Free Weekly Air Hockey Tournament

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.

Unwind and recharge at Boxyard RTP, a unique destination crafted from innovative upcycled shipping containers located in Durham. We invite you to join our weekly Game Night, a perfect midweek escape designed for gaming enthusiasts and community members alike. Whether you are looking to challenge friends to a classic board game or engage in a new tabletop experience, our space offers the ideal environment to connect, play, and enjoy your evening. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and entirely free to attend. Beyond the gaming tables, Boxyard RTP features a diverse array of local food and beverage vendors to satisfy any craving. Explore the unique culinary offerings or browse our curated selection of onsite retailers while you take a break from the action. This event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a high energy social setting in the heart of our beautiful central pavilion. Gather your team or come solo to meet new players. Visit our official website to view the full calendar of upcoming activities and plan your next visit to Boxyard RTP today.

The 80s Party at The Cary offers a relaxed indoor environment for visitors attending the Lazy Daze 50th anniversary event. This gathering provides a convenient climate-controlled space to escape the summer heat while celebrating retro culture in a welcoming community setting. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of 80s music and classic board games such as Clue, Operation, and Trouble in the lobby area. The event also features raffle prizes and access to the theater to experience iconic musical highlights from the decade. Whether you are looking for a quick break or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these interactive activities provide an engaging way to recharge. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone interested in a casual social atmosphere. The environment is designed to be accessible and fun for all ages. We invite you to step out of the sun and join us at The Cary to relive your favorite moments. Stop by during the Lazy Daze festivities to participate in the games and enter the raffle. We look forward to seeing you there.

Get ready for some high energy competition at Super Rad Retro Lounge Arcade Bar located in the heart of Raleigh. Every Sunday at 1 p.m., the venue hosts a thrilling air hockey tournament that is completely free to enter. Whether you are a casual player looking for fun or a competitive enthusiast aiming for the top spot, all skill levels are welcome to participate. This inclusive event is open to all ages, making it a perfect weekend outing for friends and families alike. Beyond the tournament, you can explore an extensive collection of forty classic arcade games, pinball machines, and modern console games that capture the nostalgia of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Glenwood Avenue while challenging your neighbors to a friendly match. With no entry cost, it is the ideal way to spend your Sunday afternoon in a lively setting. Make sure to visit the Super Rad Retro Lounge soon to secure your spot in the bracket. We encourage you to join our community and enjoy the excitement of retro gaming, so mark your calendars and head over to the lounge for an unforgettable experience today.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a series of complimentary movie screenings throughout the summer months. From June 16 through August 20, 2026, the theater will present popular children films every Tuesday through Thursday, with additional screenings on select Fridays. These events are designed to offer an affordable and entertaining way for families to stay cool and engaged during the summer break. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m., with the featured movies beginning at 10 a.m. While outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater, a full range of concessions will be available for purchase to enhance your viewing experience. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy big screen entertainment in a welcoming environment. We encourage all families in the Triangle area to join us for these exciting morning features. Whether you are looking for a fun outing or a way to keep the kids entertained, our summer movie program is the perfect destination. Plan your visit today and be sure to check our full schedule for additional free and affordable programming.

Prepare for the upcoming academic year by attending the Durham Rescue Mission Back to School Party on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. This community gathering is dedicated to supporting local students and families by providing essential resources to ensure a successful start to the school year. Guests will have the opportunity to receive free school supplies, groceries, and a complimentary lunch while supplies last. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the main event beginning at 12 p.m. at the Durham Rescue Mission location on East Main Street. This event is a fantastic way to engage with the community and alleviate the financial burden associated with back to school preparations. Whether you are seeking necessary materials or simply want to participate in a supportive environment, this party offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Make sure to arrive early to take advantage of the available resources. Join your neighbors for this impactful day of giving and community spirit. Visit the official Durham Rescue Mission website for more information on how you can support their ongoing efforts throughout the year.

Join the Carrboro Farmers Market for an engaging season of family fun through our Market Bunch program and various community celebrations. Held at the historic Carrboro Town Commons, our market connects residents with local farmers and artisans who produce high-quality goods within a fifty-mile radius. Every Wednesday from April through November, the Market Bunch program provides free educational activities for children, focusing on sustainability, healthy eating, and creative arts. These interactive sessions encourage young learners to explore the origins of their food in a supportive, community-driven environment. Beyond our weekly programming, we host monthly seasonal events ranging from the vibrant Kids Seedling Day to the popular Strawberry Jamboree and the festive Tomato Day. Whether you are interested in gardening tips, live music, or delicious local food samples, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to experience the best of local agriculture while participating in unique cultural events designed for all ages. Please visit our website or follow our Facebook page for updated event calendars and detailed schedules. We look forward to seeing your family at the market this season.

Unwind and recharge at Boxyard RTP, a unique destination crafted from innovative upcycled shipping containers located in Durham. We invite you to join our weekly Game Night, a perfect midweek escape designed for gaming enthusiasts and community members alike. Whether you are looking to challenge friends to a classic board game or engage in a new tabletop experience, our space offers the ideal environment to connect, play, and enjoy your evening. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and entirely free to attend. Beyond the gaming tables, Boxyard RTP features a diverse array of local food and beverage vendors to satisfy any craving. Explore the unique culinary offerings or browse our curated selection of onsite retailers while you take a break from the action. This event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a high energy social setting in the heart of our beautiful central pavilion. Gather your team or come solo to meet new players. Visit our official website to view the full calendar of upcoming activities and plan your next visit to Boxyard RTP today.

Redhedd is a recurring live music experience designed to bridge the gap between emerging artists and music enthusiasts. The event serves as a platform for creative expression, combining live band performances with DJ sets to foster a unique community atmosphere centered on musical discovery. This edition features live performances by Hattricks and JAINUS, accompanied by a curated rotation of DJs throughout the night. Attendees will also have access to an interactive photo booth provided by Hot Shot Photo Booth, which is available to capture memories throughout the evening. The event structure prioritizes a seamless flow between high energy music sets and casual social interaction, ensuring there is plenty of space to enjoy the performances or connect with others in attendance. Redhedd is intended for music lovers who appreciate live instrumentation and forward thinking sound. The environment is inclusive and welcoming to anyone looking to explore new talent or enjoy a night of quality live entertainment. We invite you to join us for an evening of fresh sounds and community connection. Come as you are and experience the latest in local musical talent.

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.