Grandma and Me Painting Event

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.

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!

Friday Night FUN is our recurring monthly ceramic painting gathering designed for creative individuals. This social event offers a relaxed environment where participants can explore their artistic side while connecting with others in the local community. Whether you are a skilled painter or a complete beginner, this session provides the perfect space to unwind and express yourself through art. Attendees can select from a diverse catalog of over four hundred unique ceramic pieces. Once you choose your item, you will use our professional paints and supplies to bring your vision to life. Our staff is available throughout the evening to provide guidance and ensure you have everything needed to complete your project. The activity is self-paced, allowing you to focus on your creative process without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This event is open to friends, families, and individuals looking for a fun evening activity. The atmosphere is welcoming, casual, and ideal for social groups or small parties. To ensure we have enough space for your party, please RSVP in advance. We look forward to seeing your creativity shine during this exciting monthly event.

College Discount Night is a special monthly event designed to provide students with an affordable creative outlet. Participants can enjoy a significantly reduced studio fee by simply presenting a valid school ID at check in. This event serves as a budget friendly opportunity to gather with friends and unwind through artistic expression. Attendees can choose from over four hundred unique pottery items to paint in the studio. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist you are free to customize your piece however you like. The studio provides a relaxed environment where you can work at your own pace without pressure. This experience focuses on individual creativity and hands on fun using a wide selection of ceramics and glazing options. This event is perfect for college students seeking a productive break from their academic schedule. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming for groups or individuals looking to explore their artistic side. Come visit us to take advantage of this special rate and help us establish this gathering as a recurring tradition. We look forward to seeing your creativity in action.

Kids Night Out: Back to School is a drop-off event designed to help children transition into the new academic year while parents enjoy an evening of personal time. The event provides a structured environment where kids can socialize, get creative, and celebrate the start of the school season in a fun and engaging setting. Participants will engage in several hands-on projects, including crafting a custom dry erase board on ceramic and building a personal time capsule. Beyond these crafts, the evening includes a pizza dinner and a scheduled movie screening. This combination of creative expression and social relaxation ensures that every attendee has a productive and memorable experience while working on their unique take-home projects. This event is tailored for children who enjoy craft-based activities and social interaction. Parents are encouraged to utilize this time to visit local establishments around Waverly Place. Registration is required to secure a spot for this supervised night. We look forward to providing a safe, enjoyable, and creative space for your children to connect with new friends before school begins.

Experience art in a welcoming and accessible environment at the Nasher Museum of Art. The Reflections Public Tour is held on the second Tuesday of every month, offering a unique opportunity to engage with rotating exhibition themes. These ninety-minute sessions are specifically designed for individuals living with memory loss and their companions, providing a supportive space to explore creativity through curated gallery discussions and interactive art-making activities. Participants can also look forward to live musical performances within the galleries, creating an immersive and relaxing experience for all attendees. This program emphasizes connection and community, ensuring that art remains an enriching part of everyone's life regardless of cognitive challenges. The tours are fully accessible, fostering a safe space for dialogue and personal expression. Admission is completely free, though advance registration is required to ensure an intimate and comfortable experience for all participants. If you or a loved one are interested in joining this inclusive program, please email reflections at duke dot edu to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher Museum of Art for an inspiring afternoon of discovery and artistic connection.

Forging II is an advanced blacksmithing workshop designed to help participants refine their metalworking techniques and improve control over hot steel. This session builds directly on foundational knowledge to help you master heat management and hammer precision. You will explore essential intermediate techniques including bending, upsetting, and forging decorative elements like leaves. The curriculum introduces specialized shop equipment such as bending forks, swage blocks, and cone mandrels to expand your shaping capabilities. Each project is structured to increase your technical proficiency and overall confidence when working at the anvil. This class is intended for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro course. The environment is collaborative and focused on hands-on practice, making it ideal for those looking to take their craft to the next level. If you are ready to advance your blacksmithing skills and learn how to use professional tools more effectively, secure your spot today to continue your development in this rewarding trade.

Experience the vibrant local arts scene at The Plant in Pittsboro. Poetry at The Plant offers a welcoming stage for writers and enthusiasts alike to gather and share the power of the spoken word. Held on the second Wednesday of every month, this recurring event fosters creativity and community engagement within the unique setting of Fair Game Beverage Company. Whether you are an aspiring poet looking for a platform to debut your latest work or an avid fan of literature seeking an evening of artistic expression, this gathering provides an intimate and supportive atmosphere for all participants. Fair Game Beverage Company prides itself on serving high-quality spirits and wines produced from North Carolina ingredients, making it the perfect venue for such a cultural evening. This event is entirely free and open to the public, encouraging everyone in the Chatham County area to attend and participate. Join us for a memorable hour of literary discovery and community spirit. Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions through November 2026 and become part of this flourishing local tradition today.

Nature Stories at NCMA is a recurring family program that combines storytelling with outdoor exploration. The event aims to connect young children with the natural world through literature and guided discovery across the museum campus. Participants begin each session with a featured nature themed story. Following the reading, attendees engage in hands on activities designed to reinforce the themes presented in the book. The program often transitions into guided walks through the museum grounds, allowing families to observe local wildlife and plants in their natural setting. These interactive experiences turn abstract concepts into tangible lessons. This free program is specifically designed for children age seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. Because portions of the experience take place outdoors, attendees should arrive dressed appropriately for current weather conditions. Most walking paths are accessible for strollers. We invite you to join us for a morning of learning, movement, and outdoor engagement. Please prepare for a short walk as we explore the diverse environment surrounding the Art Museum. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Get ready for a sweet transformation as Morrisville turns into S'Morrisville on Monday, August 10, 2026. This delightful community event celebrates the classic campfire treat that everyone knows and loves. Join your neighbors at the Morrisville Community Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an evening dedicated to indulgence and fun. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary s'mores and a variety of other delicious snacks in a welcoming outdoor setting perfect for all ages. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, designated parking is available at the nearby Morrisville Elementary School located at 1519 Morrisville Parkway. Please note that entry requires a right turn from Davis Drive, and when departing, guests should exit right toward Chapel Hill Road. This is a wonderful chance to get outside, connect with the local community, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some campfire magic. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of treats. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this unique community gathering.

Make your summer afternoons memorable with a delicious treat from the award-winning Andia's Ice Cream. Every Monday throughout the summer season, Andia's is delighted to offer a special buy one get one free promotion on their signature sundaes. This irresistible deal is available now through August 31, 2026, at both their Cary and Raleigh locations, providing the perfect opportunity to share a sweet experience with a friend or loved one. Each sundae includes a generous scoop of high-quality ice cream finished with whipped cream, your choice of topping, and a drizzle of decadent sauce. Whether you are a long-time fan of their nationally recognized flavors or a first-time visitor looking to discover why they have earned such high acclaim, this promotion is designed to brighten your week. Do not miss your chance to indulge in these premium handcrafted treats at an incredible value. Gather your friends and visit any of the participating shops this coming Monday to enjoy this refreshing offer. We invite you to stop by soon and experience the exceptional quality that makes Andia's Ice Cream a local favorite.