Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce

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!

The Amplify Health 6th Annual End of Summer Bash is a community celebration held in honor of National Health Center Week. This public event serves as a festive gathering to mark the end of the season while supporting local health outreach efforts. Attendees can look forward to a full day of entertainment designed for guests of all ages. The lineup features live performances from Cirque de Vol, Magic by David, Apex Skip-Its, and the Alternative Dance Group. Guests will also have access to various food options, interactive inflatables, and raffle prizes throughout the day. This event is open to the entire community and offers a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere suitable for residents of all backgrounds. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors while enjoying high-quality local talent and activities. To ensure you receive the latest event updates and participate in the activities, please complete the required RSVP form found below. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for this memorable day of community connection and celebration.

Prepare for an exhilarating display of creativity and engineering at the annual Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse. This unique event invites participants to test their boat-making skills by constructing vessels using only cardboard, duct tape, and glue. Whether you are a master builder or a first-time competitor, this race promises a day of high-energy fun on the water. The competition officially kicks off at the Town Commons Boat Ramp and journeys toward the Highway 70 Bridge, offering a fantastic spectacle for all spectators. Space is limited, so we encourage all aspiring captains to secure their spot early. Visit the Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department to complete your pre-registration and review the official rulebook to ensure your craft is ready for the river. In the event of inclement weather, the race will be relocated to the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center to keep the excitement going. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable day in Smithfield. Do not miss your chance to be part of this adventurous community tradition and prove your design is built to last.

The Triangle Native American Film Festival is a showcase of cinema created by Native actors and directors. Hosted by the Triangle Native American Society for its second year, this event celebrates authentic storytelling and indigenous perspectives through film. Attendees can expect a diverse selection of programming throughout the day. The schedule includes fun animated shorts, compelling documentaries presented by PBS, and full length feature films ranging from romantic dramas to thrillers. The day begins at 11am with the screening of Pow and continues with A Sacred Thread, Borders, Seeds, and Sweet Summer Pow Wow, with additional slots scheduled for the afternoon. This festival is open to all members of the public who wish to experience rich cultural narratives on screen. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, providing a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary indigenous film in a community setting. Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply interested in discovering new stories, this event offers a valuable window into the artistic achievements of Native creators. Please join us for this day of screening and cultural exchange.

The Amplify Health 6th Annual End of Summer Bash is a community celebration held in honor of National Health Center Week. This public event serves as a festive gathering to mark the end of the season while supporting local health outreach efforts. Attendees can look forward to a full day of entertainment designed for guests of all ages. The lineup features live performances from Cirque de Vol, Magic by David, Apex Skip-Its, and the Alternative Dance Group. Guests will also have access to various food options, interactive inflatables, and raffle prizes throughout the day. This event is open to the entire community and offers a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere suitable for residents of all backgrounds. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors while enjoying high-quality local talent and activities. To ensure you receive the latest event updates and participate in the activities, please complete the required RSVP form found below. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for this memorable day of community connection and celebration.

Notes on View is a pop-up concert series at the NC Museum of Art that connects live musical performances to specific works on display. This initiative invites visitors to experience the museum galleries through an integrated blend of sound and visual art, fostering a unique environment for creativity and shared exploration. Attendees will enjoy a 40-minute performance featuring guitarist Eduardo de Rosamaria. As an internationally recognized classical and flamenco musician with extensive experience performing across North America and Spain, Stephenson brings a diverse range of musical traditions to this gallery setting. The performance is specifically curated to respond to the art, providing a fresh perspective on the pieces currently on view in the museum. This event is ideal for art enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone seeking a contemplative yet engaging cultural experience. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and thought-provoking, offering a departure from the traditional gallery walk. If you are interested in witnessing how music can illuminate visual art, join us for this special performance at the NC Museum of Art. We look forward to welcoming you to this creative gallery session.

Dom Flemons presents the Bronze Buckaroo Film and Songster Show, a multimedia performance exploring the legacy of Black cowboys and American roots music. This production combines live musical performance with historic film to examine the contributions of Black artists throughout history. The show provides a unique educational and artistic experience centered on cultural preservation and storytelling. The program features two distinct acts. The first act pairs tracks from the Grammy nominated album Black Cowboys with segments from the 1939 film The Bronze Buckaroo. The second act highlights a century of Black American roots traditions, including folk, blues, country, and bluegrass. Flemons integrates his own original work from the album Traveling Wildfire with deep historical scholarship to provide context to these musical forms. This event is designed for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the evolving narrative of American roots music. The atmosphere is engaging and informative, offering a comprehensive look at the influence of Black musicians on national identity. Attendees are invited to join this insightful journey into the past. Please secure your tickets early to ensure participation in this professional performance series.

Join us at the Peck and Plume outdoor terrace to celebrate the launch of our newest private selection bourbon from Makers Mark. This event marks the official release of our exclusive No 3 bottle crafted specifically for our guests. Attendees will enjoy a full barbecue buffet featuring signature smoked meats and classic side dishes. The bar will offer drink specials throughout the afternoon and the new bourbon will be available for purchase by the bottle. Guests can sample the spirit while taking in views of Downtown Cary Park from our terrace. This event is perfect for bourbon enthusiasts and anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Tickets are priced at 45 dollars per person. For those interested in a longer stay we are offering special overnight packages on August 7th and 8th that include exclusive bourbon dinners and guided tastings. We invite you to secure your spot today to be among the first to experience this limited release spirit in a social setting. Visit our website to purchase tickets or book your room package before availability closes.

Join us at the Peck and Plume outdoor terrace to celebrate the launch of our newest private selection bourbon from Makers Mark. This event marks the official release of our exclusive No 3 bottle crafted specifically for our guests. Attendees will enjoy a full barbecue buffet featuring signature smoked meats and classic side dishes. The bar will offer drink specials throughout the afternoon and the new bourbon will be available for purchase by the bottle. Guests can sample the spirit while taking in views of Downtown Cary Park from our terrace. This event is perfect for bourbon enthusiasts and anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Tickets are priced at 45 dollars per person. For those interested in a longer stay we are offering special overnight packages on August 7th and 8th that include exclusive bourbon dinners and guided tastings. We invite you to secure your spot today to be among the first to experience this limited release spirit in a social setting. Visit our website to purchase tickets or book your room package before availability closes.

This hands-on cooking class teaches participants how to prepare traditional Thai papaya salad and grilled marinated chicken. Attendees will learn to balance bold flavors while pairing these dishes with North Carolina summer shrimp and sticky rice for a complete meal. Students will work in the kitchen to grate green papaya and master the mortar and pestle technique to integrate garlic, lime, Thai chiles, and peanuts. Instructor Nathan will provide guidance on adjusting heat levels to personal preference. The session also covers proper techniques for preparing local shrimp and cooking authentic gai yang, a marinated whole chicken known for its crispy skin and juicy texture. Each step focuses on practical culinary skills that produce balanced, professional results. This workshop is designed for home cooks who want to expand their repertoire with fresh, vibrant Thai recipes. The atmosphere is interactive and educational, ensuring everyone leaves with new techniques and a satisfying meal. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this class offers a comprehensive look at balancing acidity, spice, and texture. Sign up today to secure your spot and sharpen your kitchen skills.