Hispanic Heritage Month: Spider Stories

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.

Join the community at The Plant in Pittsboro on Sunday, August 16, 2026, for the inaugural Piedmont Pear Party. This vibrant gathering celebrates the harvest season with a variety of engaging activities designed for visitors of all ages. From noon until 6 p.m., guests can explore the unique grounds while enjoying an afternoon dedicated to all things pear. The event promises a lively atmosphere filled with local spirit and seasonal fun. Attendees can look forward to specialized creative sessions, including Gelli printing with pears hosted by Roam Paint Press and fruit-themed watercolor classes at Starrlight Mead. While general admission to the event is completely free, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase delicious food and drinks, as well as participate in various artisanal activities throughout the afternoon. Whether you are looking to refine your artistic skills or simply enjoy a relaxing day in a beautiful setting, this party offers something for everyone. We invite you to bring your friends and family to experience the charm of The Plant. Mark your calendars and come celebrate the bounty of the harvest with us.

Make your summer afternoons delightful with an irresistible offer from Andia’s Ice Cream. Throughout the summer of 2026, Andia’s is brightening up your Mondays by providing a buy one get one free special on their signature sundaes. This offer runs until August 31 and is the perfect excuse to treat yourself and a friend to a sweet reward. Each sundae features a generous scoop of premium ice cream, topped with fresh whipped cream, a choice of topping, and a decadent sauce. Andia’s Ice Cream has earned national acclaim for its exceptional quality and creative flavors, making it a must-visit destination for dessert lovers in the Triangle area. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, this deal offers the perfect opportunity to experience why they are consistently celebrated as the best in the region. Head over to any participating Cary or Raleigh location to enjoy this delicious promotion while it lasts. Gather your friends or family today and indulge in a premium frozen treat that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of crafting a functional small hammer from scratch. You will work with one-inch square 4140 steel to build a durable tool using traditional blacksmithing techniques. The primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive experience in metalworking while giving you a finished implement you can use for years. During the session, you will learn to punch and shape the hammer eye before forging the specific head ends. We will move through the essential heat treatment phase, where we analyze various methods for hardening and tempering steel. The process concludes by securely attaching a wooden handle to your finished hammer head. You will leave the class with a custom tool ready for immediate use in your own workshop projects. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro class. While Forging II is recommended for further skill development, it is not required for participation. If you value craftsmanship and want to experience the rewarding process of tool fabrication, this class is an ideal fit. Register now to secure your spot and start building your own gear.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to announce the return of their highly anticipated appreciation event for educators and school personnel. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to visit any RipTide Car Wash location to receive a professional car wash completely free of charge. This promotion serves as a sincere thank you for the tireless hard work and commitment shown by our local academic community as they prepare for a new school year. To take advantage of this special offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating locations in Durham or Raleigh. Whether you visit the Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard site, the North Roxboro Street location, or one of the convenient Raleigh branches on Falls of Neuse Road or Sandy Forks Road, the team is ready to provide you with a top tier experience. We encourage all eligible staff to stop by, enjoy a pristine vehicle, and prepare for the busy academic season ahead. Please visit the official RipTide website to locate your nearest facility and verify operating hours.

Pot-A-Plant is an interactive workshop hosted at the Chapel designed to help participants improve their plant care skills. This hands-on session provides all necessary materials for attendees to successfully pot their own four-inch Pothos plant while personalizing a terracotta planter. Expert gardener Megan Cain leads the session, offering professional guidance and answering specific questions about plant maintenance. With over twelve years of experience featured on platforms like HGTV and Good Morning America, she simplifies complex gardening techniques into manageable steps. Participants receive all required tools and supplies, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience focused on long-term plant health and troubleshooting common issues. This event is perfect for both novice plant owners and experienced enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. The relaxed, inclusive atmosphere encourages open discussion, making it an excellent opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. Whether you are coming alone or bringing friends, you will leave with a healthy plant and the confidence to keep it thriving. Secure your spot today to develop the green thumb you have always wanted.

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 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.

Join us at the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro for a delightful Sunday tradition that brings the community together. Our Sunday Brunch Music series offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live performances while soaking in the beautiful outdoor atmosphere. Located in the heart of Carrboro, our lawn provides the perfect setting for families, friends, and music lovers to gather and unwind at the end of the weekend. Experience the vibrant local culture as talented musicians take the stage every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting May 31, 2026. This free event celebrates the spirit of our community-owned grocery and highlights the incredible musical talent found throughout the Triangle region. Whether you are looking for a relaxing morning activity or a unique way to enjoy your brunch, this concert series has something special for everyone. We invite you to bring your blankets and chairs to settle in for a memorable morning of rhythm and sunshine. Visit our website for more details on our upcoming schedule and stay updated on all local outdoor concert listings. We look forward to seeing you on the lawn for a great time.

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.