Make the most of a long Labor Day weekend in the Triangle

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, signaling the end of summer and an opportunity to relax before a flurry of busy times kick in at the end of the year. As you look for ways to enjoy Labor Day weekend in the Triangle, there are plenty of opportunities to get the most out of the area.

Check out some of the most anticipated events of the weekend to finalize your long weekend plans.

The African American Cultural Festival, which has been a hallmark event each Labor Day weekend for 15 years, is designed to celebrate and share in the cultural traditions of the African American community. This festival, located in the heart of downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville St., features music, dance, and art from both local and national talent. Enjoy delicious food as well as theater, interactive displays, and a kid’s corner. This lively, free event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hillsborough features a Final Friday Art Walk every last Friday throughout the year, including Labor Day weekend. From 6 to 9 p.m., walk the downtown area to explore galleries, maker markets, family-friendly activities, and live music. Kids will enjoy magic shows and wand-making activities. And adults can view art and installations, enjoy live poetry, and connect to the history of the area as well as the community.

Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park is a restored historic village in Siler City that celebrates its Old-Fashioned Farmers’ Days on Labor Day weekend. This event takes place Aug. 30 and 31 and features working farm exhibits, tractor pulls, music and clogging, food vendors, and antique farm gear. See what a historic farm community looks like while celebrating the farming culture of North Carolina. The park is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, and it’s $5 with kids 6 and under free.

On Sunday, Aug. 31, Durham Underground Market comes to Durham Central Park with a lively mix of local vendors, food trucks, live music, and community atmosphere. This free event features more than 50 vendors. Music from Asheville band Boat Command takes begins at 12:30 p.m. and the full event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy the great outdoors by booking a trip with Two Sisters Adventure Company. From guided paddle trips to self-guided canoeing tours to a relaxing kayaking trip to standup paddleboarding classes, Two Sisters is sure to get you out on the water with confidence. They offer a variety of guided classes and trips, or you can rent the gear you need to enjoy your own time on the water. It’s a great way to enjoy Labor Day weekend in the Triangle.

Join the Durham Bulls as they take on the Worcester Red Sox the week of Labor Day. Friday and Saturday games start at 6:35 p.m. with fireworks immediately after the game. Sunday, Aug. 31 features Truck Fest, where vehicles from local first responder departments are available for tour for kids of all ages. Plus, kids 12 and under can run the bases after the 1:05 p.m. game.

If there’s anything North Carolina is known for, it’s its barbecue. In fact, it’s so famous that you may have heard of the North Carolina Historic Barbecue Trail. Indulge in top-tier barbecue across the state by following the Barbecue Trail. Or stick to the Triangle and stop at iconic places like The Pit, Prime Barbecue, Lawrence Barbecue, and Sam Jones BBQ, each of which offers their own unique taste and flair.

NCAA football fans can rejoice, because Labor Day weekend in the Triangle is the place to be. Kick off an early Labor Day by watching Duke take on Elon at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, or NC State versus ECU at 7 p.m. at Carter-Finley Stadium. On Saturday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m., the North Carolina Central Eagles take on the New Hampshire Wildcats at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham. And on Monday, Sept. 1, the Tarheels take on TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill at 8 p.m.

Take the weekend to explore the American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile multi-use trail through Durham, Cary, and Wake County. This trail is ideal for cycling, walking, or jogging along scenic, repurposed rail lines. There are parking areas, restrooms, and picnic tables located throughout the trail, offering options for picnics and exploring amenities throughout the area.

If you’ve never been to The Raleigh Market, Labor Day weekend in the Triangle is the perfect place to explore. Since the 1970s, this ultimate flea market has been a must-see for the community. Located at the historic North Carolina State Fairgrounds, the market features over 500 vendors offering antiques, collectibles, crafts, homemade goods, jewelry, and more. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, including Labor Day weekend.