Free Weekly Wine Tastings at Bottle Theory

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.

Wake up early and head over to the newest Dunkin location in Raleigh at 3907 Capital Boulevard for an exciting two day grand opening celebration. On August 25 and August 26, the first 150 guests in line will have the incredible opportunity to win free coffee or donuts for an entire year. This event is a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of a new community hub while enjoying exclusive promotional deals throughout the day. Beyond the headline giveaway, the festivities continue from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday where visitors can purchase donuts for only 94 cents. Guests will also enjoy fun merchandise giveaways and appearances by the brand mascot, Cuppy. At 11 a.m., please join us for the official ribbon cutting ceremony featuring local franchisee George Ross. The day is also dedicated to giving back, as we will present a 2,500 dollar donation to the Special Olympics of North Carolina. We invite all local coffee lovers and community members to join us for these celebratory events and support a great cause.

Experience the charm of Southern Village at La Vita Dolce for their popular Wine Down Wednesday series. Now in its tenth year, this local tradition invites you to enjoy refreshing wine specials and vibrant live music every Wednesday from April 1 through October 21, 2026. Whether you are looking to unwind after work or enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars, this open social gathering is the perfect destination for the community. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and perfect for guests of all ages, as the venue is both kid and dog friendly. Music performances begin promptly at 6 p.m. and run until 8 p.m., providing the perfect backdrop for socializing with friends and neighbors. We invite you to make the most of the beautiful North Carolina weather while sipping on your favorite beverage. Please keep an eye on official social media channels for any weather-related updates. Join us in Chapel Hill this season to celebrate local talent and great company. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable midweek retreat.

Looking for the perfect midweek escape? Join us every Wednesday for an exciting Game Night at Boxyard RTP, located in the heart of Durham. Hosted within our unique cargotecture development, this event invites you to unwind and connect with others in a vibrant, community-focused space. Whether you are a casual player or a dedicated strategy enthusiast, our environment provides the ideal setting for some friendly competition and relaxation after a long day of work. Beyond the games, Boxyard RTP offers a fantastic selection of local food and beverage vendors, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink while you play. Our open-air pavilion, constructed from sustainable upcycled shipping containers, creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the Triangle. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Gather your friends and visit us this Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to experience the fun for yourself. For more details on this event or to explore other upcoming activities, please visit our official website at boxyard.org/calendar.

Raleigh Parks and Oaks and Spokes invite you to participate in our highly anticipated Learn to Ride program. Designed specifically for riders ages five and up, this initiative helps participants master balance and control on a bicycle without the use of training wheels. By utilizing the proven balance bike method, our dedicated volunteers provide a supportive environment where riders can gain confidence while safely navigating on two wheels. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to transition away from training wheels, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. All necessary equipment, including a balance bike and a helmet, will be provided for your convenience. If you prefer to bring your own bicycle, our skilled mechanics are available to remove pedals and training wheels to prepare your bike for the training session. These events are incredibly popular and frequently sell out, so we encourage you to mark your calendars when registration opens. Visit our official website to secure your spot today and start your journey toward cycling independence with Raleigh Parks.

Experience the vibrant community atmosphere at the Carrboro Farmers Market, where local agriculture meets family fun. Our Market Bunch program offers engaging activities every Wednesday from April through November, focusing on sustainability, healthy eating, and creative arts. These interactive sessions are designed to inspire young minds while connecting them with the farmers and artisans who grow our food. Beyond our weekly sessions, the market hosts a variety of seasonal celebrations including Kids Seedling Day, the Strawberry Jamboree, and our popular Tomato Day. These events provide a unique opportunity for families to learn about seasonal produce while enjoying live music, vendor specials, and educational displays. Whether you are looking to shop for fresh local meat and vegetables or seeking a fun outing for your children, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Carrboro Town Commons. We invite you to bring your family and participate in these free, enriching experiences. Check our official calendar for specific event dates and follow our newsletter for the latest updates. Join us this week to support your local food system and create lasting memories with your neighbors.

History at High Noon is a virtual lunchtime lecture series hosted by the North Carolina Museum of History. This session explores the history of Operation Bumblebee, a top secret project conducted by the US Navy during the late 1940s on a North Carolina barrier island. Attendees will learn about the seven remaining concrete towers that served as testing grounds for experimental propulsion systems. The presentation covers how these covert naval developments revolutionized ship defense mechanisms. Participants will also discover how this research provided the essential foundation for later supersonic flight and advancements in outer space exploration. The lecture provides a detailed look at a significant but often overlooked chapter of military and technological history. This event is designed for history enthusiasts, technology buffs, and anyone interested in local North Carolina research. The atmosphere is educational, accessible, and perfect for a mid day break. Join us to uncover the story behind these mysterious towers and gain insight into the innovations that shaped modern aviation. Register online today to secure your spot for this informative virtual session.

Wake up early and head over to the newest Dunkin location in Raleigh at 3907 Capital Boulevard for an exciting two day grand opening celebration. On August 25 and August 26, the first 150 guests in line will have the incredible opportunity to win free coffee or donuts for an entire year. This event is a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of a new community hub while enjoying exclusive promotional deals throughout the day. Beyond the headline giveaway, the festivities continue from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday where visitors can purchase donuts for only 94 cents. Guests will also enjoy fun merchandise giveaways and appearances by the brand mascot, Cuppy. At 11 a.m., please join us for the official ribbon cutting ceremony featuring local franchisee George Ross. The day is also dedicated to giving back, as we will present a 2,500 dollar donation to the Special Olympics of North Carolina. We invite all local coffee lovers and community members to join us for these celebratory events and support a great cause.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to bring back a highly anticipated community tradition for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash at any RipTide location. This initiative serves as a sincere thank you to the dedicated educators who work tirelessly to shape our future generations. We recognize the immense effort required in the classroom and want to ensure your vehicle is as polished and ready for the school year as you are. To participate in this special promotion, simply present your valid school identification at any of our convenient locations, including our sites on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, North Roxboro Street, Falls of Neuse Road, or Sandy Forks Road. Whether you are prepping for a new semester or just need a refreshing clean, we are proud to support those who serve our local schools. Visit our website today to find the specific address nearest to you and take advantage of this refreshing offer before the month concludes. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Treat yourself to a delicious cooling experience this summer with an exclusive offer from Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. Throughout the remainder of August, the company is hosting a fantastic promotion designed to satisfy your cravings. When you purchase a small frozen custard cone, you will receive a small Italian ice completely free of charge. This refreshing deal is the perfect way to enjoy their signature creamy custard alongside their iconic fruit-flavored ice treats. To participate in this special promotion, ensure you have the official Ritas Ice mobile application downloaded on your smartphone. The offer is available exclusively to app users at participating locations nationwide through August 31, 2026. Please note that this reward is limited to one free small Italian ice per app account and is subject to availability while supplies last. Do not miss this opportunity to cool down during the final weeks of the season. Download the app today, visit your nearest shop, and claim your sweet reward before this limited-time promotion comes to an end.