Visit the Raleigh Fire Museum on Second Saturdays

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!

Nature Stories at NCMA is a recurring family program that combines storytelling with outdoor exploration. The event aims to connect young children with the natural world through literature and guided discovery across the museum campus. Participants begin each session with a featured nature themed story. Following the reading, attendees engage in hands on activities designed to reinforce the themes presented in the book. The program often transitions into guided walks through the museum grounds, allowing families to observe local wildlife and plants in their natural setting. These interactive experiences turn abstract concepts into tangible lessons. This free program is specifically designed for children age seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. Because portions of the experience take place outdoors, attendees should arrive dressed appropriately for current weather conditions. Most walking paths are accessible for strollers. We invite you to join us for a morning of learning, movement, and outdoor engagement. Please prepare for a short walk as we explore the diverse environment surrounding the Art Museum. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Get ready for a sweet transformation as Morrisville turns into S'Morrisville on Monday, August 10, 2026. This delightful community event celebrates the classic campfire treat that everyone knows and loves. Join your neighbors at the Morrisville Community Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an evening dedicated to indulgence and fun. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary s'mores and a variety of other delicious snacks in a welcoming outdoor setting perfect for all ages. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, designated parking is available at the nearby Morrisville Elementary School located at 1519 Morrisville Parkway. Please note that entry requires a right turn from Davis Drive, and when departing, guests should exit right toward Chapel Hill Road. This is a wonderful chance to get outside, connect with the local community, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some campfire magic. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of treats. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this unique community gathering.

Make your summer afternoons memorable with a delicious treat from the award-winning Andia's Ice Cream. Every Monday throughout the summer season, Andia's is delighted to offer a special buy one get one free promotion on their signature sundaes. This irresistible deal is available now through August 31, 2026, at both their Cary and Raleigh locations, providing the perfect opportunity to share a sweet experience with a friend or loved one. Each sundae includes a generous scoop of high-quality ice cream finished with whipped cream, your choice of topping, and a drizzle of decadent sauce. Whether you are a long-time fan of their nationally recognized flavors or a first-time visitor looking to discover why they have earned such high acclaim, this promotion is designed to brighten your week. Do not miss your chance to indulge in these premium handcrafted treats at an incredible value. Gather your friends and visit any of the participating shops this coming Monday to enjoy this refreshing offer. We invite you to stop by soon and experience the exceptional quality that makes Andia's Ice Cream a local favorite.

Experience the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This impressive landscape serves as a sanctuary for local biodiversity, featuring over 240 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses. With approximately 85 percent of the flora native to the region, the garden provides a vital habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and various other essential pollinators. It is a true testament to the importance of sustainable gardening practices. Visitors are invited to join an educational guided tour led by experts to learn more about the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. These tours last ninety minutes and offer a deep dive into the plants that nourish our environment. While the garden is open to the public daily, these specialized guided sessions require prior registration to ensure an intimate and informative experience for all attendees. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and gain practical insights into conservation. Please secure your spot through the official registration link to join us for an inspiring morning session this summer season.

Nature Stories at NCMA is a recurring family program that combines storytelling with outdoor exploration. The event aims to connect young children with the natural world through literature and guided discovery across the museum campus. Participants begin each session with a featured nature themed story. Following the reading, attendees engage in hands on activities designed to reinforce the themes presented in the book. The program often transitions into guided walks through the museum grounds, allowing families to observe local wildlife and plants in their natural setting. These interactive experiences turn abstract concepts into tangible lessons. This free program is specifically designed for children age seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. Because portions of the experience take place outdoors, attendees should arrive dressed appropriately for current weather conditions. Most walking paths are accessible for strollers. We invite you to join us for a morning of learning, movement, and outdoor engagement. Please prepare for a short walk as we explore the diverse environment surrounding the Art Museum. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Get ready for a sweet transformation as Morrisville turns into S'Morrisville on Monday, August 10, 2026. This delightful community event celebrates the classic campfire treat that everyone knows and loves. Join your neighbors at the Morrisville Community Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an evening dedicated to indulgence and fun. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary s'mores and a variety of other delicious snacks in a welcoming outdoor setting perfect for all ages. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, designated parking is available at the nearby Morrisville Elementary School located at 1519 Morrisville Parkway. Please note that entry requires a right turn from Davis Drive, and when departing, guests should exit right toward Chapel Hill Road. This is a wonderful chance to get outside, connect with the local community, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some campfire magic. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of treats. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this unique community gathering.

Nature Stories at NCMA is a recurring family program that combines storytelling with outdoor exploration. The event aims to connect young children with the natural world through literature and guided discovery across the museum campus. Participants begin each session with a featured nature themed story. Following the reading, attendees engage in hands on activities designed to reinforce the themes presented in the book. The program often transitions into guided walks through the museum grounds, allowing families to observe local wildlife and plants in their natural setting. These interactive experiences turn abstract concepts into tangible lessons. This free program is specifically designed for children age seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. Because portions of the experience take place outdoors, attendees should arrive dressed appropriately for current weather conditions. Most walking paths are accessible for strollers. We invite you to join us for a morning of learning, movement, and outdoor engagement. Please prepare for a short walk as we explore the diverse environment surrounding the Art Museum. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Step back in time to celebrate a historic milestone for Durham. Fifty years ago, during the 1976 Bicentennial, our community gathered at West Point on the Eno for a spectacular festival featuring traditional North Carolina arts, music, and crafts. To honor this legacy, the Museum of Durham History is proud to host a special pop-up exhibit and reception on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event offers an immersive look at the original celebration through a curated collection of photographs, shared memories, and classic music from that era. Join us at the Museum of Durham History for an engaging evening where you can hear firsthand stories from those who experienced the original festivities. This event is entirely free and open to the public, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with local history and community members alike. We invite you to visit us at 500 W Main Street to celebrate this unique moment in our heritage. Do not miss this chance to relive a vibrant piece of Durham history with friends and neighbors.

Experience art in a welcoming and accessible environment at the Nasher Museum of Art. The Reflections Public Tour is held on the second Tuesday of every month, offering a unique opportunity to engage with rotating exhibition themes. These ninety-minute sessions are specifically designed for individuals living with memory loss and their companions, providing a supportive space to explore creativity through curated gallery discussions and interactive art-making activities. Participants can also look forward to live musical performances within the galleries, creating an immersive and relaxing experience for all attendees. This program emphasizes connection and community, ensuring that art remains an enriching part of everyone's life regardless of cognitive challenges. The tours are fully accessible, fostering a safe space for dialogue and personal expression. Admission is completely free, though advance registration is required to ensure an intimate and comfortable experience for all participants. If you or a loved one are interested in joining this inclusive program, please email reflections at duke dot edu to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher Museum of Art for an inspiring afternoon of discovery and artistic connection.