Animation Is Art: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

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.

Join Downtown Cary Park horticulturist Patrick McMillan for an educational tour of the park aquatic plant collection. This event focuses on the peak flowering season of our stunning lotus blossoms and provides an in-depth look at local aquatic ecosystems. Participants will explore the unique biological adaptations of these plants and their essential roles within our local wildlife habitats. During the tour, you will examine the structural complexity of these water-dwelling species. Patrick McMillan will share insights into the fascinating history and lore surrounding these plants while highlighting their connection to the Triangle region. You will see firsthand how these botanical displays function as both ornamental beauty and vital environmental infrastructure for local fauna. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, garden hobbyists, and anyone curious about urban horticulture. The atmosphere is professional, educational, and highly engaging for those who appreciate the natural world. Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking along the park pathways. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early to experience this aquatic display at its absolute peak. We look forward to exploring the magic of these plants with you soon.

Nature Play Day at NCMA is a free outdoor event designed to encourage children to explore the natural world through hands-on play. This monthly drop-in program transforms the museum park into an engaging environment filled with creative materials and outdoor resources for participants to enjoy at their own pace. Attendees can expect a rotating selection of activity supplies including fort-building equipment, puppets, costumes, bubbles, and painting stations. A dedicated play facilitator from Prairie Ridge will be on-site throughout the event to guide activities and ensure a positive experience for all participants. These materials change monthly to keep the environment fresh and exciting for frequent visitors. This program is specifically designed for children ages seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. The event takes place entirely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and prepare for the possibility of getting messy during play. Join us at the park to foster your childs curiosity and imagination in a supportive outdoor setting. We look forward to seeing your family for an afternoon of discovery and exploration.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to bring back a popular community favorite for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all local teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash as a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to education. This special promotion is available at any RipTide Car Wash location, making it convenient for educators across the Triangle area to take advantage of this refreshing offer. To redeem your free wash, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating locations in Durham or Raleigh. Whether you are prepping for the new academic term or just need to keep your vehicle clean during the busy back to school season, this is a fantastic way to enjoy a premium service at no cost. We encourage all eligible staff members to visit their nearest site throughout August to experience the quality and care that RipTide provides. Please visit the official RipTide Car Wash website to view the full list of branch locations and plan your visit today.

Conservation Convos is an educational event focused on the history and future of wolf populations. This session combines film and expert analysis to examine the impact of wolf recovery efforts. It serves as an informative platform for anyone interested in wildlife biology and environmental conservation. The event features a screening of the new documentary Lost Wolves of Yellowstone. This film includes rare footage detailing the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. Following the screening, Dr. Lincoln Larson from the NC State University College of Natural Resources will lead a discussion. Dr. Larson will provide specific insights into ongoing wolf recovery initiatives within North Carolina, bridging the gap between national projects and local environmental work. This event is ideal for students, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts who want to learn from academic professionals. You will gain a clear understanding of the ecological challenges and successes associated with wolf preservation. The atmosphere is professional, engaging, and designed to foster open learning. Please join us to broaden your knowledge of regional wildlife efforts and participate in a meaningful conversation about our natural world.

Found Footage Fest is a live comedy event featuring a curated collection of bizarre and hilarious VHS tapes discovered at thrift stores and garage sales across North America. Creators Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher host this screening, offering live commentary on the strangest media artifacts they have unearthed from their massive archive of over 14,000 tapes. This brand new Volume 11 tour showcases unique finds including a volatile dollar store salesman, amateur Bigfoot footage, and a baffling 1980s new age promotional video titled Psychic Surgery. Attendees will experience a guided tour through these forgotten media gems, complete with updates on where these eccentric subjects are today. The event highlights the unintentional comedy found in low-budget productions and obscure home movies. This show is perfect for fans of cult cinema, comedy, and pop culture oddities. Whether you are a longtime follower of the festival or a first-time viewer, the evening promises an unforgettable look at the absurdity of the VHS era. Secure your tickets now to join fellow enthusiasts for an evening of laughter and unique nostalgic discovery.

Experience the magic of cinema without breaking your budget at The Lumina Theater in Southern Village. Located conveniently at 620 Market Street in Chapel Hill, this premier destination invites you to take advantage of their recurring Terrific Tuesdays promotion. Every single Tuesday throughout the year, movie enthusiasts can enjoy discounted admission prices set at just 6.25 dollars per ticket. Once taxes and fees are applied, your total investment remains a very affordable 7.75 dollars, making it the perfect opportunity to catch the latest blockbusters or independent films on the big screen. Beyond the savings on admission, the experience is enhanced by exclusive concession specials available only on Tuesdays. Whether you are planning a casual date night, a fun outing with friends, or a solo cinematic escape, this offer ensures high quality entertainment at a fraction of the regular cost. We encourage you to plan your visit today and enjoy the comfort and community atmosphere that only The Lumina Theater can provide. Make sure to mark your calendar and head down to Southern Village for your next favorite movie night experience.

Nature Play Day at NCMA is a free outdoor event designed to encourage children to explore the natural world through hands-on play. This monthly drop-in program transforms the museum park into an engaging environment filled with creative materials and outdoor resources for participants to enjoy at their own pace. Attendees can expect a rotating selection of activity supplies including fort-building equipment, puppets, costumes, bubbles, and painting stations. A dedicated play facilitator from Prairie Ridge will be on-site throughout the event to guide activities and ensure a positive experience for all participants. These materials change monthly to keep the environment fresh and exciting for frequent visitors. This program is specifically designed for children ages seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. The event takes place entirely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and prepare for the possibility of getting messy during play. Join us at the park to foster your childs curiosity and imagination in a supportive outdoor setting. We look forward to seeing your family for an afternoon of discovery and exploration.

Conservation Convos is an educational event focused on the history and future of wolf populations. This session combines film and expert analysis to examine the impact of wolf recovery efforts. It serves as an informative platform for anyone interested in wildlife biology and environmental conservation. The event features a screening of the new documentary Lost Wolves of Yellowstone. This film includes rare footage detailing the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. Following the screening, Dr. Lincoln Larson from the NC State University College of Natural Resources will lead a discussion. Dr. Larson will provide specific insights into ongoing wolf recovery initiatives within North Carolina, bridging the gap between national projects and local environmental work. This event is ideal for students, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts who want to learn from academic professionals. You will gain a clear understanding of the ecological challenges and successes associated with wolf preservation. The atmosphere is professional, engaging, and designed to foster open learning. Please join us to broaden your knowledge of regional wildlife efforts and participate in a meaningful conversation about our natural world.

History at High Noon is a virtual lunchtime lecture series hosted by the North Carolina Museum of History. This session explores the history of Operation Bumblebee, a top secret project conducted by the US Navy during the late 1940s on a North Carolina barrier island. Attendees will learn about the seven remaining concrete towers that served as testing grounds for experimental propulsion systems. The presentation covers how these covert naval developments revolutionized ship defense mechanisms. Participants will also discover how this research provided the essential foundation for later supersonic flight and advancements in outer space exploration. The lecture provides a detailed look at a significant but often overlooked chapter of military and technological history. This event is designed for history enthusiasts, technology buffs, and anyone interested in local North Carolina research. The atmosphere is educational, accessible, and perfect for a mid day break. Join us to uncover the story behind these mysterious towers and gain insight into the innovations that shaped modern aviation. Register online today to secure your spot for this informative virtual session.