The People's Free Market

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.

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!

Experience the ultimate midweek retreat at La Vita Dolce in Southern Village, where Wine Down Wednesday returns for its tenth incredible year. Running every Wednesday from April 1 through October 21, 2026, this beloved Chapel Hill tradition invites you to unwind in style. Guests can enjoy exceptional wine specials and live musical performances in a relaxed atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season. The festivities take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with live music beginning promptly at 6 p.m. to help you transition into the evening with ease. This open social event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming families and even furry companions to join in the fun. It serves as the perfect opportunity to mingle with neighbors, enjoy the beautiful weather, and support local musicians in a vibrant community setting. Whether you are looking for a casual outing or a recurring date night, this event offers the perfect blend of leisure and entertainment. We encourage you to visit us at 610 Market Street to secure your spot and celebrate local culture with us each week.

Experience the vibrant local arts scene at The Plant in Pittsboro. Poetry at The Plant offers a welcoming stage for writers and enthusiasts alike to gather and share the power of the spoken word. Held on the second Wednesday of every month, this recurring event fosters creativity and community engagement within the unique setting of Fair Game Beverage Company. Whether you are an aspiring poet looking for a platform to debut your latest work or an avid fan of literature seeking an evening of artistic expression, this gathering provides an intimate and supportive atmosphere for all participants. Fair Game Beverage Company prides itself on serving high-quality spirits and wines produced from North Carolina ingredients, making it the perfect venue for such a cultural evening. This event is entirely free and open to the public, encouraging everyone in the Chatham County area to attend and participate. Join us for a memorable hour of literary discovery and community spirit. Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions through November 2026 and become part of this flourishing local tradition today.

Experience the vibrant energy of downtown Raleigh with the return of the Live After 5 concert series. This highly anticipated summer event brings community members together for evenings of live music, delicious local food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. Originally part of a rotating series held across iconic city locations, this special rescheduled performance at Seaboard Station promises to be a highlight of the season. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new visitor, this family-friendly event offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy high-quality entertainment in an open-air setting. Join us on August 12 for an unforgettable night featuring Elora Dash. Gather your friends and family, grab some local eats, and soak in the sounds of the Triangle music scene. We invite you to be part of this celebration that highlights the spirit and culture of our city. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy the full experience. We look forward to seeing you at Seaboard Station for an evening filled with great music and community connection.

Join the Town of Chapel Hill for our consistent food distribution events aimed at supporting our neighbors and fostering a stronger, healthier community. Held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Eubanks Park and Ride lot, these supplemental distributions provide essential resources to anyone in need. We work in close partnership with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to ensure that fresh and reliable food options remain accessible to all residents throughout the region. We invite you to participate in this impactful initiative, whether you are looking for assistance or eager to give back to your local area. Please remember to bring one or two boxes or bags to help carry your items. If you are passionate about service, we encourage you to sign up to volunteer and assist our dedicated team in coordinating these efforts. For those requiring more immediate or ongoing support, please visit the Food Bank website to utilize their comprehensive agency locator tool. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow community members by ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

Triangle Cinemas invites local families to experience the magic of cinema this summer with their exciting series of free movie screenings. Located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, the theater is proud to host these special presentations of The Wild Robot, ensuring that entertainment remains accessible for all residents throughout the season. These screenings take place weekly from Tuesday through Thursday, with select Friday showings included from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Doors are scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m. each morning, with the feature films beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. While attendees are reminded that outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue, a variety of delicious concessions will be available for purchase to enhance your viewing experience. This program serves as a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy big screen adventures in a welcoming community environment. We encourage you to plan your visit early to secure your spot for this engaging cinematic journey. For more details on this event and other affordable summer activities, please visit our website to explore our comprehensive resource list today.

Math Makers invites children and their families to experience the wonder of mathematics through a series of engaging, hands-on sessions at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. Running monthly through November 2026, this program transforms abstract concepts into tangible discoveries by weaving together elements of nature, culture, and creative construction. Expert instructors from Natural Math and the NC Network of Math Teachers Circles guide participants as they build curious creations and develop a deeper appreciation for the logic that surrounds our everyday world. Each session provides an interactive environment where learning feels like play. Participants will even receive a specialized math kit to take home, ensuring the excitement of discovery continues long after the event concludes. This series is completely free to attend, making it a fantastic resource for local families looking to enrich their educational experiences. Please note that while the events are free, registration is required and typically opens two weeks prior to each scheduled date. We encourage you to visit the official website to secure your spot and stay informed about future sessions. Join us to foster a love for lifelong learning in a vibrant community setting.

Join the Town of Chapel Hill for our consistent food distribution events aimed at supporting our neighbors and fostering a stronger, healthier community. Held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Eubanks Park and Ride lot, these supplemental distributions provide essential resources to anyone in need. We work in close partnership with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to ensure that fresh and reliable food options remain accessible to all residents throughout the region. We invite you to participate in this impactful initiative, whether you are looking for assistance or eager to give back to your local area. Please remember to bring one or two boxes or bags to help carry your items. If you are passionate about service, we encourage you to sign up to volunteer and assist our dedicated team in coordinating these efforts. For those requiring more immediate or ongoing support, please visit the Food Bank website to utilize their comprehensive agency locator tool. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow community members by ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

The Parktown Food Hub serves as a vital community pillar dedicated to alleviating hunger and combating food insecurity throughout the South Durham region. By hosting regular distribution events, this organization provides essential nutritional support to neighbors in need, fostering a stronger and more resilient community for everyone. We invite you to join us for our open distribution sessions, which take place on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. No prior appointments or documentation are required to participate, making it easy to access fresh resources when you need them most. Our mission thrives on the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our volunteers. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking for an impactful way to give back through donations, your involvement makes a tangible difference. We encourage all community members to stay connected with our latest updates, schedule adjustments, and upcoming opportunities by visiting our official website or following our social media pages. Please verify our calendar before arriving to ensure you have the most current information for your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Revere Road location soon.

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.