Still Mountain Railroad

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 authentic charm of Sonark Farms, a picturesque sixty-three-acre destination located in the heart of Hillsborough, North Carolina. The Barn serves as the premier venue on the property, providing a rustic and welcoming environment designed for community connection. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape or a lively evening of entertainment, this unique space offers an ideal backdrop for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the countryside lifestyle. Join us for an exciting series of live performances, including our highly anticipated recurring Bluegrass Jam nights. We take pride in offering an accessible experience, with many events operating on a pay what you can basis to ensure everyone can enjoy local music in a relaxed setting. From talented bands to intimate acoustic sets, there is always something special happening at The Barn. We invite you to explore our upcoming event schedule, discover new artists, and plan your visit today. Follow the provided links to learn more about our lineup and secure your spot for an unforgettable night of music under the stars.

Experience the authentic spirit of acoustic music at the Bluegrass Jam held at the scenic Sonark Farms in Hillsborough. Set across sixty-three beautiful acres, our venue offers a rustic and relaxed atmosphere perfect for musicians and music lovers to gather. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to join the circle or an enthusiastic listener eager to soak in the melodies, this event is designed to bring the community together in a welcoming, countryside setting. Our pay what you can pricing model ensures that live music remains accessible to everyone who wishes to participate in our vibrant local culture. The Bar(n) provides the ideal backdrop for these recurring sessions, creating a unique environment where the harmonies and rhythms of traditional bluegrass truly come to life under the North Carolina sky. We invite you to grab a chair, enjoy the fresh air, and share in the joy of live performance with fellow community members. Please visit our official website to view the full schedule of upcoming dates and learn more about our venue and additional events.

Experience the vibrant sounds of Durham Beer and Banjos, a weekly music series dedicated to the soul of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. Hosted at the scenic Old Mill Farm, this event provides the perfect backdrop for music lovers to unwind and connect with local artists in an inviting outdoor setting. Join us every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. to discover talented musicians performing in one of the most charming spots in North Carolina. Whether you are a long time fan of acoustic melodies or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend your Thursday night, this series offers an authentic community experience that celebrates the rich musical heritage of our region. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible event for everyone to enjoy. Please note that there will be no performance on June 18, 2026. We encourage you to visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to check the weekly band lineup and stay updated on event news. Come out to Old Mill Farm this week to enjoy great music and wonderful company.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

Experience the vibrant community spirit at the Fenton Makers Market, located at 201 Fenton Gateway Drive in Cary, North Carolina. This curated event series offers a fantastic opportunity to support local talent while enjoying a beautiful day outdoors. Join us from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select dates throughout 2026 to explore an impressive showcase featuring 35 local artists booths, specifically selected by Triangle Pop-Up to bring unique, high-quality handmade goods directly to the community. In addition to the incredible selection of artisan offerings, visitors can take advantage of the existing retail landscape at Fenton. Whether you are looking for a unique gift, home decor, or simply want to browse the latest local creations, there is something for everyone. The atmosphere is further enhanced by live music performances that set the perfect tone for a relaxed shopping experience. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an afternoon of discovery and connection. Make plans to visit us soon and celebrate the creativity that defines our region at this premier destination event.

Taco and Margarita Fest 2026 is an immersive culinary experience celebrating premium tequila and diverse street food. Presented by Dulce Vida Tequila and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, this annual event invites guests to enjoy a curated bar crawl and taco tasting journey throughout the venue. Doors open at 12:00 PM for a full day of festivities. Attendees can explore five dedicated taco stands and multiple specialty margarita bars using a provided passport. The event features tequila sampling sessions, live entertainment, and various interactive photo opportunities. Participants also receive party favors and have the chance to win prizes through scheduled giveaways throughout the afternoon. This event is designed for food enthusiasts, tequila lovers, and anyone seeking a high energy social atmosphere. Whether you are visiting for the gourmet taco pairings or the festive community vibe, the festival offers something for every attendee. General admission includes three tacos, a tasting passport, and full access to all entertainment and activities. Do not miss this opportunity to participate in one of the year most anticipated local food and beverage celebrations. Secure your spot now for a memorable day.