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 vibrant sounds of Durham Beer and Banjos, a premier weekly music series dedicated to showcasing the finest roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk talent in the region. Held every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the scenic Old Mill Farm, this event offers the perfect environment to enjoy live acoustic performances in a relaxing, natural setting. Whether you are a dedicated fan of traditional folk music or simply looking for a wonderful way to spend an evening, this series promises an authentic and memorable musical experience for all attendees. Admission is completely free, making it an ideal destination for music enthusiasts seeking quality local entertainment without the cost. Please note that the series does not take place on June 18, 2026, so be sure to plan accordingly. We encourage you to visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to check the weekly performance schedule and see which talented artists are taking the stage next. Come join our growing community of music lovers and enjoy a great night of live melodies under the stars.

Experience the charm of local culture at the Bynum Front Porch Friday Night Music Series, hosted at the historic Bynum General Store in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This nonprofit community gathering spot offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where neighbors and visitors alike come together to celebrate live performances. From May through August, you can enjoy vibrant outdoor concerts every Friday evening, providing the perfect soundtrack to your summer nights under the stars. The setting encourages a true sense of community, making it a standout destination for music lovers across the Triangle. Beyond the Friday series, the venue also hosts engaging storytelling sessions and open bluegrass jams, fostering a rich environment for musical expression. While these events are free to attend, we encourage guests to support our talented performers through voluntary contributions. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from afar, this series promises an unforgettable experience in a unique, historic atmosphere. We invite you to check our official social media pages for the latest updates on scheduling and event details. Join us soon for an evening of music and community spirit in beautiful Pittsboro.

Experience the vibrant heart of the local music scene at the Durham Beer and Banjos series. Hosted at the scenic Old Mill Farm, this weekly gathering celebrates the rich traditions of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. Every Thursday evening, community members and music lovers come together to enjoy live performances by talented regional artists in a relaxing and welcoming outdoor environment. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long day while connecting with neighbors and experiencing authentic musical artistry. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., providing an ideal backdrop for a casual evening out. With free admission, it is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to experience culture in Durham. Whether you are a dedicated fan of traditional acoustic music or simply looking for a pleasant way to spend your Thursday, this series offers something special for everyone. Please visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to view the current performance schedule and plan your visit today. We look forward to seeing you at the farm for an unforgettable musical experience.

Join us for an exclusive listening party to hear the new Billy Strings album, So Much For Goodbyes, before its official release. This event provides fans with a unique opportunity to experience the record in a social setting alongside fellow enthusiasts before it hits streaming platforms. Attendees will enjoy a full playback of the new album in a high-quality audio environment. We will also feature a curated selection of bluegrass music leading up to the main event. Guests can look forward to themed drinks throughout the evening and the chance to collect exclusive promotional goodies. Additionally, we will be accepting pre-orders for the album on both vinyl and CD for those looking to secure their physical copies early. This gathering is designed for dedicated Billy Strings fans who value community and high-fidelity sound. Whether you are a long-time listener or new to the genre, the atmosphere will be welcoming and focused on the music. Please join us at our shop to celebrate this release. We look forward to seeing you there for a memorable night of bluegrass.

Experience the charm of Southern Village at La Vita Dolce for their popular Wine Down Wednesday series. Now in its tenth year, this local tradition invites you to enjoy refreshing wine specials and vibrant live music every Wednesday from April 1 through October 21, 2026. Whether you are looking to unwind after work or enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars, this open social gathering is the perfect destination for the community. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and perfect for guests of all ages, as the venue is both kid and dog friendly. Music performances begin promptly at 6 p.m. and run until 8 p.m., providing the perfect backdrop for socializing with friends and neighbors. We invite you to make the most of the beautiful North Carolina weather while sipping on your favorite beverage. Please keep an eye on official social media channels for any weather-related updates. Join us in Chapel Hill this season to celebrate local talent and great company. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable midweek retreat.

The Hoots will perform a live concert featuring special guest Lake Chamberlain. This event offers an evening of high energy music showcasing the unique sounds of both artists for a dedicated local audience. Attendees can expect two distinct sets of performances throughout the night. The Hoots provide a rhythmic and engaging musical experience that serves as the centerpiece of the evening. Lake Chamberlain opens the show with a complementary set designed to set the tone for the performance. Sound quality and stage production are prioritized to ensure an immersive experience for all guests in attendance. This show is perfect for music lovers who appreciate live performances in an intimate setting. Whether you are a longtime fan of these artists or simply looking for an enjoyable night out, this concert promises consistent quality and entertainment. The atmosphere is casual and designed to foster a connection between the performers and the crowd. Secure your tickets in advance to guarantee entry to the venue. We look forward to seeing you at the show for a memorable musical experience.

Join us for Pop-Up Play Dates at Market Square in the beautiful Sweetwater Town Center located in Apex, North Carolina. These weekly gatherings are the perfect way to spend your summer mornings, providing an engaging environment where children can run, play, and socialize outdoors on the lawn. Each session is carefully designed to offer fun activities that encourage active play and creativity for young children during the vibrant month of August. These sessions occur every Tuesday throughout the month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and are entirely free for all attendees. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and connect with other local families in the community. Whether you are looking for a routine outdoor activity or just a quick morning outing, these play dates offer a welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. We encourage you to mark your calendars and stay updated by checking our Facebook page for any specific announcements or scheduling changes. Come visit us at 2701 Lawnview Lane and enjoy a morning of laughter and outdoor excitement with your little ones.

Discover the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden, located at 480 Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This remarkable landscape features over 240 species of perennials, shrubs, trees, vines, and grasses, with an impressive 85 percent of these plants being native to our region. Maintained by Agricultural Extension Agent Debbie Roos and a dedicated volunteer crew, this garden serves as a vital sanctuary for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and a variety of other essential pollinators. We invite you to experience this living classroom firsthand through our guided tours. These educational sessions offer an immersive look at the unique relationship between diverse plant life and the pollinators they sustain. Each tour lasts approximately ninety minutes, providing deep insights into ecological stewardship. Participation is completely free of charge for all guests, though advance registration is required to secure your spot. Join us this summer to connect with nature and learn about the importance of native plant conservation. Please visit the official event page to register for your preferred date and join our growing community of nature enthusiasts today.

Toddler Tuesday: Wild Neighbors is an educational nature program hosted by the Piedmont Wildlife Center designed for young children. This event provides an engaging introduction to local wildlife through direct observation and guided learning. The thirty minute interactive presentation features live animal encounters with a rabbit, a snake, and an owl. Participants have the unique opportunity to see these animals up close and learn about their natural habitats. Following the demonstration, attendees will participate in a guided hands-on craft activity related to the days nature theme. These sessions are structured to keep young children attentive and involved throughout the experience. This event is specifically designed for toddlers who are curious about the natural world. The atmosphere is welcoming, safe, and focused on age appropriate learning. It offers a structured way to introduce children to animal welfare and biology in a manageable format. Parents and guardians looking for an informative and active summer morning activity are encouraged to attend. Please arrive on time to ensure you do not miss any part of the animal presentation as seating is limited.