Durham Really Really Free Market

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.

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!

The Hospitality AI Summit is a full-day event hosted by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. It examines how artificial intelligence is currently reshaping restaurants and lodging businesses. The summit focuses on the practical side of technology rather than abstract theory. Attendees will explore real-world AI applications, discuss shifting workforce dynamics, and learn about emerging tools that drive operational efficiency. The agenda features industry innovators, technology experts, and hospitality leaders sharing actionable insights. Participants will see how to leverage these new tools to solve common business challenges while improving service standards. This event is designed for owners, operators, and technology decision makers in the hospitality industry. It offers a collaborative space to connect with peers and discover solutions ready for implementation today. Join us at the McKimmon Center on the campus of NC State University in Raleigh to prepare your business for the future of the industry. Register now to secure your spot at this inaugural event and gain a competitive edge through practical technology integration.

Get ready for a sweet transformation as Morrisville turns into S'Morrisville on Monday, August 10, 2026. This delightful community event celebrates the classic campfire treat that everyone knows and loves. Join your neighbors at the Morrisville Community Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an evening dedicated to indulgence and fun. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary s'mores and a variety of other delicious snacks in a welcoming outdoor setting perfect for all ages. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, designated parking is available at the nearby Morrisville Elementary School located at 1519 Morrisville Parkway. Please note that entry requires a right turn from Davis Drive, and when departing, guests should exit right toward Chapel Hill Road. This is a wonderful chance to get outside, connect with the local community, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some campfire magic. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of treats. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this unique community gathering.

Experience the magic of cinema without breaking your budget at The Lumina Theater located in the heart of Southern Village in Chapel Hill. Every Tuesday throughout the year, film lovers can enjoy a premium movie-going experience for the incredibly affordable price of just six dollars and twenty five cents per ticket. Once you include taxes and fees, the total cost remains an accessible seven dollars and seventy five cents, making it the perfect opportunity for families, students, and local residents to catch the latest blockbusters or independent features. Beyond the discounted admission, The Lumina Theater elevates your weekly outing by offering exclusive concession specials throughout the day. Whether you are looking for a fun date night idea or a casual midweek escape, this promotion provides the ideal setting to relax and enjoy top tier entertainment for less. We invite you to visit our beautiful theater at 620 Market Street to take advantage of these savings and create lasting memories with friends and family. Make sure to mark your calendar and join us this Tuesday for an unforgettable cinematic experience. We look forward to seeing you at the movies.

Experience the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This impressive landscape serves as a sanctuary for local biodiversity, featuring over 240 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses. With approximately 85 percent of the flora native to the region, the garden provides a vital habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and various other essential pollinators. It is a true testament to the importance of sustainable gardening practices. Visitors are invited to join an educational guided tour led by experts to learn more about the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. These tours last ninety minutes and offer a deep dive into the plants that nourish our environment. While the garden is open to the public daily, these specialized guided sessions require prior registration to ensure an intimate and informative experience for all attendees. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and gain practical insights into conservation. Please secure your spot through the official registration link to join us for an inspiring morning session this summer season.

Nature Stories at NCMA is a recurring family program that combines storytelling with outdoor exploration. The event aims to connect young children with the natural world through literature and guided discovery across the museum campus. Participants begin each session with a featured nature themed story. Following the reading, attendees engage in hands on activities designed to reinforce the themes presented in the book. The program often transitions into guided walks through the museum grounds, allowing families to observe local wildlife and plants in their natural setting. These interactive experiences turn abstract concepts into tangible lessons. This free program is specifically designed for children age seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. Because portions of the experience take place outdoors, attendees should arrive dressed appropriately for current weather conditions. Most walking paths are accessible for strollers. We invite you to join us for a morning of learning, movement, and outdoor engagement. Please prepare for a short walk as we explore the diverse environment surrounding the Art Museum. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Get ready for a sweet transformation as Morrisville turns into S'Morrisville on Monday, August 10, 2026. This delightful community event celebrates the classic campfire treat that everyone knows and loves. Join your neighbors at the Morrisville Community Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an evening dedicated to indulgence and fun. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary s'mores and a variety of other delicious snacks in a welcoming outdoor setting perfect for all ages. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, designated parking is available at the nearby Morrisville Elementary School located at 1519 Morrisville Parkway. Please note that entry requires a right turn from Davis Drive, and when departing, guests should exit right toward Chapel Hill Road. This is a wonderful chance to get outside, connect with the local community, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some campfire magic. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of treats. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this unique community gathering.

Make your summer afternoons memorable with a delicious treat from the award-winning Andia's Ice Cream. Every Monday throughout the summer season, Andia's is delighted to offer a special buy one get one free promotion on their signature sundaes. This irresistible deal is available now through August 31, 2026, at both their Cary and Raleigh locations, providing the perfect opportunity to share a sweet experience with a friend or loved one. Each sundae includes a generous scoop of high-quality ice cream finished with whipped cream, your choice of topping, and a drizzle of decadent sauce. Whether you are a long-time fan of their nationally recognized flavors or a first-time visitor looking to discover why they have earned such high acclaim, this promotion is designed to brighten your week. Do not miss your chance to indulge in these premium handcrafted treats at an incredible value. Gather your friends and visit any of the participating shops this coming Monday to enjoy this refreshing offer. We invite you to stop by soon and experience the exceptional quality that makes Andia's Ice Cream a local favorite.

Show your appreciation for local educators this month as RipTide Car Wash brings back its highly anticipated promotion for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to visit any RipTide Car Wash location to receive a professional car wash completely free of charge. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a sparkling clean vehicle while recognizing the hard work and commitment of our community educators as they prepare for the upcoming school year. To participate in this generous offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating RipTide facilities. Whether you are located in Durham or Raleigh, there are several convenient sites available to serve you. We encourage all school staff to take advantage of this refreshing perk during their busy schedules. For a full list of participating addresses and further information regarding this promotion, please visit the official RipTide website today. Do not miss this chance to maintain a spotless car while celebrating the vital role that educators play in our daily lives.

Sharpen your strategic skills and meet new friends at the Durham Chess Enthusiasts weekly gathering. Held every Tuesday evening at the welcoming Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps, this event invites players of all experience levels to engage in friendly matches within a relaxed community atmosphere. Whether you are a grandmaster or just learning the ropes, you will find a supportive environment to practice and enjoy the game of kings. Der Nachbar provides the perfect backdrop for this intellectual pastime, offering an impressive selection of craft beers, fine wines, and non-alcoholic refreshments. The venue features a spacious outdoor patio that is pet-friendly and comfortable for social play. Participants are encouraged to bring their own takeout or enjoy local food truck offerings while they compete. Attendance is completely free, making this an ideal way to spend your Tuesday nights in Durham. Please note that while all are welcome, participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit Der Nachbar on Hillsborough Road this week to pull up a chair, enjoy a drink, and challenge your peers to a game of chess.