Durham Beer and Banjos at Old Mill 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.

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 authentic spirit of acoustic music at the Bluegrass Jam held at the scenic Sonark Farms in Hillsborough. Set across sixty-three beautiful acres, our venue offers a rustic and relaxed atmosphere perfect for musicians and music lovers to gather. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to join the circle or an enthusiastic listener eager to soak in the melodies, this event is designed to bring the community together in a welcoming, countryside setting. Our pay what you can pricing model ensures that live music remains accessible to everyone who wishes to participate in our vibrant local culture. The Bar(n) provides the ideal backdrop for these recurring sessions, creating a unique environment where the harmonies and rhythms of traditional bluegrass truly come to life under the North Carolina sky. We invite you to grab a chair, enjoy the fresh air, and share in the joy of live performance with fellow community members. Please visit our official website to view the full schedule of upcoming dates and learn more about our venue and additional events.

Experience the vibrant sounds of Durham Beer and Banjos, a weekly music series dedicated to the soul of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. Hosted at the scenic Old Mill Farm, this event provides the perfect backdrop for music lovers to unwind and connect with local artists in an inviting outdoor setting. Join us every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. to discover talented musicians performing in one of the most charming spots in North Carolina. Whether you are a long time fan of acoustic melodies or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend your Thursday night, this series offers an authentic community experience that celebrates the rich musical heritage of our region. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible event for everyone to enjoy. Please note that there will be no performance on June 18, 2026. We encourage you to visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to check the weekly band lineup and stay updated on event news. Come out to Old Mill Farm this week to enjoy great music and wonderful company.

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 charm of Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce in Southern Village, Chapel Hill. Marking its tenth successful year, this beloved weekly tradition offers the perfect setting to unwind from the work week with friends, family, and furry companions alike. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere featuring refreshing wine specials and live musical performances. The event takes place every Wednesday evening from April 1 through October 21, 2026. Music performances commence at 6 p.m., providing a delightful soundtrack to your evening as you lounge in the pleasant outdoor seating area. Whether you are looking to enjoy a glass of fine wine or simply want to appreciate talented local musicians in an inviting environment, this series promises a memorable experience for all. We encourage you to join our vibrant community for this open social event. Make plans to visit us at 610 Market Street to experience why this has become a staple of the Chapel Hill social calendar. We look forward to welcoming you to these weekly festivities all season long.

Get ready to elevate your summer evenings with the Summer Vibes Music Series, a vibrant celebration of local talent returning to the Triangle throughout June, July, and August 2026. This exciting series offers an incredible lineup of live musical performances designed to bring the community together in some of the most beautiful parks in Cary and Raleigh. Whether you are a dedicated music lover or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors, this event series delivers the perfect backdrop for memorable summer nights. Families are encouraged to join the festivities, as each session features dedicated crafts and engaging activities for children, ensuring entertainment for all ages. With a variety of local food and drink vendors available on-site, you can relax, unwind, and enjoy a picnic under the stars while listening to top-tier local musicians. Best of all, these community events are completely free to the public. Make sure to mark your calendars and gather your friends for this high-energy series. Visit our website today to view the full performance schedule and join us for an unforgettable season of music.

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.

Prepare for the upcoming academic year by attending the Durham Rescue Mission Back to School Party on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. This community gathering is dedicated to supporting local students and families by providing essential resources to ensure a successful start to the school year. Guests will have the opportunity to receive free school supplies, groceries, and a complimentary lunch while supplies last. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the main event beginning at 12 p.m. at the Durham Rescue Mission location on East Main Street. This event is a fantastic way to engage with the community and alleviate the financial burden associated with back to school preparations. Whether you are seeking necessary materials or simply want to participate in a supportive environment, this party offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Make sure to arrive early to take advantage of the available resources. Join your neighbors for this impactful day of giving and community spirit. Visit the official Durham Rescue Mission website for more information on how you can support their ongoing efforts throughout the year.

Join the Carrboro Farmers Market for an engaging season of family fun through our Market Bunch program and various community celebrations. Held at the historic Carrboro Town Commons, our market connects residents with local farmers and artisans who produce high-quality goods within a fifty-mile radius. Every Wednesday from April through November, the Market Bunch program provides free educational activities for children, focusing on sustainability, healthy eating, and creative arts. These interactive sessions encourage young learners to explore the origins of their food in a supportive, community-driven environment. Beyond our weekly programming, we host monthly seasonal events ranging from the vibrant Kids Seedling Day to the popular Strawberry Jamboree and the festive Tomato Day. Whether you are interested in gardening tips, live music, or delicious local food samples, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to experience the best of local agriculture while participating in unique cultural events designed for all ages. Please visit our website or follow our Facebook page for updated event calendars and detailed schedules. We look forward to seeing your family at the market this season.