A Brush of History: Painting at the Pugh House

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!

Join the community at Common Market Durham for an engaging and supportive storytelling open mic night. Hosted by Hope Wilder, this monthly event invites participants to share seven to ten minute true personal stories in a welcoming environment. Whether you are a seasoned storyteller or simply enjoy listening to captivating narratives, this casual meetup offers a perfect space to connect with others through the power of the spoken word. Each gathering features a unique monthly theme to inspire your tales, though you are always welcome to share stories beyond the theme. The upcoming July session explores the theme of Risky Business, inviting attendees to recount moments when they took a chance and faced the consequences. Attendance is completely free, making it an ideal activity for anyone looking to enjoy an evening of entertainment and local culture. Sign-ups begin at 5 p.m. at the venue, so arrive early to secure your spot on stage or find a comfortable seat in the audience. We look forward to seeing you at 1821 Green Street for a night of authentic storytelling and community connection.

In the Moment is a monthly program designed for individuals living with memory changes and their care partners. This series facilitates meaningful connections and lifelong learning through interactive experiences led by cultural institutions from across North Carolina. This session focuses on the sounds of North Carolina. Participants will explore the state's cultural heritage by examining artwork from artists who lived or worked in the region. The program highlights the music and activities that have defined North Carolina's history. Attendees will engage in guided conversations and creative expressions inspired by these artistic pieces, creating an accessible environment that celebrates regional identity through visual and auditory discovery. This program is specifically tailored for those managing memory changes, ensuring a supportive and comfortable setting for everyone involved. We encourage you to join us for an afternoon of shared inspiration and community connection. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore culture in an inclusive atmosphere. Please register in advance to reserve your space for this enriching monthly experience. We look forward to welcoming you and your care partner to our next session.

Experience the vibrant cultural scene at the Ackland Art Museum during their special extended hours held on the second Friday of every month. Located on the University of North Carolina campus, the museum welcomes visitors from 5 to 9 p.m. to enjoy a diverse collection of over 21,000 remarkable works of art. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore the galleries, browse the curated selection at the Museum Store, or tap into your creative side by sketching in the galleries using materials provided by the lobby art cart. Whether you are planning a solo cultural excursion or an evening out with friends, this inviting atmosphere promises inspiration for everyone. Admission is always free and no prior registration is required, making it an accessible way to engage with the arts. We encourage you to visit the official Ackland website to review upcoming public programming and special events scheduled throughout the year. Come experience the intersection of art and community by joining us for the next 2nd Friday ArtWalk in Chapel Hill.

Ignite your child's curiosity at White Deer Park with our signature Discovery Day program. This engaging series is designed to spark a love for science and the natural world through interactive hands-on learning, creative crafts, and immersive experiments. Each month features a unique, timely theme such as Migration Mayhem, Earth Rocks, and Animal Architects, ensuring that repeat visits provide fresh insights and new adventures for curious minds between the ages of 6 and 12. This flexible, self-paced program is perfect for families seeking a convenient way to explore nature and educational concepts together. We offer two drop-in sessions each event day from 10AM to 12PM and 4PM to 6PM, allowing you to fit learning into your busy schedule with ease. No pre-registration is required, making it simple to join our community of young explorers whenever your calendar allows. We invite you to visit our website to view the upcoming monthly schedule and plan your next visit. Come discover the wonders of our environment and enjoy an educational experience that brings the community together in the heart of White Deer Park.

Little Fentonians Touch-a-Truck is a community event held in Fenton Square that allows children to explore large emergency vehicles and enjoy interactive transportation activities. This morning event serves as an engaging opportunity for families to learn about local safety services while enjoying outdoor fun in a centralized town location. Attendees can climb aboard a real Cary Fire Department fire engine and interact directly with officers from the Cary Police Department. Children can also take a ride on a trackless fire truck that travels along Main Street. These hands-on experiences are designed to provide a close look at vehicles that kids often see from a distance. The event also facilitates a charitable component by collecting school supply donations to support educational needs within Wake County. This event is tailored for young children with an interest in large vehicles and public service equipment. The atmosphere is energetic and provides a high level of engagement for curious minds. We invite families to bring their children for an educational morning and encourage everyone to contribute supplies to support local students before the upcoming school year.

Experience the vibrant energy of live music as the popular Midtown Beach Music Series returns to the beautiful Midtown Park in Raleigh. This recurring concert series promises a summer filled with rhythm and soul, showcasing a diverse lineup that includes classic beach music, smooth Motown hits, and nostalgic R&B oldies. Whether you are looking to unwind after work or enjoy a lively evening under the stars, this event offers the perfect backdrop for music lovers throughout the Triangle area. The series runs every Thursday evening from April 16 through July 23, 2026, providing consistent entertainment for the entire community. Attendees have the flexibility to purchase individual tickets for specific nights or opt for the full Beach Music Bundle to ensure they do not miss a single performance. We encourage all guests to utilize the convenient nearby parking decks to help preserve our access to this fantastic venue. Secure your tickets online today to join us for an unforgettable season of outdoor performances and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you at Midtown Park for an incredible musical experience.