Back to School Block Party

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.

The 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is a premier community gathering showcasing the work of over 250 talented artists from across the country. This milestone event celebrates fine craftsmanship and creative expression in a vibrant outdoor setting. Attendees can browse unique handmade goods while enjoying a wide variety of interactive experiences and local culture. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, and textiles. The festival provides entertainment across four dedicated stages and features more than 25 food vendors offering a range of culinary options. Guests may also relax in the beer garden or the designated lounge area. Families will find extensive programming at Kid Daze, which includes fun activities and the new Kid Collectors Market where children can purchase art created by festival participants. Professional artisans will host live demonstrations throughout the weekend. This festival is designed for art lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summer. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with makers and support the arts community. Join us to experience this landmark anniversary celebration and participate in a long standing local tradition.

The 80s Party at The Cary offers a relaxed indoor environment for visitors attending the Lazy Daze 50th anniversary event. This gathering provides a convenient climate-controlled space to escape the summer heat while celebrating retro culture in a welcoming community setting. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of 80s music and classic board games such as Clue, Operation, and Trouble in the lobby area. The event also features raffle prizes and access to the theater to experience iconic musical highlights from the decade. Whether you are looking for a quick break or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these interactive activities provide an engaging way to recharge. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone interested in a casual social atmosphere. The environment is designed to be accessible and fun for all ages. We invite you to step out of the sun and join us at The Cary to relive your favorite moments. Stop by during the Lazy Daze festivities to participate in the games and enter the raffle. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Cary Street Food Festival is a two-day culinary celebration taking place at Fenton on August 22 and 23, 2026. This event utilizes both the outdoor parking lot and interior spaces at Sport and Social, PBR Cowboy Bar, and AVA Rooftop Bar to showcase the best food trucks and local restaurants in the region. Every food item is priced at five dollars or less to encourage attendees to sample a diverse range of local flavors from more than 20 participating vendors. Attendees can participate in a variety of activities beyond dining, including live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and vendor market shopping. Additional attractions include axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, eating challenges, and family-friendly games. VIP ticket holders also gain exclusive access to a giant chocolate fountain. The festival utilizes an indoor and outdoor pavilion to ensure the event proceeds comfortably throughout the weekend. This festival is designed for food enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in Cary. We invite you to join us for this unique dining experience. Please plan your visit to Fenton early to explore all the flavors and entertainment options available throughout the festival grounds.

The 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is a premier community gathering showcasing the work of over 250 talented artists from across the country. This milestone event celebrates fine craftsmanship and creative expression in a vibrant outdoor setting. Attendees can browse unique handmade goods while enjoying a wide variety of interactive experiences and local culture. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, and textiles. The festival provides entertainment across four dedicated stages and features more than 25 food vendors offering a range of culinary options. Guests may also relax in the beer garden or the designated lounge area. Families will find extensive programming at Kid Daze, which includes fun activities and the new Kid Collectors Market where children can purchase art created by festival participants. Professional artisans will host live demonstrations throughout the weekend. This festival is designed for art lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summer. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with makers and support the arts community. Join us to experience this landmark anniversary celebration and participate in a long standing local tradition.

The 80s Party at The Cary offers a relaxed indoor environment for visitors attending the Lazy Daze 50th anniversary event. This gathering provides a convenient climate-controlled space to escape the summer heat while celebrating retro culture in a welcoming community setting. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of 80s music and classic board games such as Clue, Operation, and Trouble in the lobby area. The event also features raffle prizes and access to the theater to experience iconic musical highlights from the decade. Whether you are looking for a quick break or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these interactive activities provide an engaging way to recharge. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone interested in a casual social atmosphere. The environment is designed to be accessible and fun for all ages. We invite you to step out of the sun and join us at The Cary to relive your favorite moments. Stop by during the Lazy Daze festivities to participate in the games and enter the raffle. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join the vibrant automotive community at Cars and Coffee Raleigh for an exhilarating Slammed and Low Rider Day. This exciting event celebrates the unique craftsmanship of low rider vehicles, showcasing incredible custom paint jobs, meticulously modified interiors, and impressive hydraulic systems. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet passionate owners, learn about their custom modifications, and appreciate the artistry behind these automotive masterpieces in a welcoming environment. Hosted at 6270 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, this gathering is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. The event is entirely free to attend and offers a family-friendly atmosphere where even your pets are welcome to join the fun. Whether you are a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging way to spend your Sunday morning, there is always something new and interesting to discover at our themed shows. We encourage you to follow Cars and Coffee Raleigh on social media for the latest announcements and updates. Make sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, August 23, 2026, and experience the best of the local car culture firsthand. We look forward to seeing you there.