Carolina Stories and Summer Reading Festival

Bob Dylan will perform a live concert featuring special guests Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughn and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band. This event brings together three iconic musical acts for an evening of legendary songwriting and blues inspired rock performances. Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase of Dylan's classic catalog alongside fresh arrangements. Lucinda Williams brings her signature alternative country style to the stage while Jimmie Vaughn and his band provide a high energy performance rooted in classic blues traditions. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to witness influential artists performing together in one venue. The show is designed for fans of folk, rock, and blues music who appreciate deep lyrical content and skilled musicianship. The atmosphere will be centered on the music and the history of these performers. Tickets are available for purchase now and early booking is encouraged to secure your place. Join us for a memorable night of American music history that highlights the enduring impact of these celebrated performers. Secure your seats today to experience this rare musical lineup live.

Legendary rock band Deep Purple will perform live at the Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh. This concert offers fans an opportunity to experience iconic rock music in a premier open-air venue designed for live entertainment. Attendees can expect a full concert experience featuring classic hits and instrumental precision. The set will highlight the band signature sound, including soaring vocal performances, powerful percussion, and the famous interplay between organ and electric guitar. The production focuses on delivering a high-energy, authentic rock show rather than a standard stage performance. This event is ideal for classic rock enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate seasoned musicianship. The Red Hat Amphitheater provides excellent sightlines and a convenient location within walking distance of downtown dining and transit options. Parking is available nearby to ensure easy access for all concertgoers. Secure your tickets now to witness one of the most influential bands in rock history. Join us for a memorable night of music under the open sky in the heart of 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!

Mindful Story Time is an interactive program that merges literature, movement, and visual art to foster early childhood development. This session provides a creative space for young children and their caregivers to engage with original works of art through guided storytelling and active participation. Led by Erin Hanehan, the program focuses on building connections between books and physical expression. Participants will enjoy a blend of structured listening, imaginative movement, and artistic exploration. These curated activities help children process stories while developing motor skills and emotional awareness in an encouraging environment. This event is specifically designed for children aged eighteen months to four years accompanied by an adult. The atmosphere is welcoming, energetic, and purposefully paced to support the attention spans and developmental needs of toddlers. Whether you are seeking a unique bonding experience or a way to introduce art and literacy in a playful setting, this program offers significant benefits. Join us for this enriching experience to help your child cultivate creativity, focus, and self-expression. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in before the session begins.

Unleash your creativity at the North Carolina Museum of Art during our monthly after-hours craft nights. Hosted in the serene atmosphere of the NCMA Cafe in the West Building, this recurring series invites artists and hobbyists of all skill levels to gather, socialize, and create. Whether you are seeking a space to focus on a personal project or prefer to dive into a new artistic endeavor using our provided supplies, there is a place for you here. Each session features a unique, rotating theme designed to spark inspiration through connections to the museum galleries and the current season. These gatherings are entirely free, require no advance registration, and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow crafters in the local community. Enjoy light refreshments as you work on your masterpiece in a relaxing, artistic environment. We invite you to join us on the final Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions focused on collage, chance operations, and miniatures. Visit the museum website to view the full schedule and plan your visit today.

Burning Coal Theatre Company is proud to present Disney Newsies Jr. as the centerpiece of our 2026 summer intensive conservatory production. This program provides an immersive theatrical experience designed to develop performance skills and foster artistic growth through professional guidance and collaborative rehearsals. Participants will engage in a rigorous training schedule that focuses on acting technique, vocal coaching, and choreography. Over the course of the intensive, students work closely with experienced directors and industry professionals to stage a full production. The process emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and the refinement of technical performance abilities in a supportive studio environment. This opportunity is open to youth ages twelve through nineteen who are eager to advance their craft. The atmosphere is professional, energetic, and focused on building confidence alongside high quality results. Whether you are a returning performer or joining us for the first time, this conservatory offers a unique chance to challenge your creative boundaries and perform on stage. We invite all interested students to register early to secure a spot in this summer production. Join us for a summer of hard work and artistic achievement.

The Summer Insect Adventure is an educational outdoor program focused on identifying and observing the diverse insects and arthropods living within the park. This event provides a unique opportunity to study the local ecosystem and understand how these small creatures support the health of our environment for both people and wildlife. Participants will use nets to explore various habitats as we search for dragonflies, damselflies, diving beetles, and waterbugs. Our guides will lead the group through the park to find these species, highlighting their roles and behaviors. This hands-on experience allows attendees to get an up-close look at the species that are often overlooked during daily visits. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts and curious individuals who want to learn more about local biology in an active outdoor setting. It is a family friendly activity that encourages observation and environmental appreciation. Please come prepared for a walk by wearing appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. We also encourage all participants to bring a personal water bottle to stay hydrated while we explore the park together.

Looking for the perfect way to keep the family entertained this summer? Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12 in Raleigh is thrilled to host a series of free movie screenings designed specifically for children and families. Running every Tuesday and Wednesday from June 16 through August 5, 2026, this program offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the magic of cinema without breaking the budget. With two different showtimes available each morning at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., you can easily plan a convenient outing for your little ones. To enhance your movie experience, the theater is providing exclusive concession specials, including affordable popcorn and drink bundles for young viewers. Whether you are seeking a break from the heat or simply a fun weekly tradition, these screenings are the ideal destination. We encourage you to visit the Marquee Cinemas location on Common Oaks Drive to check the full schedule and secure your spots. Make this summer memorable by bringing the whole family together for these exciting film events. Plan your trip today and enjoy a season of cinematic fun at a venue near you.

Join the Town of Chapel Hill and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina for our recurring community food distribution events. These essential gatherings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, providing supplemental support to anyone in our community who needs a helping hand. We invite all neighbors to stop by the Eubanks Park-and-Ride Lot located at 2000 Eubanks Road to receive assistance and connect with our dedicated team of local volunteers. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, please remember to bring one or two boxes or bags with you when you arrive at 9:30 a.m. This initiative is a wonderful way to foster community spirit while ensuring that no one in our area goes without basic necessities. We are currently seeking energetic volunteers to help us manage these distributions, so please consider signing up to make a difference. If you require more immediate or ongoing food support, we encourage you to visit the Food Bank website to locate an agency near your specific zip code. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to support our neighbors in Chapel Hill.

The Summer Insect Adventure is an educational outdoor program focused on identifying and observing the diverse insects and arthropods living within the park. This event provides a unique opportunity to study the local ecosystem and understand how these small creatures support the health of our environment for both people and wildlife. Participants will use nets to explore various habitats as we search for dragonflies, damselflies, diving beetles, and waterbugs. Our guides will lead the group through the park to find these species, highlighting their roles and behaviors. This hands-on experience allows attendees to get an up-close look at the species that are often overlooked during daily visits. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts and curious individuals who want to learn more about local biology in an active outdoor setting. It is a family friendly activity that encourages observation and environmental appreciation. Please come prepared for a walk by wearing appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. We also encourage all participants to bring a personal water bottle to stay hydrated while we explore the park together.

The Summer Insect Adventure is an educational outdoor program focused on identifying and observing the diverse insects and arthropods living within the park. This event provides a unique opportunity to study the local ecosystem and understand how these small creatures support the health of our environment for both people and wildlife. Participants will use nets to explore various habitats as we search for dragonflies, damselflies, diving beetles, and waterbugs. Our guides will lead the group through the park to find these species, highlighting their roles and behaviors. This hands-on experience allows attendees to get an up-close look at the species that are often overlooked during daily visits. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts and curious individuals who want to learn more about local biology in an active outdoor setting. It is a family friendly activity that encourages observation and environmental appreciation. Please come prepared for a walk by wearing appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. We also encourage all participants to bring a personal water bottle to stay hydrated while we explore the park together.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Centennial SoundBites concert series, proudly presented by the Oak City Music Collective and NC State Centennial Campus. This exciting outdoor event offers a refreshing midday break for music lovers throughout the summer. Taking place on most Wednesdays from June 3 through August 5, 2026, these sessions provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy live performances in the heart of Raleigh. Each concert runs from 12 to 1 p.m. at 321 Coffee located at 930 Main Campus Drive. Attendees can enjoy a wonderful selection of local food trucks while soaking in the sounds of talented performers in an inviting outdoor setting. Admission is completely free, making it an ideal destination for students, professionals, and local residents alike. Convenient parking is available at the Oval West Parking Deck, where visitors can easily validate their license plates using the provided QR code upon arrival. We invite you to join us for this unique community experience and discover some of the best musical talent the Triangle has to offer. Visit our website to view the upcoming performer lineup and plan your visit today.

Mindful Story Time is an interactive program that merges literature, movement, and visual art to foster early childhood development. This session provides a creative space for young children and their caregivers to engage with original works of art through guided storytelling and active participation. Led by Erin Hanehan, the program focuses on building connections between books and physical expression. Participants will enjoy a blend of structured listening, imaginative movement, and artistic exploration. These curated activities help children process stories while developing motor skills and emotional awareness in an encouraging environment. This event is specifically designed for children aged eighteen months to four years accompanied by an adult. The atmosphere is welcoming, energetic, and purposefully paced to support the attention spans and developmental needs of toddlers. Whether you are seeking a unique bonding experience or a way to introduce art and literacy in a playful setting, this program offers significant benefits. Join us for this enriching experience to help your child cultivate creativity, focus, and self-expression. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in before the session begins.

Join our vibrant community every Wednesday evening for an engaging session of Acro Yoga at the beautiful Pullen Park in Raleigh. This dynamic practice expertly blends the mindfulness of yoga with the excitement of acrobatics, providing a unique workout experience that fosters strength, balance, and connection. Our sessions are specifically designed to welcome participants of all skill levels, ensuring that beginners feel supported while seasoned practitioners find new challenges to explore. We invite you to bring a yoga mat or towel and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the session. These gatherings are completely free and offer a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive, outdoor setting. Please remember to check the official Facebook group page before your visit to receive the latest updates on scheduling and potential weather-related location changes. Whether you are looking to refine your technique or simply want to try something new, we look forward to welcoming you to the mat. Come be part of this energetic midweek activity and elevate your fitness routine with us at Pullen Park.

This sunrise yoga class offers a guided session designed to help participants welcome the morning and celebrate the solstice season. The event has been rescheduled from the original date of June 19, 2026, to ensure an optimal experience for all attendees. This session provides a dedicated space to center yourself through mindful movement as the sun rises. Participants will engage in a structured yoga flow tailored to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. The session includes breathing exercises, foundational poses, and final relaxation techniques to prepare your body and mind for the day ahead. Experienced instructors will lead the practice, offering modifications to accommodate various skill levels and physical needs throughout the routine. This class is open to anyone seeking a refreshing start to their morning, whether you are a regular practitioner or new to yoga. The atmosphere is calm and focused, providing a supportive environment for personal growth and physical well-being. We invite you to join our community to experience the benefits of early morning movement. Please register in advance to secure your spot and arrive ten minutes early to settle in.