The Market at NCMA

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.

College Discount Night is a special monthly event designed to provide students with an affordable creative outlet. Participants can enjoy a significantly reduced studio fee by simply presenting a valid school ID at check in. This event serves as a budget friendly opportunity to gather with friends and unwind through artistic expression. Attendees can choose from over four hundred unique pottery items to paint in the studio. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist you are free to customize your piece however you like. The studio provides a relaxed environment where you can work at your own pace without pressure. This experience focuses on individual creativity and hands on fun using a wide selection of ceramics and glazing options. This event is perfect for college students seeking a productive break from their academic schedule. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming for groups or individuals looking to explore their artistic side. Come visit us to take advantage of this special rate and help us establish this gathering as a recurring tradition. We look forward to seeing your creativity in action.

This class teaches the fundamental techniques required to create pattern welded Damascus steel. You will master the process of stacking alternating layers of 1084 and 15N20 steel to forge a functional eight layer metal billet from scratch. Participants will prepare their steel stacks, perform forge welds using a high temperature gas forge, and manually manipulate the metal through twisting to produce distinct patterns. You will leave this hands on workshop with a personalized steel billet suitable for crafting custom items like bottle openers, bracelets, or small knives. This experience provides essential experience in high carbon steel manipulation and advanced blacksmithing methods. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the required Forging Intro class. The workshop is physically demanding and requires participants to swing heavy hammers while working with one inch thick steel. Basic MIG welding skills are highly recommended for success. If you are ready to expand your blacksmithing repertoire and create high quality material for future projects, register today to secure your space in the forge.

This workshop teaches you how to construct a realistic snake plant using simple papercraft techniques. You will learn to manipulate paper, apply paint, and integrate wire to create a low-maintenance decorative plant that mimics the appearance of real greenery without the need for light or water. During the session, you will assemble custom leaves by layering materials and adding detailed textures. We provide all necessary supplies including high-quality paper, specialized paints, and structural wires. Our instructors guide you through each step of the shaping and painting process to ensure your final creation looks authentic and durable. You will leave the class with a complete potted snake plant ready for display. This event is perfect for busy individuals, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a creative outlet. The atmosphere is casual and collaborative, making it suitable for all skill levels. We welcome participants who want to learn a new hobby or simply enjoy a productive afternoon. Space is limited to ensure personal instruction for every attendee. Register today to secure your spot and start your journey into botanical papercraft.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a series of complimentary movie screenings throughout the summer months. From June 16 through August 20, 2026, the theater will present popular children films every Tuesday through Thursday, with additional screenings on select Fridays. These events are designed to offer an affordable and entertaining way for families to stay cool and engaged during the summer break. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m., with the featured movies beginning at 10 a.m. While outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater, a full range of concessions will be available for purchase to enhance your viewing experience. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy big screen entertainment in a welcoming environment. We encourage all families in the Triangle area to join us for these exciting morning features. Whether you are looking for a fun outing or a way to keep the kids entertained, our summer movie program is the perfect destination. Plan your visit today and be sure to check our full schedule for additional free and affordable programming.

Prepare for the upcoming academic year by attending the Durham Rescue Mission Back to School Party on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. This community gathering is dedicated to supporting local students and families by providing essential resources to ensure a successful start to the school year. Guests will have the opportunity to receive free school supplies, groceries, and a complimentary lunch while supplies last. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the main event beginning at 12 p.m. at the Durham Rescue Mission location on East Main Street. This event is a fantastic way to engage with the community and alleviate the financial burden associated with back to school preparations. Whether you are seeking necessary materials or simply want to participate in a supportive environment, this party offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Make sure to arrive early to take advantage of the available resources. Join your neighbors for this impactful day of giving and community spirit. Visit the official Durham Rescue Mission website for more information on how you can support their ongoing efforts throughout the year.

Join the Carrboro Farmers Market for an engaging season of family fun through our Market Bunch program and various community celebrations. Held at the historic Carrboro Town Commons, our market connects residents with local farmers and artisans who produce high-quality goods within a fifty-mile radius. Every Wednesday from April through November, the Market Bunch program provides free educational activities for children, focusing on sustainability, healthy eating, and creative arts. These interactive sessions encourage young learners to explore the origins of their food in a supportive, community-driven environment. Beyond our weekly programming, we host monthly seasonal events ranging from the vibrant Kids Seedling Day to the popular Strawberry Jamboree and the festive Tomato Day. Whether you are interested in gardening tips, live music, or delicious local food samples, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to experience the best of local agriculture while participating in unique cultural events designed for all ages. Please visit our website or follow our Facebook page for updated event calendars and detailed schedules. We look forward to seeing your family at the market this season.

Artful Story Time is an interactive program that pairs children literature with original works of art. The event explores visual storytelling through reading and movement to help children connect with museum collections in a meaningful way. Each session offers a unique experience designed to encourage curiosity and creative thinking in young participants. Attendees will listen to rotating featured readers who bring stories to life throughout the museum galleries. Because the event frequently changes locations and content, every session provides a fresh perspective and a new way to engage with art. This experience is specifically tailored for young children and their caregivers who enjoy immersive learning. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and designed to foster a love for both reading and art history. Whether you are a regular visitor or attending for the first time, you will find an engaging environment that supports early childhood development. We invite families to join us for these sessions to discover new stories and explore the museum galleries together. Please check the current schedule for specific locations and featured readers before your visit.

The Mindful Museum Summer Singing Bowl Sound Bath is a guided meditation session held within our museum galleries. This event utilizes resonant sound instruments to provide a restorative experience designed to calm the nervous system and promote deep relaxation for all participants. During this session, you will experience the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls. These instruments create an immersive auditory environment that encourages a parasympathetic state. This practice is specifically designed to help decrease daily stress and enhance overall rest. The resonant sounds fill the gallery space, offering a unique opportunity for healing and quiet reflection in an artistic setting. This event is open to anyone seeking a break from the pace of daily life. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, making it ideal for those interested in mindfulness, meditation, or simply finding a moment of peace. No prior experience with sound baths is required to participate. We invite you to join us for this restorative session to recharge your mind and body. Please reserve your spot in advance to ensure your space in this limited capacity experience.

Join us at the Science Café for an insightful presentation by Dr. Alexandra Duffy from NC State University regarding the genetic diversity and pollution resilience of North Carolina’s least killifish. This event examines how environmental stressors in the industrialized Lower Cape Fear River affect one of the world's smallest vertebrates. Dr. Duffy will detail her research on how selective pressures influence the survival of this unique species. Attendees will explore the intersection of evolutionary biology and environmental health through a specialized case study of the least killifish. Dr. Duffy will discuss her lab's work on how predation, competition, and stream water quality shape phenotypic diversity. You will learn about the current conservation status of the species, which is currently classified as a Special Concern due to its limited distribution across Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties. This event is designed for students, researchers, conservationists, and anyone interested in local ecology. The atmosphere is casual and encourages open discussion among participants. Please join us for this engaging look at how tiny organisms can provide significant insights into the health of our state’s largest river systems.