Weekend Plans: Consignment sale, Santa, Sandbox concert

Happy weekend! As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for weekend ideas, along with our Summer Break guide for ongoing summer fun.

The Kids Exchange Consignment Sale is open to the public Friday through Sunday at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. This is a great place to stock up on affordable, gently used clothes, toys and other gear for children and the first of many consignment sales planned in the next few months.

The Apex Farmers’ Market in downtown Apex will celebrate Christmas in July on Saturday morning. The event includes free visits with Santa (and pictures with your own camera), along with other Christmas activities and, of course, lots of yummy produce and products from the market.

The Chapel Hill Public Library will unveil its new stone sculptures, some inspired by children’s literature, with a special event Saturday that includes a storytime, a limited edition coloring book and more. The sculptures are designed for kids to play on them and adults to sit on them.

The always fun Sandbox Kids and Family Band will perform their twangy, interactive music for kids and families at Pullen Park in Raleigh. The concert starts at 6 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket. This will be a fun one, especially with the backdrop of Pullen Park!

Bella Blues Blueberry Farm in Smithfield will offer a special Pick for a Purpose family event from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday. For every pound of blueberries picked at $3 per pound, Bella Blues will donate a pound to Alliance Medical Ministry's patients. There's no other charge other than the cost of the blueberries.

The American Dance Festival’s final Children’s Saturday Matinee for the season is 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The hour-long performance will feature Doug Varone. After the performance, a free kids’ party in the DPAC lobby will include music, face painting, snacks and more activities. Tickets are $16.

Ackland Art Museum’s Family and Friends Sunday is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, at the Chapel Hill museum. It’s free. The afternoon includes an “art interview” with a friend or family member; activities and games like Ackland Art Bingo; and a guided tour (best for tweens to adults).

Cary's Chatham Street Chowdown is 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, on Chatham Street between Walker Street and Harrison Avenue. The evening includes a collection of food trucks, along with a beer and wine garden and live music.