Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda

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.

Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda is a self-guided creative workshop where participants paint hand-poured ceramic pieces. This ninety-minute session provides an accessible environment for artists of all skill levels to design and personalize their own pottery to take home the same day. All necessary painting supplies are provided for every guest. At the start of the event, attendees select a ceramic piece from a wide variety of available options. While you work, staff members remain available to provide artistic guidance and technical tips to ensure your project turns out exactly as envisioned. The venue, Incendiary, will be open throughout the evening, serving a selection of craft brews for those interested in enjoying a beverage while they paint. This workshop is designed for individuals, groups of friends, and families who enjoy hands-on creative activities. The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and supportive, making it an ideal choice for a casual evening out. We invite you to join us for a fun experience and leave with a unique, finished masterpiece. Please reserve your spot to ensure availability.

Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda is a self-guided creative workshop where participants paint hand-poured ceramic pieces. This ninety-minute session offers a relaxed environment for attendees to design and personalize their own pottery to take home the same day. During the event, you will select a ceramic piece and utilize our provided paints and brushes to create your artwork. Staff members are available throughout the session to offer artistic guidance and helpful techniques. As you work on your masterpiece, Southern Peak will be on site serving a selection of local brews available for purchase. This event is designed for all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent choice for individuals, friends, or families looking for a unique activity. The atmosphere is intended to be cozy and welcoming, providing a creative space to experiment and produce a one-of-a-kind item. Each ticket includes one ceramic piece and access to all necessary painting materials. We invite you to join us for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community. Please secure your spot to ensure you have a seat at this interactive workshop.

Wicks and Wax is a hands on candle making workshop hosted by The Raw Edition Candle Co. and Fenton Cary. This event invites participants to create their own custom scented soy candles in a collaborative social setting. Attendees will learn the basics of fragrance blending and professional candle pouring techniques while creating a unique home product. The experience covers the complete process from selecting oils to applying labels. Participants will spend forty five minutes crafting their own premium soy candle using professional grade supplies like cotton wicks and soy wax. A dedicated wax chandler will guide the group through the steps to ensure a high quality result. The session also includes tips on achieving long lasting scents and proper burning maintenance. Beyond the crafting process the event incorporates light games and opportunities for social fellowship. This experience is designed for individuals couples and groups seeking a creative and relaxing activity in Fenton. Whether you are looking for a unique date night or a fun outing with friends this workshop provides a memorable and productive evening. Book your spot today to learn a new skill and take home a custom creation.

A Brush of History is an instructional architectural sketching workshop hosted at the historic Pugh House. This class provides participants with the opportunity to observe, interpret, and capture the structural details of this landmark building through pencil drawing and watercolor painting. Participants will begin by learning to map architectural forms using foundational pencil techniques. Once the composition is set, the class will progress to applying loose watercolor washes to bring the scene to life with color. Instructors will guide students through the process of simplifying complex historic features into manageable artistic elements, ensuring a focused and productive session for all skill levels. This event is designed for beginners who are interested in history, architecture, or introductory fine arts. You will enjoy a creative atmosphere that blends local heritage with artistic practice in a supportive setting. Whether you are looking to develop your sketching skills or simply spend a relaxing day exploring the Pugh House, this workshop offers a unique perspective on our community landmarks. Registration is now open, so please secure your spot to participate in this engaging creative experience.

Join Oak City Voices for a special meet and greet and open rehearsal on August 18, 2026, as the group kicks off its exciting 10th anniversary season. This inter-generational women's chorus invites prospective singers to experience their vibrant community firsthand. The event takes place at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Cary from 7 to 9 p.m. and offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with current members, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the groups mission to foster a love of music through song. During the session, attendees will participate in an informal sight reading of selected concert pieces led by professional director Russell McKinney and accompanist Martha Abernathy. This is the perfect environment for singers of all backgrounds to explore whether this ensemble is the right fit for their musical goals. No formal audition is required for attendance, making it an accessible and welcoming experience for everyone. Please visit the official website to complete the contact form or simply show up to join the chorus for an evening of beautiful harmony and creative connection.

Join the vibrant Run, Sweat, Beers RUN CLUB at Growler Grlz in Durham, where fitness meets a welcoming social atmosphere. This long-standing group meets every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate movement and community. Whether you are an avid runner or a casual walker, you are encouraged to join this inclusive group for a refreshing workout followed by a delicious craft beverage in the taproom. There is no formal registration process, so simply show up ready to move and socialize with fellow local enthusiasts. As an added incentive for those joining for the first time, your first dozen sessions will earn you a complimentary branded t-shirt. Growler Grlz is renowned for its diverse selection of fresh craft beer and its commitment to hosting engaging local gatherings. This weekly tradition is the perfect way to stay active while enjoying a premier taproom experience. Gather your friends or come solo to meet new people in a friendly, high-energy environment. We look forward to seeing you there for your next run.

Join us every Tuesday evening at Trophy Brewing on Maywood Avenue for an engaging and energetic game night experience. Located just minutes from the heart of downtown Raleigh, our spacious brewhouse and inviting patio provide the perfect backdrop for community connection and competitive fun. Whether you are a dedicated board game enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed atmosphere to unwind, this weekly event offers an excellent opportunity to discover new games and meet fellow locals in the Triangle area. Our venue features a rotating selection of local food trucks and an impressive variety of craft beverages, ensuring your gaming session is accompanied by the best flavors our region has to offer. This event is entirely free to attend, making it an accessible way to brighten your week and enjoy the vibrant culture of our local brewing community. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and settle in for a night of excitement and strategic play. Visit our calendar today to plan your visit and join us for an unforgettable evening at Trophy Brewing.

Join us every Tuesday at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps in Durham for an exciting evening of chance and refreshment. Our popular Tuesday Toss event invites guests to roll the dice to determine their fate, offering a chance to secure a delicious draft beer for just five dollars. It is the perfect way to spice up your week with a bit of friendly competition and great value in a welcoming atmosphere. Located on Hillsborough Road, our shop features twenty rotating taps, a curated wine selection, and several non-alcoholic options to satisfy every palate. Whether you choose to relax on our pet-friendly patio or enjoy the cozy indoor space, we invite you to make yourself at home. Feel free to bring your own takeout or enjoy snacks from local favorites like Guglhupf Bakery. We strive to create a vibrant community space where neighbors can connect and unwind. Come roll the dice with us this Tuesday and discover why Der Nachbar is your go-to destination for local brews and good times. Visit us today to experience the fun firsthand.