NCMA After Hours

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!

This two-session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience with core shop machinery. During the first session, you will mill lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will refine your design using various shaping and profiling tools to achieve a finished, professional look. This project serves as an excellent intermediate step for those interested in advancing toward furniture projects like box-making. This class is designed for individuals who have already completed a woodshop introduction or possess a strong familiarity with the jointer, planer, and table saw. The environment is focused and collaborative, making it ideal for makers looking to sharpen their precision and confidence. If you meet the safety prerequisites and want to take your woodworking skills to the next level, sign up now to secure your spot in this intensive, two-day training course.

Mindful Museum is a guided wellness program that connects art observation with mindfulness practices. This seasonal event invites participants to explore themes found within our permanent collection to encourage deeper self reflection and mental clarity during the busy summer months. Each session begins with a focused look at a selected piece of art. Facilitators will lead attendees through a structured observation process designed to sharpen awareness and aesthetic appreciation. Following this exploration, you will participate in a guided meditation session tailored to the mood and narrative of the featured artwork. These activities help foster a sense of calm and provide practical tools for integrating mindfulness into your daily life. This event is open to everyone regardless of prior experience with meditation or art history. Whether you are seeking a quiet break from your routine or a unique way to engage with our gallery, you will find a supportive and tranquil atmosphere here. We encourage you to join us to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Please reserve your spot online to ensure your place in this restorative experience.

Fiber Art: Through the Ages is a curated exhibition and reception celebrating the evolution of textile crafts. This event showcases a diverse collection of vintage items spanning from the 1860s to the present day, highlighting the history and artistry behind various needlework traditions. Attendees will view a rare assortment of historical pieces including an 1860s Penny rug, 1890s Crazy Quilts, and a 1936 feed sack quilt. The collection also features crochet, needlepoint, rag rugs, and handmade clothing sourced from estate sales and thrift shops. A special feature of the display includes handmade contributions from On The Mend, a group based at the local senior center that supports hospital patients through craft. This reception is designed for history enthusiasts, textile artists, and anyone interested in the preservation of traditional crafts. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the stories behind these vintage treasures. Join us to appreciate the dedication of collectors like Joy Masepoli and support the community efforts of the On The Mend project. We look forward to seeing you at this celebration of fiber arts heritage.

The Princess Concert is a live musical performance featuring songs from iconic films and popular artists. This event brings together families for an immersive experience focused on well known cinematic anthems and modern pop hits in a live concert setting. Attendees will enjoy live renditions of music from popular films including Frozen, Wicked, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. The program also features selections from Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Each track is performed by professional vocalists who have appeared on major West End stages and national television programs. These experienced artists provide a high quality musical showcase designed to entertain audiences of all generations. This show is intended for families and individuals aged three and older. It offers an energetic and heartwarming atmosphere suitable for children and adults alike. With a history of sold out performances nationwide, this concert is an opportunity to hear favorite songs performed by top tier talent in a live environment. Book your tickets now to secure your spot at this memorable family experience.

Experience the vibrant spirit of the Triangle with the Centennial SoundBites concert series, presented by the Oak City Music Collective and NC State Centennial Campus. This exciting outdoor event offers a refreshing musical escape, taking place most Wednesdays from June 3 through August 5, 2026. Join us from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 321 Coffee on Main Campus Drive for an hour of live entertainment that perfectly punctuates your mid-week routine. Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere where local talent takes the stage, providing the perfect soundtrack to your lunch hour. To enhance your experience, local food trucks will be on-site, serving up delicious options to complement the music. Accessing the event is simple and convenient, with free parking available at the Oval West Parking Deck. Please remember to validate your license plate using the QR code provided upon arrival. We invite you to gather your colleagues and friends to soak up the sun and sounds. Be sure to check our website regularly for the full performer lineup as it is announced. We look forward to seeing you there for a wonderful season of community music.

Experience the quintessential Chapel Hill tradition at La Vita Dolce in Southern Village. Now in its tenth year, Wine Down Wednesday returns every Wednesday from April 1 to October 21, 2026. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of relaxation and community spirit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with live musical performances beginning promptly at 6 p.m. This inviting weekly social offers the perfect backdrop to unwind with wine specials and excellent company in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you are looking to enjoy a casual evening with friends, bring the family, or take your dog for a walk, this event caters to everyone. These gatherings celebrate the vibrant local culture and the joy of outdoor entertainment throughout the Triangle area. It is a wonderful opportunity to support local talent and enjoy the pleasant spring and summer weather. Make sure to visit La Vita Dolce at 610 Market Street to be part of this beloved community staple. We look forward to seeing you there to sip, mingle, and celebrate the midweek charm.

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.

Mindful Museum is a guided wellness program that connects art observation with mindfulness practices. This seasonal event invites participants to explore themes found within our permanent collection to encourage deeper self reflection and mental clarity during the busy summer months. Each session begins with a focused look at a selected piece of art. Facilitators will lead attendees through a structured observation process designed to sharpen awareness and aesthetic appreciation. Following this exploration, you will participate in a guided meditation session tailored to the mood and narrative of the featured artwork. These activities help foster a sense of calm and provide practical tools for integrating mindfulness into your daily life. This event is open to everyone regardless of prior experience with meditation or art history. Whether you are seeking a quiet break from your routine or a unique way to engage with our gallery, you will find a supportive and tranquil atmosphere here. We encourage you to join us to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Please reserve your spot online to ensure your place in this restorative experience.

Farm to Fork Kids Fest is an educational event that explores the journey food takes from the soil to the dinner table. This program teaches children about agricultural origins and food production through hands-on discovery and interactive learning experiences. Attendees can participate in various activity stations designed to illustrate how crops are grown and harvested. The event features specialized exhibits that provide a comprehensive look at local food systems and sustainable farming practices. These modules are developed in direct partnership with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems to ensure accurate and engaging educational content for all participants. This event is perfect for curious children and families interested in learning more about their food sources in an interactive museum setting. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible and energetic for young learners. Participation is included with your standard museum admission fee. We invite you to bring your family to explore these exhibits and gain a deeper appreciation for the work involved in feeding our communities. Plan your visit today to join this unique educational experience.