In Motion, In Time: Untitled (2012) by Marlo Pascual as interpreted by Amy Beasley

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.

Wicks and Wax is a hands on candle making workshop hosted by The Raw Edition Candle Co. and Fenton Cary. This event invites participants to create their own custom scented soy candles in a collaborative social setting. Attendees will learn the basics of fragrance blending and professional candle pouring techniques while creating a unique home product. The experience covers the complete process from selecting oils to applying labels. Participants will spend forty five minutes crafting their own premium soy candle using professional grade supplies like cotton wicks and soy wax. A dedicated wax chandler will guide the group through the steps to ensure a high quality result. The session also includes tips on achieving long lasting scents and proper burning maintenance. Beyond the crafting process the event incorporates light games and opportunities for social fellowship. This experience is designed for individuals couples and groups seeking a creative and relaxing activity in Fenton. Whether you are looking for a unique date night or a fun outing with friends this workshop provides a memorable and productive evening. Book your spot today to learn a new skill and take home a custom creation.

A Brush of History is an instructional architectural sketching workshop hosted at the historic Pugh House. This class provides participants with the opportunity to observe, interpret, and capture the structural details of this landmark building through pencil drawing and watercolor painting. Participants will begin by learning to map architectural forms using foundational pencil techniques. Once the composition is set, the class will progress to applying loose watercolor washes to bring the scene to life with color. Instructors will guide students through the process of simplifying complex historic features into manageable artistic elements, ensuring a focused and productive session for all skill levels. This event is designed for beginners who are interested in history, architecture, or introductory fine arts. You will enjoy a creative atmosphere that blends local heritage with artistic practice in a supportive setting. Whether you are looking to develop your sketching skills or simply spend a relaxing day exploring the Pugh House, this workshop offers a unique perspective on our community landmarks. Registration is now open, so please secure your spot to participate in this engaging creative experience.

Join Oak City Voices for a special meet and greet and open rehearsal on August 18, 2026, as the group kicks off its exciting 10th anniversary season. This inter-generational women's chorus invites prospective singers to experience their vibrant community firsthand. The event takes place at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Cary from 7 to 9 p.m. and offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with current members, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the groups mission to foster a love of music through song. During the session, attendees will participate in an informal sight reading of selected concert pieces led by professional director Russell McKinney and accompanist Martha Abernathy. This is the perfect environment for singers of all backgrounds to explore whether this ensemble is the right fit for their musical goals. No formal audition is required for attendance, making it an accessible and welcoming experience for everyone. Please visit the official website to complete the contact form or simply show up to join the chorus for an evening of beautiful harmony and creative connection.

Get ready to move with KatMoves Travelling Studio as they bring high energy and fun to Hillsborough with recurring weekly line dancing classes. Every Tuesday through December 15, 2026, participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to the Snow Approach Foundation at 129 E King Street from 6 to 7 p.m. These sessions are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, beginning with structured instruction on specific footwork and patterns before transitioning into a review and full dance practice. The relaxed teaching environment ensures everyone feels welcome regardless of their dance background. While these sessions are provided free of charge, there is an optional tip jar available on site. A portion of all proceeds directly supports the Snow Approach Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and other brain conditions. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and support a vital community organization. We look forward to seeing you there to dance the evening away. No advance reservation is required, so please drop in whenever you are ready to join the fun.

Join the Capital Squares dance group for an energetic and welcoming experience at St. James United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a curious newcomer, these square dance parties offer an evening filled with upbeat music, infectious laughter, and a low-pressure environment. You do not need a partner or prior experience to enjoy these sessions, as a friendly caller guides participants through every move. It is a fantastic way to meet new people and get active in a community setting that celebrates fun over perfection. In addition to our lively dance parties, we are excited to offer a beginner square dance lesson series starting this October. This is the perfect opportunity to learn the foundations of this traditional American dance form in a supportive atmosphere. Space is limited for the lesson series, so early registration is highly encouraged. Please visit our website to secure your spot, view the full calendar of upcoming events, and find detailed directions to the venue. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.

Experience the joy of movement at the weekly Ballroom Dancing Social hosted by Pullen Dance. Held most Wednesday evenings at the Pullen Park Community Center, this inviting event offers a vibrant space for dancers of all skill levels to practice their craft. Whether you are a beginner looking to find your rhythm or a seasoned pro ready to glide across the floor, you will find a welcoming atmosphere filled with fellow enthusiasts. Participants can enjoy a wide array of dance styles including salsa, cha-cha, rumba, swing, foxtrot, and waltz set to high-quality recorded music. The evening is designed to be affordable and inclusive, creating a perfect community environment for social connection. Attendees are encouraged to bring light snacks to share as they enjoy an active night of music and dance. Do not miss this opportunity to stay active and socialize in the heart of Raleigh. For the latest schedule updates or to learn more about upcoming special programs featuring live music, please visit the official Pullen Dance website. Grab your dancing shoes and join us for an unforgettable evening.