Family Saturday Series: A Wild Goose Chase: Puppets and Poetry

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!

Experience the vibrant local arts scene at The Plant in Pittsboro. Poetry at The Plant offers a welcoming stage for writers and enthusiasts alike to gather and share the power of the spoken word. Held on the second Wednesday of every month, this recurring event fosters creativity and community engagement within the unique setting of Fair Game Beverage Company. Whether you are an aspiring poet looking for a platform to debut your latest work or an avid fan of literature seeking an evening of artistic expression, this gathering provides an intimate and supportive atmosphere for all participants. Fair Game Beverage Company prides itself on serving high-quality spirits and wines produced from North Carolina ingredients, making it the perfect venue for such a cultural evening. This event is entirely free and open to the public, encouraging everyone in the Chatham County area to attend and participate. Join us for a memorable hour of literary discovery and community spirit. Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions through November 2026 and become part of this flourishing local tradition today.

This orientation class provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental operation of the CNC router. Participants will learn how to safely use this powerful tool to cut and carve intricate designs for various creative projects. The session is designed to give you the practical skills needed to operate the machine independently. Throughout the workshop, you will learn the entire workflow from start to finish. We will cover powering on the equipment, preparing your material, and creating designs using Easel software. You will also learn how to program toolpaths to execute your cuts accurately. As a hands-on highlight, every participant will create a personalized wooden coaster featuring their own initials to gain direct experience with the machine. This course is perfect for makers, hobbyists, and artists eager to add CNC fabrication to their skill set. The environment is supportive and focused on technical proficiency. Whether you want to build custom signs or intricate art pieces, this session provides the essential foundation for your future projects. Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot and start bringing your digital designs into the physical world.

Experience the North Carolina Museum of Art in a new light with NCMA After Hours. This dynamic monthly series invites you to explore the galleries after dark, blending art, live music, and creative energy into an unforgettable evening. Whether you are browsing the renowned People Collection, dancing to a guest DJ, or engaging in hands-on art activities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for those looking to connect with community and creativity in a unique setting. Enjoy an array of cultural experiences, including special-edition giveaways and live artist demonstrations that celebrate artistic traditions from around the globe. While the event is designed with adults in mind, all ages are encouraged to attend this free community gathering. You can purchase delicious refreshments at the NCMA Cafe to enjoy as you socialize and explore the galleries. Do not miss this opportunity to engage with art beyond the traditional daytime experience. Visit our website today to view the full schedule and join us for our next evening of inspiration.

Triangle Cinemas invites local families to experience the magic of cinema this summer with their exciting series of free movie screenings. Located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, the theater is proud to host these special presentations of The Wild Robot, ensuring that entertainment remains accessible for all residents throughout the season. These screenings take place weekly from Tuesday through Thursday, with select Friday showings included from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Doors are scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m. each morning, with the feature films beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. While attendees are reminded that outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue, a variety of delicious concessions will be available for purchase to enhance your viewing experience. This program serves as a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy big screen adventures in a welcoming community environment. We encourage you to plan your visit early to secure your spot for this engaging cinematic journey. For more details on this event and other affordable summer activities, please visit our website to explore our comprehensive resource list today.

Math Makers invites children and their families to experience the wonder of mathematics through a series of engaging, hands-on sessions at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. Running monthly through November 2026, this program transforms abstract concepts into tangible discoveries by weaving together elements of nature, culture, and creative construction. Expert instructors from Natural Math and the NC Network of Math Teachers Circles guide participants as they build curious creations and develop a deeper appreciation for the logic that surrounds our everyday world. Each session provides an interactive environment where learning feels like play. Participants will even receive a specialized math kit to take home, ensuring the excitement of discovery continues long after the event concludes. This series is completely free to attend, making it a fantastic resource for local families looking to enrich their educational experiences. Please note that while the events are free, registration is required and typically opens two weeks prior to each scheduled date. We encourage you to visit the official website to secure your spot and stay informed about future sessions. Join us to foster a love for lifelong learning in a vibrant community setting.

Experience the vibrant community atmosphere at the Carrboro Farmers Market, held on the historic Carrboro Town Commons. This bustling hub connects local families with fresh, sustainably sourced goods from farmers and artisans located within a 50-mile radius. Throughout the year, the market transforms into an educational and entertaining space featuring the Market Bunch program, which offers free activities for children every Wednesday focused on agriculture, arts and crafts, and healthy eating. Beyond the weekly offerings, the market hosts a series of engaging seasonal celebrations. From the spring excitement of Kids Seedling Day and the delightful Strawberry Jamboree to the flavorful Tomato Day and the festive Vendor Halloween Costume Contest, there is always something new to discover. These events provide unique opportunities to learn about local food sources while enjoying live music, vendor specials, and interactive community programs. We invite you and your family to join us this season to support local growers and participate in our diverse lineup of community programming. Please visit our website or follow our social media channels for the most current schedule of events and updates.

Towne Players presents Disney's Aladdin Jr., a live musical stage production based on the classic animated film. This performance adapts the popular Broadway version into a concise, family-friendly show designed for theatergoers of all ages to enjoy together. Attendees will watch the iconic story of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and the Genie unfold through a series of familiar musical numbers and storytelling. The production features local performers who bring the magical world of Agrabah to life through choreography, costumes, and live vocal performances. Audience members can expect a professional, high-energy atmosphere that emphasizes themes of friendship, courage, and personal discovery. The show is suitable for families, students, and fans of musical theater looking for an engaging live experience. It serves as an excellent introduction to the performing arts for younger children while offering nostalgic value for adults. We invite community members to secure their tickets soon to ensure seating for this limited engagement. Please check the venue website for specific showtimes, parking instructions, and ticket pricing details. Join us for an afternoon or evening of entertainment that celebrates creativity and the performing arts in our local community.

Death By Disco is an interactive murder mystery dinner theater event hosted at the Halle Cultural Arts Center. Attendees will step back into the high stakes world of a 1977 disco dance contest sponsored by ShowTown Records for an evening of entertainment and fine dining. Participants will watch an original performance as they interact with characters like disco diva Dana Winter, DJ Damian Moonrock, and label executive Sylvester Wolfe. Guests are tasked with questioning these suspects to solve a sudden mystery that unfolds during the show. Your ticket includes a full gourmet meal featuring pizza, curated salads, and dessert, ensuring a satisfying experience for both your appetite and your inner detective. This event is perfect for anyone who enjoys immersive theater, true crime narratives, and the vibrant music of the seventies. While period attire is encouraged to enhance the fun, it is not required for participation. Reserve your spot now to join this evening of suspense, music, and food. Come prepared to enjoy a unique night of entertainment where you play a central role in uncovering the truth behind the crime.

The Winner Takes It All is an ABBA-inspired gala dedicated to supporting Theatre Raleigh. This event raises funds for high-quality theatre productions and professional development programs for aspiring artists. Attendees will enjoy a sophisticated evening featuring live music, a cocktail reception, and a formal multi-course dinner. The program includes live and silent auctions along with performances from Theatre Raleigh professionals and students. Guests can expect a vibrant celebration centered on the iconic music of ABBA while contributing to a vital local arts institution. This gala is designed for theatre enthusiasts, community supporters, and music lovers who appreciate live performance. The atmosphere is energetic and celebratory, offering a unique opportunity to connect with fellow arts patrons. We invite you to join us for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Tickets are available for purchase now, and we encourage early registration to secure your spot at this signature event. Your participation directly enables our mission to cultivate future talent and deliver exceptional theatrical experiences to our community.