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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.

Join Downtown Cary Park horticulturist Patrick McMillan for an educational tour of the park aquatic plant collection. This event focuses on the peak flowering season of our stunning lotus blossoms and provides an in-depth look at local aquatic ecosystems. Participants will explore the unique biological adaptations of these plants and their essential roles within our local wildlife habitats. During the tour, you will examine the structural complexity of these water-dwelling species. Patrick McMillan will share insights into the fascinating history and lore surrounding these plants while highlighting their connection to the Triangle region. You will see firsthand how these botanical displays function as both ornamental beauty and vital environmental infrastructure for local fauna. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, garden hobbyists, and anyone curious about urban horticulture. The atmosphere is professional, educational, and highly engaging for those who appreciate the natural world. Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking along the park pathways. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early to experience this aquatic display at its absolute peak. We look forward to exploring the magic of these plants with you soon.

Nature Play Day at NCMA is a free outdoor event designed to encourage children to explore the natural world through hands-on play. This monthly drop-in program transforms the museum park into an engaging environment filled with creative materials and outdoor resources for participants to enjoy at their own pace. Attendees can expect a rotating selection of activity supplies including fort-building equipment, puppets, costumes, bubbles, and painting stations. A dedicated play facilitator from Prairie Ridge will be on-site throughout the event to guide activities and ensure a positive experience for all participants. These materials change monthly to keep the environment fresh and exciting for frequent visitors. This program is specifically designed for children ages seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. The event takes place entirely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and prepare for the possibility of getting messy during play. Join us at the park to foster your childs curiosity and imagination in a supportive outdoor setting. We look forward to seeing your family for an afternoon of discovery and exploration.

Unwind and connect with your local community at the weekly Board Game Night hosted at Bottle Theory in Apex. This recurring event invites enthusiasts of all levels to gather every Monday evening for a relaxing session filled with strategic challenges, friendly competition, and shared laughter. Whether you are a seasoned tabletop gamer or simply looking to meet new people in a welcoming environment, this is the perfect opportunity to spend your Monday night in great company. Enjoy an impressive selection of curated drinks as you play through your favorite games or discover new ones with fellow participants. The atmosphere is casual, inclusive, and designed to foster meaningful connections among attendees. This event is entirely free to join, making it an accessible way to brighten your week and enjoy the vibrant social scene at Bottle Theory. We encourage you to bring your own favorite games or join in on those provided by the house. Gather your friends or come solo to meet a new gaming partner. Join us this coming Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. to experience the fun firsthand.

Join Downtown Cary Park horticulturist Patrick McMillan for an educational tour of the park aquatic plant collection. This event focuses on the peak flowering season of our stunning lotus blossoms and provides an in-depth look at local aquatic ecosystems. Participants will explore the unique biological adaptations of these plants and their essential roles within our local wildlife habitats. During the tour, you will examine the structural complexity of these water-dwelling species. Patrick McMillan will share insights into the fascinating history and lore surrounding these plants while highlighting their connection to the Triangle region. You will see firsthand how these botanical displays function as both ornamental beauty and vital environmental infrastructure for local fauna. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, garden hobbyists, and anyone curious about urban horticulture. The atmosphere is professional, educational, and highly engaging for those who appreciate the natural world. Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking along the park pathways. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early to experience this aquatic display at its absolute peak. We look forward to exploring the magic of these plants with you soon.

Join Downtown Cary Park horticulturist Patrick McMillan for an educational tour of the park aquatic plant collection. This event focuses on the peak flowering season of our stunning lotus blossoms and provides an in-depth look at local aquatic ecosystems. Participants will explore the unique biological adaptations of these plants and their essential roles within our local wildlife habitats. During the tour, you will examine the structural complexity of these water-dwelling species. Patrick McMillan will share insights into the fascinating history and lore surrounding these plants while highlighting their connection to the Triangle region. You will see firsthand how these botanical displays function as both ornamental beauty and vital environmental infrastructure for local fauna. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, garden hobbyists, and anyone curious about urban horticulture. The atmosphere is professional, educational, and highly engaging for those who appreciate the natural world. Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking along the park pathways. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early to experience this aquatic display at its absolute peak. We look forward to exploring the magic of these plants with you soon.

Nature Play Day at NCMA is a free outdoor event designed to encourage children to explore the natural world through hands-on play. This monthly drop-in program transforms the museum park into an engaging environment filled with creative materials and outdoor resources for participants to enjoy at their own pace. Attendees can expect a rotating selection of activity supplies including fort-building equipment, puppets, costumes, bubbles, and painting stations. A dedicated play facilitator from Prairie Ridge will be on-site throughout the event to guide activities and ensure a positive experience for all participants. These materials change monthly to keep the environment fresh and exciting for frequent visitors. This program is specifically designed for children ages seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. The event takes place entirely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and prepare for the possibility of getting messy during play. Join us at the park to foster your childs curiosity and imagination in a supportive outdoor setting. We look forward to seeing your family for an afternoon of discovery and exploration.