School’s out! Catch up on outdoor movies and music, Juneteenth celebrations, Pride month and summer sports. 
by Addie Ladner

Eat a Peach!

Did you know that only a single gene distinguishes a peach from its fuzz-free cousin, the nectarine? “The nectarine could be viewed as a mutant of a peach,” says Dr. Mike Parker, a tree-fruit specialist and professor at North Carolina State University. Our state harvests nearly 4 million pounds of peaches a year, and NC State researchers and breeders have developed about 20 of the 40-plus varieties grown here. The Contender is one of Parker’s favorites. This sweet, tangy, yellow-fleshed fruit is one of the first peaches to mature each year. “The bright, big flavor just hits you at the first bite,” he says. Others include the China Pearl, a white-fleshed fruit with a subtle flavor owing to its high sugar content paired with a lower acid, and the Carolina Gold, a bolder, yellow-fleshed peach that is late-maturing — meaning you can enjoy it deep in the summer. (Much of NC State’s research into peaches goes toward extending the growing season, since peaches have such a short shelf life.) “The best peaches come from local growers, in the summer. Nothing compares in taste,” says Parker. Find a list of local markets and roadside stands at waltermagazine.com. In between all the peach savoring, here’s our list of other must-do June events and ideas to relish this first month of summer!

Head to the Raleigh Greek Fest

Opa! Support the Greek Orthodox community here in the Triangle by attending the 41st annual Raleigh Greek Festival. This gathering of food, live entertainment, shopping and camaraderie is for the entire family. The Jim Graham Building on the NC State Fairgrounds will be transformed into a Mediterranean escape through the smells of homemade Greek food, colorful backdrops and music. Shoppers might enjoy the Bazaar, where you can buy Greek specialties like olive oil, textiles and art. Little ones will love the Kids Corner for games and crafts, and foodies will particularly enjoy the Baklava Ice Cream Station. Kids under 13 are free of charge.
May 30 – June 1 | Various times; $5; 1025 Blue Ridge Road; raleighgreekfestival.com

Immerse Yourself in NCSU’s TheatreFest 2025

Come June, North Carolina State University is the place to be for theater lovers! TheatreFest is a celebration of all things theater-related, from acting to scripts to props to lighting. The event includes a variety of plays, script-writing workshops and a block party at the end. Catch performances like the classic murder mystery Dial M for Murder (May 29 – June 15; Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre) or the romantic thriller Blithe Spirit (June 12 – 22; Titmus Theatre), or take a stab at being a director, a writer or even an actor at QuickSCRIPTS, a fast-paced evening of 10-minute, interactive plays produced with audience participation (June 21). The fun wraps up with the Theatre FESTival, a free gathering in Thompson Hall full of themed crafts, music and more.
June 1 – 22 | Various times; Various prices; 2241 Dunn Avenue; theatre.arts.ncsu.edu

Play Music Bingo at Ponysaurus

How hard are you willing to flex your brain for free beer? At Ponysaurus Brewing Co., music lovers can test their knowledge of songs they remember from the ‘70s or ‘80s during Music Bingo. The winner of each round earns a token to redeem for a pint of beer.
Tuesdays | 7 p.m.; Free to play; 2221 Iron Works Drive, Suite 100; ponysaurusbrewing.com

Spectate at The Soccer Tournament

Part high-stakes soccer tournament, part festival, The Soccer Tournament offers six days of intense play, with more than 60 teams playing 130-plus matches, all to win a million-dollar prize (given to both the women’s and men’s winning teams). Expect star players from major teams like European clubs Borussia Dortmund, Wrexham AFC (the team owned by actor Ryan Reynolds), AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United and more. In between all the exciting soccer matches, enjoy pop-up shops, youth soccer activations, autograph signings and international food options.
June 4 – 9 | Various times; From $20; 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; tst7v7.com

Tune in to the UNC Health Summerfest

World-class symphonic sounds will be drifting through the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheatre this month when UNC Health Summerfest returns. This summertime tradition from the North Carolina Symphony offers a captivating lineup of classical favorites and contemporary music of various genres. This month’s schedule offers plenty of options to enjoy incredible music in the breezy, shaded amphitheater, including romantic French tunes (June 6), disco jams (June 7), tropical rock (June 14) and Mozart (June 21). Fridays & Saturdays | 8 p.m.; From $33; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; ncsymphony.org

Celebrate the Opening of Gibson Play Plaza!

After years of planning and construction, the Gipson Play Plaza — an exciting new part of Dorothea Dix Park — is finally open! This 18-acre recreational area offers something for everyone, including natural play spaces, a waterfall, picnic areas, terraces, a sensory maze, multiple water features and views of our city’s skyline. To celebrate, Dix Park is hosting three days of fun, including a ribbon cutting, kids activities, morning yoga sessions, lawn games, live music and more. Be among the first to experience the largest public recreational park in our region, a place that’s sure to become a Raleigh landmark.
June 6-8 | Various times; Free; 715 Biggs Drive; dorotheadixpark.org

Watch the North Carolina Heritage Awards

Celebrate North Carolina’s rich folk-art traditions at the 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards, part of PineCone’s Down Home Concert Series. This event will honor five distinguished musicians and visual artists, selected by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with our state’s highest folk-art achievement. The day will feature the honorees through live performances and short, documentary-style films. This year’s honorees include woodcarver Helen Gibson; classical musician Gaurang Doshi; guitarist Chester McMillian; Lumbee artistans Herman Oxendine and his late wife, Loretta; and gospel group The Glorifying Vines Sisters. Western North Carolina musician Laura Boosinger will emcee.
June 7 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; From $10; 2 E. South Street; pinecone.org

Take a Trip to Ajja

This Five Points establishment from Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler has cemented their importance on the local and national food scene. On a typical night, Ajja is a-twinkle. Lanterns sway gently inside the covered patio, where the walls are populated with quirky art, objects and greenery. There’s a group around the fire pit, winding down with cocktails in hand. There may be a band tuning up on the stage, regulars chatting up the bartender and longtime servers, and Raleigh fixture Paul Siler, in one of his vintage button-ups and a neckerchief, roaming from table to table, welcoming guests in his self-defined role as “director of vibes.” Get the full story here or take a trip there this month.

Kick it Old-School at the Game and Geek Expo

Calling all gamers and fans of geek culture! For two days, the Raleigh Convention Center will be a gathering place to celebrate your favorite old-school video games, shop for vintage Pokémon cards or connect with fellow cosplay fans. Founded by Raleigh native Jeff Thomas, the Game and Geek Expo will feature arcade games, tournaments, pop culture exhibits, industry panel discussions and even an after-hours party with music and dancing.
June 7 & 8 | Various times; From $35; 500 S. Salisbury Street; raleighretrogamers.com

Eat Your Way Through the International Food Festival

You don’t have to book an exotic vacation to experience a cultural escape — just come to the International Food Festival! More than 100 food purveyors representing over 50 different countries will be serving up authentic global delicacies. Enjoy shawarma bowls, Italian ice, curry, crepes and loads more before or after mesmerizing live dancing and singing from various cultures on the City Plaza and Hargett Street stages. The night ends with a festival-wide dance party!
June 7 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Free; 400 Fayetteville Street; theinternationalfestival.org

See Peter and the Star Catcher at Theatre Raleigh

The story of Peter Pan has enchanted us for generations and inspired books and films galore. One notable spinoff is Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s Peter and the Starcatcher, a young adult novel that takes a deeper dive into the characters in a comedic take on the magical tale. It was adapted for the stage in 2009 by Broadway playwright Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Water for Elephants), and now Theatre Raleigh is bringing the story to life. Their production features an all-star cast including Jessica Boevers Bogart, who has appeared in 10 Broadway shows including Dear Evan Hansen and Les Misérables, and David Furr, a Tony nominee for Noises Off who recently starred in The Gilded Age, an award-winning HBO series. “This isn’t just a play — it’s a high-energy, family-friendly adventure that tells the backstory of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Smee, the Lost Boys and more,” says director Eric Woodall. “These powerhouse artists, plus our amazing local talent, will create a production that’s sure to be inventive, hilarious and full of heart.”
June 11 – 12 | Various times; From $33; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com 

Keep Up the Gardening!

By late June, planting season is over for me, and anything I want to add to my garden can wait until fall. (Not to discourage you, though — planting warm-weather veggies or perennials is still possible, as long as you keep them watered.) Instead, I’m taste-testing, planning for next year, and trying to keep all the flora and fauna cool. Here’s what our garden writer will do this first official month of summer. 

Hear The Heavy Heavy and The Black Keys at Red Hat

The Black Keys — a band known for its gritty blend of blues, garage rock and soul — are bringing their No Rain, No Flowers tour to Raleigh! Catch them live at Red Hat Amphitheater, where you can enjoy Dan Auerbach on vocals and guitar and Patrick Carney on drums. They’ll be playing everything from the hits that launched them into the pop-o-sphere — like “Howlin for You” and “Tightrope” from their sixth album Brothers — to jams from their most recent album, Ohio Players. Bonus: British folk-rock duo The Heavy Heavy (Will Turner and Georgie Fuller) will be opening the show.
June 12 | 7:30; From $72; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com

Participate in the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom, culture and community at the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration at Dorothea Dix Park. This free, family-friendly event features a full day of music, food and fun. Enjoy live performances by the 82nd Airborne Chorus and Mo’Jazz, talks from Dr. Paulette Dillard and Brian Dawson and more. There will also be a vendor marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses, flavors from a variety of food trucks and a dedicated children’s zone with games and activities.
June 14 | 12 – 6 p.m.; Harvey Hill, Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Drive; juneteenthraleigh.org

Sip Your Way through the NC Hops Fest

Midtown Park at North Hills is turning into a hops lovers paradise! There, you’ll find North Carolina craft beers, ciders, food trucks and live music, all in celebration of this flavorful ingredient. General admission to the festival is free, but a ticket gets you unlimited samples of hard ciders, nonalcoholic ciders, hoppy IPAs and more. Brewmasters from all over the state will be doing the pouring, including Outer Dunes Brewing from Wilmington and Birdsong Brewing Co. from Charlotte, along with local folks like Brewery Bhavana, Clouds Brewing and Ponysauraus Brewing. For something to eat, consider small bites from the likes of Empandas RD, The Shrimp Truck and more.
June 14 | 12 – 5 p.m.; From $41; 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street; shoplocalraleigh.org/hops-fest

Shop the Makers Market at Iron Works

After enjoying tacos from Little Rey or a Cuban sandwich from Eastcut Sandwich Bar for lunch, extend your Saturday outing by shopping from a variety of artisans at the Makers Market hosted by Triangle Pop Up. Held every second Saturday of the month, it’s a delightful way to score unique finds, from candles to teas to stationery, all made locally.
June 14 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Free; 2200 Atlantic Avenue; raleighironworks.com

Try a Scratch Mold Workshop at Sertoma Arts Center

Contribute to our city-run Sertoma Arts Center gallery by helping make a new piece! The workshop will be led by Greensboro-based artist Jim Gallucci, who’s known for his interactive metal sculptures. (You might recognize his yellow “Whisper Bench” at the NCMA or the shining metal arch he made for the JC Raulston Arboretum.) Create a design within a sand mold, and Gallucci will cast it in iron to incorporate into a sculpture for the front entrance of the building. “This community project will connect with the history and character of Sertoma Arts Center,” says its director, Julia Meder.
June 16 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; $5; 400 W. Millbrook Road; raleighnc.gov/arts

Rock Out to Avril Lavigne’s The Greatest Hits

Dig out those combat boots and black leather jacket — punk-pop star Avril Lavigne is bringing all her early-2000s hits to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Expect the best sing-a-long tracks like “Sk8er Boy,” “Complicated” and “My Happy Ending” during an energetic outdoor performance. Blankets, snacks and chairs are allowed at this venue, but you’ll have to purchase your beverage of choice there.
June 17 | 7 p.m. From $49; 3801 Rock Quarry Road; coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com

Enjoy Local Tunes and Treats at Live After 5

Live After 5 offers a chance to explore different vendors, support local businesses and purchase delicious foods and alcoholic beverages — all while dancing along to your favorite songs. This block party-style evening at One City Plaza is the perfect excuse to stay downtown for a post-work hangout with friends or to head in with the family for a casual dinner and a show. June 18 will be the second installment of Live After 5, with Durham country musician Rissi Palmer headlining and Raleigh blues/funk band Duck as an opener. Up next month: hip-hop group Kooley High, then indie folk duo Chatham Rabbits in August.
June 18 | 6 – 9 p.m.; Free; One City Plaza, 421 Fayetteville Street; downtownraleigh.org

Head to Westgate Wine for Taste for the Arts

Westgate Wine is hosting a tasting to raise money for United Arts Council of Wake County, the nonprofit arts advocacy organization, which is celebrating the 45th year of its Artists in Schools Program. Enjoy rich conversation, an art show, live music, a raffle and some of the shop’s coolest vino selections. “One hundred percent of the ticket sales go towards the United Arts Council. There’s never been a better reason to have a sip of wine,” says Westgate Wine manager Kayla Olhafen.
June 18 | 6 – 8 p.m.From $45; 6405 Westgate Road Suite #113; westgatewinestore.com

See Theatre in the Park’s Hamlet

Long-running theater company Theatre in the Park is producing one of Shakespeare’s greats, Hamlet. Voyage with Prince Hamlet as he works to reveal the real reason for his father’s unexpected passing and take down his Uncle Claudius. Director David Henderson is looking forward to directing the show after having played the title role in the past. “This play showed me how deeply Shakespeare understood what it means to be human: the ache of grief, the fire of revenge, the madness that loss and injustice can provoke. Directing it is both a thrill and a gift,” he says. “Shakespeare’s words are forever timely, they hold up a mirror to whatever moment we’re living in. Hamlet isn’t just relevant — it’s urgent.”
June 19 – 29 | 3 & 7:30 p.m.; From $30; 107 Pullen Road; theatreinthepark.com  

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of WALTER magazine