“Boxyard Birthday” brings nostalgic games, interactive experiences and memorable moments together to commemorate five years of connection, creativity and innovation
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. [May 20, 2026] – Families, gamers and nostalgia-lovers are invited to step back in time during a full day of retro-inspired fun at Boxyard RTP, the original, experiential dining and retail destination within Hub RTP, the downtown destination for Research Triangle Park (RTP). To mark its fifth anniversary, “Boxyard Birthday” will take place Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a celebration of local food and retail, community connection, and small business growth.
The Y2K-inspired event will feature hands-on activities, art and interactive moments for guests of all ages. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy family-friendly entertainment and creative experiences inspired by 1990s culture.
Highlights include:
- Bounce house and dunk booth, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits and charity organizations
- Yard games, chalk art and a bubble machine
- “Scrapyard” crafting, where guests repurpose, upcycle or recycle discarded materials to create something new, led by The Makery
- Retro-themed photo booth and disposable cameras to capture memories
- 90s-style free play arcade and video gaming with Raleigh Retro Gamers
Ticketed experiences include:
- Sand art with Kindred Spirit
- Lip gloss workshop from Keisha Elise Cosmetics
- DIY slap bracelets with The Makery
- Ring toss with prizes from RTP Uncorked
- “A Bite of Boxyard: Community Dinner,” a neighborhood dinner party on Saturday, June 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The casual gathering includes a social tasting tour, featuring Bulkogi, Will & Well, Fullsteam RTP, Baekho and RTP Uncorked.
“This milestone is a reflection of the community that brings Boxyard RTP to life,” said Cassandra Bennett, programs manager for Boxyard RTP. “As a true entrepreneurial space, it’s been exciting to see business owners and creators test new concepts, grow their ideas and build alongside anchor restaurants and retailers who have been part of the journey from the beginning. We’re grateful to the guests who continue to support them and bring energy to the space every day, and we’re looking forward to continued growth in the years ahead.”
Since opening in 2021, Boxyard RTP has served as a launchpad for emerging and small businesses, including those transitioning from online shops and pop-ups to theirfirst brick-and-mortar storefronts. By connecting businesses with new clientele, like-minded entrepreneurs and a built-in community, Boxyard RTP provides an environment designed to help brands succeed and grow.
A notable example is Lawrence Barbecue, a founding tenant that built a loyal following at Boxyard before expanding to a full-service restaurant in downtown Cary. In addition, Meat & Graze grew its charcuterie, sandwich and “cheeseperience” business into a full-time catering operation. Most recently, Guildhall Games announced plans to grow fromits single shipping container footprint into a 4,000-square-foot retail space in downtown Durham later this year.
Four original businesses, including Fullsteam RTP, Bulkogi, RTP Uncorked and Game On Escapes & More, are also celebrating five years of success, underscoring Boxyard RTP as a place where small businesses choose to plant roots and achieve long-termsuccess.
Boxyard is known throughout the Triangle as a lively gathering place that showcases a curated mix of local talent and creatives. With weekly live music and robust event programming, it reflects the energy and innovation of the Triangle region. Over the past five years, it has become a go-to destination for RTP employees, visitors and Triangle residents.
Boxyard RTP is located in Durham at 900 Park Offices Drive. To learn more about Boxyard RTP’s fifth birthday celebration and reserve your spot, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org/events/boxyard-birthday-5-years.
About Boxyard RTP
Boxyard RTP is a retail and venue space comprised of 40 upcycled shipping containers on the western side of Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park’s 100-acre downtown district. Here, people can unwind and enjoy an experience unique to the Triangle region. Committed to social entrepreneurship, Boxyard RTP represents a diverse mix of vendors, offerings and events that are accessible to people in and out of RTP. First opened in 2021, the venue includes an indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage with a robust event program featuring music and more. For more information, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org.
About Hub RTP
Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park (RTP)’s new vibrant downtown is a walkable urban district designed to bring people together to work, stay, shop, drink and dine in RTP for the first time in its history. Hub RTP’s current phase will feature up to one million square feet of office and life sciences lab space, 50,000 square feet of experiential retail, 1,200 multifamily residential units, and 279 hotel rooms. An impressive 16 acres of parks and greenspace includes the award-winning and eco-friendly Burdens Creek, which connects more than 20 miles of trails in RTP. Centrally located in the heart of the Triangle region (comprised of Durham and Raleigh), the 100-acre district includes Frontier RTP, an innovative startup community, as well as Boxyard RTP, a unique food, retail and entertainment destination. To learn more about Hub RTP and current leasing opportunities, visit https://hub.rtp.org.
Media Contact for RTF
Ana Velez
Marketing Manager
velez@rtp.org