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  LGSR's Adult Recess Festival:
The Joy Revolution in Raleigh: Why Adults Are Flying In To    Play, Heal, and Belong 

Every spring, Let’s Get Social Raleigh transforms beloved public parks into vibrant, adults-only playgrounds, reimagining what it means to connect, heal, and feel alive together.

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The Annual Adult Recess Festival is America’s only social wellness festival centered around play, and Raleigh’s signature celebration of adult well-being. Thousands travel from across the country and beyond to hit pause on adulting and tap into something deeper: joy, nostalgia, freedom, and true connection.

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At the heart of it all is play, the glue that binds strangers into community, that breaks down barriers and invites our most authentic selves to the surface. It’s in the laughter over giant games, the dancing without judgment, the friendly competition in co-ed sports, and the spontaneous conversations sparked between turns.

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This festival is more than just fun; it’s a cultural shift. A new way of gathering where no one feels alone, and every person is seen, valued, and celebrated.

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Here, adults are free to reconnect with their inner child, build meaningful bonds, and experience the healing power of joy together, on purpose.

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One attendee said, "My soul needed this!"

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Meet Our  Sponsors 

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Tickets
About

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.

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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.

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It highlights that healing through play not only restores adults but helps adults reclaim joy as essential, revolutionary and deeply human.

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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.

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One attendee said, "It felt like one big ole family reunion"

Support Local, Shop Local 

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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.

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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.

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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:

  • 85% Black/African American

  • 70% Female

  • Ages 25–54

  • Highly engaged, wellness-focused, and community-minded professionals

Adult Recess Festival 2025

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  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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  GAMES & ACTIVITIES  

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

  • 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

  • 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!

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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

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