Front Porch Friday at Haven Farm

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.

The Dog Days of Summer Brunch is a family friendly community event in Raleigh held to support the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Guests are invited to enjoy a meal while participating in activities designed for both children and their canine companions. Attendees can visit the Adopt a Puppy station where children receive adoption certificates and decorate custom dog houses. The event features face painting and photo opportunities with dogs from the rescue organization. Guests are encouraged to bring their own leashed pets to join the festivities. These activities provide an interactive environment for animal lovers to engage with the local rescue community while enjoying brunch. This event is ideal for local families and pet owners looking for a meaningful way to spend their weekend. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on animal welfare. By attending, you contribute directly to a local cause as ten percent of all brunch sales will be donated to the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Join us for a morning of fun and help us support this important organization.

Get ready to level up at the Retro Video Game Expo, hosted by Charlie’s Collectible Show at Triangle Town Center on August 15 and 16, 2026. This exciting two-day event transforms the former Macy’s space into a massive hub for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you are a dedicated collector or a casual gamer, you will find an extensive selection of consoles, rare cartridges, and unique accessories from every generation of gaming history. Admission and parking for this event are entirely free, making it the perfect weekend outing for friends and families. Immerse yourself in the action with our dedicated free-play stations featuring modern hits on the PlayStation and Switch consoles. For those feeling competitive, we are hosting a variety of tournaments including Super Smash Bros, Tekken 8, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Registration for each tournament is only five dollars, providing a fantastic chance to test your skills and claim victory. Visit the official website today to secure your tournament spots and join our vibrant community for an unforgettable weekend of pixelated fun and competitive gaming.

The All Things Groovy Hippie Fest returns to Moore Square for its third annual celebration of retro culture and community spirit. This day-long festival brings together local makers, artists, and enthusiasts to honor a free-spirited, vintage-inspired lifestyle in the heart of Raleigh. Attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including a curated market featuring local vendors and unique artisans. The event highlights include a vintage car show, diverse food truck options, and a continuous lineup of live music performances throughout the day. Floating bubbles and colorful decorations create an immersive, cheerful environment throughout the park grounds. This event is open to all ages and is perfect for families, music lovers, and anyone seeking a laid-back, joyful atmosphere. Whether you are looking to shop for local goods, enjoy live entertainment, or simply relax in the sun, this festival offers a unique experience. Interested vendors are encouraged to visit the official Pomona Popups website to submit an application and participate in this year's festivities.

Experience the vibrant Black Farmers' Market in Durham, a premier community destination dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black farmers and local business owners. This event serves as a vital platform for entrepreneurs who have historically faced systemic challenges in the agricultural industry. By participating, attendees play an essential role in fostering economic equity while enjoying an exceptional selection of fresh, locally grown produce and artisan goods. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors, learn about the significance of sustainable family farms, and contribute to a more inclusive local economy. The market operates on a rotating schedule between Durham and Raleigh, ensuring broad access for community members across the Triangle. Whether you are looking for seasonal vegetables, unique handmade items, or simply want to support a great cause, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this inclusive gathering. We invite you to bring your family and friends to experience the energy and warmth of this collective effort. Visit the Black Farmers' Market Facebook page to check the latest schedule and confirm upcoming locations. Come out this Sunday to show your support and celebrate the hard work of our community members.

Experience the authentic charm of Sonark Farms, a picturesque sixty-three-acre destination located in the heart of Hillsborough, North Carolina. The Barn serves as the premier venue on the property, providing a rustic and welcoming environment designed for community connection. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape or a lively evening of entertainment, this unique space offers an ideal backdrop for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the countryside lifestyle. Join us for an exciting series of live performances, including our highly anticipated recurring Bluegrass Jam nights. We take pride in offering an accessible experience, with many events operating on a pay what you can basis to ensure everyone can enjoy local music in a relaxed setting. From talented bands to intimate acoustic sets, there is always something special happening at The Barn. We invite you to explore our upcoming event schedule, discover new artists, and plan your visit today. Follow the provided links to learn more about our lineup and secure your spot for an unforgettable night of music under the stars.

Experience the vibrant heartbeat of urban agriculture at Raleigh City Farm, a premier nonprofit dedicated to sustainable farming and community connection. Starting April 15, 2026, and continuing every Wednesday through October, we invite you to our farm stand from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce offered on a pay what you can basis. This inclusive initiative ensures that everyone in our community has access to healthy, seasonal harvests directly from our downtown oasis. After browsing the farm stand, join our dedicated group of volunteers for Wine and Weeds. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can get your hands dirty while learning about regenerative agriculture, site stewardship, and native plants. This social gathering is the perfect opportunity to make new friends while enjoying a complimentary beverage donated by Wine Authorities. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or simply looking to support local food systems, there is a place for you here. Sign up online today to reserve your spot and help us cultivate a greener future for Raleigh.

Experience the ultimate weekend treasure hunt at The Raleigh Market, located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this iconic destination transforms into a vibrant hub featuring hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors. Whether you are searching for high-end antiques, unique jewelry, essential power tools, or handcrafted art, you are sure to find something special among the diverse selection of treasures collected over the last fifty years. Beyond the incredible variety of goods, come prepared to satisfy your cravings. The market features a rotating array of local food trucks, classic fair food, and fresh farm stands that offer something delicious for every palate. Admission and parking are both completely free, making this the perfect outing for families and friends alike. Join the thousands of shoppers who visit this regional landmark every weekend to discover hidden gems and support local vendors. Visit our official website to view the current vendor list, or follow our social media channels for the latest event updates and announcements. We look forward to seeing you at the fairgrounds this weekend.

The Dog Days of Summer Brunch is a family friendly community event in Raleigh held to support the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Guests are invited to enjoy a meal while participating in activities designed for both children and their canine companions. Attendees can visit the Adopt a Puppy station where children receive adoption certificates and decorate custom dog houses. The event features face painting and photo opportunities with dogs from the rescue organization. Guests are encouraged to bring their own leashed pets to join the festivities. These activities provide an interactive environment for animal lovers to engage with the local rescue community while enjoying brunch. This event is ideal for local families and pet owners looking for a meaningful way to spend their weekend. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on animal welfare. By attending, you contribute directly to a local cause as ten percent of all brunch sales will be donated to the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Join us for a morning of fun and help us support this important organization.

Experience a journey back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park, home to the last operational water powered gristmill in Wake County. Join us for our recurring Mill Open House, where visitors are invited to explore the fascinating history and mechanics of this 200 year old landmark. Historic interpreters will be on site to showcase the inner workings of the mill and answer your questions about how this vital piece of local heritage processed grain for generations. This drop in program offers a unique opportunity to witness history in action within a stunning 174 acre wildlife refuge. Beyond the mill, take advantage of the park's scenic walking trails, beautiful gardens, and peaceful picnic areas. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day in nature, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this environmental research center. Admission to the open house is free and no registration is required, making it an ideal weekend activity for families and individuals alike. We look forward to seeing you at the mill to discover this hidden gem in the heart of Raleigh.