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LGSR's Adult Recess Festival:
The Joy Revolution in Raleigh: Why Adults Are Flying In To Play, Heal, and Belong
Let's Get Social Raleigh is leading a joy revolution in Raleigh, redefining what wellness, connection, and play look like for adults!
Each Spring, the Adult Recess Festival transforms Raleigh’s beloved public parks into vibrant, adult only playgrounds filled with games, co-ed sports, dancing, music, and wellness activations — all designed to help grownups reset and reconnect with their inner child and our neighbors.
As one of North Carolina’s biggest, most joy-centered events, and the only wellness festival in the U.S focused on adult play, the Adult Recess Festival has become a standout addition to Raleigh’s cultural landscape, attracting both local residents and travelers looking for community, laughter, and real-life recess.
If you missed it this year, don’t worry—we’re already planning for 2026, and it’s going to be even more unforgettable.
One attendee said, "This was good for everyone's soul"
Meet Our Sponsors
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What is the Adult Recess Festival?
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The Adult Recess Festival is the only U.S. wellness festival focused on adult play, nature, & community as a form of self-care that honors joy as a wellness practice and resistance to loneliness, burnout, & chronic stress.
In a world where wellness often feels like another item on our to-do list, the festival is a joy revolution, one filled with the freedom to let go of the weight of our responsibilities and reconnect with our inner child and get to know our neighbors.
It highlights that healing through play not only restores adults but helps adults reclaim joy as essential, revolutionary and deeply human.
One attendee put it best: “There we go healing again!”
A Celebration of Community (Ubuntu)
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The Adult Recess Festival brings people together through the joy of play. It’s a chance to relive those carefree playground days when friendships formed effortlessly over a game of tag or a shared laugh. In a world where division and isolation feel all too common, this festival invites everyone to come together, build bonds over tug-of-war, musical chairs, Legos, or co-ed kickball, and rediscover the beauty of community and belonging.
One attendee said, "It felt like one big ole family reunion"
Support Local, Shop Local
Our Commitment to Equity: LGSR intentionally supports and amplifies Black-owned businesses at our events, recognizing economic empowerment as a vital part of community wellness. The Adult Recess Festival offers attendees a chance to connect with and support local Black entrepreneurs. Explore a curated marketplace featuring an eclectic mix of retail, art, jewelry, apparel, and unique handmade products alongside a food truck rodeo offering diverse, delicious eats that celebrate the local flavors and creativity that make our community thrive.
One attendee said, "The food trucks were great. My man is from Jamaica, and he said that he had authentic Jamaican food at this festival."
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a long-time Raleigh resident, visiting, or new to the area, the Adult Recess Festival is a welcoming, inclusive 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 of your worries.
One attendee said, "Groups like this don't normally hang out together. This is truly something special."
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Our Festival Impact
Our Festival Is Bigger Than Play. It’s Cultural, Communal, & Economic.
$109,610+
Invested into local hotels, transportation, contractors, venues, and vendors
6,000+
Attendees at our 3rd Annual Adult Recess Festival
83.3%
of vendors (majority Black-owned) reported selling out
15%
of attendees traveled from outside the host city—boosting local tourism and the regional economy
1M+
monthly digital impressions via Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Eventbrite, and website
20+ STATES
Attendees from 20+ U.S. states and The Bahamas
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Audience Demographics:
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85% Black/African American
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70% Female
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Ages 25–54
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Highly engaged, wellness-focused, and community-minded professionals
Adult Recess Festival 2025
PICNIC AREA THEME:
POOLSIDE PICNIC
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.
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FAQ
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Are children allowed?No. Absolutely not! This is a 21+ event.
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Parking & Rideshare INFOAdditional FREE Festival Parking within .5 miles of the Fletcher Park (876 Washington Ave) Broughton High School | 723 Saint Mary's St, Raleigh, NC Methodist Home for Children | 1041 Washington St, Raleigh, NC Raleigh Charter High School | 1307 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC PAID PARKING WITHIN 1 MILE OF FLETCHER PARK PLEASE CONSIDER CARPOOLING OR TAKING A RIDESHARE! WE WILL HAVE DROP OFF AND PICK UP LOCATIONS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RIDESHARE!
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Can I blow up my individual inflatable pool at the event?Yes! We love that y’all are bringing the energy with your inflatable pools! We’ll have a few portable air pumps available, but if you want to skip the line, grab your own mini electric pump from Amazon for under $10. Amazon.com: 3T6B Electric Air Pump for Inflatables, Battery Powered Wireless Air Pump for Mattress with 3 Nozzles, Quick-Fill Blower Inflator/Deflator for Outdoor Camping, Air Mattress, Inflatable Couch, Pool Toy : Home & Kitchen
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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. Let's turn Fletcher Park into a colorful and fun-filled picnic oasis.
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What time does the event start?2PM – Feel free to arrive as early as 1pm to set up your picnic area!
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Can you recommend a nearby hotel?YES! We’ve partnered with Crewfare to get you a great room rate! Book your room here: Discounted hotels near Let's Get Social 25' in Raleigh
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Will there be vendors?Yes! We will have delectable 11 food vendors (Vegan options included) and 13 unique retail and service vendors. Check out the vendors in advance by clicking on the vendor logos below!
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What can I bring to the event?We are having a BYOPool Picnic theme! We would love for you all to transform the picnic area into a pool picnic lounge, but you can bring tents (no stakes), lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers (no alcoholic beverages), plus your own games.
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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
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How can I become a vendor?Fill out this form and you will be contacted in regards to next steps: https://forms.gle/B31Rm7hcANbodbRv6
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Are dogs allowed?No. Exceptions: Service animals
GAMES & ACTIVITIES
FOOD TRUCK RODEO & FOOD COURT | VENDOR MALL | VIBES BY DJ MOESKIENO
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Co-Ed Kickball
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Co-Ed 3 on 3 Basketball
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Co-Ed Flag Football
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Co-Ed Beach Volleyball
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Co-Ed Frisbee
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Co-Ed Pickleball
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Co-Ed Soccer
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Co-Ed Dodgeball
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Co-Ed Bucket Golf (9 Holes)
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Shark Attack
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Freeze Tag
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Double Dutch
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1, 2, 3 Red Light
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Lego Land
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Hopscotch
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Hamster Wheel
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Sandbox Play
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Arts & Crafts Tent
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Musical Chairs
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50+ Trivia, Card, Board Games
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Cornhole
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Ping Pong
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Football Toss
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Tetris XL
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Line Dancing
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Giant Yard Games
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Spades, Tonk, Poker, & Dominoes
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Swings
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Parachute
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Limbo
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Sack Race
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Axe Throwing
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Bucket Golf
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Tug O War
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Tetherball
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Sidewalk Art
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!
By attending the Adult Recess Festival, you consent to being photographed or recorded for promotional purposes by Let’s Get Social Raleigh (LGSR) and its partners. Media may be used in social media, websites, and other materials. If you prefer not to be included, please notify event staff upon arrival. Note that LGSR is not responsible for photos or videos taken by other attendees.
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