Visit the Raleigh Fire Museum on Second Saturdays

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.

Explore S'more is a free community gathering held in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week. This outdoor event encourages families to disconnect from technology and engage directly with the natural world in a local park setting. Attendees can participate in a variety of hands on nature education stations designed to spark curiosity about local wildlife and ecosystems. The schedule features interactive games that promote active play for children and adults alike. As the evening progresses guests will gather around a communal campfire to roast s'mores while sharing stories and connecting with neighbors. These activities provide a practical way to learn about environmental stewardship through direct experience. This event is open to families of all ages and abilities who enjoy spending time in the fresh air. The atmosphere is casual and designed to foster community bonds in a relaxed environment. We invite you to join us for an evening of learning and outdoor exploration. Please bring weather appropriate clothing and prepare for an evening on the grass. We look forward to seeing you at the fire for this unique educational celebration.

Experience the vibrant tradition of a German Stammtisch at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps in Durham. This welcoming community night celebrates culture and camaraderie, offering guests the unique opportunity to enjoy authentic steins of German beer at standard pint pricing. Whether you are a local enthusiast or a newcomer, this gathering provides the perfect atmosphere to socialize, relax, and appreciate quality pours in a casual setting. Located at 4916 Hillsborough Road, Der Nachbar features an inviting outside patio that is dog friendly and equipped with a convenient outdoor serving window. Families are always welcome to join the fun, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own takeout food or enjoy offerings from local food trucks when scheduled. Beyond this social evening, the venue hosts a variety of engaging weekly activities including chess nights and trivia. We invite you to step away from your routine and connect with your neighbors over a great glass of beer. Visit our website or check our Facebook page for the most current schedule and join us for our next community event.

Experience the charm and tradition of the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, held in the heart of Johnston County, North Carolina, from September 24 through September 27, 2026. This long-standing festival honors the historical significance of the mule in rural farming culture, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern entertainment that appeals to visitors of all ages. Guests can immerse themselves in an energetic weekend featuring traditional rodeos, a spectacular parade, thrilling carnival rides, and a vibrant local art showcase. The event provides an inviting atmosphere where attendees can explore local vendor stalls, enjoy live music performances, and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities. While some specific events require admission fees, many of the festival highlights, including the grand parade, trolley rides, and stable tours, are completely free to the public. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from the greater Raleigh area, Benson Mule Days promises an unforgettable community celebration. Plan your visit to downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena today to celebrate this enduring Southern tradition.

Explore S'more is a free community gathering held in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week. This outdoor event encourages families to disconnect from technology and engage directly with the natural world in a local park setting. Attendees can participate in a variety of hands on nature education stations designed to spark curiosity about local wildlife and ecosystems. The schedule features interactive games that promote active play for children and adults alike. As the evening progresses guests will gather around a communal campfire to roast s'mores while sharing stories and connecting with neighbors. These activities provide a practical way to learn about environmental stewardship through direct experience. This event is open to families of all ages and abilities who enjoy spending time in the fresh air. The atmosphere is casual and designed to foster community bonds in a relaxed environment. We invite you to join us for an evening of learning and outdoor exploration. Please bring weather appropriate clothing and prepare for an evening on the grass. We look forward to seeing you at the fire for this unique educational celebration.

Experience the vibrant sounds of the Durham Beer and Banjos music series, a weekly celebration of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk traditions. Held at the picturesque Old Mill Farm, this event provides the perfect backdrop for music lovers to enjoy high-quality live performances in a relaxed and welcoming outdoor environment. Whether you are a dedicated fan of string music or simply looking for an engaging community gathering, our stage showcases talented regional artists who bring authentic sounds to the Triangle area. The series typically takes place every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., though attendees should keep an eye on our schedule for occasional calendar shifts, such as our special Wednesday appearance on August 19, 2026. Admission to these concerts is completely free, making it an accessible way to enjoy top-tier entertainment with friends and neighbors. We invite you to visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to discover which band is featured this week. Join us at Old Mill Farm for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, melody, and community spirit.

Experience the vibrant spirit of downtown Raleigh with the return of the Jazz in the Square concert series. Presented by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, this engaging community event transforms Moore Square into a lively musical destination. Join us on select Thursday evenings through early October for an unforgettable showcase of local talent, featuring the acclaimed Turnabout Players. This series is designed to bring neighbors and visitors together in a beautiful outdoor setting to celebrate the rich culture of live jazz performance. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of offerings from local food trucks parked on-site, along with beverage vendors providing beer and wine for purchase. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long work week or seeking a perfect evening under the stars with friends and family, this series offers the ideal atmosphere. Admission to these performances is completely free, making it an accessible way to enjoy world-class music in the heart of the city. We invite you to grab your lawn chair and join us at Moore Square for an evening of melody and community. Do not miss this opportunity to support local artists and experience the best outdoor music Raleigh has to offer.

The Educator Open House and SciREN Triangle Networking Event is an annual information exchange designed specifically for K through 12 educators. This evening provides a platform to connect with local scientists, museum staff, and educational partners to discover free classroom resources and professional development opportunities. Attendees can access curriculum-correlated lesson plans based on current scientific research and discuss classroom implementation directly with experts. The program includes dinner and beverages provided by local sponsors. Participants will also have the opportunity to take guided tours of museum galleries, learn about upcoming field trips, and explore new outreach programs. Digital access to all shared lesson materials is included for every teacher in attendance. This event is ideal for educators looking to integrate real-world science into their curricula while expanding their professional network in a relaxed setting. It offers a unique environment to rejuvenate teaching strategies and foster community connections. Join us to gather practical tools and resources that will enhance your students learning experience. We look forward to hosting you for this productive night of networking and collaboration.

Join our fall service project to restore and steward the Museum Park alongside our professional staff. This initiative focuses on enhancing local biodiversity by planting native species to create essential habitats for area wildlife. It is a direct opportunity to contribute to the long term ecological health of our shared community space. Volunteers will spend time outdoors engaging in hands on restoration work including digging, planting, and mulching. Participants should be prepared for physical activity that includes walking up to one mile across a mix of paved and grassy surfaces. You will navigate slight inclines while performing tasks that require bending and lifting. These projects occur twice annually, relying on favorable weather conditions to ensure success. This event is ideal for anyone interested in environmental conservation and outdoor service work. The atmosphere is collaborative and purpose driven. Whether you are a regular gardener or a first time volunteer, your assistance makes a measurable impact on our park landscape. If you enjoy nature and want to make a tangible difference, please join our team for this seasonal restoration event. We look forward to working together.

Zine Folk North Carolina is a day-long festival in Raleigh dedicated to zines, small press comics, and physical print media. This event serves as a central hub for North Carolina’s growing community of independent creators and enthusiasts, aiming to promote unique voices and the enduring value of tangible publications. The event spans two floors filled with exhibitor tables showcasing works from local zine makers and independent comic artists. Attendees can participate in various hands-on workshops focused on zine creation and trading techniques. The schedule also includes a dedicated live zine-reading hour alongside on-site refreshments available for purchase. A full itinerary detailing specific sessions will be released closer to the event date. This festival is open to everyone, whether you are a seasoned creator or simply interested in discovering independent media. The atmosphere is collaborative and welcoming to all local art supporters. Admission is completely free, though we encourage visitors to bring cash to support the featured artists by purchasing their work. We also invite you to bring your own zines to participate in community trading throughout the day.