Come Out and Play Sculpture Show at JimGin Farm

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.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

The Arts and Education Festival is a community event dedicated to celebrating the intersection of creativity and academic learning. This festival serves as a resource hub designed to support students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. It provides a space for community members to connect while accessing valuable educational support. Attendees can participate in a variety of activities throughout the day. Key features include school supply giveaways to assist students with essential tools and free haircuts to help them feel prepared for class. The event also hosts numerous educational vendors offering information on local programs and resources. Visitors will enjoy a range of food trucks and live music provided by a professional DJ throughout the afternoon. This festival is open to all community members and is designed for families seeking a productive and engaging day out. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and celebratory. We encourage you to join us for this opportunity to strengthen our community ties and support local students. Please mark your calendars and prepare to enjoy a day focused on growth and creativity.

Discover a curated selection of unique finds at the Pop-Up Raleigh Art and Vintage Market. Held on the third Saturday of every month from March through December, this recurring event transforms Trophy on Maywood into a vibrant hub for local creativity. Shoppers are invited to browse an eclectic array of offerings, including one-of-a-kind handmade art, high-quality vintage clothing, and thoughtfully sourced accessories. By attending, you play a vital role in supporting talented local artisans and small business owners who contribute to the cultural landscape of the Triangle area. This market provides the perfect atmosphere to hunt for distinctive gifts or to simply enjoy an afternoon of discovery in a welcoming community setting. Whether you are a long-time vintage enthusiast or an art lover looking for something special to brighten your home, you will find something that resonates with your personal style. We encourage you to visit our website or follow our Facebook page for the latest updates on participating vendors and upcoming seasonal themes. Come join us this month for an inspiring shopping experience that celebrates local talent and sustainable fashion.

Experience the charm of country life at the Sunrise Community Farm Center, located in the beautiful Chapel Hill area. Our weekly Open Farm event provides a welcoming environment for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to connect with nature and animals. Rain or shine, our facility ensures a comfortable visit with plenty of covered, weather proofed areas for everyone to enjoy throughout the entire year. Whether you are seeking a peaceful weekend outing or an educational adventure for the family, our farm offers a unique space to explore and unwind. Take your experience to the next level by reserving a pony or horse ride, adding a memorable highlight to your visit. General admission is available for eight dollars, while ride packages are offered for eighteen dollars. We encourage you to visit our website to secure your tickets in advance, though walk-ins are always welcome. Join our vibrant community this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discover the wonders of farm life. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm for an unforgettable day of outdoor exploration and community fun.

Experience the vibrant Black Farmers' Market in Durham, a premier community destination dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black farmers and local business owners. This event serves as a vital platform for entrepreneurs who have historically faced systemic challenges in the agricultural industry. By participating, attendees play an essential role in fostering economic equity while enjoying an exceptional selection of fresh, locally grown produce and artisan goods. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors, learn about the significance of sustainable family farms, and contribute to a more inclusive local economy. The market operates on a rotating schedule between Durham and Raleigh, ensuring broad access for community members across the Triangle. Whether you are looking for seasonal vegetables, unique handmade items, or simply want to support a great cause, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this inclusive gathering. We invite you to bring your family and friends to experience the energy and warmth of this collective effort. Visit the Black Farmers' Market Facebook page to check the latest schedule and confirm upcoming locations. Come out this Sunday to show your support and celebrate the hard work of our community members.

Experience the authentic charm of Sonark Farms, a picturesque sixty-three-acre destination located in the heart of Hillsborough, North Carolina. The Barn serves as the premier venue on the property, providing a rustic and welcoming environment designed for community connection. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape or a lively evening of entertainment, this unique space offers an ideal backdrop for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the countryside lifestyle. Join us for an exciting series of live performances, including our highly anticipated recurring Bluegrass Jam nights. We take pride in offering an accessible experience, with many events operating on a pay what you can basis to ensure everyone can enjoy local music in a relaxed setting. From talented bands to intimate acoustic sets, there is always something special happening at The Barn. We invite you to explore our upcoming event schedule, discover new artists, and plan your visit today. Follow the provided links to learn more about our lineup and secure your spot for an unforgettable night of music under the stars.

Experience the vibrant heart of the local creative scene at the Durham Craft Market, held every Saturday morning at Durham Central Park. This juried, artist-run collective showcases the incredible talents of over fifty regional artisans who live and create within thirty miles of the city. Whether you are searching for unique handmade decor, exquisite jewelry, or one-of-a-kind gifts, you will find an exceptional variety of high-quality goods that celebrate the spirit of our community. The market serves as a welcoming gathering space where neighbors and visitors can connect directly with the talented individuals behind the work. Since its inception in 2006, this grassroots initiative has blossomed into a must-visit destination for those who value craftsmanship and local commerce. Please note that summer hours run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., while winter hours shift to 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is completely free, making it the perfect weekend outing for everyone. We invite you to come out, support your local makers, and enjoy the energetic atmosphere of our outdoor marketplace. Visit us at 501 Foster Street this Saturday to discover your next favorite treasure.

The Coffee to Coffee Bike Ride is a community cycling event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Raleigh greenway system and the opening of a new Drift Coffee location. Riders will travel from the Ridgewood store to the new shop near Dix Park using an accessible greenway route. Participants will enjoy a 10 mile out and back ride primarily on paved greenway paths. Volunteers will lead and sweep the group to ensure safety and support for all riders. The first 50 guests will receive free swag items upon arrival at the destination. Riders are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 am to grab a beverage or snack before the 9:15 am departure. This event is open to all cyclists who enjoy casual group rides and wish to support local infrastructure and businesses. The atmosphere will be social, energetic, and beginner friendly. Please review the Ride with GPS route before arriving to prepare for the course. We look forward to seeing you there for a morning of exercise and celebration.

Prepare for the upcoming academic year at the vibrant Books, Bikes and Back-to-School event hosted by the Durham Co-op Market. This community gathering is designed to help students and families transition smoothly into the school season while celebrating the joy of learning and healthy living. Attendees can look forward to an engaging atmosphere filled with activities that emphasize education, active lifestyles, and community connection. Whether you are hunting for great resources, looking to brush up on bike safety, or simply wanting to connect with local neighbors, this event offers something special for everyone. The Durham Co-op Market provides a welcoming environment for all participants to enjoy the festivities together. This is an excellent opportunity to gather necessary supplies and enjoy a productive day out before classes resume. We warmly invite all members of the community to join us for this free event on August 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1111 W Chapel Hill Street in Durham. Mark your calendars and bring your friends for an unforgettable experience that supports our local students and families.