Historic Yates Mill County Park Open House

The Fine Arts League of Cary proudly presents the 16th Annual Wake County Teen Art Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of creativity showcasing over 100 works by talented student artists from across Wake County. On view May 6–27, 2026, at the Frankie G. Weems Gallery on the campus of Meredith College, this professionally curated exhibition highlights the exceptional achievements of young artists selected by their teachers. Join the community for a special public reception and awards ceremony on May 10, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., where $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to students and their schools. Sponsored by Cary Family Dental and supported by local arts organizations and Meredith College, the exhibition not only honors artistic excellence but also reinvests in school art programs, helping foster the next generation of creative thinkers. Now in its 16th year, this inspiring event underscores the importance of arts education while offering students a meaningful opportunity to exhibit their work in a gallery setting. All are welcome to attend and experience the creativity, imagination, and talent of Wake County’s young artists.

The Unhinged Coffee and Co Ribbon Cutting Block Party is an official grand opening celebration held in Knightdale. This event marks the launch of a new community space designed to provide coffee and connection for all residents. The celebration will feature local food trucks and a vendor block party highlighting small businesses and local makers. Guests can enjoy breakfast from the Good Mornings NC food truck starting at seven in the morning. A lunch menu from Dom Tacos will be available from noon until three-thirty in the afternoon. The official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jessica Day takes place at eleven in the morning. The vendor market will remain open from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. This event is intended for the entire Knightdale community. The space aims to offer an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome regardless of their day. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, or colleagues to help mark this milestone. We look forward to seeing the community gather to support this new local business as it opens its doors to the public.

The Bailey Drive Gateway Groundbreaking celebrates the official start of construction for a new community space designed to improve local connectivity and outdoor recreation. This project will transform the area into a welcoming hub for residents and families to gather and enjoy nature. Attendees will explore the planned layout for the new community space, which includes a covered pavilion and a dedicated grill area. The design also features comfortable seating and a scenic wetlands overlook. A major highlight is the new sidewalk connection that will link Walnut Creek Wetland Park with Fuller Elementary School along Bailey and Boaz Drive. Project leaders will be on site to share details about the timeline and how these improvements will benefit the neighborhood infrastructure and public access. This event is intended for local residents, school families, and anyone interested in city park development. The atmosphere will be informative and community focused, offering a great chance to see future neighborhood enhancements firsthand. We encourage everyone to join us to learn how these new spaces will support an active and connected community environment.

The Horizon is a community event hosted by Visible People, Inc. that focuses on collective wellness, personal growth, and meaningful connection. It serves as an inviting space for individuals of all ages to engage in healing practices and foster community spirit within a supportive local environment. Attendees can participate in a variety of scheduled activities throughout the afternoon. Highlights include yoga and mindfulness sessions, family friendly engagement stations, and creative workshops. The program also features a dedicated community recognition segment to celebrate the contributors and partners who support local growth. Guests can enjoy music and shared reflection time as the event concludes in the early evening. This event is designed for community members, professionals, and families seeking to strengthen local bonds. Whether you want to participate in wellness practices or simply connect with neighbors, this gathering offers a valuable experience. To ensure easy access, a free park and ride shuttle service will operate throughout Dorothea Dix Park. Please check the signage for specific shuttle locations at Lot A, Lot C, Lot E, and the House of Many Porches Market.

Step back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park, a beautiful 174-acre wildlife refuge in Raleigh that hosts the only operable water-powered gristmill in the entire county. This remarkable site offers an immersive look at history and environmental conservation. During the open house, you are invited to explore the historic mill while professional interpreters explain its inner workings and rich heritage. It is a fantastic opportunity to see the ancient machinery that shaped our local agricultural past. Beyond the mill itself, the park offers an array of engaging activities, including walking trails, gardens, and the Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of grinding grain, local freshwater animal research, or simply enjoying the tranquil nature trails, there is something here for every visitor. Admission is completely free, making it the perfect destination for families, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. Please check the official park website for detailed schedules and to register for specialized guided programs. We look forward to seeing you at the mill for an unforgettable afternoon of learning and discovery.

Join the Orange County community for a solemn and respectful tribute to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The annual Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Site in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This meaningful ceremony features a distinguished lineup of local leaders, military representatives, and guests, including an address by Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program includes the posting of colors, the laying of a memorial wreath, and special recognitions for Gold Star Families and Purple Heart recipients. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community unity as we recognize those who served in the armed forces. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees following the ceremony. We invite residents and visitors alike to gather at 2501 Homestead Road to pay their respects and observe this significant holiday. Please visit our website for more information on how you can participate in this important community event.

The Bailey Drive Gateway Groundbreaking celebrates the official start of construction for a new community space designed to improve local connectivity and outdoor recreation. This project will transform the area into a welcoming hub for residents and families to gather and enjoy nature. Attendees will explore the planned layout for the new community space, which includes a covered pavilion and a dedicated grill area. The design also features comfortable seating and a scenic wetlands overlook. A major highlight is the new sidewalk connection that will link Walnut Creek Wetland Park with Fuller Elementary School along Bailey and Boaz Drive. Project leaders will be on site to share details about the timeline and how these improvements will benefit the neighborhood infrastructure and public access. This event is intended for local residents, school families, and anyone interested in city park development. The atmosphere will be informative and community focused, offering a great chance to see future neighborhood enhancements firsthand. We encourage everyone to join us to learn how these new spaces will support an active and connected community environment.

The Bailey Drive Gateway Groundbreaking celebrates the official start of construction for a new community space designed to improve local connectivity and outdoor recreation. This project will transform the area into a welcoming hub for residents and families to gather and enjoy nature. Attendees will explore the planned layout for the new community space, which includes a covered pavilion and a dedicated grill area. The design also features comfortable seating and a scenic wetlands overlook. A major highlight is the new sidewalk connection that will link Walnut Creek Wetland Park with Fuller Elementary School along Bailey and Boaz Drive. Project leaders will be on site to share details about the timeline and how these improvements will benefit the neighborhood infrastructure and public access. This event is intended for local residents, school families, and anyone interested in city park development. The atmosphere will be informative and community focused, offering a great chance to see future neighborhood enhancements firsthand. We encourage everyone to join us to learn how these new spaces will support an active and connected community environment.

Birdwatching for Beginners is an introductory outdoor program designed to help you learn the fundamentals of identifying local bird species. Participants will gain practical skills in bird recognition while engaging with nature in a guided group setting. During this session, we will embark on a one-mile walk across diverse trails to observe birds in their natural habitats. You will learn how to identify common species and discover how to contribute your observations to meaningful collaborative science projects. This experience provides a hands-on approach to building your birding knowledge and understanding the impact of citizen science. This program is perfect for anyone interested in nature observation regardless of previous experience. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and focused on learning at a comfortable pace. Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, and bring water for the hike. Before arrival, we recommend downloading the free eBird and Merlin Bird ID apps to your mobile device to enhance your experience. We will gather in front of the building next to the parking lot before we begin our guided walk.