First Friday in Downtown Fuquay-Varina

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 spirit of community generosity at the Chapel Hill Really Really Free Market. Hosted on the third Monday of each month at the beautiful Southern Village Green, this unique gathering invites residents to participate in a circular economy where everything is offered with no strings attached. Whether you are looking to declutter your home or find new treasures, this event fosters a welcoming environment built on kindness rather than commerce. Participants are encouraged to bring gently used items such as books, clothing, toys, or even share personal skills and musical talents with neighbors. Please remember that this is a community-supported initiative, so guests must take home any items that remain unclaimed by the end of the event. This gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet local residents while supporting sustainable living practices in our region. Stay connected and informed by following the official chapelhillrrfm account on Instagram for the latest event updates and announcements. We look forward to seeing you at the green for a morning of sharing, connecting, and celebrating our vibrant Chapel Hill community.

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.

Experience the magic of cinema without breaking your budget at The Lumina Theater in Southern Village, located at 620 Market Street in Chapel Hill. We are thrilled to host our ongoing Terrific Tuesdays promotion, designed to make your movie-going experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Every Tuesday throughout the entire year, you can secure your cinema tickets for the incredibly low base price of 6.25 dollars. Even after including all necessary taxes and fees, your total comes to just 7.75 dollars per ticket, offering significant savings for film lovers. Beyond the discounted admission, guests can also take advantage of exclusive concession specials available exclusively on Tuesdays. Whether you are catching the latest blockbuster or a critically acclaimed indie film, there is no better time to visit our state of the art facility. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an affordable night out at the movies. Visit our box office or check our website to browse current showtimes and book your seats in advance for this weekly special event.

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.

Experience the spirit of community generosity at the Chapel Hill Really Really Free Market. Hosted on the third Monday of each month at the beautiful Southern Village Green, this unique gathering invites residents to participate in a circular economy where everything is offered with no strings attached. Whether you are looking to declutter your home or find new treasures, this event fosters a welcoming environment built on kindness rather than commerce. Participants are encouraged to bring gently used items such as books, clothing, toys, or even share personal skills and musical talents with neighbors. Please remember that this is a community-supported initiative, so guests must take home any items that remain unclaimed by the end of the event. This gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet local residents while supporting sustainable living practices in our region. Stay connected and informed by following the official chapelhillrrfm account on Instagram for the latest event updates and announcements. We look forward to seeing you at the green for a morning of sharing, connecting, and celebrating our vibrant Chapel Hill community.

The 2026 Progressive NCRVDA Raleigh Fall RV Show and Sale is a comprehensive regional event showcasing the latest recreational vehicles and camping equipment. This gathering serves as the premier shopping destination for enthusiasts across the Carolinas and Virginia looking to explore new travel options and outdoor equipment. Attendees can browse a vast selection of inventory from top regional dealers tailored to various budgets and lifestyle needs. The event features educational seminars led by industry experts to help participants learn about maintenance, travel planning, and RV operation. These sessions provide essential knowledge for both first time buyers and experienced owners aiming to enhance their travel experiences. This show is designed for families, pet owners, and individuals seeking reliable vehicles for their next adventure. Whether you are ready to purchase a new unit or simply interested in gathering information, the event offers a professional environment to compare models and ask direct questions. Join us in Raleigh to discover the right fit for your travel goals and start planning your next journey today. We look forward to welcoming you to the Carolinas largest RV shopping experience.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Cary Night Market, a premier monthly gathering held at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park. From March through December 2025, excluding July, visitors are invited to explore a curated selection of forty-five to fifty local vendors each Friday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. This recurring event celebrates community spirit by showcasing talented artisans, creative crafters, and delicious offerings from popular local food trucks. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind handmade goods or simply looking to enjoy a pleasant evening outdoors, this market offers something for everyone. Beyond the diverse shopping opportunities, many of our evening markets feature exciting seasonal themes and additional interactive activities to enhance your experience. It is the perfect opportunity to support small businesses and connect with local creators in the heart of the Triangle area. Do not miss your chance to be a part of this growing local tradition. We encourage you to visit our website today to view our full schedule and plan your visit to the next market event.