Square Dance Party and Beginner Lessons with Capital Squares

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.

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.

Experience the unique intersection of sustainable agriculture and community building at Wine plus Weeds, hosted by Raleigh City Farm. This weekly gathering invites you to steward our beautiful 1.2-acre urban space located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Every Wednesday from April through October, participants can engage in hands-on gardening, learn the principles of regenerative agriculture, and deepen their understanding of local plant life. It is the perfect opportunity to get your hands in the soil while connecting with fellow garden enthusiasts. After working in the fields, relax and socialize with a refreshing splash of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage provided by our friends at Wine Authorities. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this program offers a welcoming environment to grow, learn, and contribute to a healthier local food system. Join us to support a meaningful mission while enjoying a relaxing evening under the open sky. We encourage you to visit our website to reserve your spot today, as space fills up quickly. We look forward to seeing you at the farm for a memorable experience.

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.

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 joy of global cultures through movement with the Raleigh International Folk Dancers. Established in 1968, this vibrant community invites you to explore traditional dances from around the world every Friday evening at Glen Eden Pilot Park. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, this inclusive environment welcomes everyone to join in the fun. You do not need a partner or prior experience to participate, as the group dedicates the early portion of each session to teaching easier steps before progressing to intermediate and advanced routines later in the evening. This weekly gathering is completely free of charge, generously supported by Raleigh Park and Recreation. It is a fantastic way to stay active, meet new friends, and learn something new in an encouraging setting. If you prefer to simply observe the artistry and energy of the group, you are more than welcome to stop by and watch. For more information or to reach the organizers, please contact Brown Patton via email. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor soon.

NC State LIVE invites you to a screening of the documentary We Lift Each Other. This film chronicles an original dance production created by Black Box Dance Theatre alongside a group of veterans. The project explores themes of trust, healing, and human connection through collaborative artistic expression. The event features more than just a film screening. Attendees will participate in a post-film discussion with the artists involved in the project. Guests will receive free commemorative t-shirts and are invited to stay for a celebratory dance party. This evening also serves as the official launch for a season-long residency that will include various community workshops and public programming throughout the year. This event is designed for students, faculty, veterans, and community members interested in the intersection of arts and social impact. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming, energetic, and thought-provoking for all participants. Whether you are passionate about dance or interested in the transformative power of storytelling, this program offers a unique opportunity to engage with the creators. Please join us for this inspiring kickoff event to learn more about upcoming opportunities to participate in future workshops.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to announce the return of their popular appreciation program for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash at any RipTide location across the region. This initiative serves as a sincere thank you for the hard work and dedication that educators bring to our local communities every single day. To take advantage of this special offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating RipTide Car Wash facilities. Whether you are heading to the Durham locations on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard or North Roxboro Street, or visiting the Raleigh sites on Falls of Neuse Road or Sandy Forks Road, the team is ready to provide you with a high-quality service at no cost. This promotion is a fantastic way to start the academic year with a clean vehicle and a fresh perspective. We encourage all eligible staff to stop by during this limited time offer to enjoy these professional car care services provided in gratitude for your service.

Experience an unforgettable evening at 10th and Terrace, the premier rooftop lounge located at the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown. We invite you to join us for our recurring Free Wine Tasting event, held on the third Thursday of every month. This unique gathering offers a sophisticated atmosphere paired with stunning views of the city skyline, making it the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. Throughout the evening, a professional sommelier will be on hand to guide you through a curated selection of fine wines. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history behind each bottle and discover the talented winemakers responsible for these exceptional vintages. It is a fantastic chance to expand your palate, socialize with fellow guests, and explore new favorites in a relaxed, upscale setting. Space for these popular events fills up quickly, so we encourage you to mark your calendars today. Do not miss out on this complimentary opportunity to elevate your Thursday nights. Visit our website or check our social media channels to confirm your attendance and view our upcoming schedule. We look forward to welcoming you to the rooftop for an evening of discovery and taste.

Lace up your running shoes and join the vibrant community at the NC Run Club held every Thursday evening at Bottle Theory in Apex. This recurring event invites runners of all paces to participate in a friendly group run that celebrates fitness and community spirit. Whether you are an experienced athlete or just starting your journey, you will find a welcoming atmosphere and supportive peers to motivate you through every mile. After you have completed your run, stick around to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere that Bottle Theory has to offer. Participants are encouraged to unwind after their workout with a selection of delicious local food and refreshing beverages. It is the perfect way to turn a standard training session into a rewarding social experience. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line this Thursday for an invigorating run followed by great conversation. Come be a part of our growing group, meet new friends, and enjoy a healthy, active evening in the heart of our community.