_edited.png){kind=logo}
Meet Our Sponsors
.jpg)
3rd Annual Adult Recess Festival: Transforming Fletcher Park into an Adult Playground to Help Adults Rediscover the Joy and Healing Power of Play
%20-%20Copy.jpg)
On May 3rd, 2025, LGSR is transforming Fletcher Park into the ultimate adult ONLY playground complete with an adult size sandbox, "Lego-Land," Chess game, co-ed sports, sidewalk chalk art, swings, yard games, arts & crafts, cards, board, and trivia games, and so much MORE! Enjoy a whole day of fun, food trucks, shopping, henna tattoos, line dancing, and more!
What is the Adult Recess Festival?
The 3rd Annual Adult Recess Festival is the only U.S. wellness festival focused on adult play, nature, connection, & community to combat stress, exhaustion, & isolation! This free, grassroots community event is a radical cultural shift from traditional wellness spaces, giving adults a place to reset, reconnect with their inner child, and experience the healing power of play. It challenges the idea that self-care must be solitary or passive by creating an environment where play, joy, movement, and shared experiences are essential for mental well-being. The festival also bridges cultural divides, supports local Black-owned businesses, and builds community through play.
One attendee put it best: “This festival reminds adults that taking care of ourselves can be fun too!”
A Celebration of Community (Ubuntu)
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.
Support Local, Shop Local
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.
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.
Who Should Attend?
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!
.jpg)
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. Absolutely not! This is a 21+ event.
-
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!
-
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
-
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.
-
What time does the event start?2PM – Feel free to arrive as early as 1pm to set up your picnic area!
-
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
-
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!
-
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.
-
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 3 on 3 Basketball
-
Co-Ed Flag Football
-
Co-Ed Beach Volleyball
-
Co-Ed Frisbee
-
Co-Ed Pickleball
-
Co-Ed Soccer
-
Co-Ed Dodgeball
-
Co-Ed Bucket Golf (9 Holes)
-
Shark Attack
-
Freeze Tag
-
Double Dutch
-
1, 2, 3 Red Light
-
Lego Land
-
Hopscotch
-
Hamster Wheel
-
Sandbox Play
-
Arts & Crafts Tent
-
Musical Chairs
-
50+ Trivia, Card, Board Games
-
Cornhole
-
Ping Pong
-
Football Toss
-
Tetris XL
-
Line Dancing
-
Giant Yard Games
-
Spades, Tonk, Poker, & Dominoes
FOOD TRUCK RODEO & FOOD COURT | VENDOR MALL | VIBES BY DJ MOESKIENO
-
Swings
-
Parachute
-
Limbo
-
Sack Race
-
Axe Throwing
-
Bucket Golf
-
Tug O War
-
Tetherball
-
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