Body Mind Spirit Celebration

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 heart of Hillsborough during the Last Fridays Makers Market. Held on the last Friday of every month, this community celebration transforms downtown into a bustling hub of creativity and connection. Visitors are invited to explore an array of local art galleries, boutique shops, and fine jewelry studios that highlight the impressive talent within our region. The atmosphere comes alive with captivating live performances, ranging from local musicians to circus entertainers, ensuring there is something to inspire everyone. From May through October, the Old Courthouse lawn becomes a focal point for the Makers Market, showcasing over twenty unique local vendors offering handmade goods and one of a kind treasures. Whether you are strolling down Churton Street or relaxing on the lawn during a live performance, this recurring event offers the perfect opportunity to engage with the local culture and support homegrown talent. Join us for an evening of artistic discovery and community spirit. Visit the official Hillsborough Arts Council website today to view the full schedule of participating venues and plan your visit for the next event date.

Get ready for an incredible opportunity to refresh your wardrobe or stock up for your next production at the Durham Ballet Theatre Costume Sale. Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at our facility located at 608 N Duke Street in Durham. As we embark on a massive seasonal cleaning of our storage archives, we are opening our doors to the public to offer a vast collection of high-quality theater and dance costumes at unbeatable prices, with many items available for under ten dollars. Whether you are a professional performer, a student preparing for a recital, or simply someone who loves unique pieces for plays and musicals, this event features a diverse range of attire suitable for children, teens, and adults. Because this is a popular sale, we encourage you to arrive early to ensure the best selection of performance wear. Do not miss this chance to grab high-quality items for a bargain. We look forward to seeing the local community there to support the arts and find their perfect costume match.

Experience the creative spirit of the community at the Durham Craft Market, held every Saturday morning at the vibrant Durham Central Park. This juried, artist-run collective showcases the incredible talents of over 50 local artisans who live and create within 30 miles of the city. Whether you are searching for unique handmade gifts, home decor, or one-of-a-kind treasures, you will find high-quality craftsmanship that truly reflects the local character of Durham. From April through October, join the festivities between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., or enjoy a slightly later start from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the cooler months between November and March. Admission to this lively outdoor event is completely free, making it the perfect destination for families, art lovers, and neighbors to connect in an inviting atmosphere. Support local small businesses while enjoying a refreshing morning outdoors. We encourage you to visit our website for the most up-to-date schedule information and plan your trip today to discover the best handmade items that our talented local artists have to offer.

Get ready to move and groove with the KatMoves Travelling Studio. We are thrilled to offer free line dancing classes every Tuesday evening in the heart of Hillsborough. Whether you are an experienced dancer or have never stepped foot on a dance floor before, these sessions are designed for everyone. Each hour-long class focuses on teaching clear, accessible footwork and patterns followed by a review session and plenty of time to enjoy the music. Our teaching style is incredibly relaxed and emphasizes the joy of movement in a welcoming, community-focused environment. These sessions are hosted at the Snow Approach Foundation, a wonderful organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with brain conditions. While the classes are completely free, we welcome optional tips, with a portion of the proceeds directly benefiting their mission. No registration or RSVP is required, so feel free to simply drop in and join the fun. Bring your friends, put on some comfortable shoes, and prepare for an energetic evening of dance. We look forward to seeing you on the floor each Tuesday through December 2026.

Experience the revitalizing benefits of community wellness at our free yoga sessions held in the beautiful Durham Central Park Pavilion. Running every Tuesday at 6 p.m. from April through September 8, 2026, these gentle mat yoga classes are designed to accommodate all skill levels in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We are proud to offer sessions that alternate between bilingual Spanish and English instruction and English-only sessions, ensuring that everyone in our diverse community feels comfortable and engaged. Please remember to bring your own yoga mat and a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the practice. While we provide a limited number of props, we encourage participants to come prepared to fully enjoy this outdoor movement experience. This is a wonderful opportunity to prioritize your health, meet neighbors, and enjoy the fresh air in the heart of Durham. Join us at 501 Foster Street to decompress, build strength, and connect with fellow fitness enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing you on the mat for a season of wellness and rejuvenation in the park.

Join the vibrant Run, Sweat, Beers Run Club held weekly at Growler Grlz in Durham. This welcoming community has been going strong for over five years, bringing together fitness enthusiasts and craft beer lovers for an invigorating social experience. Whether you are an avid marathoner or a casual walker, all paces are encouraged to participate in this recurring Tuesday event. There is no formal registration required, so simply show up ready to move and socialize. Participants can take advantage of a fantastic incentive program where new members earn a complimentary Growler Grlz t-shirt after completing their first dozen runs. Following your workout, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the taproom which features an extensive selection of fresh local brews. It is the perfect way to combine your fitness goals with a rewarding social outing in the heart of the Triangle area. Make sure to lace up your sneakers, invite your friends, and join this dedicated group of locals for a healthy and fun evening. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line this Tuesday for a great run.