Author Event: Stephanie Dray

Carolina Kitty Con is a two day festival celebrating everything related to felines. It serves as a comprehensive hub for pop culture enthusiasts, cat rescuers, educators, and pet owners throughout the Southeast region. The event promotes feline welfare while fostering a community for those who share a passion for cats. Attendees can participate in educational workshops, rescue advocacy programs, and interactive entertainment sessions. The festival features guest speakers, local cat creators, and various exhibits focused on feline health and lifestyle. Visitors will find vendors offering cat themed merchandise along with opportunities to connect with regional shelters and adoption specialists. These activities provide a structured way to learn about responsible pet care while engaging with current trends in the cat community. This event welcomes lifelong cat owners, shelter volunteers, artists, and curious individuals alike. The atmosphere is intended to be inclusive, informative, and highly engaging for all participants. Whether you are seeking expert advice on feline behavior or simply want to connect with fellow enthusiasts, Carolina Kitty Con offers a unique space for discovery. Plan your visit today to join this gathering dedicated to celebrating and supporting our feline companions.

Bridge Fellowship Church is hosting a FREE Vacation Bible School for kids this summer in Southeast Raleigh! Dates: June 22–26, 2026 Times: 6:00–8:00 PM each evening Location: 3060 Hammond Business Place, Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27610 Cost: Completely FREE and open to all families in the community Ages: Kindergarten through 6th Grade Five nights of Bible stories, worship, crafts, games, and fun built around one big idea — God is bigger than your kids can imagine, and He sees and loves every one of them. Register free (takes 2 minutes): https://bridgefellowshipraleigh.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/223010145 Questions? Call 919-679-1222 or visit bridgefellowshipchurch.com

Page 158 Books invites you to an engaging author discussion featuring Steve Bergsman as he presents his new biography, Have Mercy Baby: The Life of Clyde McPhatter. This event explores the life and legacy of the iconic tenor who helped shape early rock and soul music. David Menconi will join Bergsman in conversation to dive deep into McPhatter’s musical contributions and personal journey. Attendees will gain insight into McPhatter’s career, from his early work with the Dominoes to his role in founding the Drifters. Bergsman draws on exclusive interviews to provide a comprehensive portrait of this influential artist. The discussion will cover McPhatter’s impact on American music, his two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the complex challenges he faced behind the scenes. This event is ideal for music historians, fans of mid-century rhythm and blues, and anyone interested in the pioneers of rock and roll. Join us for this enlightening conversation to learn more about a true music legend. Please visit the Page 158 Books website for venue details and registration information.

Page 158 Books invites you to a special author event featuring Chef Toya Boudy. She will present her new cookbook, Cooking from Scratch, which explores heritage recipes and personal resilience. This session celebrates the release of her latest work and offers guests a chance to engage with the author. Toya Boudy is a noted chef and storyteller known for her appearances on national television. During this event, she will discuss her creative process, the inspiration she drew from Malinda Russell, and how she reimagined seventy soul-satisfying recipes. Attendees will learn about the stories behind dishes like her signature Jamaican Curry and African Spinach Stew. She will also touch on the twenty natural remedies included in her book that aim to nourish the body and spirit. This event is perfect for home cooks, food enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of cooking and personal storytelling. The atmosphere will be welcoming, professional, and insightful. Join us at the store to meet the author, ask questions, and celebrate the healing power of cooking from scratch. We look forward to seeing you there.

Page 158 Books invites you to a special author event featuring John Pavlovitz as he celebrates the release of his new children's book, HERE and NOW and SMALL and CLOSE. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the author and explore the themes behind this heartfelt new project. John Pavlovitz will discuss his creative process and his collaboration with award-winning illustrator Stacey Chomiak. The book uses a joyful narrative to teach children about empathy, community, and the power of small individual actions. Attendees will learn how the book provides practical tools for families and classrooms to foster compassion in their daily lives. The presentation will highlight the vision behind the story and the inspiration John drew from his years of work in faith and social justice. This event is perfect for families, educators, and fans of John Pavlovitz who appreciate thoughtful, inclusive storytelling. You will leave with a deeper understanding of how to empower young readers to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods. Please join us at Page 158 Books for this inspiring conversation.

Box Making for Beginners is a two day hands on workshop designed to teach fundamental woodworking skills. You will learn to construct a small keepsake box while mastering core techniques applicable to larger cabinetry projects. This course provides a structured introduction to woodshop practices in a supportive environment. Over two consecutive sessions you will gain experience in essential construction stages. Day one focuses on project design, processing raw wood, and initial assembly. On day two you will explore various finishing techniques, learn to construct a custom lid, and apply decorative elements to your project. These skills form the foundation for all future woodworking endeavors. This class is perfect for beginners who want to build confidence with shop tools and complete a tangible project. Please note that participants must have prior table saw experience or have completed our woodshop intro course before attending. Join us to develop your craft and create a professional quality box. Register now to secure your spot in this productive and rewarding two day learning experience.

Artful Story Time combines literature and visual arts to create an engaging experience for young readers and their families. This recurring program encourages children to observe, listen, and move while making meaningful connections between original works of art and children's books. Each session features rotating readers to provide fresh perspectives. This month, the session centers on a construction theme. Attendees will examine the sculpture Please Be Seated North Carolina and observe our active construction site. Participants will meet a member of our construction team to learn about the machines, trucks, and tools used on the job. Please bring hard hats to enhance the immersive experience as we connect art to the building process. This event is designed for families with children who enjoy interactive storytelling and hands-on learning. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and educational, making it a perfect opportunity to explore the museum grounds in a new way. We invite you to join us for this unique blend of art and industry. Check our schedule to confirm the date and prepare for an morning of discovery.

Unleash your musical potential with free ukulele lessons hosted by Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. Designed specifically for adults ages 18 and older, this four-week workshop series offers a welcoming environment to master the fundamentals of music and ukulele performance. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, instructor Keith provides expert guidance on essential chords and notes, ensuring you gain the confidence to jam with others comfortably. Sessions will be held every Wednesday from May 27 to June 17, 2026, at the Five Points Center for Active Adults in Raleigh. Do not worry if you do not own an instrument, as some extra ukuleles will be available for participants to use during class. This is a fantastic opportunity to dive into a fun, new hobby while connecting with the local music community. Registration is required to secure your spot in this popular program, so please sign up as soon as possible to ensure your participation. We look forward to helping you start your musical journey and seeing you at the center for these engaging sessions.

Join the vibrant community at Chick-fil-A Rand Village in Raleigh for the delightful Books and Biscuits Kids Club held every Wednesday morning throughout June 2026. This engaging weekly series is designed to ignite the imaginations of young children through interactive storytime sessions paired with creative crafting activities. Each session offers a wonderful opportunity for families to connect while enjoying a friendly atmosphere where little ones can discover new tales and express their artistic talents. Beyond the weekly club activities, the location is hosting a variety of exciting summer events including bracelet making for National Best Friends Day, monthly Bingo nights featuring fun prizes, and special appearances by Mimi the Clown for face painting and balloon twisting. Guests can also look forward to surprise visits from the famous Chick-fil-A Cow throughout the summer months. These gatherings are the perfect way to make lasting memories with your children in a welcoming local environment. We invite you to visit the restaurant on Fayetteville Road to participate in these enriching activities. Please check the official social media channels for the most recent updates and bring your family along for a summer filled with discovery, fun, and community spirit.

Looking for the perfect way to keep your little ones entertained during the summer break? Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12 in Raleigh is excited to invite families to their annual free summer movie program. Taking place every Tuesday and Wednesday from June 16 through August 5, 2026, this event series offers a fantastic opportunity for community members to enjoy quality entertainment without breaking the bank. Attendees can choose between two different film screenings each morning, with start times at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. To enhance your cinematic experience, the theater is also offering special discounted concession packages, including junior drink and popcorn bundles starting at just four dollars and fifty cents. Whether you are looking to beat the heat or find a consistent weekly activity for your children, this program is designed to deliver fun and joy for all ages. We encourage you to mark your calendars and join us at the theater for these special screenings. For a complete list of this season's scheduled movies and additional details on how to plan your visit, please head over to our official website today.

Experience a profound journey through history at Historic Stagville in Durham, North Carolina. This June, we invite you to participate in our guided Emancipation and Juneteenth tours, which shed light on the complex legacy of slavery and the resilience of those who sought freedom in 1865. Participants will explore the lives of formerly enslaved families, hearing powerful stories of love, labor, and the pursuit of connection while plantation owners fought to maintain their influence. These engaging tours feature both indoor and outdoor stops across the expansive historic site, offering an immersive look into a pivotal moment in American history. Whether you join us for our regularly scheduled Wednesday tours throughout June or visit us on June 19 for our special Juneteenth commemorations, you will gain a deeper understanding of the path to emancipation. On Juneteenth, all tours are offered free of charge to the public. We encourage you to visit our website to secure your tickets for our Wednesday sessions or arrive early on June 19 to register for a tour at our visitors center. Come walk through history with us and honor the stories that shaped our nation.