Swingin’ Barn Dance with Durham Jazz Orchestra

Join us for the 2nd Annual International Day of Dance Festival on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park. Hosted by Graceful Expressions, this vibrant celebration honors the universal language of dance through a full day of movement and artistic expression. From 10 a.m. until 8:15 p.m., attendees can participate in a variety of inclusive workshops designed for all ages and ability levels. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a beginner looking to explore new rhythms, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of dance in an energetic and supportive community atmosphere. The festivities culminate in an evening showcase on the Great Lawn Pavilion Stage, featuring talented local performance groups from across the region. This event is entirely free and family-friendly, making it the perfect outing for everyone. Please note that this is not a drop-off event, so we ask that parents and guardians remain with their children throughout the day. We invite you to head down to Cary and be part of this unforgettable cultural experience. Check our website for a complete schedule of activities and join us in celebrating the power of dance.

Join the community for the second annual International Day of Dance Festival on April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park. This vibrant event celebrates the universal language of dance through a full day of movement, inspiration, and artistic expression. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, this festival offers a welcoming environment for all ages and skill levels to explore various dance styles and techniques. The day features an extensive schedule of free workshops led by talented instructors, providing a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in the local arts scene. Participants will enjoy a diverse range of activities that showcase the joy of dance, culminating in a spectacular evening performance on the Great Lawn Pavilion Stage. This showcase highlights the incredible talent of local community groups. Admission is completely free, making it the perfect outing for families and friends. Please remember that parents or guardians must accompany children throughout the day. Do not miss this chance to experience the power of movement and community spirit. Visit the official event website today to view the full schedule and plan your visit.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Shuffle lunch break music series at Hub RTP. Designed to revitalize your workday, this recurring event brings live entertainment to the heart of Research Triangle Park. Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy curated performances in a relaxed outdoor setting. We are thrilled to kick off the season on March 4, 2026, featuring the talented Butler Knowles performing a lively Country and Western set. As a special opening day treat, the first 100 guests will receive free ice cream to enjoy while they listen. This series runs from March through June and resumes in September through October, showcasing a new artist-in-residence each month. Whether you are looking to network with colleagues or simply enjoy some fresh air with great music, this series provides the perfect mid-week escape. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible way to support local talent. We invite you to join us at 3151 Elion Drive in Durham to discover your new favorite performer and take a well-deserved break.

Calling all young nature enthusiasts to Peach Road Park for an immersive and educational outdoor experience. Garden Play is specifically designed for children aged three to six, offering a dynamic environment where curiosity meets the natural world. Through a series of engaging play sessions, hands-on craft projects, and guided learning activities, our program aims to foster a deep appreciation for the environment. Children will explore the wonders of plant life, understanding how things grow while developing their fine motor skills and creativity in a vibrant garden setting. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and passionate horticulturists by providing them with a foundational understanding of nature. This program is a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to connect with their peers and discover the joy of the outdoors in a structured, safe, and fun environment. Every session promises new discoveries and lasting memories for every young participant involved. Space for this enriching experience is limited, so we encourage interested families to register as soon as possible to secure your spot. Join us at Peach Road Park and let your child begin their journey toward becoming a lifelong champion for our planet.

Experience the bounty of sustainable urban agriculture at the Raleigh City Farm weekly farm stand. Located on a vibrant one acre site in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, this nonprofit initiative invites you to participate in a unique shopping experience where fresh, locally grown produce is available on a pay what you can basis. Each Wednesday from April through October, the farm harvest varies by season, offering the freshest greens and vegetables directly from the soil to your table. Beyond providing nutritious food, Raleigh City Farm serves as a hub for community connection and environmental education. Whether you are looking to support local sustainable farming practices or simply want to access high quality organic produce, this event provides an accessible opportunity for everyone in the community to engage with their food source. We encourage you to visit us at 800 North Blount Street to witness the impact of urban farming firsthand. Join us starting April 15, 2026, to celebrate our local harvest. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm and sharing the fruits of our labor with you.

Experience the unique intersection of urban agriculture and community connection at Raleigh City Farm. Every Wednesday evening from April through October, we invite you to participate in Wine and Weeds, a weekly gathering designed for farm enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. During this hour, you will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on stewardship of our vibrant one-acre site in the heart of Downtown Raleigh while learning the fundamentals of regenerative agriculture and plant biology from local experts. Beyond the educational experience, this event serves as a wonderful social space to meet new people and relax with a splash of wine or an alcohol-free beverage provided by our local partner, Wine Authorities. Whether you are interested in sustainable farming practices or simply want to spend your evening outdoors in a productive and beautiful environment, this gathering offers something for everyone. Please visit our website to secure your spot in advance, as space is limited for this weekly tradition. We look forward to seeing you at the farm to grow, learn, and cultivate community together.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life by visiting the beautiful William B. Umstead State Park. This hidden gem in Wake County offers an incredible backdrop for our Curious Minds Trail Adventure. As you traverse the scenic hiking trails and observe the tranquil manmade lakes, you will be immersed in the wonders of the Piedmont East Science Trail. Keep a keen eye out for native wildlife like the marbled salamander or unique botanical specimens such as the Jack-in-the-Pulpit hidden along the forest path. Participating in this digital scavenger hunt is simple and fun for the whole family. Download the Actionbound app on your smartphone to begin your self-guided journey through the park. No personal data is collected, and no profile is required to join the quest. Simply scan the designated QR code at the park entrance to start your exploration. Whether you are an avid hiker or a curious student of nature, this event provides an engaging way to connect with the local ecosystem. Join us at Umstead State Park anytime through April 30, 2026, and experience a rustic, educational adventure in the great outdoors.

Experience the joy of literacy and the great outdoors this April with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. This interactive initiative invites families to explore beautiful trails and park paths while reading a featured children book displayed on weather resistant panels. It is a fantastic way to encourage early literacy while enjoying fresh air and physical activity in a serene natural setting. Throughout the month, seven unique locations across Wake County will feature diverse titles including Mae Among the Stars, Compost Stew, and The Home Builders. Each park offers a different story and environment, providing a perfect excuse to visit multiple locations and discover the hidden beauty of our local public spaces. Whether you are strolling along the American Tobacco Trail or visiting the historic Oak View site, these walks offer engaging content for all ages. Grab your walking shoes and head to your nearest participating park today. These self-guided adventures are open daily from morning until sunset, making it easy to fit a dose of literature and nature into your busy schedule. We invite you to explore the pages and the trails with your family this season.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Shuffle lunch break music series at Hub RTP. Designed to revitalize your workday, this recurring event brings live entertainment to the heart of Research Triangle Park. Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy curated performances in a relaxed outdoor setting. We are thrilled to kick off the season on March 4, 2026, featuring the talented Butler Knowles performing a lively Country and Western set. As a special opening day treat, the first 100 guests will receive free ice cream to enjoy while they listen. This series runs from March through June and resumes in September through October, showcasing a new artist-in-residence each month. Whether you are looking to network with colleagues or simply enjoy some fresh air with great music, this series provides the perfect mid-week escape. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible way to support local talent. We invite you to join us at 3151 Elion Drive in Durham to discover your new favorite performer and take a well-deserved break.