Summer is here — and we’ve created the ultimate Raleigh summer bucket list, with over 30 activities to help you to soak in the sun this summer. ☀️

💧Stay Cool

Beat the heat with various locations around Raleigh from lakes to local pools + swimming centers.

○ Lake Johnson Waterfront Center | Fri., May 14-Mon., Sept. 6 | 4601 Avent Ferry Rd. | $7.50+ | Wednesday through Sunday, rent a kayak, a paddleboard, or just hang out under the veranda + enjoy the shade. 🚣

○ Lake Johnson Pool | Seasonal | 5863 Jaguar Park Dr. | $2+ | Lake Johnson Pool is open for the summer + the public is welcome to get their splash on.

○ Lake Crabtree County Park | Year-round | 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville | Spend an afternoon at the park fishing, boating + having a picnic. 🎣

○ Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center | Year-round | 5908 Buffaloe Rd. | $4+ | Bring your whole family to the aquatic center that has a 3-story water slide + a lazy river.

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🛍️ Shopping

Too hot outside? Feel free to spend the day shopping at one of Raleigh’s many trendy spots + pick up a new summer wardrobe while you’re at it. If you’re planning on heading downtown specifically, check out this page.
○ North Hills
This shopping complex holds over 20 stores and combines well-known retailers with local favorites. Spend the day hopping from shop to shop + grab a bite in between.
○ Lafayette Village
Dreaming of a getaway to France this summer? Lafayette Village, located in North Raleigh, is the place for you with its contemporary-styled atmosphere + collection of eclectic boutiques.
○ Village Distract
Find unique gifts from places like The Local Squirrel or pickup must-needs from Sephora.

🥬 Farmers Markets

There’s no shortage of farmers markets in and around the Triangle. Grab the best produce and goods from one of the many markets listed below. Check out our PlanAhead for specific dates + times.

○ Moore Square Market | May 2 – Oct. 3 | 200 S. Blount St. | You can find farm-fresh produce, baked goods, art, live music + handmade items at the market every Sunday.

○ Apex Farmers Market | Year-round | 220 N Salem St., Apex | Shop for local + artisan goods at the day + night market.

○ Black Farmer’s Market | April–Nov. | 1436 Rock Quarry Rd. | Support Black-owned businesses by shopping from small farmers + vendors at this market every fourth Sunday.

○ Cary Downtown Farmers Market | Year-round | 135 West Chatham St., Cary | Shop from an array of locally produced foods, goods + coffee.

○ State Farmers’ Market | Year-round | 1201 Agriculture St.| The NC State market has everything you could need from seafood to indoor plants + more.

○ Midtown Farmers Market | Year-round | 4150 Main at North Hills St.| Midtown Market is both an educational and shopping experience focused on healthy eating + living.

○ Raleigh City Farm Stand | April – Oct. | 800 N. Blount St| Support Raleigh’s urban farm with purchase of fresh + local produce.

Looking for more farmers markets? Check out this article.

📅 Events

From concerts to festivals, to shows, and more — the city has it all this summer.

○ GalaxyCon | Thurs., July 29 – Sun., Aug. 1 | 500 S. Salisbury St. | $10+ | Join your favorite space heroes in this 4-day festival filled with performances, photo-ops + panels. 💫

○ Raleigh Improv | Thurs. – Sun. | 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary | Through June and July, you can catch a comedy show from some of your favorite artists like Jeff Allen + DeRay Davis.

🍹 Food and Drink

Thinking about joining the Raleigh food scene? We’ve got you covered with the best summer food and drink-related activities around town.

Find a food truck with Street Food Finder
Street Food Finder locates Raleigh’s food trucks all over the Triangle. If you can’t decide which food truck to try? — Buoy Bowls is always a good pick to cool off in the heat.

Strawberry Pastryweisse from Trophy Brewing
With summer among us, Trophy Brewing has rolled out a new drink in honor of Strawberry picking season — Strawberry Pastryweisse Fruited Sour Beer made with local strawberries.

Local musician series from Two Roosters
Along with Raleigh’s summer music scene, Two Roosters introduced June flavors featuring different local artists. Try one of their new flavors: Rissi Palmer’s Cherry Wine & Chocolate or Tift Merritt’s Salted Caramel. 🍦

Drinks from Lola’s Beach Bar
When thinking of summer drinks — our minds went straight to Lola’s. There is no end to their menu of summer-inspired cocktails, margaritas + frozen drinks. 🍹

Shave Ice from Waves
Opening in July — Waves has the perfect flavors for summer including passion fruit, dragon fruit mango + orange pineapple coconuts.

Latte art class with Sir Walter Coffee
Have you ever wondered how baristas make those cool designs in your latte? Well, now you can learn how with Sir Walter’s class and then you can enjoy your own cup of coffee after. Check out the class details here. ☕

Root beer float latte from the Optimist Raleigh
Summer and Root Beer Floats just go well together. That’s why the Optimist Raleigh is featuring the root beer float latte — get it before the June special is over.

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🛶 Out-and-About

It wouldn’t be summer if at least 75% of it wasn’t spent outside, am I right? In just one day, you can drive all the way to Wrightsville Beach, hike the Neuse River Trail, and even go for a bike ride. While we don’t suggest doing all of that, summer gives you plenty of time to try all of our ideas below.
Hike (or bike) one of the Triangle’s trails
On those days where you just feel like getting out, don’t forget the Triangle is home to some of the best trails. Check out this list put together by Triangle on the Cheap. ⛰️
Become one with nature in an outdoor yoga class
We don’t know what it is, but Raleigh loves their outdoor yoga classes. Until Tue., June 29, Union Plaza is holding weekly outdoor yoga classes. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, check out classes from Bliss Body Yoga.
Take a day trip to Wrightsville Beach, or one of NC’s closest beaches
Wrightsville Beach is only a ~2-hour drive from Raleigh which makes for the perfect day trip and it even gives you a chance to watch the sunset before heading home. 🏖️
Garden or purchase a new plant friend
Spend your day off with plants — whether that be at Urban Pothos picking up a new friend or in your own backyard. 🌿
Catch an outdoor movie
Outdoor movies are a favorite when it comes to those cool summer nights. Raleigh Little Theatre has begun its Movies in the Garden series and is presenting Sing on July 8. If you need more ideas, Triangle on the Cheap put together a list of outdoor showings.
Hop on Raleigh’s historic Trolley
Learn about your town’s history on a fun Trolley ride through the city.

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Contributed by Beth Dainko.