Storytelling Open Mic at Common Market Durham

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.

The All Things Groovy Hippie Fest returns to Moore Square for its third annual celebration of retro culture and community spirit. This day-long festival brings together local makers, artists, and enthusiasts to honor a free-spirited, vintage-inspired lifestyle in the heart of Raleigh. Attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including a curated market featuring local vendors and unique artisans. The event highlights include a vintage car show, diverse food truck options, and a continuous lineup of live music performances throughout the day. Floating bubbles and colorful decorations create an immersive, cheerful environment throughout the park grounds. This event is open to all ages and is perfect for families, music lovers, and anyone seeking a laid-back, joyful atmosphere. Whether you are looking to shop for local goods, enjoy live entertainment, or simply relax in the sun, this festival offers a unique experience. Interested vendors are encouraged to visit the official Pomona Popups website to submit an application and participate in this year's festivities.

Experience the unique spirit of community generosity at the Hillsborough Really Really Free Market. Held on the third Sunday of each month from March through October, this recurring event transforms Gold Park into a vibrant hub of sharing and sustainability. The premise is refreshingly simple: there is no money, bartering, or trading involved. Participants are invited to bring items they no longer need to give away, while others are welcome to browse and take whatever they find useful. From gently used clothing and home goods to books and snacks, the selection is entirely dependent on the collective contributions of our neighbors. This event fosters a circular economy that reduces waste and strengthens local bonds. Whether you have items to donate or are searching for something special, your presence adds to the positive energy of the market. Please remember that all remaining items must be taken home by the original owner at the conclusion of the event to ensure we keep our shared park beautiful. Join us at 415 Dimmocks Mill Road for an afternoon of community connection and discover the joy of giving.

Experience the spirit of community generosity at the Chapel Hill Really Really Free Market. Hosted on the third Monday of each month at the beautiful Southern Village Green, this unique gathering invites residents to participate in a circular economy where everything is offered with no strings attached. Whether you are looking to declutter your home or find new treasures, this event fosters a welcoming environment built on kindness rather than commerce. Participants are encouraged to bring gently used items such as books, clothing, toys, or even share personal skills and musical talents with neighbors. Please remember that this is a community-supported initiative, so guests must take home any items that remain unclaimed by the end of the event. This gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet local residents while supporting sustainable living practices in our region. Stay connected and informed by following the official chapelhillrrfm account on Instagram for the latest event updates and announcements. We look forward to seeing you at the green for a morning of sharing, connecting, and celebrating our vibrant Chapel Hill community.

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of crafting a functional small hammer from scratch. You will work with one-inch square 4140 steel to build a durable tool using traditional blacksmithing techniques. The primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive experience in metalworking while giving you a finished implement you can use for years. During the session, you will learn to punch and shape the hammer eye before forging the specific head ends. We will move through the essential heat treatment phase, where we analyze various methods for hardening and tempering steel. The process concludes by securely attaching a wooden handle to your finished hammer head. You will leave the class with a custom tool ready for immediate use in your own workshop projects. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro class. While Forging II is recommended for further skill development, it is not required for participation. If you value craftsmanship and want to experience the rewarding process of tool fabrication, this class is an ideal fit. Register now to secure your spot and start building your own gear.

Join us for our monthly drop-in art session where visitors explore creativity through hands-on making. This interactive program takes place across our museum galleries and park, offering a unique way to engage with our current exhibitions through guided artistic exercises. This month, participants will create botanical collages inspired by the floral elements found in the site-specific installation garlands 115 unfurled by Colby Caldwell. You will work with digital photography and collage techniques to construct your own art piece. Materials are provided on-site, and you will have the chance to explore the installation as you work on your project. The session focuses on creative expression and artistic interpretation in an accessible format. This event is open to all ages, making it an ideal activity for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a creative afternoon at the museum. The atmosphere is casual and self-paced, allowing you to drop in whenever your schedule permits. We encourage everyone to visit the galleries and participate in the making process. No registration is required, so simply head to the museum to start creating.

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.

Experience the ultimate weekend treasure hunt at The Raleigh Market, located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this iconic destination transforms into a vibrant hub featuring hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors. Whether you are searching for high-end antiques, unique jewelry, essential power tools, or handcrafted art, you are sure to find something special among the diverse selection of treasures collected over the last fifty years. Beyond the incredible variety of goods, come prepared to satisfy your cravings. The market features a rotating array of local food trucks, classic fair food, and fresh farm stands that offer something delicious for every palate. Admission and parking are both completely free, making this the perfect outing for families and friends alike. Join the thousands of shoppers who visit this regional landmark every weekend to discover hidden gems and support local vendors. Visit our official website to view the current vendor list, or follow our social media channels for the latest event updates and announcements. We look forward to seeing you at the fairgrounds this weekend.

The Dog Days of Summer Brunch is a family friendly community event in Raleigh held to support the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Guests are invited to enjoy a meal while participating in activities designed for both children and their canine companions. Attendees can visit the Adopt a Puppy station where children receive adoption certificates and decorate custom dog houses. The event features face painting and photo opportunities with dogs from the rescue organization. Guests are encouraged to bring their own leashed pets to join the festivities. These activities provide an interactive environment for animal lovers to engage with the local rescue community while enjoying brunch. This event is ideal for local families and pet owners looking for a meaningful way to spend their weekend. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on animal welfare. By attending, you contribute directly to a local cause as ten percent of all brunch sales will be donated to the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Join us for a morning of fun and help us support this important organization.

Experience a journey back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park, home to the last operational water powered gristmill in Wake County. Join us for our recurring Mill Open House, where visitors are invited to explore the fascinating history and mechanics of this 200 year old landmark. Historic interpreters will be on site to showcase the inner workings of the mill and answer your questions about how this vital piece of local heritage processed grain for generations. This drop in program offers a unique opportunity to witness history in action within a stunning 174 acre wildlife refuge. Beyond the mill, take advantage of the park's scenic walking trails, beautiful gardens, and peaceful picnic areas. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day in nature, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this environmental research center. Admission to the open house is free and no registration is required, making it an ideal weekend activity for families and individuals alike. We look forward to seeing you at the mill to discover this hidden gem in the heart of Raleigh.