Forging a Hammer

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.

This class teaches the fundamental techniques required to create pattern welded Damascus steel. You will master the process of stacking alternating layers of 1084 and 15N20 steel to forge a functional eight layer metal billet from scratch. Participants will prepare their steel stacks, perform forge welds using a high temperature gas forge, and manually manipulate the metal through twisting to produce distinct patterns. You will leave this hands on workshop with a personalized steel billet suitable for crafting custom items like bottle openers, bracelets, or small knives. This experience provides essential experience in high carbon steel manipulation and advanced blacksmithing methods. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the required Forging Intro class. The workshop is physically demanding and requires participants to swing heavy hammers while working with one inch thick steel. Basic MIG welding skills are highly recommended for success. If you are ready to expand your blacksmithing repertoire and create high quality material for future projects, register today to secure your space in the forge.

This course provides hands-on training for welding thin gauge metals without causing warping or burn-through. It is designed to help participants master heat control when working with delicate materials like automotive body panels or fine art sculptures. Students will learn specific techniques to manage heat input effectively. The curriculum covers essential connections including spot welding, plug welding, and lap welding. You will practice these methods on sample joints to gain confidence in your technique. By the end of the session, you will possess the practical skills needed to tackle rust repair and precision metal projects. This class is ideal for individuals who want to improve their technical welding capabilities. A foundational understanding of fabrication or previous welding experience is required to ensure success. The environment is focused, productive, and centered on skill development. We encourage you to sign up now to secure your spot and start refining your craft with our experienced instructors. Please confirm you meet the prerequisite requirements before registering for this session.

This workshop introduces the industrial process of bronze sandcasting adapted for small scale production. Participants learn a sustainable, low tech casting method that emphasizes material reuse and efficient mold creation using Petrobond sand and iron frames. Students will master the entire production cycle. This includes preparing molds, melting bronze with oxy propane torches, and pouring metal into custom frames. The session also covers essential metal finishing techniques such as sawing, filing, sanding, sandblasting, and applying a professional patina. Instructors provide foundational patterns for practice, though attendees may eventually create jewelry, sculptural elements, or unique hardware. This course is ideal for beginners and makers interested in metalwork. The hands on environment is quick, satisfying, and produces minimal waste. It offers a practical way to develop professional metal fabrication skills in an approachable setting. Whether you are a hobbyist or an artist looking to expand your technical repertoire, this experience provides the necessary foundation for independent production. Sign up to learn the fundamentals of metal casting and start creating your own bronze pieces today.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

The Arts and Education Festival is a community event dedicated to celebrating the intersection of creativity and academic learning. This festival serves as a resource hub designed to support students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. It provides a space for community members to connect while accessing valuable educational support. Attendees can participate in a variety of activities throughout the day. Key features include school supply giveaways to assist students with essential tools and free haircuts to help them feel prepared for class. The event also hosts numerous educational vendors offering information on local programs and resources. Visitors will enjoy a range of food trucks and live music provided by a professional DJ throughout the afternoon. This festival is open to all community members and is designed for families seeking a productive and engaging day out. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and celebratory. We encourage you to join us for this opportunity to strengthen our community ties and support local students. Please mark your calendars and prepare to enjoy a day focused on growth and creativity.

Discover a curated selection of unique finds at the Pop-Up Raleigh Art and Vintage Market. Held on the third Saturday of every month from March through December, this recurring event transforms Trophy on Maywood into a vibrant hub for local creativity. Shoppers are invited to browse an eclectic array of offerings, including one-of-a-kind handmade art, high-quality vintage clothing, and thoughtfully sourced accessories. By attending, you play a vital role in supporting talented local artisans and small business owners who contribute to the cultural landscape of the Triangle area. This market provides the perfect atmosphere to hunt for distinctive gifts or to simply enjoy an afternoon of discovery in a welcoming community setting. Whether you are a long-time vintage enthusiast or an art lover looking for something special to brighten your home, you will find something that resonates with your personal style. We encourage you to visit our website or follow our Facebook page for the latest updates on participating vendors and upcoming seasonal themes. Come join us this month for an inspiring shopping experience that celebrates local talent and sustainable fashion.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

Prepare your children for a successful academic year by attending the upcoming Back to School Book Bag Giveaway at Hope House, located at 334 North Allen Road in Wake Forest. This community-focused initiative is dedicated to supporting local families by providing essential supplies to students as they gear up for the start of the new school term. The event takes place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors while ensuring every student has the tools they need to excel in the classroom. Attendance is completely free, making it an accessible resource for all residents in the area. We encourage you to participate in this helpful event to gather necessary school materials and celebrate the start of a fresh learning journey. Please note that advance registration is required to participate in this giveaway. To secure your spot and find additional details about local back to school activities, please visit our official website today. We look forward to seeing you there and supporting our students together.

The PAW Patrol Dino Movie Kids Club Workshop is a hands-on construction event where children and their guardians work together to build a model Dino Island Volcano. This session introduces young attendees to basic construction concepts and beginner DIY skills in a supervised, creative environment inspired by the film. Participants will follow guided instructions to assemble their own volcano structures. The workshop provides all necessary building materials and tools, ensuring a safe and successful project for every team. Expert staff members will be present to assist with technical tasks and offer building tips, making the process both educational and engaging for budding builders. The activity focuses on problem solving, fine motor coordination, and collaborative play. This event is designed for children and their accompanying adults who enjoy interactive projects and the PAW Patrol series. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, providing a structured space for families to bond through creative work. Space is limited to ensure quality instruction for each participant. Please register online in advance to secure your spot for this unique building experience and join us for a productive afternoon of discovery.