Upcoming Events
Family Fest 2026
Event is on September 12, 2026 with overnight camping option
Family Fest 2026 Brings a Full Day of Connection, Creativity, Outdoor Fun, and Community to Local Families
RALEIGH, NC — September 12-13
Family Fest 2026 is bringing families together for a full day of connection, creativity, movement, outdoor fun, and community-centered experiences designed for all ages.
This year’s event will feature a family-friendly format with activities throughout the day, including community yoga, creative arts experiences, field games, lake activities, fishing, food, a community cookout, evening gathering, s’mores, entertainment, and an outdoor movie option for overnight guests.
Family Fest was created to give families a space to slow down, play together, connect with one another, and enjoy a full day outdoors without the pressure of an overpacked schedule.
Our goal is simple, we want families to have a place where they can breathe, laugh, create memories, and feel connected to their community. Family Fest is about bringing people together in a way that feels fun, welcoming, and meaningful.
Guests can expect a relaxed event flow with a mix of wellness, creativity, outdoor exploration, and family fun.
Entertainment details are still being finalized, with local surprises and special guest experiences to be announced soon. Families are encouraged to stay tuned as the event team confirms performers, vendors, sponsors, and community partners.
Updates and announcements will be shared on the official Family Fest Facebook page.
Family Fest 2026 will include:
Community yoga and wellness experiences
Art and creative activities for kids and families
Field games, tug-of-war, and family connection activities
Fishing and lake-based outdoor fun
Food trucks, community lunch, and cookout-style gathering
S’mores and evening connection time
Entertainment and local surprises
Fire show
Outdoor movie option for overnight guests
Vendors, sponsors, and community partners
Family Fest 2026 is currently accepting interest from vendors, sponsors, volunteers, facilitators, and community partners who want to be part of a meaningful, family-centered event.
More details, including ticket information, vendor announcements, entertainment updates, and volunteer opportunities, will be released soon.
For updates, follow the Family Fest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakesidefamilyfest
Media Contact:
Joss Michael (Event coordinator)
Lakeside Retreats
lakesidefamilycampout@gmail.com
440-739-0187
Support Family Fest
Family Fest is community-supported and made possible through donations, sponsorships, volunteer support, services, and local partnerships.
Whether you’re interested in sponsoring the event, volunteering your time, becoming a vendor, donating services, or supporting the mission financially, we would love to connect with you.
For sponsorship opportunities and community partnerships, please reach out to Paula Williamson.
Paula - Director of Community Outreach
paula@lakesideretreats.org
sponsors of Family fest
bliss boogie
A Day of Exploration and Adventure
September 19, 2026
Bliss Boogie is a living portal to presence. For one day, leave the noise behind and step into a space where curiosity is your compass and connection is the point. Come as you are. Grow where you land. Play after dark.
Oakwood24 Run/Walk at Lakeside Retreats
24 Hours to Support Recovery 💚
November 21–22, 2026
Lakeside Retreats is honored to host the 9th Annual Oakwood24 Run/Walk benefiting Healing Transitions.
After years of incredible growth, Oakwood24 is bringing this powerful community event to Lakeside Retreats with more space for runners, walkers, families, camping, and connection.
To date, Oakwood24 has raised more than $1,000,000 to support Healing Transitions and their mission of providing no-cost, peer-oriented recovery services for uninsured, underserved, and individuals experiencing homelessness in Wake County.
About the Event
Oakwood24 brings the community together for 24 hours of movement, remembrance, connection, and support for recovery.
Participants can choose from multiple official race options, including:
🏃 5K Run/Walk
🏃 2-Hour Challenge
🏃 4-Hour Challenge
🏃 6-Hour Challenge
🏃 12-Hour Challenge
🏃 24-Hour Challenge
Community members are also welcome to walk or run recreationally throughout the event without registering for an official race.
Families can enjoy additional activities throughout the event, making Oakwood24 a meaningful experience for runners, supporters, and the entire community.
Remembrance Hour
From 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 21, participants will come together for Remembrance Hour to honor those who have lost their lives to the disease of addiction.
Support Oakwood24
All proceeds from Oakwood24 benefit Healing Transitions and help continue their life-changing recovery services in our community.
Learn more, register, or donate directly through Oakwood24:
https://healing-transitions.org/oakwood24/
We look forward to welcoming you to Lakeside Retreats for this incredible community event. 💚
