Durham CenterFest

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.

Wicks and Wax is a hands on candle making workshop hosted by The Raw Edition Candle Co. and Fenton Cary. This event invites participants to create their own custom scented soy candles in a collaborative social setting. Attendees will learn the basics of fragrance blending and professional candle pouring techniques while creating a unique home product. The experience covers the complete process from selecting oils to applying labels. Participants will spend forty five minutes crafting their own premium soy candle using professional grade supplies like cotton wicks and soy wax. A dedicated wax chandler will guide the group through the steps to ensure a high quality result. The session also includes tips on achieving long lasting scents and proper burning maintenance. Beyond the crafting process the event incorporates light games and opportunities for social fellowship. This experience is designed for individuals couples and groups seeking a creative and relaxing activity in Fenton. Whether you are looking for a unique date night or a fun outing with friends this workshop provides a memorable and productive evening. Book your spot today to learn a new skill and take home a custom creation.

A Brush of History is an instructional architectural sketching workshop hosted at the historic Pugh House. This class provides participants with the opportunity to observe, interpret, and capture the structural details of this landmark building through pencil drawing and watercolor painting. Participants will begin by learning to map architectural forms using foundational pencil techniques. Once the composition is set, the class will progress to applying loose watercolor washes to bring the scene to life with color. Instructors will guide students through the process of simplifying complex historic features into manageable artistic elements, ensuring a focused and productive session for all skill levels. This event is designed for beginners who are interested in history, architecture, or introductory fine arts. You will enjoy a creative atmosphere that blends local heritage with artistic practice in a supportive setting. Whether you are looking to develop your sketching skills or simply spend a relaxing day exploring the Pugh House, this workshop offers a unique perspective on our community landmarks. Registration is now open, so please secure your spot to participate in this engaging creative experience.

Join Oak City Voices for a special meet and greet and open rehearsal on August 18, 2026, as the group kicks off its exciting 10th anniversary season. This inter-generational women's chorus invites prospective singers to experience their vibrant community firsthand. The event takes place at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Cary from 7 to 9 p.m. and offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with current members, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the groups mission to foster a love of music through song. During the session, attendees will participate in an informal sight reading of selected concert pieces led by professional director Russell McKinney and accompanist Martha Abernathy. This is the perfect environment for singers of all backgrounds to explore whether this ensemble is the right fit for their musical goals. No formal audition is required for attendance, making it an accessible and welcoming experience for everyone. Please visit the official website to complete the contact form or simply show up to join the chorus for an evening of beautiful harmony and creative connection.

National Senior Citizens Day 2026 is a dedicated community celebration honoring the contributions and experiences of our senior citizens. This event serves as a platform to foster connection, appreciation, and joy through a curated day of social activities and shared experiences. Attendees can look forward to an engaging lineup of carnival style games designed for all skill levels and physical abilities. A complimentary lunch will be provided for all guests, offering a relaxed environment to socialize with friends and neighbors. The atmosphere is intended to be lighthearted and communal, prioritizing comfort and accessibility for all participants. This gathering is specifically designed for seniors looking to enjoy a day of entertainment and camaraderie in a welcoming setting. We invite you to join us for this special occasion to celebrate our community members and enjoy a day planned with your interests in mind. Please mark your calendars and prepare for a rewarding day of fun. We look forward to welcoming you to this celebratory event and ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Experience the ultimate culinary celebration at the Durham Foodie Fare, a recurring monthly event hosted by The MAKRS Society at Durham Central Park. Running from March through December, this vibrant gathering transforms the heart of the city into a bustling hub of creativity and flavor. Guests are invited to explore a diverse array of local makers, talented artists, and small businesses showcasing their unique crafts and goods in a lively outdoor setting. With more than twenty food trucks serving up a wide variety of delicious options, there is truly something to satisfy every craving. Beyond the incredible dining experiences, the event features curated music and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for friends and family alike. Whether you are looking to discover new local talent, enjoy a casual dinner under the stars, or simply soak in the energy of the Durham community, this event offers the perfect Friday evening destination. Best of all, admission is completely free for all attendees. Make plans to visit us at 501 Foster Street and join the local excitement. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable night of food, art, and community spirit.

Join The Scrap Exchange as it celebrates a remarkable 35 years of creative community impact during the Third Friday event in downtown Durham on August 21, 2026. This energetic anniversary celebration takes place at CCB Plaza from 6 to 9 p.m., offering an engaging evening packed with unique entertainment and festive activities for all ages. Experience live musical performances by Emma Jane and DJ MARRS, and catch a special appearance by the Scrap Exchange mascot, brought to life by Jeghetto Entertainment. Attendees can explore an immersive pop-up cardboard installation by artist Jason Lord, enjoy tarot readings, and participate in lawn games hosted by Pour Taproom. Local vendors will provide delicious treats, including a special signature salad from Neomonde Mediterranean. From the poolside views at Unscripted Durham to the vibrant galleries throughout downtown, this event promises a memorable experience for everyone. Mark your calendars for this milestone occasion and come celebrate the artistic spirit that defines Durham. We invite you to sign the giant birthday card and join the festivities. Visit our website for further details and to plan your evening in the city.

Join us for an exciting series of Pop-Up Play Dates held at the scenic Market Square at Sweetwater Town Center in Apex, North Carolina. These vibrant morning gatherings are designed specifically for children and families to enjoy the beautiful summer weather together. Every Tuesday throughout August 2026, we transform the lawn into a hub of activity featuring a variety of engaging outdoor games and fun movement exercises that encourage active play and socialization in a safe environment. These sessions are entirely free to attend, making them the perfect opportunity for local families to connect and start their mornings with energy and joy. Whether you are looking for a way to keep the kids entertained or seeking a fun community experience, our play dates offer the ideal setting for making new friends. We encourage all interested parents and guardians to monitor our Facebook page for the latest updates and any schedule adjustments. Come visit us at 2701 Lawnview Lane between 9 and 10:30 a.m. to experience the fun firsthand. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones on the lawn this August.

North Hills Kids is back for the summer of 2026, bringing high-energy excitement to families in the Raleigh area. This popular seasonal series is specifically designed for preschool-aged children to enjoy engaging and themed activities in a vibrant outdoor setting. Join us at Midtown Park on the third Tuesday of each month from June through August, between 9:30 and 11 a.m., for a morning of organized fun and play. These events offer a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to explore new themes and interact with peers in a safe environment. Please be aware that some sessions have limited supplies available, so we recommend arriving promptly as participation is based on a first come, first served basis. These events are completely free to the public, making them an excellent way to keep your children active and entertained during the summer months. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the area, North Hills Kids provides the perfect atmosphere for family bonding. We invite you to visit our website at visitnorthills.com/events to see the full schedule and learn more about our upcoming programs. Bring your preschooler to North Hills and create lasting summer memories with us.

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.