Stroll Through History: Free Cemetery Tours at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

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!

Get ready to celebrate a fan favorite tradition as Chick-fil-A brings back the highly anticipated Cow Appreciation Day on July 14, 2026. This exciting event returns for the first time since 2019, inviting guests to participate in a fun and unique experience by dressing up in cow-themed attire. Whether you go all out with a full costume or simply wear a fun accessory, your creativity will be rewarded with a free entree. This special offer is available at participating locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person visitors only. If you are worried about your costume, you can easily download and print a cow mask provided on the restaurant website to join the festivities. This promotion is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal while embracing the spirit of the day. Please remember that this offer is not valid for digital orders and requires a visit to your local restaurant. Gather your friends and family to make the most of this generous community event. We look forward to seeing your best cow outfits at a Chick-fil-A near you soon.

Pilates in the Park is a guided fitness session hosted by the Morrisville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. This event celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month by inviting the community to enjoy healthy movement in an outdoor setting. Participants will engage in a beginner friendly pilates routine designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and overall posture. Led by certified instructors, the session focuses on controlled movements and breathing techniques suitable for all skill levels. The class takes place in a local park, providing a refreshing environment that connects physical wellness with nature. Attendees can expect a supportive group atmosphere where the pace remains steady and accessible for everyone involved. This event is perfect for local residents looking to incorporate more activity into their daily routine while enjoying the summer season. Whether you are a regular practitioner or new to fitness, this session offers a great way to start your day with energy. Please bring your own exercise mat, comfortable clothing, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. We encourage you to join us this July to celebrate community health and wellness.

Get ready for a summer of cinematic fun at Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12 in Raleigh. We are thrilled to invite families to our annual free summer movie program running from June 16 through August 5, 2026. This is the perfect opportunity to keep the children entertained on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings without breaking the bank. Guests can choose between two film screenings each day starting at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. respectively. To make your experience even more enjoyable, we are offering special concession pricing throughout the series. You can grab a junior drink and popcorn combo for only 4.50 dollars or opt for our small drink and popcorn bundle for 8.50 dollars. Whether you are looking to escape the heat or simply create lasting memories, our theater provides the ideal venue for your weekly family outings. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full 2026 movie schedule and plan your visits in advance. Join us at the theater this season and enjoy these complimentary screenings with your loved ones for an unforgettable summer experience.

This lecture explores the history of the American Revolutionary era by examining the lives of lesser known figures through an LGBTQ+ perspective. Hosted by Megan L. Cherry, an associate professor of history at North Carolina State University, the event reexamines the conventional narrative of the war for independence. You will discover how gender and sexuality were actively contested during the late eighteenth century in North America. Professor Cherry will present research on individuals whose stories are often missing from traditional textbooks. The session highlights social dynamics that shaped early American identity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how personal experiences of gender and sexuality intersected with the political turmoil of the revolution. The presentation focuses on historical evidence and academic analysis of these overlooked lives. This event is designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in a broader look at American history. It offers a professional and engaging environment for intellectual growth and discovery. Join us for this insightful look into the complexities of the past. Please register online to secure your spot for this informative session.

This community arts workshop combines storytelling and movement to explore individual journeys, family histories, and personal connections to the American experience. Participants will examine these themes through creative expression and collaborative artmaking to reflect on memory, identity, and resilience. During the session, attendees will engage in guided movement and collaborative exercises using textile items. Please bring meaningful fabric pieces such as scarves, old T-shirts, blankets, or other cloth materials. These items serve as both movement props and core components for a temporary art installation created during the event. The workshop concludes with an informal sharing session where the collective installation acts as a visual representation of the group experience. This event is open to all individuals interested in community storytelling through physical expression. No prior dance experience is required. The atmosphere is collaborative, welcoming, and focused on shared reflection. Join us to contribute your unique history to this living tapestry of stories. Registration is required to secure your place in this inclusive arts experience.

Experience a journey back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park. This expansive one hundred seventy-four acre wildlife refuge features the historic Yates Mill, which stands as the final operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. Restored to full working order, the mill offers a rare glimpse into the agricultural traditions that shaped our local history over two centuries ago. Join us for our recurring Mill Open House sessions, where historic interpreters provide fascinating insights into the engineering and daily operations of this remarkable site. Guests are invited to step inside to explore the inner workings of the mill while learning about the regional history of milling technology. Admission is entirely free, and these drop-in sessions require no prior registration. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an educational outing with the family, the mill provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past. We encourage you to visit our website to view the complete schedule of upcoming programs, guided nature hikes, and educational workshops held throughout the season at the park.

Discover the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden, a stunning horticultural destination located in the heart of Pittsboro, North Carolina. This remarkable landscape serves as a living laboratory, showcasing over 240 species of perennials, shrubs, trees, and grasses. With approximately 85 percent of the flora native to North Carolina, the garden provides a vital sanctuary for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and a diverse array of essential pollinators. It is a must-see site for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone looking to connect with the local ecosystem. Visitors are invited to join an educational guided tour led by experts who offer deep insights into sustainable landscaping and wildlife support. These engaging sessions last approximately ninety minutes and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cultivate your own pollinator-friendly habitat. While the garden is open to the public daily for self-guided exploration, these specialized tours offer a more immersive experience. Admission is entirely free, though advance registration is required to secure your spot. We encourage you to sign up today and experience this flourishing landscape for yourself.

Experience the rich tapestry of North Carolina history with the Historic Raleigh Trolley. This immersive one-hour journey transports guests through the heart of downtown, offering a front-row seat to the landmarks and sites that have defined the community since its founding in 1792. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an engaging look into the evolving culture and architectural legacy of the city. Tours depart every Saturday from March through December, starting at the iconic Mordecai Historic Park. With four convenient departure times available throughout the day, this activity is perfectly suited for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or a family looking for a unique weekend outing, this trolley adventure promises a memorable and educational experience for all ages. Prices are set to be highly accessible, ensuring that everyone can join in on the exploration. Ready to reserve your seat on this journey through time? Secure your tickets today by visiting the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center or calling the ticket office directly. Do not miss your chance to discover the hidden stories of Raleigh.

Experience a journey back in time with a free guided tour of the North Carolina State Capitol, a majestic National Historic Landmark located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Completed in 1840, this stunning masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture offers visitors a rare glimpse into the state’s rich political history. During your hour-long tour, you will explore the iconic rotunda, view the historic Governor's office, and walk through the former senate and house chambers where pivotal legislative decisions were once debated. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. without the need for advance reservations. Simply arrive at the front of the building to join a group and begin your educational adventure. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, the Capitol remains open for self-guided exploration throughout the work week as well. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or a visitor seeking an authentic North Carolina experience, this tour is an essential stop. Plan your visit today and discover the architectural beauty and political heritage that defines our great state.