Jazz in the Square: Turnabout Players

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 Night Nation Run is an integrated running event that combines a 5K fun run with an electronic music festival experience. This unique format transitions from a race into an immersive celebration for all participants. It is designed for runners of all skill levels who enjoy energetic environments and live music performances. The course features various sensory elements including live DJs, immersive light shows, bubble stations, and neon displays. Participants navigate the route while enjoying a continuous musical backdrop. Upon crossing the finish line, runners gain access to an extensive main stage after party featuring performances by prominent headlining DJs. This event is suitable for individuals, groups of friends, and families looking for a high-energy social experience. The atmosphere emphasizes community engagement and celebration through music and physical activity. With over one million past participants globally, the event has established a consistent track record for its unique production standards. Registration is open for those seeking a memorable evening combining wellness and entertainment. Join the Night Nation community to experience this fusion of fitness and live performance.

The 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is a premier community gathering showcasing the work of over 250 talented artists from across the country. This milestone event celebrates fine craftsmanship and creative expression in a vibrant outdoor setting. Attendees can browse unique handmade goods while enjoying a wide variety of interactive experiences and local culture. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, and textiles. The festival provides entertainment across four dedicated stages and features more than 25 food vendors offering a range of culinary options. Guests may also relax in the beer garden or the designated lounge area. Families will find extensive programming at Kid Daze, which includes fun activities and the new Kid Collectors Market where children can purchase art created by festival participants. Professional artisans will host live demonstrations throughout the weekend. This festival is designed for art lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summer. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with makers and support the arts community. Join us to experience this landmark anniversary celebration and participate in a long standing local tradition.

Experience the vibrant spirit of our community at the 50th annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Hosted by the Town of Cary on August 22 and 23, 2026, this beloved tradition transforms the downtown campus into a bustling hub of creativity and connection. Guests are invited to wander through displays featuring local artisans showcasing unique handmade crafts while enjoying a diverse lineup of live musical performances. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind art pieces or looking to spend a quality weekend outdoors with family, this event offers something special for every attendee to discover and enjoy. This festival is completely free to attend, making it the perfect opportunity to support local talent and engage with the lively atmosphere of Cary. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 316 N. Academy Street. Join thousands of your neighbors for this milestone anniversary celebration. Mark your calendars now and plan to participate in one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings of the summer. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable community celebration.

The 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is a premier community gathering showcasing the work of over 250 talented artists from across the country. This milestone event celebrates fine craftsmanship and creative expression in a vibrant outdoor setting. Attendees can browse unique handmade goods while enjoying a wide variety of interactive experiences and local culture. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, and textiles. The festival provides entertainment across four dedicated stages and features more than 25 food vendors offering a range of culinary options. Guests may also relax in the beer garden or the designated lounge area. Families will find extensive programming at Kid Daze, which includes fun activities and the new Kid Collectors Market where children can purchase art created by festival participants. Professional artisans will host live demonstrations throughout the weekend. This festival is designed for art lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summer. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with makers and support the arts community. Join us to experience this landmark anniversary celebration and participate in a long standing local tradition.

Packapalooza is the annual all-day block party and street festival marking the end of Wolfpack Welcome Week at NC State. The event takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m. along Hillsborough Street to celebrate the start of the new academic year. The festival features an extensive lineup of live music and performances across multiple stages. Attendees can explore more than 350 vendor booths and enjoy various family-friendly activities throughout the day. A highlight of the celebration is the grand finale fireworks display held at the Belltower main stage. The event is supported by over 60 sponsoring organizations and presented by Live It Up! Hillsborough Street. This community event welcomes NC State students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local families. With over 90,000 annual attendees, the atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the Wolfpack community. Whether you are a long-time supporter or a new student, Packapalooza provides a memorable experience for everyone. We invite you to join us on Hillsborough Street for this signature campus celebration.

Packapalooza is the annual all-day block party and street festival marking the end of Wolfpack Welcome Week at NC State. The event takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m. along Hillsborough Street to celebrate the start of the new academic year. The festival features an extensive lineup of live music and performances across multiple stages. Attendees can explore more than 350 vendor booths and enjoy various family-friendly activities throughout the day. A highlight of the celebration is the grand finale fireworks display held at the Belltower main stage. The event is supported by over 60 sponsoring organizations and presented by Live It Up! Hillsborough Street. This community event welcomes NC State students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local families. With over 90,000 annual attendees, the atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the Wolfpack community. Whether you are a long-time supporter or a new student, Packapalooza provides a memorable experience for everyone. We invite you to join us on Hillsborough Street for this signature campus celebration.

Experience the vibrant spirit of the community at the 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, returning to the Cary Town Hall Campus on August 22 and 23, 2026. This landmark event invites residents and visitors to explore an impressive showcase of talented local artisans, creative craftsmanship, and captivating artistic expressions. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the festival offers an engaging atmosphere for attendees of all ages to enjoy unique handmade goods and creative displays. Beyond the beautiful art, guests can enjoy lively musical performances and family-friendly activities throughout the downtown campus. This festival serves as a cornerstone of local culture, providing a perfect opportunity to support small businesses while connecting with your neighbors in a beautiful outdoor setting. Admission to this spectacular celebration is completely free for everyone. We encourage you to mark your calendars today and join us for an unforgettable weekend of creativity and community spirit in the heart of Cary. Do not miss your chance to be part of this historic golden anniversary celebration. We look forward to seeing you there.

Experience the vibrant heart of the local creative scene at the Durham Craft Market, held every Saturday morning at Durham Central Park. This juried, artist-run collective showcases the exceptional talents of over fifty artisans who live and work within thirty miles of the city. Whether you are searching for unique handmade gifts, home decor, or one-of-a-kind treasures, you will find an incredible variety of high-quality items crafted with care and passion. The market offers a welcoming space for neighbors and visitors to connect directly with the talented individuals who help define the artistic culture of the region. Attending the market is completely free, making it the perfect weekend destination for those who value shopping local and supporting small businesses. During the warmer months, the market runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., while the winter season features adjusted hours from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We invite you to visit 501 Foster Street this Saturday to discover the best handmade goods the Triangle has to offer. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a morning of community, creativity, and discovery in the heart of Durham.

SproutFest 2026 is an outdoor community market designed to celebrate the final days of summer before the academic year begins. Located at the downtown city plaza, this event offers a central space for families to gather, shop local vendors, and participate in interactive seasonal activities. The primary goal is to provide a productive and enjoyable outing that eases the transition from summer break back into the school routine. Attendees can expect a diverse array of experiences ranging from educational craft stations to live local musicians and curated food trucks. Local farmers will showcase fresh seasonal produce, while independent artisans offer unique goods perfect for back to school preparation. The layout is designed to encourage exploration and movement throughout the market space, ensuring that participants have ample time to engage with vendors and enjoy scheduled performances throughout the day. This event is ideal for families with school aged children looking for an active and engaging afternoon. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming, casual, and energetic. We encourage you to join us to support local small businesses and enjoy a final community celebration of the summer season.