Brown Bags to Building Bridges: Inside the Apex Planning Department

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.

Make your summer afternoons unforgettable with a delightful treat from the award-winning Andia's Ice Cream. Every Monday throughout the summer season, participating locations in Cary and Raleigh are hosting a special promotion that is sure to brighten your week. Patrons can enjoy a delicious buy-one-get-one-free sundae offer, making it the perfect opportunity to share a sweet moment with friends or family. Each sundae is crafted with care, featuring a generous scoop of premium ice cream topped with whipped cream, your choice of sauce, and a topping. As a nationally recognized establishment known for its exceptional quality and flavor, Andia's Ice Cream provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat. This limited-time promotion runs through August 31, 2026, so do not miss your chance to indulge in these handcrafted desserts at an incredible value. Visit your nearest Andia's Ice Cream location this Monday to take advantage of this exclusive deal. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, there is no better time to experience these award-winning flavors. Gather your loved ones and head over to satisfy your cravings today.

Treat yourself to a delicious cooling experience this summer with a special offer from Ritas Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. From now through August 31, 2026, guests who purchase a Small Frozen Custard Cone through the official Ritas Ice app can enjoy a complimentary Small Italian Ice on the house. This refreshing promotion is available at participating locations nationwide, making it the perfect opportunity to visit your neighborhood shop and enjoy a classic frozen treat. Whether you are craving the smooth and creamy texture of custard or the vibrant, icy flavors of our signature Italian ice, this deal allows you to experience the best of both worlds. Participating is simple and rewarding for all app users. Please note that this offer is limited to one reward per account and is valid while supplies last. Make sure to download the Ritas Ice app today to secure your digital voucher and head to your local shop before the month concludes. Gather your friends and family for a sweet afternoon break and take full advantage of this limited time dessert promotion before it disappears for the season.

Join the vibrant community of strategic thinkers at the Durham Chess Enthusiasts weekly gathering. Hosted at the welcoming Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps on Hillsborough Road, this event invites players of all skill levels to engage in friendly matches and intellectual stimulation. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner looking to learn the game, you will find a supportive atmosphere where camaraderie is the top priority. The venue offers a fantastic selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic options, along with a dog-friendly patio that provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of mental competition. The sessions take place every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are completely free to attend. While everyone is welcome to participate, please note that an adult must accompany any players under the age of eighteen. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks or enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks when available. We encourage you to head over to Der Nachbar this Tuesday to sharpen your skills, meet new friends, and enjoy a fantastic evening of chess.

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.