municipal Building, 222 W. Hargett Street, Conference Room 303 at 6:00 pm.

Join us for Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day! We will be hosting guided ride(s) for the whole family. The ride will start with a bike inspection and warm-up prior to setting out on the trail. We will also have our skills elements set up in the grassy area for practice. Helmets and closed toe shoes are required. If the trails are closed, the ride is canceled.

Join us for our first-ever Signing Day Event! Kick off our winter youth basketball registration on Saturday, Oct. 7 for a drop-in event at Lions Park Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Athletes can have their photo taken in front of our banner as they show their intent to play this winter! There will also be a basketball skills competition, games, a raffle and food trucks. Financial assistance will be present to approve and register participants on site, Raleigh Parks will be advertising current job openings and former NBA player and head coach Nate McMillan will come to address participants and parents at 11 a.m. Hope to see you there and in the upcoming season!

Learn how seeds make things grow and dive into a gooey pumpkin to explore its seeds. Participants will decorate and take home a pumpkin of their own Ages: 7 - 10 Cost: $5 Advance registration is required. Adult(s) must accompany participant(s). Adult(s) attend free and do not need to register. Register on RecLink

Please join us for the Halloween edition of Sensory Friendly Sunday! Costumes are welcome for our spooky spectacular and will include arts & crafts, music & movement, choice activities, chill zone, an indoor playground, and much more. This event will offer accessible accommodations for individuals with sensory sensitivities and neurodiverse individuals. The center will provide an accepting and inclusive environment, modifications to sound and lighting, noise-canceling headsets, and a quiet area. The playground will be open during non-operating hours to limit capacity and create a more controlled environment to reduce overstimulation. Pre-registration is encouraged. This is a floating/drop-in event; families can come/leave at any time during the event.

Did you know that spending time in parks can have a positive impact on your mental health? This is why we’ve partnered with the Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk program to increase park access for everyone. We invite you to explore your neighborhood park on Tuesday, Oct. 10 to commemorate #WalkToAParkDay and #WorldMentalHealthDay. The Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk program currently works with over 300 mayors and city leaders across 48 states to close the park equity gap and address cities’ pressing needs around health, resilience, environmental protection, economic development, and community building through parks. The City of Raleigh has been chosen to participate in the 10-Minute Walk Park Equity Accelerator Cohort. The Accelerator will direct resources and provide technical assistance on solving park equity problems through policy change and innovation, with the support of the Trust for Public Land, cross-sector partners, and other experts in the field of park equity. Ages: AllCost: Free

Lake Wheeler Park will be providing a nature-inspired craft for kids at our Magnolia Shelter!

Join fellow community members to relax, play games, socialize, and pick up free produce at Marsh Creek Community Center on October 13! All activities will be free of charge, and participants can feel free to attend for any portion of the scheduled time. Interested in attending solo? Don’t worry – all activities can be self-directed and as interactive as you’d like them to be. We hope to see you there! Age: AllCost: Free