CosPaws for a Cause Pet Parade and Costume Contest

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!

Experience the bounty of the region at the Durham Farmers Market, a vibrant hub dedicated to local agriculture and community connection. Located at 501 Foster Street, this market features produce and goods sourced from within a seventy-mile radius. It is a fantastic destination for families and food enthusiasts looking to support local growers while enjoying fresh, seasonal ingredients in the heart of Durham. We are excited to announce our upcoming Triple Bucks Days on July 25 and August 8, 2026. This special event allows SNAP, WIC, Senior FMNP, and SUN Bucks participants to triple their benefits, turning ten dollars into thirty dollars worth of market tokens. Whether you use your benefits, cash, or card, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on high-quality local food before the program concludes at the end of August. Please visit our information table upon arrival to receive your tokens and take full advantage of this generous matching program. Join us from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate our community and enjoy everything our local farmers have to offer. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join the community for the Sharewear event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1524 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest, on August 8, 2026. This wonderful initiative provides individuals and families with free access to clothing, bedding, and essential school supplies to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. Everyone is welcome to participate in this shopping experience, where all items are provided completely free of charge to those in need. Beyond providing support, the event serves as a platform for neighbors to help neighbors. If you have gently used items you wish to donate, please drop them off on Friday, August 7, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your generous contributions make this event possible and ensure that everyone starts their season with dignity and necessary resources. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to join us for a day of giving and community spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of this impactful gathering designed to strengthen our local neighborhood.

Experience the beauty of nature and the joy of farm life at the Sunrise Community Farm Center in Chapel Hill. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this inclusive space invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore their expansive grounds. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an educational day out, the farm offers a welcoming environment regardless of the weather, thanks to numerous covered and protected areas available across the property. Enjoy a hands-on experience by interacting with the farm residents or take advantage of the optional pony and horse rides for an added touch of adventure. Admission is set at an accessible price of eight dollars, while ride packages are available for eighteen dollars. While reservations are not required for general admission, booking ahead for riding spots is highly encouraged to ensure your place. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable day in the fresh air. Visit our website today to secure your tickets and plan your trip to this vibrant local treasure. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm this Saturday for a memorable community experience.

First Responders Day at New Hope Valley Railway invites the community to honor local emergency services on Saturday August 8. This event brings together the Town of Apex Fire Department, Apex Police Department, and Wake County EMS to foster connection and appreciation for those who keep the community safe. Attendees can participate in a hands-on touch a truck experience featuring emergency vehicles. Guests are encouraged to climb inside the trucks and interact directly with the first responders. You will hear personal stories, learn practical safety tips, and explore the specialized equipment used by these professionals. Scenic train rides are also scheduled for departure at 10:30am and 12:00pm, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the railway grounds during the event. This family friendly day is designed for residents of all ages who want to engage with local heroes in a fun environment. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to learn about public safety firsthand. Tickets are available for purchase through the official TriangleTrain website. Ensure you secure your spots early for this engaging community experience.

Join us at Welcome Tattoo in Durham on Sunday, August 9, 2026, for an immersive evening dedicated to the rich history of tattooing in North Carolina. From 5 to 8 p.m., attendees will embark on a fascinating journey covering over 100 years of regional ink culture. Renowned tattoo historian C.W. Eldridge will provide a compelling presentation on the artists, shops, and unique personalities that have shaped the industry across the state. Following the lecture, guests will enjoy a special screening of the 25-minute film The Legendary Tattoo Joe. Presented by John Brehm of the Yellow Rose Tattoo Club, this documentary honors the life of Tattoo Joe, a legendary figure known for his work as a sideshow performer, musician, and pioneering North Carolina tattoo artist. Tickets are available for 15 dollars, with all proceeds directly supporting the Freedom German Shepherd Rescue. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about local history while contributing to a worthy cause. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique cultural event. Please purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Join the Town of Chapel Hill for our consistent food distribution events aimed at supporting our neighbors and fostering a stronger, healthier community. Held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Eubanks Park and Ride lot, these supplemental distributions provide essential resources to anyone in need. We work in close partnership with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to ensure that fresh and reliable food options remain accessible to all residents throughout the region. We invite you to participate in this impactful initiative, whether you are looking for assistance or eager to give back to your local area. Please remember to bring one or two boxes or bags to help carry your items. If you are passionate about service, we encourage you to sign up to volunteer and assist our dedicated team in coordinating these efforts. For those requiring more immediate or ongoing support, please visit the Food Bank website to utilize their comprehensive agency locator tool. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow community members by ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

Experience the beauty of nature and the joy of farm life at the Sunrise Community Farm Center in Chapel Hill. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this inclusive space invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore their expansive grounds. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an educational day out, the farm offers a welcoming environment regardless of the weather, thanks to numerous covered and protected areas available across the property. Enjoy a hands-on experience by interacting with the farm residents or take advantage of the optional pony and horse rides for an added touch of adventure. Admission is set at an accessible price of eight dollars, while ride packages are available for eighteen dollars. While reservations are not required for general admission, booking ahead for riding spots is highly encouraged to ensure your place. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable day in the fresh air. Visit our website today to secure your tickets and plan your trip to this vibrant local treasure. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm this Saturday for a memorable community experience.

First Responders Day at New Hope Valley Railway invites the community to honor local emergency services on Saturday August 8. This event brings together the Town of Apex Fire Department, Apex Police Department, and Wake County EMS to foster connection and appreciation for those who keep the community safe. Attendees can participate in a hands-on touch a truck experience featuring emergency vehicles. Guests are encouraged to climb inside the trucks and interact directly with the first responders. You will hear personal stories, learn practical safety tips, and explore the specialized equipment used by these professionals. Scenic train rides are also scheduled for departure at 10:30am and 12:00pm, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the railway grounds during the event. This family friendly day is designed for residents of all ages who want to engage with local heroes in a fun environment. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to learn about public safety firsthand. Tickets are available for purchase through the official TriangleTrain website. Ensure you secure your spots early for this engaging community experience.

The August Market on the Videri Patio is a recurring local event held at the Videri Chocolate Factory. This monthly gathering provides a dedicated space for community members to browse and purchase unique goods directly from talented area makers and craftspeople. It serves as an opportunity to support the local creative economy while enjoying a morning in an open air setting. Attendees can explore a diverse selection of local goods including jewelry, art, leatherwork, and vinyl records. Featured vendors this month include Riot Ryann, Singe Studios, Righteous Gems, Madeline Designs, Crop Designs, Walamob, Moroso Leatherworks, No Room Records, Lazy Lamb Art, and Raleigh Gal Art. The event layout encourages an easy flow between displays, allowing visitors to engage directly with the creators behind the products. This market is designed for anyone who appreciates handmade quality and wants to spend a relaxed morning connecting with their city. The atmosphere is casual and community focused. We encourage you to bring a friend to explore these collections and enjoy the patio environment. Please join us to discover what local makers are currently crafting.