Learning Lunch - National Water Quality Month

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!

Paint and Sip is a guided painting workshop hosted by local artist Taylor Varron. This session provides a relaxed environment where participants learn to create a summer themed painting through structured step by step instruction. Your registration fee includes all required materials such as a pre drawn canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, easel, and an apron. The process is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, ensuring that every attendee leaves with a finished piece of art. Please note that the café will be open during the event, offering a variety of coffee, beverages, and food items available for individual purchase. This workshop is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to enjoy a creative afternoon in a social setting. Whether you are attending alone or with friends, you will find a welcoming atmosphere centered on artistic expression and personal accomplishment. Secure your spot now to enjoy a stress free creative experience led by a professional artist. We look forward to seeing your artistic progress as you complete your unique painting throughout this session.

Dive into an unforgettable weekend of excitement at the Shark Party Brunch hosted by Crooked Hammock Brewery. This family-friendly event brings a wave of fun to your Sunday morning, offering a unique atmosphere filled with bold culinary flavors and creative activities. Children are invited to participate in our interactive craft station where they can design shark-themed plates, assemble sun catchers, and enjoy a variety of engaging stickers. It is the perfect opportunity to relax in our spacious backyard while the kids explore their artistic side in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Raleigh area, our brewery provides a casual and vibrant setting to enjoy delicious food and limited-release craft beers. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an morning of themed entertainment that celebrates summer in style. Walk-ins are always welcome, but we encourage guests to book their tables in advance to ensure the best experience. Visit our website today to secure your reservation and join us for a splashing good time at the Shark Party Brunch.

Experience the vibrant pulse of downtown Raleigh at the Morgan Street Sessions, a premier weekly gathering hosted at the popular Morgan Street Food Hall. Every Sunday afternoon from 12 to 4 p.m., this event brings together a dynamic blend of live music, delicious cuisine, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the area, this recurring Sunday tradition provides the perfect backdrop to unwind and enjoy the creative energy of the city. Guests can explore seventeen unique food and beverage vendors while listening to an rotating lineup of talented local and regional DJs, making it an ideal destination for brunch or a casual afternoon outing. Attendance is completely free, allowing you the flexibility to sample diverse culinary offerings at your own pace. This inviting atmosphere is designed for everyone seeking a high-energy yet laid-back social experience. We invite you to join us this weekend to discover your new favorite food stall and enjoy the rhythm of the city. Gather your friends and head to 411 West Morgan Street to be part of this exceptional weekly celebration.

Books and Blooms Embroidery is a creative workshop where participants learn to stitch a miniature reading corner scene. The project features a detailed wooden shelf filled with colorful books and fresh tulips to celebrate spring. This session offers a hands-on introduction to fiber art in a calm and supportive environment. Attendees will receive all necessary embroidery materials including fabric, thread, and needles. You will learn foundational stitching techniques to add texture and depth to your design. The instructor provides step by step guidance to help you develop your skills and complete your piece throughout the session. The class focuses on practical tips to enhance your needlework abilities while creating a charming decorative item. This event is perfect for both complete beginners and experienced stitchers looking to enjoy a relaxing craft session. The atmosphere is designed to be low pressure and highly creative. We encourage you to bring your curiosity and prepare for a rewarding afternoon of art. Spaces are limited, so please register early to secure your spot for this engaging and productive embroidery experience.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University proudly presents the Monthly Reflections Tour, a specialized program crafted for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. This inclusive initiative provides a welcoming space to engage with art through a guided ninety-minute experience held on the second Tuesday of each month. Each session features a rotating theme designed specifically to support those with memory loss while ensuring full physical accessibility within our beautiful gallery setting. Participants are invited to explore the collection through meaningful conversation and creative activities that prioritize connection and discovery in a comfortable environment. Whether you are a regular visitor or joining us for the first time, this program offers a supportive community atmosphere where art becomes a bridge for shared experiences. We strive to make cultural enrichment accessible to everyone regardless of their health journey. Please note that while these tours are free, registration is required to ensure an optimal experience for all guests. To secure your spot or learn more about our upcoming monthly themes, please reach out to our team at reflections at duke dot edu. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher.

This seminar provides essential strategies for maintaining personal safety while enjoying Raleigh entertainment districts. The session equips participants with actionable knowledge to navigate downtown nightlife responsibly and confidently. Attendees will explore practical safety measures including protecting beverages against tampering, effective bystander intervention techniques, and safe rideshare practices. The curriculum also covers secure parking habits, late night transportation options, and the use of personal safety applications. You will learn to recognize potential risks early and identify clear steps to take during emergencies, such as utilizing safe word signals for quick assistance. This class is designed for anyone who frequents social districts and wants to prioritize their well-being. Whether you are out with friends or exploring the city, this session offers a supportive atmosphere focused on awareness and preparedness. Register today to gain the tools necessary for a safer nightlife experience. By participating, you contribute to a culture of collective safety and responsible fun. Join us to ensure you are fully prepared for your next night out in Raleigh.

Discover a treasure hunter paradise at The Raleigh Market, held every weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Spanning both indoor and outdoor spaces, this long-standing community staple brings together hundreds of unique vendors offering everything from high-end antiques and artisanal jewelry to practical power tools and local art. Whether you are searching for rare collectibles or simply browsing for a hidden gem, this event provides an engaging shopping experience that has delighted visitors for over five decades. Beyond the diverse merchandise, guests are encouraged to come hungry and enjoy a delicious selection of local food trucks and seasonal farm stands. With free admission and complimentary parking, it is the perfect weekend destination for families, antique enthusiasts, and casual shoppers alike. The market operates every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding the annual NC State Fair period. Be sure to check our website for a full list of current vendors and follow our Facebook page for real-time updates. Join us this weekend for an unforgettable shopping adventure in Raleigh.

Discover the horticultural wonders of Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during their highly anticipated open days. Located in Raleigh, this sprawling twenty-eight-acre destination serves as an educational research facility and a display garden featuring over thirty thousand unique plant species. Visitors can explore an incredible diversity of rare perennials, exotic plants, and unusual trees sourced from global expeditions by founder Tony Avent. This rare opportunity allows guests to wander through meticulously curated landscapes and gain inspiration for their own home gardens while shopping in the extensive greenhouses. Whether you are a dedicated botanist or an amateur gardener, the sheer variety of flora found here is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Admission to these garden days is entirely free, and no prior visit requests are required for entry. The grounds are open to the public from nine in the morning until five in the evening, rain or shine. We invite you to join us for this unique educational experience and explore one of the most diverse plant collections on the planet. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of discovery at this premier botanical landmark.

Experience history in action at Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh. As the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, this site offers a unique glimpse into the agricultural past that defined our region over two centuries ago. During our recurring Mill Open House events, visitors can explore the historic structure while engaging with knowledgeable interpreters who share the fascinating mechanics and legacy of the gristmill. This educational drop-in experience allows you to witness the power of water-driven machinery firsthand. Beyond the mill, our 174-acre wildlife refuge provides endless opportunities for discovery. Enjoy the beauty of local gardens, hike through our diverse trails, or participate in one of our many seasonal public programs ranging from naturalist-led treks to family-friendly field activities. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming programs and plan your trip. Admission is free, so gather your friends and family to explore the heritage and natural beauty of Yates Mill today.