Last Fridays Makers Market

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.

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!

Experience the vibrant local arts scene at The Plant in Pittsboro. Poetry at The Plant offers a welcoming stage for writers and enthusiasts alike to gather and share the power of the spoken word. Held on the second Wednesday of every month, this recurring event fosters creativity and community engagement within the unique setting of Fair Game Beverage Company. Whether you are an aspiring poet looking for a platform to debut your latest work or an avid fan of literature seeking an evening of artistic expression, this gathering provides an intimate and supportive atmosphere for all participants. Fair Game Beverage Company prides itself on serving high-quality spirits and wines produced from North Carolina ingredients, making it the perfect venue for such a cultural evening. This event is entirely free and open to the public, encouraging everyone in the Chatham County area to attend and participate. Join us for a memorable hour of literary discovery and community spirit. Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions through November 2026 and become part of this flourishing local tradition today.

This orientation class provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental operation of the CNC router. Participants will learn how to safely use this powerful tool to cut and carve intricate designs for various creative projects. The session is designed to give you the practical skills needed to operate the machine independently. Throughout the workshop, you will learn the entire workflow from start to finish. We will cover powering on the equipment, preparing your material, and creating designs using Easel software. You will also learn how to program toolpaths to execute your cuts accurately. As a hands-on highlight, every participant will create a personalized wooden coaster featuring their own initials to gain direct experience with the machine. This course is perfect for makers, hobbyists, and artists eager to add CNC fabrication to their skill set. The environment is supportive and focused on technical proficiency. Whether you want to build custom signs or intricate art pieces, this session provides the essential foundation for your future projects. Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot and start bringing your digital designs into the physical world.

Experience the North Carolina Museum of Art in a new light with NCMA After Hours. This dynamic monthly series invites you to explore the galleries after dark, blending art, live music, and creative energy into an unforgettable evening. Whether you are browsing the renowned People Collection, dancing to a guest DJ, or engaging in hands-on art activities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for those looking to connect with community and creativity in a unique setting. Enjoy an array of cultural experiences, including special-edition giveaways and live artist demonstrations that celebrate artistic traditions from around the globe. While the event is designed with adults in mind, all ages are encouraged to attend this free community gathering. You can purchase delicious refreshments at the NCMA Cafe to enjoy as you socialize and explore the galleries. Do not miss this opportunity to engage with art beyond the traditional daytime experience. Visit our website today to view the full schedule and join us for our next evening of inspiration.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer as the Downtown Raleigh Alliance brings back the highly anticipated Live After 5 concert series. This exciting community event features a rotating lineup of talented local musicians performing at iconic locations throughout the city. Join us on select Thursdays from May 14 through August 13, 2026, for evenings filled with high-energy live performances and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the Triangle. This family-friendly series offers the perfect setting for neighbors and visitors to connect while enjoying great music under the open sky. In addition to the incredible soundscapes, attendees can indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks parked on-site. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long day or planning a fun evening out with friends, this concert series provides an ideal escape. We invite you to mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and experience the best of Raleigh's outdoor music scene. Visit our website today to view the full schedule, explore venue details, and plan your next night out at Live After 5.

Experience a unique intersection of local culture and creativity at the upcoming opening reception for Deere John at Peel Gallery in Carrboro. This exhibition serves as a heartfelt tribute to a local neighborhood muse, an iconic 1989 Monte Carlo adorned with John Deere insignias that has become a staple of the community. Organized by the talented artists from Super G Print Lab, the showcase features creative interpretations of this landmark through the medium of printmaking, highlighting the studio's commitment to artistic education and community engagement. The reception takes place on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. during the vibrant 2nd Friday Artwalk. Guests can enjoy an energetic atmosphere filled with live screen printing demonstrations and a special musical set by PhDJ Tom Page. This event is free to the public and offers a fantastic opportunity to support local artists while celebrating the unique character of our region. Join us for an inspiring evening of art and community. We look forward to seeing you at Peel Gallery for this one of a kind celebration.

Get ready to make a splash at the Shotwell Environmental Park Summer Splash Bash, happening on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This exciting community event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers a perfect way to celebrate the final weeks of summer with your friends and neighbors. Located at 4624 Smithfield Road in Wendell, the park will be transformed into a vibrant playground featuring thrilling waterslides and a variety of engaging activities designed for all age groups. In addition to the water attractions, guests will be treated to a complimentary lunch, making this an ideal outing for families looking for a memorable and affordable weekend experience. The event is intentionally crafted to provide wholesome entertainment while helping children transition into the upcoming school season with high energy and joy. Whether you are looking for outdoor fun or a chance to connect with the local community, this bash promises something special for everyone. Please remember to RSVP online to secure your spot for this fantastic summer celebration. We look forward to seeing you there for a day of sunshine and fun.

Get ready to fill up your tank for less on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Circle K is hosting an exclusive Fuel Day event, providing a significant discount of 40 cents per gallon for all Inner Circle Rewards members. This promotion is available at participating locations across the United States, making it easier than ever to save money while you travel. Whether you are commuting to work or planning a weekend road trip, this is a fantastic opportunity to reduce your transportation costs. To take advantage of this special offer, ensure you are registered as an Inner Circle Rewards member before you arrive at the pump. Simply enter the phone number associated with your account at the register to apply the discount to your purchase. Please note that this offer cannot be combined with other fuel promotions or initial enrollment discounts. Visit the official Circle K website today to locate the nearest participating station and confirm your membership details. Do not miss out on this chance to maximize your savings and keep your vehicle fueled for the road ahead.

Rock the Block is an outdoor concert series held in downtown Zebulon on West Horton Street. This community event provides an opportunity for neighbors to gather for a live music performance by UBU The Band in a relaxed street festival setting. Attendees can enjoy a variety of offerings throughout the evening. The event features live music, food trucks serving diverse meals, and dedicated beer and wine vendors. Local craft vendors will also be present, showcasing various goods from the region. The concert provides a central hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment in the heart of the downtown district. This event is designed for community members of all ages who enjoy live music and outdoor social settings. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and community focused. To ensure a comfortable experience, all attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. Join us in downtown Zebulon for an evening of local culture and entertainment. We look forward to seeing the community come together to enjoy this live performance in the open air.

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 incredible talents of over fifty regional artisans who live and create within thirty miles of the city. Whether you are searching for unique handmade decor, exquisite jewelry, or one-of-a-kind gifts, you will find an exceptional variety of high-quality goods that celebrate the spirit of our community. The market serves as a welcoming gathering space where neighbors and visitors can connect directly with the talented individuals behind the work. Since its inception in 2006, this grassroots initiative has blossomed into a must-visit destination for those who value craftsmanship and local commerce. Please note that summer hours run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., while winter hours shift to 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is completely free, making it the perfect weekend outing for everyone. We invite you to come out, support your local makers, and enjoy the energetic atmosphere of our outdoor marketplace. Visit us at 501 Foster Street this Saturday to discover your next favorite treasure.