NC Run Club at Bottle Theory

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.

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.

Join the vibrant Run, Sweat, Beers Run Club held weekly at Growler Grlz in Durham. This welcoming community has been going strong for over five years, bringing together fitness enthusiasts and craft beer lovers for an invigorating social experience. Whether you are an avid marathoner or a casual walker, all paces are encouraged to participate in this recurring Tuesday event. There is no formal registration required, so simply show up ready to move and socialize. Participants can take advantage of a fantastic incentive program where new members earn a complimentary Growler Grlz t-shirt after completing their first dozen runs. Following your workout, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the taproom which features an extensive selection of fresh local brews. It is the perfect way to combine your fitness goals with a rewarding social outing in the heart of the Triangle area. Make sure to lace up your sneakers, invite your friends, and join this dedicated group of locals for a healthy and fun evening. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line this Tuesday for a great run.

Lace up your sneakers and join the vibrant NC Run Club community for a refreshing group run. Hosted at the inviting Bottle Theory in Apex, this weekly event is designed for runners of all skill levels, from casual joggers to seasoned marathoners. Whether you are looking to improve your pace or simply enjoy a social workout, you will find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of encouragement from fellow participants. It is the perfect way to get moving, meet new friends, and enjoy the beautiful local scenery. After completing your run, stick around to relax and recharge with your fellow club members. Bottle Theory offers a fantastic selection of drinks and delicious food options, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a productive evening of exercise. There is no better way to kick off your Thursday night than with a combination of healthy activity and great company. We invite you to lace up, show up, and become part of our growing local running family. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line.

Join the vibrant Run, Sweat, Beers RUN CLUB every Tuesday evening at Growler Grlz in Durham. This energetic community has been going strong for over five years, welcoming runners and walkers of all skill levels to participate in an active and social atmosphere. Whether you are an experienced athlete or just looking for a fun way to stay moving, this group offers a perfect balance of fitness and camaraderie. There is no need for formal sign ups, so feel free to simply show up and join the fun starting at six in the evening. As a special incentive for new participants, Growler Grlz rewards your dedication by gifting you a custom t shirt after completing your first dozen runs. After your workout, you are invited to stay and relax in the welcoming taproom, which features an extensive selection of fresh, locally sourced craft beers on tap. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Come be a part of this enduring tradition and earn your post run drink today.

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.

Experience an invigorating start to your morning with Dance Gumbo, an exciting outdoor fitness series hosted at the beautiful North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. Led by professional instructor Jordan Farrell, these high-energy sessions take place at the scenic Ellipse in the Museum Park, offering the perfect backdrop for an active and refreshing workout. Participants of all experience levels are invited to join this unique aerobic class that expertly blends popular dance styles, including Zumba, Latin rhythms, and hip-hop, into one seamless and fun routine. This event is designed to celebrate movement, music, and community spirit in a welcoming open-air environment. While the sessions are free to attend, voluntary donations are encouraged to help support ongoing programming. Whether you are looking to boost your fitness or simply enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow locals while staying active. Please visit the official event page to view the schedule and complete your registration to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you at the museum for a morning of movement and joy.

Join the team at Current Wellness for an energizing morning dedicated to self-care and community connection. Located in the heart of Raleigh, this open house invites you to sample the studio through a variety of unique offerings designed to refresh your mind and body. Whether you are looking to explore new movement practices or simply connect with local practitioners, this event provides the perfect low-pressure environment to discover new resources for your personal journey. Enjoy mini movement sessions, restorative sound bath experiences, and complimentary chair massages throughout the morning. You can also sip on refreshing mocktails while meeting your neighbors and learning about the holistic services available to support your lifestyle all year long. This is an ideal way to prepare for the season ahead and prioritize your well-being in a welcoming space. We encourage you to register in advance for our mini-classes to ensure your spot. Bring a friend, drop in whenever you can, and embrace this opportunity to prioritize your health. We look forward to welcoming you to our studio for a morning of relaxation and community.