Pollinators in Our Parks

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!

Four hours for them. Four hours for YOU. Drop the kids off at Battle House Laser Tag for a night packed with laser tag, pizza, a movie, and more laser tag. Meanwhile, you can go to dinner, catch a movie, run errands, enjoy a quiet house, or simply remember what it feels like to finish a sentence without being interrupted. Details Ages: 7 to 13 Time: 5 PM to 9 PM Price: $49 per child What's Included -4 hours total -Approximately 3 hours of Battle House Laser Tag -Large slice of pizza and a drink -Movie time during dinner, then more laser tag time For Parents: Four glorious hours where parents do not have to entertain anyone Reserve tickets at: https://ecom.roller.app/battlehousefayetteville/parentsnightout/en-us/products

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.

Box Making for Beginners is a two day hands on workshop designed to teach essential woodworking skills through the creation of a small keepsake box. Participants learn fundamental techniques applicable to larger cabinetry and furniture projects while building a functional finished piece. The curriculum is split across two sessions. During the first day you will focus on project design, processing raw lumber, and structural assembly. The second day transitions to refined finishing techniques, lid construction, and decorative detailing to complete your box. This structured approach ensures you gain confidence with shop equipment while producing a high quality result. This course is ideal for those looking to expand their woodworking foundation beyond basic shop safety. Please note that individuals without prior table saw experience must complete our woodshop intro course before attending this session to ensure safety and proficiency. Whether you want to master new joinery methods or craft a thoughtful handmade gift, this class provides the practical knowledge necessary to elevate your woodworking capabilities. Join us for this two day experience to build your skills and complete your first custom project.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.

Join the Town of Chapel Hill and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina for our recurring community food distribution events. These sessions are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Eubanks Park and Ride lot. Our mission is to provide essential nutritional support to all community members in need, ensuring that local families have access to supplemental groceries in a convenient and welcoming environment. We encourage all participants to bring their own bags or boxes to help facilitate a smoother distribution process. These events are made possible through the generous dedication of our volunteers and collaborative partners. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to sign up to volunteer and assist with our site operations. Your time and energy make a significant impact on the well-being of our neighbors. For those requiring more immediate or ongoing assistance, please visit the official Food Bank website to utilize their comprehensive locator tool by entering your zip code. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to foster a stronger, healthier Chapel Hill for everyone.

Join Durham Parks and Recreation for Total Tot Time, an engaging and active play program designed specifically for children ages birth to five and their caregivers. Held every Monday and Wednesday morning at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center, this welcoming event offers a fantastic opportunity for young children to develop essential social skills while exploring a safe and spacious gym environment. Whether your little ones are crawling through tunnels, playing with a parachute, or enjoying a game of tag, they will have a blast making new friends. This community-focused program emphasizes the importance of quality bonding time between parents and children. By participating in these structured yet flexible play sessions, families can foster connections with other local residents in an energetic and supportive setting. No advance registration or RSVP is required to attend, making it a convenient option for busy parents. We invite you to visit the W.D. Hill Recreation Center this season to enjoy active play and socialization. Bring your little ones out to experience the joy of movement and connection in this wonderful neighborhood resource.

Experience the vibrant community spirit at the Carrboro Farmers Market, held weekly on the historic Town Commons. This bustling hub connects local residents with producers from within a fifty mile radius, ensuring that every purchase supports regional agriculture and artisans. Whether you are browsing seasonal produce or engaging in unique community programs, the market offers a welcoming space for everyone. Families are especially invited to participate in the Market Bunch program, which provides free, educational activities every Wednesday from April through November. Children can explore topics ranging from sustainable living and local agriculture to creative arts and healthy eating in a fun, interactive environment. These activities are designed to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection to our food systems. In addition to the Market Bunch program, the market hosts a variety of special seasonal celebrations, including Tomato Day, the Carrboro Cookout, and Root Fest. We encourage you to bring your family and neighbors to experience these unique local traditions. Visit our website to view the full calendar, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and join us for an enriching experience at the heart of Carrboro.

Tai Chi at Downtown Cary Park is a series of guided movement sessions held in a comfortable indoor setting. These classes focus on the ancient Chinese practice of meditation in motion to help improve your physical balance, flexibility, and overall mental clarity through gentle movements. Each session follows a flowing, low impact routine suitable for participants of various fitness levels. You will learn controlled breathing techniques, slow weight shifts, and deliberate movements designed to reduce stress and build core stability. The practice promotes a mindful connection between the body and mind, helping you restore energy while calming your nervous system in a quiet, dedicated space. This event is designed for anyone seeking a peaceful break from a busy schedule or those looking to explore a new physical discipline. The atmosphere is welcoming and non competitive, prioritizing personal progress and steady improvement over complex techniques. Please arrive in comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. We invite you to join us for a session to experience the calming benefits of Tai Chi for yourself and start your path toward better wellness today.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.

Tai Chi at Downtown Cary Park is a series of guided movement sessions held in a comfortable indoor setting. These classes focus on the ancient Chinese practice of meditation in motion to help improve your physical balance, flexibility, and overall mental clarity through gentle movements. Each session follows a flowing, low impact routine suitable for participants of various fitness levels. You will learn controlled breathing techniques, slow weight shifts, and deliberate movements designed to reduce stress and build core stability. The practice promotes a mindful connection between the body and mind, helping you restore energy while calming your nervous system in a quiet, dedicated space. This event is designed for anyone seeking a peaceful break from a busy schedule or those looking to explore a new physical discipline. The atmosphere is welcoming and non competitive, prioritizing personal progress and steady improvement over complex techniques. Please arrive in comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. We invite you to join us for a session to experience the calming benefits of Tai Chi for yourself and start your path toward better wellness today.