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Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park on Sept. 20

Date: Sun, Sep 20, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Venue: Dix Park, Raleigh

Price:

Category: Outdoors

Bring the kids to an Instrument Petting Zoo to Gibson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park! Gibson Play Plaza is at 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. These are free events! The Instrument Petting Zoo takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on the following dates. Registration is required to receive weather cancellations. Registration opens two weeks in advance at 12 p.m. September 20, 2026 October 4, 2026 October 18, 2026 November 8, 2026 Enjoy an interactive, participatory music experience designed for all ages. This hands-on “instrument petting zoo” invites community members to explore, try instruments, and make music together in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. The program will feature performances by two youth quartets, followed by opportunities for the public to join in and play along. Easy-to-use instruments such as boomwhackers, bucket band percussion, hand percussion, and kazoos will be available so everyone can participate—no musical experience required. In addition to music-making, attendees can enjoy a sensory art activity by painting old instruments. Come explore sound, creativity, and community.

Raleigh Mom Club — Raleigh, NC

Outdoors · Raleigh

Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park on Sept. 20

“Park at the Chapel Drive lot to easily walk your toddlers to the play plaza.”

When
Next Sunday
Sun, Sep 20, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where
Dix Park
Raleigh, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
See details
trianglebudget friendlyfamily friendly

Raleigh Music Collective is bringing an Instrument Petting Zoo to Gibson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park, and it's one of the most kid-friendly free events of the spring. This hands-on, participatory music experience invites community members of all ages to explore, try instruments, and make music together in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. The program features performances by two youth quartets, followed by opportunities for the public to play along. It's a great way to spark a child's curiosity about music.

What to Know:

  • When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Where: Gibson Play Plaza at Dix Park, 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh

  • Cost: Free

  • Best for: All ages, especially curious kids who might love music lessons

  • Tips: Plan time to walk the surrounding park trails and bring water — it can get warm. A lovely combo with the nearby playgrounds at Dix.

Official Event Page

Last updated

Next Sunday

Directions

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park on Sept. 20 runs Sun, Sep 20, 2026, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Getting There

Dix Park is at 830 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Dix Park →

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot

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