First Friday Under the Stars: Skywatching Event

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life by visiting the beautiful William B. Umstead State Park. This hidden gem in Wake County offers an incredible backdrop for our Curious Minds Trail Adventure. As you traverse the scenic hiking trails and observe the tranquil manmade lakes, you will be immersed in the wonders of the Piedmont East Science Trail. Keep a keen eye out for native wildlife like the marbled salamander or unique botanical specimens such as the Jack-in-the-Pulpit hidden along the forest path. Participating in this digital scavenger hunt is simple and fun for the whole family. Download the Actionbound app on your smartphone to begin your self-guided journey through the park. No personal data is collected, and no profile is required to join the quest. Simply scan the designated QR code at the park entrance to start your exploration. Whether you are an avid hiker or a curious student of nature, this event provides an engaging way to connect with the local ecosystem. Join us at Umstead State Park anytime through April 30, 2026, and experience a rustic, educational adventure in the great outdoors.

Experience the joy of literacy and the great outdoors this April with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. This interactive initiative invites families to explore beautiful trails and park paths while reading a featured children book displayed on weather resistant panels. It is a fantastic way to encourage early literacy while enjoying fresh air and physical activity in a serene natural setting. Throughout the month, seven unique locations across Wake County will feature diverse titles including Mae Among the Stars, Compost Stew, and The Home Builders. Each park offers a different story and environment, providing a perfect excuse to visit multiple locations and discover the hidden beauty of our local public spaces. Whether you are strolling along the American Tobacco Trail or visiting the historic Oak View site, these walks offer engaging content for all ages. Grab your walking shoes and head to your nearest participating park today. These self-guided adventures are open daily from morning until sunset, making it easy to fit a dose of literature and nature into your busy schedule. We invite you to explore the pages and the trails with your family this season.

Join us for the 2nd Annual International Day of Dance Festival on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park. Hosted by Graceful Expressions, this vibrant celebration honors the universal language of dance through a full day of movement and artistic expression. From 10 a.m. until 8:15 p.m., attendees can participate in a variety of inclusive workshops designed for all ages and ability levels. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a beginner looking to explore new rhythms, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of dance in an energetic and supportive community atmosphere. The festivities culminate in an evening showcase on the Great Lawn Pavilion Stage, featuring talented local performance groups from across the region. This event is entirely free and family-friendly, making it the perfect outing for everyone. Please note that this is not a drop-off event, so we ask that parents and guardians remain with their children throughout the day. We invite you to head down to Cary and be part of this unforgettable cultural experience. Check our website for a complete schedule of activities and join us in celebrating the power of dance.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life by visiting the beautiful William B. Umstead State Park. This hidden gem in Wake County offers an incredible backdrop for our Curious Minds Trail Adventure. As you traverse the scenic hiking trails and observe the tranquil manmade lakes, you will be immersed in the wonders of the Piedmont East Science Trail. Keep a keen eye out for native wildlife like the marbled salamander or unique botanical specimens such as the Jack-in-the-Pulpit hidden along the forest path. Participating in this digital scavenger hunt is simple and fun for the whole family. Download the Actionbound app on your smartphone to begin your self-guided journey through the park. No personal data is collected, and no profile is required to join the quest. Simply scan the designated QR code at the park entrance to start your exploration. Whether you are an avid hiker or a curious student of nature, this event provides an engaging way to connect with the local ecosystem. Join us at Umstead State Park anytime through April 30, 2026, and experience a rustic, educational adventure in the great outdoors.

Experience the joy of literacy and the great outdoors this April with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. This interactive initiative invites families to explore beautiful trails and park paths while reading a featured children book displayed on weather resistant panels. It is a fantastic way to encourage early literacy while enjoying fresh air and physical activity in a serene natural setting. Throughout the month, seven unique locations across Wake County will feature diverse titles including Mae Among the Stars, Compost Stew, and The Home Builders. Each park offers a different story and environment, providing a perfect excuse to visit multiple locations and discover the hidden beauty of our local public spaces. Whether you are strolling along the American Tobacco Trail or visiting the historic Oak View site, these walks offer engaging content for all ages. Grab your walking shoes and head to your nearest participating park today. These self-guided adventures are open daily from morning until sunset, making it easy to fit a dose of literature and nature into your busy schedule. We invite you to explore the pages and the trails with your family this season.

Join us for the 2nd Annual International Day of Dance Festival on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park. Hosted by Graceful Expressions, this vibrant celebration honors the universal language of dance through a full day of movement and artistic expression. From 10 a.m. until 8:15 p.m., attendees can participate in a variety of inclusive workshops designed for all ages and ability levels. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a beginner looking to explore new rhythms, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of dance in an energetic and supportive community atmosphere. The festivities culminate in an evening showcase on the Great Lawn Pavilion Stage, featuring talented local performance groups from across the region. This event is entirely free and family-friendly, making it the perfect outing for everyone. Please note that this is not a drop-off event, so we ask that parents and guardians remain with their children throughout the day. We invite you to head down to Cary and be part of this unforgettable cultural experience. Check our website for a complete schedule of activities and join us in celebrating the power of dance.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life by visiting the beautiful William B. Umstead State Park. This hidden gem in Wake County offers an incredible backdrop for our Curious Minds Trail Adventure. As you traverse the scenic hiking trails and observe the tranquil manmade lakes, you will be immersed in the wonders of the Piedmont East Science Trail. Keep a keen eye out for native wildlife like the marbled salamander or unique botanical specimens such as the Jack-in-the-Pulpit hidden along the forest path. Participating in this digital scavenger hunt is simple and fun for the whole family. Download the Actionbound app on your smartphone to begin your self-guided journey through the park. No personal data is collected, and no profile is required to join the quest. Simply scan the designated QR code at the park entrance to start your exploration. Whether you are an avid hiker or a curious student of nature, this event provides an engaging way to connect with the local ecosystem. Join us at Umstead State Park anytime through April 30, 2026, and experience a rustic, educational adventure in the great outdoors.

Experience the joy of literacy and the great outdoors this April with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. This interactive initiative invites families to explore beautiful trails and park paths while reading a featured children book displayed on weather resistant panels. It is a fantastic way to encourage early literacy while enjoying fresh air and physical activity in a serene natural setting. Throughout the month, seven unique locations across Wake County will feature diverse titles including Mae Among the Stars, Compost Stew, and The Home Builders. Each park offers a different story and environment, providing a perfect excuse to visit multiple locations and discover the hidden beauty of our local public spaces. Whether you are strolling along the American Tobacco Trail or visiting the historic Oak View site, these walks offer engaging content for all ages. Grab your walking shoes and head to your nearest participating park today. These self-guided adventures are open daily from morning until sunset, making it easy to fit a dose of literature and nature into your busy schedule. We invite you to explore the pages and the trails with your family this season.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Shuffle lunch break music series at Hub RTP. Designed to revitalize your workday, this recurring event brings live entertainment to the heart of Research Triangle Park. Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy curated performances in a relaxed outdoor setting. We are thrilled to kick off the season on March 4, 2026, featuring the talented Butler Knowles performing a lively Country and Western set. As a special opening day treat, the first 100 guests will receive free ice cream to enjoy while they listen. This series runs from March through June and resumes in September through October, showcasing a new artist-in-residence each month. Whether you are looking to network with colleagues or simply enjoy some fresh air with great music, this series provides the perfect mid-week escape. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible way to support local talent. We invite you to join us at 3151 Elion Drive in Durham to discover your new favorite performer and take a well-deserved break.