Wellness on the Block: A Free Community Open House

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!

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.

RipTide Car Wash is excited to announce the return of their highly anticipated teacher appreciation promotion for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to visit any RipTide Car Wash location to receive a professional car wash completely free of charge. This gesture serves as a token of gratitude for the hard work and commitment educators provide to our students and community every single day. To take advantage of this special offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating RipTide Car Wash facilities. With multiple convenient locations available across Durham and Raleigh, refreshing your vehicle has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you are prepping for the new academic semester or simply want to keep your car looking its best, we invite you to stop by and experience our premium service at no cost to you. We encourage all eligible school personnel to visit our website to view a full list of participating locations. Take a moment to treat yourself this August and enjoy a spotless vehicle on us.

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.

Lace up your sneakers and join the NC Run Club for an exhilarating community run hosted at Bottle Theory in Apex. This recurring weekly event is designed to bring local fitness enthusiasts together for a fun and supportive workout experience. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger just starting your fitness journey, all paces are warmly welcomed to participate in this group exercise session. It is the perfect opportunity to improve your endurance while connecting with neighbors in a relaxed, encouraging environment. After completing your run, stick around to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Bottle Theory. Reward yourself with a refreshing selection of drinks or a delicious meal while socializing with fellow participants. This event beautifully combines physical wellness with local community spirit, making it an ideal way to spend your Thursday evening. We invite you to grab your gear and head over to Green Level West Road for a great workout and even better company. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line for this fantastic community tradition.

This workshop provides essential education on recognizing the early signs and symptoms of a stroke. Hosted by medical professionals from WakeMed, the session aims to equip seniors and their caregivers with the knowledge needed to identify potential emergencies and act quickly to save lives. Participants will learn the BE FAST acronym, a simple and effective tool for stroke detection. The presentation covers what to look for when someone shows signs of a stroke, the importance of calling emergency services immediately, and how timely intervention significantly improves health outcomes. Experts will lead the discussion, break down complex medical concepts into simple steps, and answer questions to ensure every attendee feels confident in their ability to respond during a crisis. This event is designed for older adults, caregivers, and community members who want to prioritize their health and safety. The atmosphere will be welcoming, educational, and direct. We encourage you to join us for this vital presentation to gain life saving skills. Space is limited, so please plan to arrive on time to secure your seat and participate in this important health conversation.

Experience the vibrant energy of community movement every Wednesday at Pullen Park in Raleigh. This recurring Acro Yoga session invites participants of all skill levels to explore the dynamic fusion of yoga and acrobatics in an inclusive outdoor setting. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, you will find a welcoming environment designed to challenge your body and expand your practice while connecting with local fitness enthusiasts. Sessions take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 520 Ashe Avenue. Please remember to bring a yoga mat or towel and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the practice. In the event of colder weather, the community gathers at Method Park to continue the momentum indoors. We encourage everyone to check the official Acro Yoga at Pullen Park Facebook group before heading out for the latest updates on scheduling and potential weather-related changes. Join this wonderful group to enhance your fitness journey and be part of a supportive local wellness community today.

Wake County Public Libraries is hosting an interactive pop-up event at Dix Park designed for local families and community members. The event provides direct access to library services in a beautiful outdoor setting, making it easy to engage with educational resources outside of a traditional branch building. Attendees can sign up for new library cards, check out books, and return previously borrowed items on-site. A primary highlight is the family story time session, which begins promptly at 10:30 am. This interactive program incorporates music, books, rhymes, and movement activities specifically crafted to support early childhood development and essential pre-reading skills. This program is presented at no cost to the public through the generous support of Dix Park Conservancy donors. This event is ideal for parents, caregivers, and young children seeking a fun, educational outdoor experience. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and perfect for fostering a love of reading in the next generation. Join us at the park to enjoy these services and participate in our morning story time session with your family.