The Bull City Woodshop: Open House

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.

Prepare for the upcoming academic year at the vibrant Books, Bikes and Back-to-School event hosted by the Durham Co-op Market. This community gathering is designed to help students and families transition smoothly into the school season while celebrating the joy of learning and healthy living. Attendees can look forward to an engaging atmosphere filled with activities that emphasize education, active lifestyles, and community connection. Whether you are hunting for great resources, looking to brush up on bike safety, or simply wanting to connect with local neighbors, this event offers something special for everyone. The Durham Co-op Market provides a welcoming environment for all participants to enjoy the festivities together. This is an excellent opportunity to gather necessary supplies and enjoy a productive day out before classes resume. We warmly invite all members of the community to join us for this free event on August 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1111 W Chapel Hill Street in Durham. Mark your calendars and bring your friends for an unforgettable experience that supports our local students and families.

Get ready to make a splash at the Shotwell Environmental Park Summer Splash Bash, happening on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This exciting community event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers a perfect way to celebrate the final weeks of summer with your friends and neighbors. Located at 4624 Smithfield Road in Wendell, the park will be transformed into a vibrant playground featuring thrilling waterslides and a variety of engaging activities designed for all age groups. In addition to the water attractions, guests will be treated to a complimentary lunch, making this an ideal outing for families looking for a memorable and affordable weekend experience. The event is intentionally crafted to provide wholesome entertainment while helping children transition into the upcoming school season with high energy and joy. Whether you are looking for outdoor fun or a chance to connect with the local community, this bash promises something special for everyone. Please remember to RSVP online to secure your spot for this fantastic summer celebration. We look forward to seeing you there for a day of sunshine and fun.

Experience the charm of country life at the Sunrise Community Farm Center, located in the beautiful Chapel Hill area. Our weekly Open Farm event provides a welcoming environment for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to connect with nature and animals. Rain or shine, our facility ensures a comfortable visit with plenty of covered, weather proofed areas for everyone to enjoy throughout the entire year. Whether you are seeking a peaceful weekend outing or an educational adventure for the family, our farm offers a unique space to explore and unwind. Take your experience to the next level by reserving a pony or horse ride, adding a memorable highlight to your visit. General admission is available for eight dollars, while ride packages are offered for eighteen dollars. We encourage you to visit our website to secure your tickets in advance, though walk-ins are always welcome. Join our vibrant community this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discover the wonders of farm life. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm for an unforgettable day of outdoor exploration and community fun.

Experience the vibrant heart of the local creative scene at the Durham Craft Market, held every Saturday morning at Durham Central Park. This juried, artist-run collective showcases the incredible talents of over fifty regional artisans who live and create within thirty miles of the city. Whether you are searching for unique handmade decor, exquisite jewelry, or one-of-a-kind gifts, you will find an exceptional variety of high-quality goods that celebrate the spirit of our community. The market serves as a welcoming gathering space where neighbors and visitors can connect directly with the talented individuals behind the work. Since its inception in 2006, this grassroots initiative has blossomed into a must-visit destination for those who value craftsmanship and local commerce. Please note that summer hours run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., while winter hours shift to 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is completely free, making it the perfect weekend outing for everyone. We invite you to come out, support your local makers, and enjoy the energetic atmosphere of our outdoor marketplace. Visit us at 501 Foster Street this Saturday to discover your next favorite treasure.

The Coffee to Coffee Bike Ride is a community cycling event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Raleigh greenway system and the opening of a new Drift Coffee location. Riders will travel from the Ridgewood store to the new shop near Dix Park using an accessible greenway route. Participants will enjoy a 10 mile out and back ride primarily on paved greenway paths. Volunteers will lead and sweep the group to ensure safety and support for all riders. The first 50 guests will receive free swag items upon arrival at the destination. Riders are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 am to grab a beverage or snack before the 9:15 am departure. This event is open to all cyclists who enjoy casual group rides and wish to support local infrastructure and businesses. The atmosphere will be social, energetic, and beginner friendly. Please review the Ride with GPS route before arriving to prepare for the course. We look forward to seeing you there for a morning of exercise and celebration.

Prepare for the upcoming academic year at the vibrant Books, Bikes and Back-to-School event hosted by the Durham Co-op Market. This community gathering is designed to help students and families transition smoothly into the school season while celebrating the joy of learning and healthy living. Attendees can look forward to an engaging atmosphere filled with activities that emphasize education, active lifestyles, and community connection. Whether you are hunting for great resources, looking to brush up on bike safety, or simply wanting to connect with local neighbors, this event offers something special for everyone. The Durham Co-op Market provides a welcoming environment for all participants to enjoy the festivities together. This is an excellent opportunity to gather necessary supplies and enjoy a productive day out before classes resume. We warmly invite all members of the community to join us for this free event on August 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1111 W Chapel Hill Street in Durham. Mark your calendars and bring your friends for an unforgettable experience that supports our local students and families.

Experience the extraordinary at the Fall Open Nursery and Garden Days hosted by Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery. This unique Raleigh destination spans 28 acres and features an impressive collection of over 30,000 plant varieties, including rare specimens sourced from international expeditions in China, Taiwan, and South Africa. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturist or a passionate home gardener, you will find endless inspiration while exploring this world-class research and display garden. Visitors are invited to stroll through the extensive grounds and shop for unique perennials and shrubs directly in the greenhouses. This rare opportunity allows guests to access the garden during one of its select annual open weekends without any prior registration required. Parking is complimentary, and the event proceeds rain or shine. Discover why global botanists consider this site a premier horticultural landmark. Join us for a weekend of botanical exploration and bring home something truly special for your own landscape. We look forward to welcoming you to this immersive garden experience.

Experience the extraordinary at the Fall Open Nursery and Garden Days hosted by the renowned Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh. This unique destination spans 28 acres and showcases an unparalleled collection of over 30,000 plant species, including rare perennials, exotic specimens, and unusual trees sourced from expeditions across the globe. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturalist or a passionate home gardener, this event offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the world's most diverse living plant collections. Visitors are invited to stroll through these magnificent display gardens to gain inspiration for their own landscapes before heading to the sales greenhouses to purchase exceptional plants for their collection. This is one of the limited weekends each year that the garden opens its gates to the general public without a prior appointment. Admission and parking are entirely free, making it the perfect outing for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Join us rain or shine to discover hidden botanical treasures and elevate your gardening expertise at this truly remarkable local gem.

Discover a horticultural paradise during the Fall Open Nursery and Garden Days at Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh. Spanning 28 acres, this world-renowned destination showcases an extraordinary collection of over 30,000 unique plant species, including rare perennials, exotic flora, and unusual shrubs gathered from global expeditions. This is a rare opportunity to explore a research-driven display garden that is usually closed to the public, offering visitors unparalleled inspiration for their own landscaping projects. Whether you are a seasoned botanist or a casual gardener looking for something truly distinctive, you will find beauty around every corner. Walk through the expansive grounds, learn about rare native species, and enjoy the chance to shop directly from the specialized greenhouses. The nursery remains committed to sharing their vast botanical knowledge with the community in an engaging, open-air environment. Admission and parking are completely free for all guests during these exclusive weekend events. Mark your calendar for this seasonal horticultural celebration and visit us at 9241 Sauls Road to experience one of the most diverse plant collections on the planet.