June 21st -27th 2018 Triangle

by Pam & Michael Davison

Summer is officially here and Independence Day is right around the corner! It looks like the heat is here to stay a while so we have plenty to do this weekend indoors and out, early morning and after the sun goes down.

ParkGeek has all the July 4th fun! From pancake breakfasts and patriotic concerts to kids parades and fireworks, we have it all to help you schedule your holiday to the fullest potential. My goal each year is to see three consecutive nights of fireworks displays on the 3rd, 4th and 5th!

The Farmers Markets are in full swing now. The State Farmers Market in Raleigh is open every day with loads of fresh local produce. You are invited to Blueberry Day Thursday at lunch with free blueberry dessert samples, free recipes, and plenty of N.C. blueberries available to buy.

Celebrate starting school! Practice a lunch line, get moving at recess, hop on a school bus and much more at Marbles Kids Musuem Kick-off to Kindergarten Thursday. This free event is aimed at year round students and there will be another celebration in August for rising kindergartners on a traditional schedule.

What do Historic Yates Mill County Park and the woodland faeries have in common? Take a short walk near the millpond to search for evidence of faeries (sightings are not guaranteed), explore the astronomical aspects of Midsummer"s Day, and hear a few quotes from William Shakespeare"s "A Midsummer Night"s Dream" Thursday afternoon.

The World's Largest Swimming Lesson takes place at the Optimist Park Pool Thursday at 11:45am. You are invited to join an estimated 600 locations in more than 20 countries to raise awareness that Swimming Lessons Save Lives. Click through for information on how you can join them.

Fun througout the Triangle

There is quite an eclectic mix of events this weekend. If you are trying to get out of the heat, remember we have a handful of free museums in Raleigh.

Along with free admission every day, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Nature Research Center invites you to their special exhibit, Mazes & Brain Games through September 3rd. They also have daily story times, meet the animals, interactive labs and a discovery room. This Thursday they will feature extended hours for a Science Cafe on Self-Control and the Brain. Sunday afternoon, you are invited to join them to celebrate International SUNday with special solar telescopes and special presentations,

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds will host a NCAHA Open Summer Extravaganza, and the Official Strongman Games.

The City of Raleigh Museum (COR) has a mission to "Preserve Raleigh"s Past for the Future." The museum collects and cares for artifacts, curates exhibits, and provides educational programing that highlight and interpret Raleigh's history and heritage. Admission is free and they also stay open late for First Friday.

In addition to free admission, the North Carolina Museum of Art kicks off every weekend with Iris After Dark and offers Meet Your Museum Tours every weekend along with Weekend Family Friendly Tours and Guided Tours of the Museum Park. You can also check out an Art in a Tote at the information desk to guide your museum exploration with small children through games, stories and hands on creativity.

The North Carolina Museum of History offers free admission and the awesome permanent exhibit "The Story of North Carolina" along with the amazing exhibit NC & World War I. The special exhibit features a 6,500-square-foot exhibition highlights 500 artifacts, period photography, a trench diorama, historical film footage, educational interactive components, and video re-enactments.

Marbles Kids Museum does have an admission fee, but in addition to their regularly scheduled fun, they invite you to enjoy the exhibits every Thursday and Friday with extended hours and discounted admission.

Over 100 cars and trucks will be on display for Saturday's Cars & Cigars - "Cruise-In" at the American Tobacco Campus. The event will also feature live music, a cigar lounge, festival foods, a kids zone and a tween zone.

Friday is Pollinator Day at the Museum of Life and Science. The all day event is free with admission to the museum. With the help of local scientists and organizations, learn about the important role these animals play in the survival of plants and people alike.

The first Pop-PupAlooza, a pop-up dog park at Dix Park, was so PUP-ular, they're doing it again Saturday! During this pop up event, dogs will be allowed off leash while at their specially crafted dog park. For the humans, Kona Pizza, LocoPops and Neuse River Brewing company will be at the park making sure you stay fed and hydrated while you play with your best friend. More than 20 pet-related vendors and pet rescue organizations will be at the park selling snazzy dog bow-ties, delicious puppy snacks and providing information on how you can foster or rescue a pooch!

Park it in the Market Food Truck Rodeo comes to the Holly Springs Farmers Market this Saturday with an extended hour. So far there are eight trucks signed up for your eating pleasure!

June Goes out with Music

Shriya Komaragiri, the Nuv Yug India Festival Jr. Idol Winner will present a concert featuring Hindi and American Top 40 at a Music in the Park Concert Series in Downtown Morrisville Thursday night.

Will Hoge has both hit number one on the Country Charts and sung his heart out for the indie-music world. Thursday evening he will play a Back Porch Music on the Lawn Concert at the American Tobacco Campus.

The Starlight Concert Series at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center will host a Celebration of Bluegrass Friday evening. The evening begins with performances by the young musicians of Bluegrass Camp and concludes with a guest band.

Old Well Wishers will be playing a Friday on the Front Porch Concert at the Carolina Inn along with area food trucks Bulkogi Truck and Oak City Fish.

The PLAYlist Concert Series at Durham Central Park presents Aztec Sun w/ stArt of Cool Friday night.

The Will McBride Group will be playing the family friendly Summer at the Springs Outdoor Concert Friday night at the Holly Springs Cultural Center.

Shana Tucker will present a concert at the Apex Nature Park Saturday evening.

Park After Dark presents a concert by Sidecar Social Club Wednesday evening. As a special treat, come early to witness the Groundbreaking for Cary's new regional library.

Movies after Dark

Take Thursday night off and bring the whole family to the Halle Cultural Arts Center for Pizza and a Movie Night featuring Jumanji.

The North Carolina Museum of Art will present Wonder Woman on the big outdoor screen Friday after dark.

Movies by Moonlight brings Despicable Me 3 to the big screen Friday night at Regency Park.

Captain Underpants will be playing on the big outdoor screen at Lake Benson Friday night. For really adventurous families, after the movie, you can register to camp at the park! The movie is free but camping does require registration and have a fee.

They will Rock the Park Saturday night at Durham Central Park with the family favorite Marmaduke. Food vendors will even be on site and food will be available for purchase.

Sing will be the free Monday Morning Movie at the Holly Springs Cultural Center.

Fun at the Parks

Free Lunches will be served at Historic Oak View County Park Monday through Friday from now until August 3rd. Kids 18 and younger are invited to join them for a meal and fun kids activities.

Come explore Crowder Park by Night Friday to explore a Firefly Frenzy as they catch and release fireflies.

Join them at Historic Oak View County Park Saturday for a History Hike through the old farmstead. The property tour will include all of the buildings and features of Historic Oak View, including hands-on interactive activities.

Raven Rock State Park invites you to their Pollinator Party Saturday to learn all about bees, butterflies and hummingbirds! Come dressed up as your favorite pollinator, or dress up your pet, with special prizes for those that come in costume. There will also be fun educational exhibits, games and crafts.

Historic Yates Mill Pond County Park invites you to take tours of the restored mill both Saturday and Sunday. Starting Wednesday through Friday, they will set up a Discovery Table exploring the Longest Day of the Year. You can enjoy Paddle the Pond on Saturday. Art in the Park runs Friday through Monday at will give you the opportunity to make some fun insect themed crafts and take a scavenger hunt.

Blue Jay Point County Park will host a family program all about Turtles Saturday morning.

Bring your binoculars to Eno River State Park and join them Saturday morning for some relaxing Birdwatching.

Prairie Ridge Ecostation is banding their baby Purple Martins, and you're invited to come watch! Museum ornithologists will weigh, measure, and band the Purple Martin chicks in the Prairie Ridge colony as you watch Saturday morning. Learn about how banding works, why they band birds, and get to see some baby Purple Martins up close!

You are invited to join a Falls Lake Ranger Sunday afternoon for a guided Bird Hike. You will learn to identify birds using field guides and phone apps.

With school out, there are more events during the week. On Monday, Eno River will go on a Hike of the old roads and trading paths in the park, Jordan Lake hosts CAST, an introduction to fishing for kids and Kids Get Crafty at Crowder Park.