Drive-thru food pantry at Hillside Church

Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Cary through a weekend of vibrant community festivities held from July 3 to July 4, 2026. This extensive celebration offers something for everyone, starting with an energetic festival at Downtown Cary Park featuring arts and crafts, fun games, and a special screening of the classic film Independence Day. Music lovers can enjoy a patriotic performance by the Cary Town Band at the Cary Arts Center, followed by a spectacular concert from the North Carolina Symphony at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Families are encouraged to participate in the annual Independence Day Fishing Tournament at Bond Park, where participants of all ages compete for exciting prizes. The festivities culminate in a grand fireworks display that promises to illuminate the night sky, creating a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike. With free general admission to these events, the Town of Cary invites you to enjoy live entertainment, delicious offerings from local food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. Visit our website today to view the full schedule of events and plan your holiday weekend with us.

The July 3rd Celebration 2026 is a community event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This public gathering invites residents to enjoy a festive evening of entertainment and local activities in honor of this historic milestone. Guests can participate in a variety of interactive experiences including organized games and creative arts and crafts stations designed for all ages. To keep guests cool throughout the evening, a mist zone will be operational. A selection of local food trucks will be on site to provide diverse dining options, and the Bark Bar will offer a full menu of cold beverages for purchase. The event concludes with an outdoor screening of the classic 1996 film Independence Day, rated PG-13. This celebration is intended for families and individuals looking for an engaging way to connect with the community during the holiday weekend. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and energetic, providing a memorable experience for participants of every generation. Join us for this special evening of food, film, and community spirit. Admission is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Join the community for the annual Smithfield Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026. This exciting event takes place at the Neuse River Amphitheater located at 150 South Front Street in Smithfield, North Carolina. The festivities run from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., offering an energetic evening of fun for the entire family. Best of all, this community gathering is completely free to attend. Guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere designed to celebrate our national spirit with music and holiday activities. Public parking is conveniently available in the county lots on Johnston Street and 2nd Street, as well as at the public library located at 301 East Market Street. Whether you are looking for a relaxing evening by the river or a way to commemorate the holiday, this event offers the perfect setting for everyone. We encourage you to bring your friends and neighbors to enjoy this landmark local tradition. Stay connected with the latest updates by checking the official Facebook event page. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable night of celebration and community pride.

Experience the vibrant energy of downtown Fuquay-Varina during our recurring First Friday celebration. Held on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m., this community event invites residents and visitors alike to explore the heart of our historic district. Attendees can enjoy a diverse array of live music, explore unique local shopping opportunities, and take advantage of special dining deals offered by our talented business owners throughout the evening. This month, we are excited to feature a special interactive component as 8CountCountry provides professional instruction for line dancing. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, this session offers a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. This segment is completely free of charge and open to all skill levels, making it the perfect way to engage with the local arts scene. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy this festive atmosphere under the stars. Grab a lawn chair, settle in for a night of entertainment, and support your local community businesses. We look forward to seeing you downtown for an unforgettable evening.

If you're looking for a cultural outing this summer, the 31st Annual Juried Exhibition hosted by the Fine Arts League of Cary is one of the most anticipated art events in the Triangle. Held at the historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center in Cary, this highly competitive exhibition showcases some of the best artistic talent from across North Carolina and beyond - and it's completely free to attend. A wide range of two-dimensional art, from abstract to realism Paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces Artwork created by both emerging and established regional artists All pieces are available for purchase, making this a great opportunity to introduce kids to art collecting or find a unique piece for your home. Key Dates & Details Submission Period (for artists): April 15 – June 15, 2026 Exhibition Dates: June 30 – September 14, 2026 Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary Admission: Free Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday: Noon – 9:00 PM Friday: Noon – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: Closed The exhibition continues to grow each year. In 2025 alone: Over 650 entries were submitted More than 230 artists participated Only around 70 works were selected

Discover the transformative power of your voice at Unisong, a series of guided song circles designed to nourish your heart and soul. Whether you are a seasoned vocalist or a complete beginner, these ninety-minute sessions offer a welcoming space to explore the healing potential of collective sound. Guided by facilitators Deja Belle and Tessie Castillo, participants engage in purposeful singing and movement designed to process emotion, celebrate nature, and foster deep vibrational connections with others in the community. These gatherings act as a sanctuary for restoration, allowing you to release tension through song and intentional movement. From joyful melodies to deep, resonant humming, every session is crafted to provide a unique journey of self-discovery and collective harmony. Join us at our various locations in Siler City, Durham, and Raleigh to experience this profound practice firsthand. All sessions are completely free and open to individuals ages fifteen and older. Space is limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot today by visiting our official Eventbrite page. Come prepared to open your heart and join our vibrant community of singers as we harmonize for wellness and connection.

Triangle Cinemas is thrilled to invite local families to join us for a fantastic summer movie series at our location on 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh. Throughout the summer months, we are proud to offer free screenings of beloved family films, providing a perfect escape from the heat and an excellent opportunity for children to enjoy the magic of cinema on the big screen. Whether you are looking for a fun weekday activity or a way to keep the kids entertained during their break, our theater offers a welcoming environment for all members of the community. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with the main feature beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. each session. Please note that while outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium, our full service concession stand will be open to provide delicious snacks and refreshments during the show. We encourage you to gather your friends and neighbors to enjoy this delightful experience with us. Visit our website today to view our full schedule and plan your next family outing at Triangle Cinemas.

Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Wake Forest through two days of festive community events. The excitement begins on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Heritage High School with a live concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. The festivities continue on Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting with the beloved Children’s Parade at 10:30 a.m. near the Wake Forest Historical Museum. Kids are invited to decorate their bikes or wagons and participate in this spirited march through town. Following the parade, join us at the Wake Forest Community House from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Art in the Park, where families can enjoy creative crafting sessions and complimentary hotdogs served by the Wake Forest Fire Department. This entire holiday celebration is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity for community bonding. We encourage you to carpool as parking is limited. Plan to join your neighbors for a memorable holiday weekend filled with fun and patriotic cheer.

The Town of Wake Forest invites you to a vibrant two-day celebration honoring Independence Day on July 3 and 4, 2026. This festive weekend kicks off with a spectacular fireworks display and concert on Friday evening at Heritage High School. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show from the stadium or designated campus viewing areas. Admission is entirely free, making this the perfect opportunity for families to come together and celebrate under the summer sky. The festivities continue on Saturday with the Children’s Parade starting at 10:00 a.m. near the Wake Forest Historical Museum. Following the parade, join us for Art in the Park at the Wake Forest Community House from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This engaging event features creative arts and crafts projects for children of all ages. Additionally, the local fire department will be onsite serving free hotdogs and providing important safety demonstrations. We look forward to seeing the community gather for this energetic and inclusive celebration of our nation's independence. Please visit our website today for more details on event logistics and parking.

The Town of Wake Forest invites you to join an unforgettable two day celebration honoring Independence Day in 2026. This festive event showcases the community spirit of the Triangle with a lineup of activities perfect for residents and visitors alike. Kick off the excitement on Friday, July 3, at Heritage High School for an evening featuring a lively concert followed by a magnificent fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the show from the stadium or designated campus viewing areas. The celebration continues on Saturday, July 4, with a Children’s Parade starting at 10:00 a.m. near the Wake Forest Historical Museum. Kids are invited to decorate their bikes or wagons for this joyful procession. Afterward, head to the Wake Forest Community House for Art in the Park, where children can participate in creative craft projects. The local fire department will be onsite serving complimentary hotdogs and sharing safety tips. Admission to all festivities is completely free. Make plans to attend these community highlights and celebrate this holiday with us.