Welding Thin Gauge Metals

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.

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 introduces the industrial process of bronze sandcasting adapted for small scale production. Participants learn a sustainable, low tech casting method that emphasizes material reuse and efficient mold creation using Petrobond sand and iron frames. Students will master the entire production cycle. This includes preparing molds, melting bronze with oxy propane torches, and pouring metal into custom frames. The session also covers essential metal finishing techniques such as sawing, filing, sanding, sandblasting, and applying a professional patina. Instructors provide foundational patterns for practice, though attendees may eventually create jewelry, sculptural elements, or unique hardware. This course is ideal for beginners and makers interested in metalwork. The hands on environment is quick, satisfying, and produces minimal waste. It offers a practical way to develop professional metal fabrication skills in an approachable setting. Whether you are a hobbyist or an artist looking to expand your technical repertoire, this experience provides the necessary foundation for independent production. Sign up to learn the fundamentals of metal casting and start creating your own bronze pieces today.

Box Making for Beginners is a two day hands on workshop designed to teach essential woodworking skills through the creation of a small keepsake box. Participants learn fundamental techniques applicable to larger cabinetry and furniture projects while building a functional finished piece. The curriculum is split across two sessions. During the first day you will focus on project design, processing raw lumber, and structural assembly. The second day transitions to refined finishing techniques, lid construction, and decorative detailing to complete your box. This structured approach ensures you gain confidence with shop equipment while producing a high quality result. This course is ideal for those looking to expand their woodworking foundation beyond basic shop safety. Please note that individuals without prior table saw experience must complete our woodshop intro course before attending this session to ensure safety and proficiency. Whether you want to master new joinery methods or craft a thoughtful handmade gift, this class provides the practical knowledge necessary to elevate your woodworking capabilities. Join us for this two day experience to build your skills and complete your first custom project.

Wicks and Wax is a hands on candle making workshop hosted by The Raw Edition Candle Co. and Fenton Cary. This event invites participants to create their own custom scented soy candles in a collaborative social setting. Attendees will learn the basics of fragrance blending and professional candle pouring techniques while creating a unique home product. The experience covers the complete process from selecting oils to applying labels. Participants will spend forty five minutes crafting their own premium soy candle using professional grade supplies like cotton wicks and soy wax. A dedicated wax chandler will guide the group through the steps to ensure a high quality result. The session also includes tips on achieving long lasting scents and proper burning maintenance. Beyond the crafting process the event incorporates light games and opportunities for social fellowship. This experience is designed for individuals couples and groups seeking a creative and relaxing activity in Fenton. Whether you are looking for a unique date night or a fun outing with friends this workshop provides a memorable and productive evening. Book your spot today to learn a new skill and take home a custom creation.

A Brush of History is an instructional architectural sketching workshop hosted at the historic Pugh House. This class provides participants with the opportunity to observe, interpret, and capture the structural details of this landmark building through pencil drawing and watercolor painting. Participants will begin by learning to map architectural forms using foundational pencil techniques. Once the composition is set, the class will progress to applying loose watercolor washes to bring the scene to life with color. Instructors will guide students through the process of simplifying complex historic features into manageable artistic elements, ensuring a focused and productive session for all skill levels. This event is designed for beginners who are interested in history, architecture, or introductory fine arts. You will enjoy a creative atmosphere that blends local heritage with artistic practice in a supportive setting. Whether you are looking to develop your sketching skills or simply spend a relaxing day exploring the Pugh House, this workshop offers a unique perspective on our community landmarks. Registration is now open, so please secure your spot to participate in this engaging creative experience.

Join Oak City Voices for a special meet and greet and open rehearsal on August 18, 2026, as the group kicks off its exciting 10th anniversary season. This inter-generational women's chorus invites prospective singers to experience their vibrant community firsthand. The event takes place at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Cary from 7 to 9 p.m. and offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with current members, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the groups mission to foster a love of music through song. During the session, attendees will participate in an informal sight reading of selected concert pieces led by professional director Russell McKinney and accompanist Martha Abernathy. This is the perfect environment for singers of all backgrounds to explore whether this ensemble is the right fit for their musical goals. No formal audition is required for attendance, making it an accessible and welcoming experience for everyone. Please visit the official website to complete the contact form or simply show up to join the chorus for an evening of beautiful harmony and creative connection.

Purpose@Peace is a community gathering designed to connect residents with local resources and foster neighborhood engagement. The City of Raleigh community engagement team will be on site to provide information about various municipal programs and services available to you and your family. This event serves as a central hub for residents to learn how to better utilize city offerings while enjoying a positive atmosphere. Attendees can expect a variety of helpful resources and informational materials regarding public services. We will provide fun giveaways for the entire family throughout the day. It is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet city representatives, and gain clarity on programs that impact your daily life. Whether you are seeking specific assistance or just want to learn more about how your city operates, this event offers something for everyone. We welcome families, individuals, and anyone interested in local community development to stop by our booth. We encourage you to visit us to engage with our team and pick up useful tools and information. We look forward to meeting you and helping you connect with the city services that matter most to your household.

The North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty invites you to an interfaith service and candlelight vigil marking the anniversary of the state's last execution. This event serves as a collective moment to reflect on our state's history regarding capital punishment and to advocate for a future defined by dignity and human worth. We aim to honor the lives of those executed and those currently living on death row. Participants can expect a meaningful program featuring music, interfaith prayer, and reflective rituals. The event will culminate in a one-mile candlelight procession to Central Prison. This walk represents our commitment to justice and our hope for systemic change. The atmosphere will be somber yet purposeful, providing a space for quiet contemplation and shared solidarity. This gathering is open to people of all faith traditions as well as those with no religious affiliation. We encourage anyone concerned about human rights and the death penalty to join us for this important community experience. Your presence helps us maintain a visible commitment to restorative justice and meaningful policy reform in North Carolina.

Wicks and Wax is a hands on candle making workshop hosted by The Raw Edition Candle Co. and Fenton Cary. This event invites participants to create their own custom scented soy candles in a collaborative social setting. Attendees will learn the basics of fragrance blending and professional candle pouring techniques while creating a unique home product. The experience covers the complete process from selecting oils to applying labels. Participants will spend forty five minutes crafting their own premium soy candle using professional grade supplies like cotton wicks and soy wax. A dedicated wax chandler will guide the group through the steps to ensure a high quality result. The session also includes tips on achieving long lasting scents and proper burning maintenance. Beyond the crafting process the event incorporates light games and opportunities for social fellowship. This experience is designed for individuals couples and groups seeking a creative and relaxing activity in Fenton. Whether you are looking for a unique date night or a fun outing with friends this workshop provides a memorable and productive evening. Book your spot today to learn a new skill and take home a custom creation.