Get ready for a packed weekend in Raleigh and the surrounding areas! Celebrate Black History Month with major cultural festivals like the 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration. For active kids, check out the free volleyball clinic or explore the gardens, while Sunday brings specialized fun like Planetarium Adventures and free art time at Artspace. We have a fantastic mix of free celebrations and engaging learning opportunities lined up for February 28th and March 1st, 2026.
See our top picks
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration
North Carolina Museum of Art
A massive, free cultural festival celebrating Black history and community this Saturday.
Marbles Artrageous
Marbles
Hands-on creative fun inside Marbles on Saturday morning.
Cows and Carrots Brajboro Sanctuary Visit
Brajboro Cow Sanctuary
Visit rescued cows on Sunday; children under 12 are free!
· February 28
6FREE : Celebrate Black History Month at this huge annual event, featuring performances, insightful discussions, and captivating storytelling. It's relocated this year but promises rich cultural immersion for everyone.This is a major, free cultural anchor event happening only on Saturday.
FREE : Kids aged 8 to 18 can join interactive workshops and panel discussions focused on making a positive impact in their community. This is a fantastic, free opportunity for older kids to engage in civic leadership.A high-value, free event specifically targeting engaged youth ages 8-18 happening only Saturday.
BUDDING EXPLORERS: WINTER BIRDS OF THE GARDEN : Geared toward 8-10 year olds, this session includes learning bird identification through activities and a guided walk through the Arboretum's gardens.A specific, educational program for upper elementary kids focusing on nature and winter wildlife.
FREE : Your K-5 kids can watch an exhibition match and then join college athletes for a free volleyball clinic afterward. It's a fun, active afternoon at NC State!Free hands-on sports opportunity for elementary schoolers on Saturday.
: Catch a thrilling, 1 hour 45 minute circus show featuring aerialists, motorcyclists inside the Globe of Death, and clowns. It's high-energy excitement perfect for the whole family.A major, limited-run entertainment spectacle happening multiple times on Saturday.
FREE : Explore the art studio, meet the instructors, and see what creative projects kids get up to in Cary this Saturday afternoon. Plus, there's a chance to win free classes!Free chance to see an art studio environment tailored for young children on Saturday.
· March 1
3FREE : Celebrate the holiday of Purim with a unique family event at the NCMA, featuring a tour of the Esther Exhibit followed by a hands-on craft session.A free, special cultural/holiday activity scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
ARTSPACE OPEN STUDIO SUNDAYS: CREATE & EXPLOREFREE : Kids 5 and up can participate in a self-guided, beginner-friendly art-making activity at Artspace this Sunday afternoon. It's a great way to experiment with new techniques.Free, structured artistic exploration confirmed for Sunday afternoon.
: Catch the final performances of this exciting, fifth-generation family circus on Sunday afternoon or evening. Expect high-flying acrobatics and thrilling motorcycle acts.The final chance to see this major circus event on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5FREE : Combine exercise and reading by walking a nature trail where the pages of a children's book are posted along the path. This is available Saturday at several parks across the county.A fantastic, free, flexible outdoor activity confirmed for Saturday across multiple parks.
: Head to Marbles on Saturday morning for their Artrageous session where kids can explore various materials and create their own unique art pieces.Consistent, high-quality hands-on art programming at the downtown kids' museum.
: Take kids aged 5-12 on a space journey guided by the Magic Tree House characters in this planetarium show. It blends beloved books with astronomical exploration.A specialized, book-themed educational show perfect for early elementary kids happening Saturday.
: Visit rescued cows on Sunday afternoon in Chapel Hill; children under 12 get in free, making this an affordable family outing supporting animal care.A unique, heartwarming family experience confirmed for Sunday where kids enter free.
FREE : This Black History Month art exhibit celebrates the resilience and heritage of people of color in the South through visual art. Check it out Sunday before it closes!It’s free, family-friendly, and this is the final day (Sunday, March 1st) for this exhibit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Raleigh this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) offers several great free options, including the 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, StoryWalks® at Wake County Parks, and Artspace Open Studio Sundays for hands-on art.
Are there any shows or entertainment running this weekend?
Yes, the Do Portugal Circus has multiple shows on both Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar 01) at the Villa Latin Plaza in Raleigh, featuring aerialists and the Globe of Death.
What's happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday features the PJ Purim celebration and crafts at the NCMA, the Cary Underground Market, and the final opportunity to see the 'Living in Color' art exhibit at Dix Park.
