Free Car Washes for Teachers and School Staff

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!

Join Downtown Cary Park horticulturist Patrick McMillan for an expert-led tour of our extensive aquatic plant collection. This event focuses on the biological adaptations, cultural lore, and local wildlife connections of the park's diverse aquatic species. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the vital role these plants play within our urban ecosystem. During this session, attendees will observe the lotus collection at its peak flowering stage. You will learn about the unique structural features of various lily pads and frogfruit varieties while exploring the design behind the Triangle's premier aquatic display. Patrick McMillan will share his professional insights into the botanical complexities and environmental requirements of these water-dwelling plants. This educational tour is perfect for gardening enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone interested in local horticulture. The atmosphere is casual, informative, and designed for those who appreciate the natural beauty found within the city center. We encourage you to register soon to secure your spot for this unique seasonal experience. Come prepared for an engaging walk through the park to discover the magical nature of our aquatic plant displays.

Science Trivia at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a monthly social competition held at the Daily Planet Cafe. The event invites science enthusiasts to test their knowledge on a broad range of topics including scientific discoveries, current events, and pop culture. It is designed to foster community engagement and offer a fun, informal environment for learning. Participants can expect a structured trivia experience that challenges their expertise while providing opportunities to win prizes. The evening features a diverse set of questions that appeal to both casual hobbyists and professional researchers. Attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere that encourages friendly competition and networking with like-minded individuals throughout the venue. This event is ideal for anyone interested in science who wants to enjoy a social evening with friends or colleagues. Whether you are a trivia veteran or a first-time guest, you are welcome to join the competition. While the museum itself closes to the public at five in the afternoon, the Daily Planet Cafe remains open to host this activity. Join us this first Thursday to test your wits and enjoy an engaging scientific experience.

Join the community for the Sharewear event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1524 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest, on August 8, 2026. This wonderful initiative provides individuals and families with free access to clothing, bedding, and essential school supplies to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. Everyone is welcome to participate in this shopping experience, where all items are provided completely free of charge to those in need. Beyond providing support, the event serves as a platform for neighbors to help neighbors. If you have gently used items you wish to donate, please drop them off on Friday, August 7, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your generous contributions make this event possible and ensure that everyone starts their season with dignity and necessary resources. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to join us for a day of giving and community spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of this impactful gathering designed to strengthen our local neighborhood.

Join Downtown Cary Park horticulturist Patrick McMillan for an expert-led tour of our extensive aquatic plant collection. This event focuses on the biological adaptations, cultural lore, and local wildlife connections of the park's diverse aquatic species. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the vital role these plants play within our urban ecosystem. During this session, attendees will observe the lotus collection at its peak flowering stage. You will learn about the unique structural features of various lily pads and frogfruit varieties while exploring the design behind the Triangle's premier aquatic display. Patrick McMillan will share his professional insights into the botanical complexities and environmental requirements of these water-dwelling plants. This educational tour is perfect for gardening enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone interested in local horticulture. The atmosphere is casual, informative, and designed for those who appreciate the natural beauty found within the city center. We encourage you to register soon to secure your spot for this unique seasonal experience. Come prepared for an engaging walk through the park to discover the magical nature of our aquatic plant displays.

Looking for the perfect way to keep the family entertained this summer? Join us at Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12 in Raleigh for our exciting summer movie series. We are thrilled to offer free family-friendly screenings every Tuesday and Wednesday from June 16 through August 5, 2026. With two showtimes available each morning at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., there are plenty of opportunities to catch your favorite films on the big screen without breaking the bank. To enhance your cinematic experience, we are also offering exclusive concession specials throughout the program. You can enjoy a delicious junior drink and popcorn combo for only 4.50 dollars or opt for our small drink and popcorn deal for just 8.50 dollars. These screenings are a fantastic way to enjoy the magic of movies while staying cool and creating lasting memories with your children. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full 2026 schedule and plan your weekly outings. Come join the fun and make your summer truly unforgettable at your local Marquee Cinemas.

Looking for the perfect way to keep the family entertained this summer? Triangle Cinemas invites you to join us at our Raleigh location for an exciting series of complimentary movie screenings. We are thrilled to present the fan-favorite film Penguins of Madagascar as part of our seasonal programming. This special event offers a fantastic opportunity for children and parents alike to enjoy quality entertainment in a comfortable cinema environment without any admission costs. Our doors open at 9:30 a.m. with the main feature beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m., running from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Please note that while admission is free, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater. However, our full-service concession stand will be open and fully stocked with delicious snacks and refreshing drinks for you to enjoy during the show. We encourage all families to visit our website to view the complete schedule of screenings and explore our additional resources for affordable summer activities in the Triangle area. We look forward to welcoming you to the movies this season for a memorable cinematic experience.

Join us for an exciting Game Night held at the vibrant Boxyard RTP, a unique fifteen thousand square foot development constructed from repurposed shipping containers. This innovative space serves as a community hub for relaxation, socialization, and entertainment in the heart of Durham. Whether you are a casual player or a seasoned tabletop strategist, our weekly Game Night provides the perfect atmosphere to unwind and meet new people in a modern, open-air pavilion setting. Enjoy the convenience of exploring various on-site food and beverage vendors while you play your favorite games. The venue fosters a welcoming environment for everyone, making it an ideal destination to spend your Wednesday evenings. This event is completely free to attend, offering a fantastic way to enjoy quality time with friends or connect with the local community in a truly distinctive architectural landmark. We encourage you to visit the official Boxyard RTP website to view the full calendar of upcoming activities and stay updated on any schedule changes. Plan your next midweek outing today and come experience the energy of our community gaming sessions. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun and engagement.

Lace up your sneakers and join the vibrant NC Run Club community for a refreshing group run every Thursday evening at Bottle Theory. This weekly gathering is designed for runners of all skill levels, from casual joggers to seasoned athletes, offering a welcoming environment to improve your fitness while connecting with fellow local enthusiasts. Whether you are training for a future race or simply looking to get active in a social setting, our run club provides the perfect balance of motivation and camaraderie. After hitting the pavement, the fun continues back at Bottle Theory. Take advantage of the opportunity to relax, recover, and refuel with a curated selection of drinks and delicious food options. It is a fantastic way to cap off your workout in a fun and supportive atmosphere. We encourage everyone to participate, regardless of your personal pace. Come be a part of our growing community and experience the intersection of health, wellness, and social connection. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line this Thursday.

Join a vibrant community of local musicians at the Raleigh Uke Jam, a recurring gathering designed for ukulele enthusiasts of every skill level. Whether you are a beginner looking to practice your strumming or an experienced player ready to share your expertise, this group offers a welcoming environment to enjoy the power of music. We meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Estill House to share, play, and learn together in a supportive setting. Our sessions are focused on community collaboration. While we provide curated songbooks featuring a wide variety of classic and popular hits, we encourage members to bring their own favorite arrangements to share with the group. Please remember to bring enough copies for your fellow players if you plan to lead a song. Participants are asked to bring their own acoustic ukulele and a music stand to assist with their performance. We invite you to connect with other local musicians and experience the joy of collective music making. Follow the Raleigh Uke Jam on Facebook for the latest news and updates. We look forward to seeing you at our next session.