2nd Friday ArtWalk in Chapel Hill and Carrboro

CHILL ACT North Carolina Special Needs & Homeschool Expo is a free community event bringing families together with local providers, educators, therapists, community organizations, and resources supporting children with autism, special needs, and homeschool families. Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Durham Convention Center. Families can explore valuable local resources, meet therapy and educational providers, and enjoy a welcoming day filled with activities for children. Event highlights include: • Free developmental & pre-autism screenings • Therapy, education & community resources • Balloon art • Face painting • Bounce house • Petting zoo • Art exhibition featuring neurodiverse children • Local vendors and family resources Admission is FREE for families. Register for free at www.chillactexpo.com Come connect, learn, explore resources, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the North Carolina special needs and homeschool community.

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Chapel Hill at the iconic Carolina Inn for their beloved Fridays on the Front Porch series. Located at 211 Pittsboro Street on the scenic University of North Carolina campus, this recurring event offers the perfect way to unwind as you head into the weekend. Guests are invited to enjoy an impressive lineup of live outdoor music performances that showcase the talent of local artists in a relaxed and historic setting. Beyond the melodies, this community staple features a variety of local food trucks, allowing you to indulge in delicious bites while soaking in the open air. This concert series runs from May through October, providing a consistent venue for social connection and rhythmic enjoyment throughout the season. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the area, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Triangle. Admission to the music is free for everyone. We encourage you to visit the Carolina Inn website today to view the full performance schedule and plan your next Friday evening visit with us.

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the first Glow-in-the-Dark Silent Disco in Apex. Taking place on August 28, 2026, at the Halle Cultural Arts Center, this vibrant event invites guests of all ages to dance under the neon lights. Whether you want to enjoy a night out with friends or family, this unique silent disco offers a fun atmosphere where you control your own musical experience through specialized wireless headphones. Participants can easily switch between multiple playlist channels to find the perfect soundtrack for their evening. Your ticket includes entry to the event along with light snacks and drinks to keep you energized. Please note that this environment features black lights and disco effects, which may be intense for some guests. We are committed to inclusivity and provide designated quiet areas for those who need a break from the sensory stimulation. Tickets are priced at 10 dollars for residents and 25 dollars for non-residents. Spaces are limited, so ensure you register early to secure your spot for this radiant celebration.

Experience the vibrant heartbeat of downtown Cary during the Final Friday Cary Art Loop. Held on the last Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., this recurring celebration invites the community to explore a diverse array of local art galleries and creative spaces. It is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture while supporting talented regional artists and performers who bring the streets to life. Whether you are a dedicated art enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging way to spend your evening, this event offers something for everyone. Attendees can wander through downtown, enjoying captivating live music and rotating exhibits that showcase the immense creativity within our region. The interactive map available on the official website helps you navigate participating venues and plan your route for an unforgettable evening out. We encourage you to check the official Cary Art Loop website or social media pages before you head out to ensure you have the most up to date information regarding specific activities at each location. Come join us this Friday and discover the incredible artistic spirit that makes Cary so special.

Ladies Night Little Sweetness is an interactive social gathering focused on creativity and relaxation. This event provides a dedicated space for friends to connect while engaging in hands-on artistic projects and culinary activities. It serves as an ideal break for those looking to unwind after the work week in a friendly environment. Participants will enjoy a guided session of pottery painting combined with professional cupcake decorating instructions. The evening is designed to offer a balanced mix of artistic expression and social interaction. Attendees are encouraged to bring their preferred food and beverages to enjoy throughout the session, creating a personalized happy hour experience tailored to their preferences. This event is perfect for small groups of friends or coworkers seeking a productive yet lighthearted atmosphere. It offers a structured way to learn new skills while building lasting memories. To secure your participation, please register through our online portal. A ten dollar deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This amount will be applied directly to your final bill during the event.

Unleash your creativity at the North Carolina Museum of Art during our popular monthly Craft Night. Held in the inviting atmosphere of the NCMA Cafe in the West Building, this after-hours gathering is the perfect space to unwind and connect with fellow artists and hobbyists in the local community. Whether you are a seasoned creator or just looking for a relaxing evening, you are welcome to bring an ongoing project or experiment with fresh materials provided on-site. Each month features a unique theme inspired by our museum galleries and the changing seasons, ensuring every session offers new inspiration. Topics range from collage work and chance operations to the intricate world of miniatures. This event is entirely free and does not require registration, making it an accessible way to enjoy a productive and social evening. Grab a refreshing beverage from the cafe, find a seat, and let your imagination soar. Join us for an inspiring night of making and meeting new friends at the intersection of art and relaxation.

This course provides hands-on training for welding thin gauge metals without causing warping or burn-through. It is designed to help participants master heat control when working with delicate materials like automotive body panels or fine art sculptures. Students will learn specific techniques to manage heat input effectively. The curriculum covers essential connections including spot welding, plug welding, and lap welding. You will practice these methods on sample joints to gain confidence in your technique. By the end of the session, you will possess the practical skills needed to tackle rust repair and precision metal projects. This class is ideal for individuals who want to improve their technical welding capabilities. A foundational understanding of fabrication or previous welding experience is required to ensure success. The environment is focused, productive, and centered on skill development. We encourage you to sign up now to secure your spot and start refining your craft with our experienced instructors. Please confirm you meet the prerequisite requirements before registering for this session.

Experience the vibrant spirit of the Triangle at the Durham Beer and Banjos music series. Held at the picturesque Old Mill Farm, this weekly gathering celebrates the rich traditions of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. Each session offers a unique opportunity to enjoy authentic performances from talented musicians in an inviting, rustic setting that perfectly complements the acoustic sounds. It is the ideal way to unwind during the work week while connecting with fellow music enthusiasts in the local community. The series typically takes place every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., though attendees should note occasional schedule adjustments, such as the special performance scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Admission to these events is entirely free, making it an accessible outing for everyone. We encourage you to visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to verify the weekly band lineup and stay updated on any scheduling changes. Gather your friends and family for an evening of exceptional live music and southern charm at one of Durham's most welcoming venues.

Birdwatching for Beginners is an introductory outdoor program designed to teach you the fundamentals of identifying local bird species. The event focuses on providing practical skills for those new to birding in an approachable and supportive environment. Participants will engage in a guided walk covering approximately one mile of diverse terrain. We will observe various habitats to locate birds while practicing identification techniques. You will also learn about collaborative science projects and how to contribute your observational data to real research initiatives. This hands-on experience provides a meaningful way to engage with the natural environment while building your knowledge of local wildlife. This event is open to everyone ages eight and older. It offers a relaxed and steady pace suitable for all skill levels. If you are interested in learning a new hobby that connects you with nature and supports scientific research, this session is an excellent starting point. We invite you to join us for an informative outing. Please come prepared for a moderate walk outdoors. We look forward to exploring the local landscape with you and identifying the species that call it home.

Experience a world of wonder at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. This expansive eighty-four acre campus offers a thrilling blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Explore fascinating displays ranging from physics and weather to aerospace and zoology. Guests can visit the interactive Farmyard, observe majestic black bears and red wolves, or wander through the enchanting Butterfly House rainforest. The museum provides an engaging environment that encourages hands-on learning and active exploration. During Durham Community Days, residents of Durham County are invited to enjoy free admission as a gesture of appreciation for the local community. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the whole family to discover new scientific concepts while enjoying a memorable day out. Whether you are climbing, digging, or exploring nature, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please remember to bring valid proof of residency to qualify for free entry. Visit our website today to check the full schedule of upcoming Community Day dates and plan your next scientific adventure at one of the most popular attractions in the region.