Before summer ends, soak up the season with outdoor pop-up markets, art and wine classes and, of course, cool, sweet treats.
by Addie Ladner
They’re Dripping with Flavor…
It’s hot out there! Luckily, we have a solid artisan popsicle scene to keep us cool. One local maker is La Michoacana Premium, an unassuming shop in Midtown that offers colorful, authentic Mexican paletas in flavors like rice pudding, sapote fruit and strawberry pine nut (1716 Saint Albans Drive). Downtown, you can hop into Raleigh Popsicle Co., which is known for its over-the-top treats dipped in cookie crumbs or big fruit chunks. Try their summer specials, like the strawberry lemonade or watermelon (119 E. Hargett Street). You can also find Durham-based LocoPops — a Triangle favorite for 20 years — at various Raleigh retailers, including Pullen Park (520 Ashe Avenue), Weaver Street Market (404 W. Hargett Street) and NoFo (2014 Fairview Road). In addition to making sure to try one of these sweet treats this month, here’s a list of other things to do to keep you cool, cultured and creative.
See “Radical Clay” at the Ackland Art Museum
At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Ackland Art Museum, the traveling exhibition Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan will showcase ceramic works from artists who redefined the pottery genre. The pieces will be shown alongside Japanese pottery from the museum’s permanent collection, presenting both classic and contemporary works together. “This is an amazing exhibition, full of enough surprises, contrasts, challenges and sheer beauty to satisfy everyone,” says Peter Nisbet, deputy director for curatorial affairs.
Now – Aug. 31 | Various times Free; 101 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill; unc.edu
Hear Augustana at Kings
Downtown music venue Kings is hosting pop-rock group Augustana for a cool show this month. Characterized by mellow vibes and easy-listening vocals, Augustana has toured with the likes of Maroon 5 and Counting Crows and is known for early-2000s hits like “Sweet and Low” and “Boston.” After about 20 years off, frontman Dan Layus got the band together again for this summer reunion tour.
Aug. 2 | 7 p.m.; From $30; 14 W. Martin Street; kingsraleigh.com
Watch the Sir Walter Miler
One of the biggest events in Raleigh this month is also one of the fastest. On Friday, Aug. 8, over two dozen elite runners from all over the world — along with thousands of spectators — will descend upon the City of Oaks for the Sir Walter Miler. It’s a race that only takes its top athletes around 4 1/2 minutes to complete…read the full story of its origins and notoriety in the running world here.
Paint, Sip and Dip with Artist Georgia Tardy
Art, cold mimosas and a dip in the pool with friends? Sign us up. Local artist and educator Georgia Tardy, known for her modern Art Nouveau-style graphics, is hosting this lovely summer art session. Bring your gal pals and a favorite summer beverage to Tardy’s studio for a guided paint session where you will make a custom piece of work inspired by the Ndebele people of South Africa, who are known for their intricate, colorful and bold designs. While your work dries, enjoy refreshments (bottled water and fresh fruit are included) and a swim. All materials needed for the art portion are also included in your ticket.
Most Saturdays & Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m.; $65; 1011 S. Person Street; search “Georgia Tardy” on eventbrite.com
Keep Your Garden Going
This month, take advantage of fig season and get to work starting fall veggies and plan transition-season pollinators writes Helen Yoest in this month’s garden column. Get her tips here.
See Theatre Raleigh’s “Waitress: The Musical“
Originally a film starring Keri Russell, Waitress explores strength, motherhood, friendship and the power of a warm, bubbly homemade pie. The story follows Jenna, a talented baker who feels stuck in her small-town life and her marriage. Theatre Raleigh will present the musical adaptation of the film, which features songs by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles. The lead role will be played by theater star Alyssa Fox, who has played Elphaba in Wicked on tour and Broadway. “We are thrilled to welcome Alyssa, who’s known for her powerhouse vocals. Our audiences are in for a real treat — what a delicious slice of pie this performance will be,” says director Eric Woodall. Speaking of: save room in your stomach, as Raleigh-based Slice Pie Company will be selling small pies in the lobby before and after the show.
Aug. 6 – 24 | Various times; From $33; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com
Take a Wine & Tapas Class at Vitis House
Experience the distinct flavors of Spanish wine and tapas at a class by chef and sommelier Doreen Colondres. The class will explore the unique grape varietals from regions such as Rioja, Catalonia and Galicia while learning about the rich tradition of tapas in Spanish culture, with a focus on two prized ingredients: extra virgin olive oil and Iberico ham. The menu will include items like pan con tomate with jamón, a tortilla de patatas (an egg and potato dish) and Colondres’ signature spicy chickpeas and chorizo dish. Colondres says this class continues to be a crowd favorite. “It’s a relaxed, vibrant vibe combined with the excitement of learning something new and tasting something delicious. People love being transported — if only for a night — to the streets of Madrid, the wine country or San Sebastián through authentic flavors and storytelling,” says Colondres. “The wines we feature are expressive and approachable, and the tapas always bring a smile.”
Aug. 7 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. $99; 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road; vitishouse.com
Check Out Blackberry Smoke x Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs
Talk about a summer lineup! Catch three different country acts at Red Hat Amphitheater in one evening. Indie artist Shannon McNally will kick it off with vintage-feel acoustic tunes in songs like “It’s Gonna Be a Long Night” and “Black Rose.” Then Tom Petty fans will be thrilled to hear Mike Campbell — former singer, guitarist and long-time co-songwriter for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — along with his band, The Dirty Knobs. Closing will be a legendary five-member Atlanta band Blackberry Smoke. Drawing inspiration from classic country, gospel and heavy metal, Blackberry Smoke has had consistent songs on the Billboard Top 10 and is known for putting on a good show. Gates open at 5 p.m.!
Aug. 7 | 6 p.m. From $30; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com
Enjoy Tea with Seagrove Potters
Spend the day cruising along NC Highway 705, known as “Pottery Highway” in Seagrove, on a lovely self-led driving gallery tour. Peruse handmade goods at studios like Blue Hen Pottery, Red Hare Pottery and Eck McCanless while sampling various artisan teas from Carriage House Tea and canapes from Seagrove Cafe and The Table. In addition to their regular offerings, the shops will feature everything you need to enjoy a proper tea, including handmade tea cups, pitchers and tumblers. Maps and brochures are available at each shop.
Aug. 9 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Free; various locations on NC Highway 705, Seagrove; teawithseagrovepotters.com
Learn Printmaking at Dix Park
Everything you need to create your own block print is provided at this free artsy event, part of Dorothea Dix Park’s Connect & Create series. Art instructor Zaire Miles-Moultrie will lead the class, teaching participants how to carve designs into rubberized baseboards to create personalized stamps. Once satisfied with your perfectly imperfect design, you’ll stamp them to make various prints.
Aug. 13 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.; Registration is required. Free; 1030 Richardson Drive; dorotheadixpark.org
See “Stew” at Theatre in the Park
See Stew, a play that was a 2010 finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for drama. It’s centered around three generations of Black women preparing an important feast in the family kitchen while danger looms outside. Touching on themes of grief, secrecy and deep family bonds, this emotional comedy is as compelling as they come.
Aug. 14 – 24 | 3 & 7:30 p.m. From $23; 107 Pullen Road; theatreinthepark.com
Head to the Final Live After 5 with Chatham Rabbits & Jack the Radio
Two favorite local acts with fresh albums to share will take the stage at the grand finale of Live After 5, Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s summer concert series. Rock group Jack the Radio, helmed by George Hage, will kick off the evening with songs from 2024’s Under Lonely Light. Then husband-and-wife folk duo Chatham Rabbits will serenade the crowd with music from their recent album Be Real With Me, along with favorites like “If You See Me Riding By” and “Come Home.” This block-party-style show at City Plaza also includes food and drink vendors, retail opportunities and more.
Aug. 20 | 6 – 9 p.m. Free; 400 Fayetteville Street; downtownraleigh.org
Experience the Iconic Raleigh Tradition Kirby Derby
A lively and quirky City of Oaks tradition of more than 20 years, the Kirby Derby is a day for family fun, creativity and racing. It kicks off with a pine-car race for kids, who can bring their own homemade wooden cars to see how fast they glide (to be inspected before the race; see website for car-size rules). The parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m., where participants dress up and walk the route or pull homemade, non-motorized floats in gear inspired by this year’s theme, Derby Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. Last comes the main event, the Soapbox Derby, where homemade non-motorized “cars” of all shapes, sizes and materials will race down Dorothea Dix Park’s Harvey Hill.
Aug. 23 | 3 – 9 p.m. Free admission; Richardson Drive Loop at Tate Drive; kdd.gamil.com
Cheer On Some Local Sports Teams
There are plenty of pro and semi pro spectacular sports to fill your balmy evenings, from the storied Durham Bulls team to our championship-winning women’s soccer team, the Carolina Courage. More than that though, the Triangle offers some more niche competitive viewing options to mix it up (see: roller derby!). But each is a family-friendly, affordable way to enjoy a summer evening in the Triangle, forget about the college-season rivalries and maybe become a fan of a brand-new team! Learn about our options here.
Hear from Cary Elwes at “An Inconceivable Evening“
When The Princess Bride came out in 1987 it launched Cary Elwes, who played the film’s hero Westley, into fame. In the movie, Westley and Buttercup fall in love, and he leaves to find his fortune so they can marry. But after he’s presumed murdered in a pirate attack, the heartbroken Buttercup is betrothed to an awful prince and shenanigans ensue — including a hapless kidnapping, a voyage through the Fire Swamp and a showdown with the prince and his minions. It’s been nearly 40 years since the film went on to become a cult classic. This month, Elwes will visit the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts for “The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes,” which will offer a peek at his life while filming the movie, behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-shared anecdotes from the film itself.
Aug. 23 | 7 p.m. From $44; 2 E. South Street; martinmariettacenter.com
Check Out the New Mala Palta
The new Gateway Plaza restaurant is a project from industry vets Zack Gragg, Marshall Davis, Angela Salamanca, Eric Montagne and Justin Pasfield boosting masa-forward dishes, vibrant herbs, citrus and other dishes inspired by Oaxaca, Mexico. Get the scoop before you go here.
Watch “Wicked” Outside at Moore Square
The North Carolina Museum of Art is screening Wicked — possibly the most sung-along-to film this past year — in Moore Square. As part of the museum’s summer movie series, see the fantasy musical starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba as they embark on a journey of friendship and self-discovery. The movie starts at 6 p.m., but get there early to enjoy on-theme crafts and set up your blanket and chairs.
Aug. 22 | 5:30 p.m.- 10 p.m. Free; 200 S. Blount Street; ncartmuseum.org
Enjoy the Last Summer Sip and Shop at Lafayette Village
End your day at the European-inspired development Lafayette Village for their final Last Wednesday Summer Sip and Shop of the season. While it’s free to browse the stores there at any time, purchasing a ticket gets you a special wine glass, a voucher to use at one of the participating shops, a raffle ticket and other deals. Also enjoy live music!
Aug. 27 | 6 – 8 p.m; $10; 8450 Honeycutt Road; lafayettevillageraleigh.com
Head to a Sunset Social at The Bend
Local vintage and art market company Pop-Up Raleigh has partnered with Morgan Street’s The Bend Bar to host a lively evening of artisan shopping, music and excellent drinks and food. State of Beer will be serving special summer small plates, Trunk Show Raleigh will be there with their suite of oddities, and, of course, the drinks from The Bend will be flowing.
Aug. 28 | 4 – 8 p.m Free; 853 W. Morgan Street; popupraleigh.com
This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of WALTER magazine
