Move with MADD Triangle Walk

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.

Sips for Snips is a charity fundraising event hosted by SAFE Haven for Cats at the Salty Turtle Beer Company in Raleigh. This event raises essential funds to support low cost spay and neuter surgeries performed at the SAFE Care Clinic to help control the local cat population. Attendees can enjoy a wide selection of craft brews while supporting a meaningful cause. Each beer purchase directly contributes to surgical costs, helping the clinic provide affordable medical care for cats across the Triangle region. This is an opportunity to learn more about the clinic mission and how your participation makes a tangible difference in animal welfare. This gathering is designed for craft beer enthusiasts, animal lovers, and community members who want to support local veterinary initiatives. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for socializing with like minded people. We invite you to drop by the Salty Turtle Beer Company to enjoy a drink and help us prevent unwanted litters. Your attendance helps keep our community cats healthy and ensures that vital low cost services remain accessible to those who need them most.

The Winner Takes It All is an ABBA-inspired gala dedicated to supporting Theatre Raleigh. This event raises funds for high-quality theatre productions and professional development programs for aspiring artists. Attendees will enjoy a sophisticated evening featuring live music, a cocktail reception, and a formal multi-course dinner. The program includes live and silent auctions along with performances from Theatre Raleigh professionals and students. Guests can expect a vibrant celebration centered on the iconic music of ABBA while contributing to a vital local arts institution. This gala is designed for theatre enthusiasts, community supporters, and music lovers who appreciate live performance. The atmosphere is energetic and celebratory, offering a unique opportunity to connect with fellow arts patrons. We invite you to join us for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Tickets are available for purchase now, and we encourage early registration to secure your spot at this signature event. Your participation directly enables our mission to cultivate future talent and deliver exceptional theatrical experiences to our community.

The Back to School Brunch in Raleigh is a community event designed to celebrate the start of the academic year through food, creativity, and local outreach. Families are invited to enjoy brunch favorites and family friendly entertainment throughout the day. Attendees can participate in a variety of activities including a craft station where children can create customizable pencil cases. The event also features three dollar kids party drinks and a balloon photo station for capturing memories. Guests are encouraged to support local education by donating to the school supply and backpack drive, which benefits the WakeEd Partnership. Additionally, every Hammock location will select one local teacher to receive a three hundred dollar donation toward their Amazon classroom wish list. This event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a meal while engaging with their local school community. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and focused on preparing for the upcoming semester. We invite you to join us for a productive morning that supports both local students and educators. Visit your local Hammock restaurant to participate in this seasonal celebration.

Pot-A-Plant is an interactive workshop hosted at the Chapel designed to help participants improve their plant care skills. This hands-on session provides all necessary materials for attendees to successfully pot their own four-inch Pothos plant while personalizing a terracotta planter. Expert gardener Megan Cain leads the session, offering professional guidance and answering specific questions about plant maintenance. With over twelve years of experience featured on platforms like HGTV and Good Morning America, she simplifies complex gardening techniques into manageable steps. Participants receive all required tools and supplies, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience focused on long-term plant health and troubleshooting common issues. This event is perfect for both novice plant owners and experienced enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. The relaxed, inclusive atmosphere encourages open discussion, making it an excellent opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. Whether you are coming alone or bringing friends, you will leave with a healthy plant and the confidence to keep it thriving. Secure your spot today to develop the green thumb you have always wanted.

Pot-A-Plant is an interactive workshop hosted at the Chapel designed to help participants improve their plant care skills. This hands-on session provides all necessary materials for attendees to successfully pot their own four-inch Pothos plant while personalizing a terracotta planter. Expert gardener Megan Cain leads the session, offering professional guidance and answering specific questions about plant maintenance. With over twelve years of experience featured on platforms like HGTV and Good Morning America, she simplifies complex gardening techniques into manageable steps. Participants receive all required tools and supplies, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience focused on long-term plant health and troubleshooting common issues. This event is perfect for both novice plant owners and experienced enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. The relaxed, inclusive atmosphere encourages open discussion, making it an excellent opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. Whether you are coming alone or bringing friends, you will leave with a healthy plant and the confidence to keep it thriving. Secure your spot today to develop the green thumb you have always wanted.

Join us for an exciting series of Pop-Up Play Dates held at the scenic Market Square at Sweetwater Town Center in Apex, North Carolina. These vibrant morning gatherings are designed specifically for children and families to enjoy the beautiful summer weather together. Every Tuesday throughout August 2026, we transform the lawn into a hub of activity featuring a variety of engaging outdoor games and fun movement exercises that encourage active play and socialization in a safe environment. These sessions are entirely free to attend, making them the perfect opportunity for local families to connect and start their mornings with energy and joy. Whether you are looking for a way to keep the kids entertained or seeking a fun community experience, our play dates offer the ideal setting for making new friends. We encourage all interested parents and guardians to monitor our Facebook page for the latest updates and any schedule adjustments. Come visit us at 2701 Lawnview Lane between 9 and 10:30 a.m. to experience the fun firsthand. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones on the lawn this August.