August in Raleigh invites exploration. For those seeking entertainment, August offers a pleasing variety of events, from the spirited rhythms of parades to crazy competitive races to the excitement of back-to-school festivities.
Weather in Raleigh in August
If you should find yourself in Raleigh in August, prepare for a trial of infernal heat. Temperatures soar to around 90°F by day, and offer a reprieve of 70°F at night. But, these are mere averages, so one may endure far worse. Rainfall in August is generally moderate, with approximately four inches falling over the course of the month. The sun, however, is a more consistent presence, gracing Raleigh with its cheerful light for around 239 hours.
Best Things to Do in Raleigh in August
1. Check out First Friday!
When: The first Friday of every month
Where: Throughout downtown Raleigh
First Friday Raleigh is a delightful extravaganza that unfolds in the heart of Raleigh on the first Friday of every month. Art galleries and studios fling open their doors and stay open late, beckoning curious souls to explore masterpieces of color and creativity. The air is alive with the hum of conversation, as artists share their passions and visions and attendees enjoy free snacks and wine.
But shops and restaurants join the festivities too. You can expect live music, outdoor movies, culinary creations, special offerings, and the cheerful chatter of explorers discovering hidden treasures. First Friday is a night when the ordinary transforms into extraordinary, and every corner holds a promise of discovery.
- Check the website for some of the special events taking place this month.
2. Stroll through the Funky Flower Festival
When: August 3, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Moore Square, 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Funky Flower Festival is set to bloom. Picture a scene of splendid, almost dizzying, color. The air will be filled with bold floral installations, and attendees might find themselves adorned with psychedelic flower crowns. For those seeking mementos, pop-up shops will offer all manner of funky flower-themed merchandise. This peculiar festival combines live music with tempting food and unique finds from local vendors, all infused with colorful, groovy flower-inspired vibes. Whether you’re there to groove, create, or simply soak up the joyful energy, the Funky Flower Festival is a perfect blend of nature and fun.
3. Cheer on Runners at the Sir Walter Miler
When: August 8, 2025
Where: Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
The Sir Walter Miler is an elite 1-mile track race and party where spectators get up close and watch from the track area. The event starts with a carnival on the track, a run club mile, and a run club relay.
After the race, head over to Raleigh Brewing for the Post Party.
Attendees are encouraged to use alternate transportation if possible. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around in Raleigh. However, there will be plenty of parking available at Meredith College and limited parking available at Raleigh Brewing as well.
4. Enjoy the Caribmask Parade and Carnival
When: August 16, 2025 from noon to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Caribmask parade is a delightful display of color and sound beginning at noon in front of the Capitol Building. A procession of individuals in outlandish costumes will parade down the city streets jamming to tunes from their native lands and subjecting the populace to an inordinate amount of noise. Be prepared to invest more than two hours of your life in this spectacle as the procession meanders its way down Fayetteville Street from the Capitol Building, turning westward onto Martin Street before continuing southward along Salisbury Street, and culminating at the intersection with Lenoir Street.
On top of that, stages will be set up in City Plaza and in front of the Wake County Courthouse, providing venues for additional performances. To complement the festivities, an assortment of culinary delights and handcrafted treasures will be available along Fayetteville Street, between City Plaza and Martin Street.
5. Get silly at Kirby Derby
When: August 23, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Harvey Hill at Dix Park, Raleigh, NC 27603
Kirby Derby is an annual descent into absurdity, open to all. This tradition encompasses downhill soapbox racing and community fun.
The theme for 2025 is “DERBY DEEDS: Mixed Metaphors, Cataclysmic Cliche, and Wreckless Wordplay” so expect inspiration from your boss, your dad, and your great aunt Nellie. Imagine the chaotic spectacle that will unfold as contraptions of dubious engineering hurtle downhill, their occupants likely to emerge bruised, battered, and bewildered.
The Kirby Derby originated on nearby Kirby Street in 2002 but has since moved to its new location at Dix Park in partnership with the City of Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park, and Dix Park Conservancy.
- If you’re interested in participating, register here, otherwise just show up to be a spectator!
- Yes, there will be food trucks and beer tents.
- Follow signs for parking or use alternate transportation.
6. Celebrate back to school at Packapalooza
When: August 23, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Hillsborough Street between Dan Allen Drive and Pullen Road, Raleigh, NC 27695
NC State’s Packapalooza is a vibrant annual escapade that marks the end of Wolfpack Welcome Week. This spirited affair transforms Hillsborough Street into a bustling carnival, where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and neighbors alike come together for an all-day block party and street festival.
Pack Hillsborough Street for a day filled with music, entertainment, and culinary delights. Join over 85,000 attendees to explore more than 300 vender booths and family-friendly activities, and everything that embodies the Wolfpack spirit!
- There will be free parking available at the Dan Allen Parking Deck and Coliseum Parking Deck, street parking on side streets north of Hillsborough Street, on NC State’s main campus, and in Village District. You are also encouraged to consider alternative transportation options. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Raleigh.
7. Tour Mordecai Historic Park
When: August 29, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC 27604
The Mordecai House is the oldest house in Raleigh standing stubbornly in its original location. And Mordecai Historic Park was once the site of the largest plantation in Wake County. It is also where Andrew Johnson’s birthplace can now be found.
Tours are offered daily but on this special Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park, the curious are invited to visit the park for FREE tours. You will be guided through the Mordecai House, Andrew Johnson’s birthplace, St. Mark’s Chapel, and the Allen Kitchen.
- Tours start every 30 minutes until 3 p.m. and are limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
- This event is free and does not require registration.
- There is free parking available on-site.
8. Celebrate at the End of Summer Block Party
When: August 30, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park, 715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
A singularly delightful occurrence is soon to unfold. The Oak City Music Collective and Dix Park have conspired to bring you The End of Summer Block Party!
This occasion is for everyone, from the very young to the quite old. You may expect live music all day, an abundance of food trucks, curious vendors, and refreshing cooling stations. The full list of entertainments, a secret for now, will be revealed on August 1. You’d be wise to bring your crew.
9. Check out the African American Cultural Festival
When: August 30 to 31, 2025
Where: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County offers a fantastic array of artistic expressions, musical melodies, culinary creations, and communal cheer in celebration of African American culture. Open to all, this free event invites you to explore the creative endeavors of local, regional, and even national artists.
Expect a vibrant African American marketplace showcasing handcrafted treasures, delectable treats, and traditional artistry. A special haven for young explorers, the Family Village offers whimsical crafts and activities. The heart of the festival undoubtedly lies in the Main Stage, where an eclectic blend of R&B, jazz, hip hop, gospel, and other musical genres will enchant audiences of all ages.
- Check the website for the full event details.
10. Cheer on the Carolina Mudcats
When: April through September
Where: Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39, Zebulon, NC 27597
The Carolina Mudcats are a Minor League Baseball team that is, unfortunately, affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers. They are part of a twelve team phenomenon known as the Carolina League, a collection of hopeful athletes and disillusioned fans.
The Mudcats have been in Wake County since 1991, providing a peculiar brand of affordable and family-friendly entertainment for over three decades. A mascot named Muddy the Mudcat, spectacular fireworks, and giveaways are some of the things they offer to distract fans from the dismal reality of the game itself.
- There are several home games to choose from this month. Tickets start at $14 and are available for purchase on the website. Here’s the schedule for 2025.
What are you most excited for in Raleigh in August?
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