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What is the Adult Recess Festival? 

3rd Annual Adult Recess Festival: Transforming Fletcher Park into an Adult Playground to Help Adults Rediscover the Joy and Healing Power of Play

On May 3rd, 2024, Fletcher Park will transform into the ultimate playground complete with a pop-up skating rink & "Lego-Land," to co-ed sports, swings, see-saws, yard games, arts & crafts, Black trivia, "you name it!!!" Enjoy food trucks, local vendors, face painting, line dancing, and prizes from our vendors!

 

 

The Adult Recess Festival is more than just a day of fun; it’s a transformative experience reimagining self-care for today’s adults. Created by Let’s Get Social Raleigh and founded by Michele Paul, it’s the only event of its kind in the U.S., uniquely focused on leveraging the power of play as a tool for adult well-being. Through games, sports, community, & connection, the festival helps relieve stress, combat exhaustion, & foster genuine human interaction. By combining the joy of play with nature and community, it emphasizes that laughter and fun are essential parts of self-care. As Michele Paul says, "Play too much... on PURPOSE!"

 

The Adult Recess Festival provides a safe, welcoming space for adults to connect, support one another, and share joyful experiences. The festival fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the idea that individual well-being is nurtured through community. By embracing play as a communal activity, it strengthens bonds and highlights the importance of collective healing and joy.

 

 

In addition to the games and activities, attendees can support local Black entrepreneurs through a vendor marketplace featuring unique products and a food truck rodeo offering delicious eats.

 

Whether you're a long-time Raleigh resident, visiting, or new to the area, the Adult Recess Festival is a welcoming environment where adults can come alone or with friends and meet others in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. You don’t need to be an athlete or a social butterfly—just come ready to play, laugh, and let go.

A Celebration of Community (Ubuntu)
Support Local, Shop Local 
Who Should Attend?

​Picnic Area Theme: Poolside Picnic

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The picnic area at the Adult Recess Festival is your chance to create a vibrant, playful oasis with friends. Bring your own inflatable pool, deck it out with blankets, cushions, and decorations, and turn it into your personal lounge. Relax in your unique space while enjoying food, games, and the festival’s lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, unwind, and soak in the fun!

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Adult Recess Festival Stay & Play Package

We’ve partnered with hotels in downtown Raleigh to offer a discounted rate to Adult Recess Festival attendees. The hotels are located in the heart of downtown, walkable to Adult Recess Festival and all of the festival events happening that weekend as well as local restaurants, attractions, and bars.

FAQ

  • Are children allowed?
    No. This is a 21+ event.
  • Will the festival have a theme?
    YES! One of the standout features of this year’s festival is the unique "It’s a BYOPool!" theme, where attendees are encouraged to bring their own inflatable pools. These personal pools will serve as cozy picnic spots, each decorated with blankets, cushions, and vibrant colors. Groups of friends will be seen lounging, laughing, and enjoying meals together in these whimsical, playful spaces. Attendees can even compete for prizes in the best-decorated pool contest, turning Fletcher Park into a colorful and fun-filled picnic oasis.
  • What time does the event start?
    2PM – Feel free to arrive as early as 1pm to set up your area.
  • Can you recommend a nearby hotel?
    YES! We’ve partnered with XX to get you a great room rate! Book your room here:
  • Will there be vendors?
    Yes! We will have delectable 10 food vendors (Vegan options included) and 10 unique retail and service vendors.
  • What can I bring to the event?
    free to bring tents (no stakes), lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers (no alcoholic beverages), your own games.
  • Can I make a donation to the grassroots organization?
    Yes and THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! Your donation helps to support this event and other FREE events throughout the year. We have 2 FREE huge events each year. The festival and a community cookout. We love hosting both of them and your donation will help offset the cost associated with putting on the event! Donate here: www.paypal.me/lgsraleigh or www.cash.app/lgsraleigh
  • How can I become a vendor?
    Fill out this form and you will be contacted in regards to next steps: https://forms.gle/B31Rm7hcANbodbRv6

Games & Activities

  • Co-Ed Kickball

  • Co-Ed Dodgeball

  • Arts & Crafts Tent | Sidewalk Art

  • Line Dancing

  • Pop-Up Skate Rink

  • Giant Yard Games

  • Spades, Tonk, Poker, & Dominoes

  • Co-Ed Flag Football

  • Co-Ed Shark Attack

  • Double Dutch

  • Water Gun Fight

  • Lego Land

  • Hop Scotch

  • Co-Ed Beach Volleyball

  • Co-Ed Frisbee

  • Tug O War

  • Musical Chairs

  • Trivia, Card, Poker, Board Games

  • Cornhole

  • Ping Pong

  • Football Toss

FOOD TRUCK RODEO & FOOD COURT | VENDOR MALL | VIBES BY DJ MOESKIENO

  • Swings & See Saws

  • Parachute

  • Lyrically Correct

  • Limbo

  • Sack Race

  • Axe Throwing

  • LIVE DJ

Vendors

Disclaimers

This event is FREE to the public but your donations & sponsorships are greatly appreciated! All monies from this community event helps to support our mission of creating safe spaces for folks to come✌🏾gether to restore belonging & connectedness into communities across the Carolinas!

 

ALL GUEST ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY INJURIES, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES THAT THEY MAY INCUR ON THE PREMISES ARE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. LET'S GET SOCIAL RALEIGH, IT'S VOLUNTEERS, HOSTS, PARTNERS OR ANYONE ELSE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES, INJURIES, OR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR ON OR NEAR THE PREMISES

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