Go Ask Mom
Weekend Plans: Big Muddy, Dollar Book Exchange, festival, Labor Day schedules
Happy Labor Day weekend! Here are some weekend fun alternatives to pool time and barbecues. Also, find holiday hours for popular Triangle family destinations.
Posted — Updated
By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall
Happy weekend! Here’s what’s happening. As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for more. At the end of this post, find the holiday hours for some of the more popular family destinations in the area.
It’s the first Friday of September, which means it’s First Friday in downtown Raleigh when shops, restaurants and museums offer deals and extended hours.
Some family-friendly stops include:
The N.C. Museum of History is open until 9 p.m. Take in the museum’s Starring North Carolina exhibit in its final weekend and help it kick off efforts for a year-long celebration of Latino Americans.
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences offers a screening of “Bug,” a B-movie horror classic, at 7 p.m. But a warning on this one: There is some profanity and intense scenes so maybe not a great option for families with kids of a certain age. The museum is open until 9 p.m.
CAM Raleigh is open until 10 p.m. with gallery tours, food trucks, make-and-take activities and a 10-minute performance every hour (starting at 6:30 p.m.). Admission is free.
Marbles Kids Museum is open until 7 p.m. on First Fridays. It also offers a First Friday camp for kids (but you need to pre-register for that).
Elsewhere ...
Paperhand Puppet Intervention’s annual summer show is on stage now at the Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill. The group specializes in large-scale shows that showcase puppets of all shapes and sizes, live music and incredibly creative stories. There’s a suggested donation, but people aren’t turned away. The show will run on weekends through Monday, Labor Day, then move over to the N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh (where tickets are required).
We have two consignment sales in the area - Twice Is Nice in Fayetteville and the Equestrian Exchange, featuring everything you need for horses, in Raleigh.
The African American Cultural Festival is Saturday and Sunday along Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The festival is a celebration of African American culture, featuring art, music, dance, food and more. It includes interactive programs for families in the Family Village with make-and-take activities and stories. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.., Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday. The Family Village is open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free.
The Durham Bulls have games Saturday through Monday, including fireworks after Saturday's game.
It’s Dollar Book Exchange time! The monthly sale, which features books of all genres for just $1, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, at 4001 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh. My kids can’t wait to trade in some old books for some new ones this weekend!
There is still time to register for the Big Muddy Challenge, which is marking its fifth event at Hill Ridge Farms in Youngville on Saturday, Sept. 5. The event is designed for kids and their adults to complete together. Best for kids around ages 6 to 12. It’s a 2 to 2.5 mile course that takes you through a variety of physical and mental challenges.
Cirque Italia is bringing its “aquatic spectacular” to Raleigh with shows Thursday through Monday at the Villa Latina Plaza, 3424 Olympia Dr., Raleigh. The circus, produced by an Italian entertainment company, features a 35,000 gallon water stage. Tickets start at $10.
Tuck into a whole bunch of delicious food at one of Durham Central Park’s food truck rodeos. It’s noon to 4 p.m., Sunday.
And turn off those cell phones and gadgets and head over to Wake Forest Unplugged, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, at Joyner Park. The event aims to help residents disconnect from various devices and reconnect with their community, friends and family. The afternoon includes free games and activities, along with live music.
Here are the Monday, Labor Day, hours for popular destinations:
Marbles Kids Museum, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh are each open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday.
The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday.
The N.C. Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s in Asheboro, about 90 minutes from the Triangle.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill is closed Monday, but it’s open with shows Saturday and Sunday.
Kidzu Children’s Museum in Chapel Hill is closed Mondays.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
