Guided Tour of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden

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.

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.

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 unique intersection of sustainable agriculture and community building at Wine plus Weeds, hosted by Raleigh City Farm. This weekly gathering invites you to steward our beautiful 1.2-acre urban space located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Every Wednesday from April through October, participants can engage in hands-on gardening, learn the principles of regenerative agriculture, and deepen their understanding of local plant life. It is the perfect opportunity to get your hands in the soil while connecting with fellow garden enthusiasts. After working in the fields, relax and socialize with a refreshing splash of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage provided by our friends at Wine Authorities. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this program offers a welcoming environment to grow, learn, and contribute to a healthier local food system. Join us to support a meaningful mission while enjoying a relaxing evening under the open sky. We encourage you to visit our website to reserve your spot today, as space fills up quickly. We look forward to seeing you at the farm for a memorable experience.

True Core is a fitness class focused on functional stability rather than traditional abdominal exercises. The session replaces endless crunches with science-based movements designed to strengthen the core muscles that actually support daily physical activity. You will learn the mechanics of true stability and how it impacts your overall mobility. During the session, you will engage in guided exercises that prioritize alignment and deep muscle activation over repetitive flexion. The curriculum shifts the focus from aesthetic results to sustainable movement patterns. You will leave with a practical understanding of how your core supports your spine and limbs during movement, providing you with a more effective approach to training. This class is open to everyone interested in improving their physical performance, regardless of their current fitness level. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, you will find value in learning how to stabilize your body efficiently. Come prepared to move, think, and challenge your existing concepts of core training. Join us to build a foundation that serves you beyond the gym floor.

Discover the profound stories and vibrant legacy of Raleigh with an immersive Black History Walking Tour. Every Saturday from July 11 through September 12, 2026, guests are invited to journey through the heart of the city to uncover hidden narratives that shaped our community. This engaging one-hour experience departs from the historic Dr. M. T. Pope House Museum and guides participants across a 1.4-mile path through the iconic Third Ward neighborhood and Black Wall Street. Throughout the tour, you will visit significant historic churches and explore the cultural landmarks that define the African American experience in Raleigh. This educational outing provides a unique opportunity to connect with local heritage in an active and meaningful way. Whether you are a long-time resident or a curious visitor, this tour promises an enriching perspective on city history. Space is limited for these guided excursions, so be sure to secure your spot today. Tickets are priced at 10 dollars for adults and 6 dollars for children ages 6 to 17. Register online now to guarantee your participation in this essential historical discovery experience.

Discover the heart and soul of the capital city with the Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours. This captivating one-hour journey transports guests through the vibrant streets of Downtown Raleigh, offering a front-row seat to the landmark sites and architectural treasures that have defined the community since its founding in 1792. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will uncover fascinating stories about the local culture and historical evolution of this remarkable area. Tours depart every Saturday from March through December, beginning at the picturesque Mordecai Historic Park. With four convenient start times available each day, it is the perfect excursion for families, history enthusiasts, and visitors looking to experience the authentic spirit of Raleigh. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time tourist, this immersive experience provides a unique perspective on the heritage that shaped the region. Tickets are affordably priced to ensure everyone can join the adventure. Secure your spot today by visiting the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center or calling 919-996-4364. Do not miss this opportunity to explore history in motion. Book your trolley seat now and prepare for an unforgettable ride through time.

Experience history firsthand with a free guided tour of the North Carolina State Capitol in downtown Raleigh. This National Historic Landmark is a premier example of Greek Revival architecture, completed in 1840. Visitors are invited to explore the iconic rotunda, the historic legislative chambers, and the Governor’s office area. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. with no prior reservation required. Simply arrive at the front entrance and join the group for an informative hour of local history. Beyond the guided experience, the Capitol remains open for self-guided exploration throughout the week, providing a flexible way for families and history enthusiasts to learn about North Carolina governance. Located just steps away from other major downtown attractions, it serves as the perfect centerpiece for your weekend itinerary. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this accessible cultural experience offers unique insights into the heart of the state. Contact the Capitol staff or check their social media for the most current schedule updates and plan your visit today.