Conservation Convos: Something to Howl About

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.

Pot-A-Plant is an interactive workshop hosted at the Chapel designed to help participants improve their plant care skills. This hands-on session provides all necessary materials for attendees to successfully pot their own four-inch Pothos plant while personalizing a terracotta planter. Expert gardener Megan Cain leads the session, offering professional guidance and answering specific questions about plant maintenance. With over twelve years of experience featured on platforms like HGTV and Good Morning America, she simplifies complex gardening techniques into manageable steps. Participants receive all required tools and supplies, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience focused on long-term plant health and troubleshooting common issues. This event is perfect for both novice plant owners and experienced enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. The relaxed, inclusive atmosphere encourages open discussion, making it an excellent opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. Whether you are coming alone or bringing friends, you will leave with a healthy plant and the confidence to keep it thriving. Secure your spot today to develop the green thumb you have always wanted.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to announce the return of their highly anticipated teacher appreciation promotion for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all dedicated teachers and school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash at any RipTide location. This special initiative serves as a heartfelt thank you to those who play such a vital role in our local educational community as they prepare for the upcoming school year. To take advantage of this generous offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating RipTide Car Wash locations across Durham and Raleigh. Whether you visit the facility on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard, Roxboro Street, Falls of Neuse Road, or Sandy Forks Road, you will receive top-tier service at absolutely no cost. We encourage all school employees to participate in this promotion and experience a refreshing start to the new academic season. Head over to your nearest RipTide location during business hours this August and let the team take care of your vehicle today.

Purpose@Peace is a community gathering designed to connect residents with local resources and foster neighborhood engagement. The City of Raleigh community engagement team will be on site to provide information about various municipal programs and services available to you and your family. This event serves as a central hub for residents to learn how to better utilize city offerings while enjoying a positive atmosphere. Attendees can expect a variety of helpful resources and informational materials regarding public services. We will provide fun giveaways for the entire family throughout the day. It is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet city representatives, and gain clarity on programs that impact your daily life. Whether you are seeking specific assistance or just want to learn more about how your city operates, this event offers something for everyone. We welcome families, individuals, and anyone interested in local community development to stop by our booth. We encourage you to visit us to engage with our team and pick up useful tools and information. We look forward to meeting you and helping you connect with the city services that matter most to your household.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a series of complimentary movie screenings throughout the summer months. From June 16 to August 20, 2026, guests can catch a variety of popular films, including the beloved feature Trolls, every Tuesday through Thursday, with several special Friday showings added to the schedule. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m. each morning, with the screenings starting at 10:00 a.m. This community-focused initiative provides a fantastic, budget-friendly way for children to stay entertained and engaged during their summer break. While no outside food or beverages are permitted inside the theater, a variety of tasty treats will be available for purchase at the concessions stand. Whether you are looking to escape the heat or simply enjoy a morning of cinema with your little ones, this program is the perfect outing. We encourage you to visit our website today to check the full schedule of films and plan your next visit to Triangle Cinemas for an unforgettable summer movie experience.

Experience the magic of cinema without breaking your budget at The Lumina Theater in Southern Village, located at 620 Market Street in Chapel Hill. We are thrilled to host our ongoing Terrific Tuesdays promotion, designed to make your movie-going experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Every Tuesday throughout the entire year, you can secure your cinema tickets for the incredibly low base price of 6.25 dollars. Even after including all necessary taxes and fees, your total comes to just 7.75 dollars per ticket, offering significant savings for film lovers. Beyond the discounted admission, guests can also take advantage of exclusive concession specials available exclusively on Tuesdays. Whether you are catching the latest blockbuster or a critically acclaimed indie film, there is no better time to visit our state of the art facility. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an affordable night out at the movies. Visit our box office or check our website to browse current showtimes and book your seats in advance for this weekly special event.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a series of complimentary movie screenings throughout the summer months. From June 16 through August 20, 2026, the theater will present popular children films every Tuesday through Thursday, with additional screenings on select Fridays. These events are designed to offer an affordable and entertaining way for families to stay cool and engaged during the summer break. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m., with the featured movies beginning at 10 a.m. While outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater, a full range of concessions will be available for purchase to enhance your viewing experience. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy big screen entertainment in a welcoming environment. We encourage all families in the Triangle area to join us for these exciting morning features. Whether you are looking for a fun outing or a way to keep the kids entertained, our summer movie program is the perfect destination. Plan your visit today and be sure to check our full schedule for additional free and affordable programming.

Step back in time to celebrate a historic milestone as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bicentennial Folklife Festival. Fifty years ago, the Durham community gathered at West Point on the Eno to honor American heritage with a vibrant showcase of North Carolina traditions, arts, and music. The Museum of Durham History is proud to host a special pop-up exhibit that brings this cherished moment back to life through original photographs, personal memories, and nostalgic melodies. We invite you to join us for an informal reception during Third Friday on July 17, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at our downtown location. This free event offers a wonderful opportunity to explore historic images, listen to captivating stories from those who experienced the original 1976 celebration, and connect with the rich cultural legacy of Durham. Whether you were there five decades ago or are discovering this unique piece of history for the first time, your presence will make the evening even more meaningful. We look forward to seeing you there as we honor our shared past and celebrate the spirit of our community.

Artful Story Time is an interactive program that pairs children literature with original works of art. The event explores visual storytelling through reading and movement to help children connect with museum collections in a meaningful way. Each session offers a unique experience designed to encourage curiosity and creative thinking in young participants. Attendees will listen to rotating featured readers who bring stories to life throughout the museum galleries. Because the event frequently changes locations and content, every session provides a fresh perspective and a new way to engage with art. This experience is specifically tailored for young children and their caregivers who enjoy immersive learning. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and designed to foster a love for both reading and art history. Whether you are a regular visitor or attending for the first time, you will find an engaging environment that supports early childhood development. We invite families to join us for these sessions to discover new stories and explore the museum galleries together. Please check the current schedule for specific locations and featured readers before your visit.

The Mindful Museum Summer Singing Bowl Sound Bath is a guided meditation session held within our museum galleries. This event utilizes resonant sound instruments to provide a restorative experience designed to calm the nervous system and promote deep relaxation for all participants. During this session, you will experience the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls. These instruments create an immersive auditory environment that encourages a parasympathetic state. This practice is specifically designed to help decrease daily stress and enhance overall rest. The resonant sounds fill the gallery space, offering a unique opportunity for healing and quiet reflection in an artistic setting. This event is open to anyone seeking a break from the pace of daily life. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, making it ideal for those interested in mindfulness, meditation, or simply finding a moment of peace. No prior experience with sound baths is required to participate. We invite you to join us for this restorative session to recharge your mind and body. Please reserve your spot in advance to ensure your space in this limited capacity experience.