Cat Show: It's TICA Time Garden Pawty

Experience a heartwarming day at the Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge in Pittsboro, a sanctuary dedicated to providing lifelong care for rescued farm animals. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the refuge invites visitors to wander its peaceful 16-acre property. Guests can explore at their own pace, meeting rescued chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats, pigs, and cows, each with their own unique story of survival and resilience. Knowledgeable guides will be stationed throughout the grounds to introduce the animals by name and share inspiring tales of their rescues. The event offers a special opportunity to visit the innovative new Disabled Duck House and admire the serene animal memorial and unique architectural features on-site. Visitors can also enjoy delicious vegan offerings from local food vendors, EBN’s Vegan Cuisine and Dee’s Kitchen. This event is perfect for families and animal lovers looking to connect with nature while supporting a noble mission of compassion. Purchase your tickets on a sliding scale basis and join us for this unforgettable educational experience. We look forward to welcoming you to the refuge soon.

Join us for Unleashed’s Annual Spring Fling, an exciting community celebration dedicated to supporting animals in need. This vibrant event takes place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. at the scenic Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina. Admission and parking are entirely free, making this the perfect afternoon outing for families and their beloved canine companions. Attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music and a variety of local vendors. One of the main highlights is the much anticipated Doggie Easter Egg Hunt, which offers great prizes for participants. Please note that a 25 dollar donation is requested to join the egg hunt, and we highly recommend pre-registering online to secure your spot. Whether you are looking to meet adorable adoptable dogs and cats from various rescue groups or simply want to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this gathering. We look forward to seeing you there to help us make a meaningful difference for local rescue animals.

Experience the future of family fun as Pullen Amusements proudly unveils the brand new electric C.P. Huntington train. From April 17 through April 19, we invite the entire community to be among the very first passengers to enjoy a ride on this modern, eco-friendly engine. This landmark occasion celebrates sustainable transportation while preserving the classic charm that generations have come to love at our historic park. The weekend will be packed with engaging activities for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy live musical performances, get creative at our train-themed craft stations, or attend educational sessions focused on railway safety. Children will especially love our immersive story time sessions hosted right inside the caboose. Whether you are a dedicated train enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable family outing, there is something special waiting for you. Space for this celebration is limited, so we encourage you to check the available ticketing packages on RecLink today to secure your spot. Do not miss this opportunity to be part of our history. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable weekend at Pullen Park.

Experience the vibrant spirit of the season at the Calico Makers Spring Market, hosted by Calico Studio in Chapel Hill. This exciting community event takes place on April 18 and 19, 2026, offering a perfect weekend destination for art lovers and families alike. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore a curated selection of works from twenty-two talented local artists, showcasing the incredible creativity found within our region. Whether you are looking for a special piece of handmade art or simply want to soak in the creative atmosphere, this market has something for everyone. Beyond the beautiful gallery displays, attendees can enjoy live music performances, engaging art activities for all ages, and delicious local food truck offerings. The entire event is free to the public, including all art tent activities, making it an accessible way to support local makers and enjoy the spring weather. Rain dates are scheduled for April 25 and 26. We invite you to join us for this energetic celebration of local talent and community connection. Plan your visit today and be part of this memorable weekend.

Join the vibrant community of Carrboro, North Carolina, for a spectacular triple celebration featuring Earth Day, Carrboro Day, and Open Streets. Scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., this unique event transforms downtown into a bustling hub of activity. By closing East and West Weaver Street to motorized traffic, the town creates a safe, car-free environment dedicated to cycling, walking, and exploring various green initiatives. It is an ideal afternoon to connect with neighbors and participate in eco-friendly outdoor fun. The Open Streets initiative aims to turn public roads into dynamic spaces for recreation and community engagement. Whether you are interested in local culture, sustainability, or simply enjoying a beautiful spring day, there is something for everyone to discover. This event serves as a fantastic way to support environmental consciousness while experiencing the charm of downtown Carrboro in a completely new light. We invite you to bring your family and friends to enjoy this pedestrian-friendly experience. Mark your calendars now and plan to participate in this highly anticipated local celebration that highlights the best of our community spirit.

Join us in Knightdale for the fourth annual Creek Week StoryWalk, a delightful community experience hosted at our beautiful Environmental Park. In partnership with the East Wake Regional Library, we have curated an interactive outdoor reading activity designed to engage visitors of all ages. This year, we are proud to feature the charming book A Place for Rain by Michelle Schaub, which highlights the importance of our natural environment through a captivating narrative journey. The display will be available for public enjoyment from March 12 through April 22, 2026. Beyond the story, we invite you to interact with our educational exchange box to learn more about local conservation efforts. This initiative encourages families and nature lovers alike to take a walk, read along at their own pace, and soak in the serene atmosphere of our park. The facility is open daily from dawn until dusk, making it a flexible destination for your schedule. We encourage everyone to visit the park, participate in this unique literary adventure, and celebrate the natural beauty of our community together.

Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of William B. Umstead State Park. We invite individuals and families to embark on the Curious Minds Trail Adventure, an exciting exploration of the manmade lakes and scenic hiking trails that define this Piedmont East Science Trail gem. Whether you are searching for elusive marbled salamanders or rare woodland flora like the Jack in the Pulpit, this scavenger hunt offers a unique way to engage with the local ecosystem just minutes from downtown Raleigh. Participating is simple and accessible for all visitors. This digital adventure is hosted through the Actionbound app, which you can download for free on your mobile device. No personal data collection or account creation is required to get started. Simply scan the designated QR code at the park or search for the park name within the app to begin your journey through the wilderness. Gather your friends and family to experience this rustic retreat before the adventure concludes on April 30, 2026. Discover the wonders of nature at your own pace throughout this month long event.

Embark on an immersive literary adventure this April as Wake County Parks presents the celebrated StoryWalk series. This unique program invites families and nature lovers to experience the magic of storytelling while exploring the beautiful trails and landscapes of our local park system. By merging physical activity with children literature, participants of all ages can enjoy reading beloved books page by page while strolling through scenic outdoor environments. Whether you are walking the American Tobacco Trail or wandering the grounds of Oak View, each location offers a distinct narrative experience designed to inspire curiosity and foster a deep appreciation for the natural world. This initiative highlights the importance of literacy and active living in our community, providing an educational and engaging way to connect with both nature and literature simultaneously. We encourage you to plan your visits throughout the month to explore these curated tales at your own pace. Grab your walking shoes and head out to your favorite park location this April to discover the joy of reading under the open sky. We look forward to seeing you on the trails.