Night Nation Run: The Running Music Festival

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 charm of Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce in Southern Village, Chapel Hill. Marking its tenth successful year, this beloved weekly tradition offers the perfect setting to unwind from the work week with friends, family, and furry companions alike. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere featuring refreshing wine specials and live musical performances. The event takes place every Wednesday evening from April 1 through October 21, 2026. Music performances commence at 6 p.m., providing a delightful soundtrack to your evening as you lounge in the pleasant outdoor seating area. Whether you are looking to enjoy a glass of fine wine or simply want to appreciate talented local musicians in an inviting environment, this series promises a memorable experience for all. We encourage you to join our vibrant community for this open social event. Make plans to visit us at 610 Market Street to experience why this has become a staple of the Chapel Hill social calendar. We look forward to welcoming you to these weekly festivities all season long.

Experience the joy of movement at the weekly Ballroom Dancing Social hosted by Pullen Dance. Held most Wednesday evenings at the Pullen Park Community Center, this inviting event offers a vibrant space for dancers of all skill levels to practice their craft. Whether you are a beginner looking to find your rhythm or a seasoned pro ready to glide across the floor, you will find a welcoming atmosphere filled with fellow enthusiasts. Participants can enjoy a wide array of dance styles including salsa, cha-cha, rumba, swing, foxtrot, and waltz set to high-quality recorded music. The evening is designed to be affordable and inclusive, creating a perfect community environment for social connection. Attendees are encouraged to bring light snacks to share as they enjoy an active night of music and dance. Do not miss this opportunity to stay active and socialize in the heart of Raleigh. For the latest schedule updates or to learn more about upcoming special programs featuring live music, please visit the official Pullen Dance website. Grab your dancing shoes and join us for an unforgettable evening.

Experience the quintessential charm of the Carolina Inn at 211 Pittsboro Street on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill. Fridays on the Front Porch is a premier outdoor concert series that brings the community together for unforgettable evenings of music and relaxation under the open sky. Running from May through October, this recurring event offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for winding down after a busy week with friends and family. Attendees can enjoy a rotating lineup of talented local performers while sampling delicious offerings from various popular food trucks parked on-site. This series is completely free to attend, making it an accessible and enjoyable way to embrace the local culture of the Triangle. Whether you are a music enthusiast or simply seeking a welcoming outdoor space, this event promises a delightful experience for everyone. We invite you to join us on the front lawn for these seasonal celebrations. Please check our official schedule to plan your next visit and stay updated on all upcoming performances throughout the summer and fall months.

Unwind and recharge at Boxyard RTP, a unique destination crafted from innovative upcycled shipping containers located in Durham. We invite you to join our weekly Game Night, a perfect midweek escape designed for gaming enthusiasts and community members alike. Whether you are looking to challenge friends to a classic board game or engage in a new tabletop experience, our space offers the ideal environment to connect, play, and enjoy your evening. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and entirely free to attend. Beyond the gaming tables, Boxyard RTP features a diverse array of local food and beverage vendors to satisfy any craving. Explore the unique culinary offerings or browse our curated selection of onsite retailers while you take a break from the action. This event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a high energy social setting in the heart of our beautiful central pavilion. Gather your team or come solo to meet new players. Visit our official website to view the full calendar of upcoming activities and plan your next visit to Boxyard RTP today.

Redhedd is a recurring live music experience designed to bridge the gap between emerging artists and music enthusiasts. The event serves as a platform for creative expression, combining live band performances with DJ sets to foster a unique community atmosphere centered on musical discovery. This edition features live performances by Hattricks and JAINUS, accompanied by a curated rotation of DJs throughout the night. Attendees will also have access to an interactive photo booth provided by Hot Shot Photo Booth, which is available to capture memories throughout the evening. The event structure prioritizes a seamless flow between high energy music sets and casual social interaction, ensuring there is plenty of space to enjoy the performances or connect with others in attendance. Redhedd is intended for music lovers who appreciate live instrumentation and forward thinking sound. The environment is inclusive and welcoming to anyone looking to explore new talent or enjoy a night of quality live entertainment. We invite you to join us for an evening of fresh sounds and community connection. Come as you are and experience the latest in local musical talent.

Experience the vibrant spirit of downtown Raleigh with the Butler Knowles Quartet at Jazz in the Square. This exceptional concert series, presented by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, transforms the historic Moore Square into a sophisticated open-air music venue. Join us on select Thursday evenings through October 8 for an unforgettable musical journey under the stars. The atmosphere is designed to provide a perfect midweek escape for music enthusiasts of all ages who appreciate the timeless artistry of live jazz performances. Beyond the captivating melodies, attendees can enjoy a curated selection of culinary delights. Our event features local food trucks offering diverse flavors alongside beverage vendors providing a variety of wine and beer for purchase. It is the ideal setting to unwind with friends, family, or colleagues while soaking in the cultural heartbeat of the city. Whether you are a dedicated jazz aficionado or simply looking for an engaging community experience, we invite you to be part of this rhythmic celebration. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of melody and community spirit in the heart of Raleigh.

Artful Story Time is an interactive program that pairs children literature with original works of art. The event explores visual storytelling through reading and movement to help children connect with museum collections in a meaningful way. Each session offers a unique experience designed to encourage curiosity and creative thinking in young participants. Attendees will listen to rotating featured readers who bring stories to life throughout the museum galleries. Because the event frequently changes locations and content, every session provides a fresh perspective and a new way to engage with art. This experience is specifically tailored for young children and their caregivers who enjoy immersive learning. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and designed to foster a love for both reading and art history. Whether you are a regular visitor or attending for the first time, you will find an engaging environment that supports early childhood development. We invite families to join us for these sessions to discover new stories and explore the museum galleries together. Please check the current schedule for specific locations and featured readers before your visit.

Discover the invigorating practice of Acro Yoga every Wednesday evening at the beautiful Pullen Park in Raleigh. This unique discipline seamlessly blends the balance and mindfulness of traditional yoga with the dynamic excitement of acrobatics. Our community sessions are designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all skill levels, including absolute beginners who are eager to learn something new. Whether you are looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply meet new friends in a supportive environment, this is the perfect opportunity to get moving outdoors. Please remember to bring your own yoga mat or a towel and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your practice. These sessions are held weekly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., though please note that schedules may shift to indoor locations like Method Park during colder months. To ensure you stay informed about potential weather cancellations or schedule updates, we encourage you to join our dedicated Facebook group for the latest news. We look forward to seeing you there for an uplifting experience that combines fitness, community, and fun under the open sky.

The Mindful Museum Summer Singing Bowl Sound Bath is a guided meditation session held within our museum galleries. This event utilizes resonant sound instruments to provide a restorative experience designed to calm the nervous system and promote deep relaxation for all participants. During this session, you will experience the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls. These instruments create an immersive auditory environment that encourages a parasympathetic state. This practice is specifically designed to help decrease daily stress and enhance overall rest. The resonant sounds fill the gallery space, offering a unique opportunity for healing and quiet reflection in an artistic setting. This event is open to anyone seeking a break from the pace of daily life. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, making it ideal for those interested in mindfulness, meditation, or simply finding a moment of peace. No prior experience with sound baths is required to participate. We invite you to join us for this restorative session to recharge your mind and body. Please reserve your spot in advance to ensure your space in this limited capacity experience.