Family Events

Unleash your inner rhythm at the Raleigh Drum Circle and Hoop Jam, a vibrant weekly gathering celebrating music, movement, and community. This all-ages event welcomes everyone, regardless of experience, to participate in a joyful expression of creativity. Bring your drums, shakers, hoops, or simply your enthusiasm to Method Road Park, and immerse yourself in a captivating soundscape. Limited loaner instruments are available.

Each Wednesday, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, join fellow music and movement enthusiasts for an evening of improvisational drumming, playful hooping, and collaborative energy. Acro Yoga enthusiasts are also welcome to join.

Mark your calendars: the event will be taking a break on November 26, 2025. Then, as the weather warms, the circle moves to Pullen Park for outdoor sessions. Stay updated on schedule changes by visiting the Raleigh Drum Circle Facebook page or RaleighDrumCircle.com. Come drum, hoop, and connect with the community.

Gather your little ones for "Park Tales: Little Owl's Snow" at Historic Yates Mill County Park on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM!

Immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of winter as we read the heartwarming story of Little Owl's first snowfall. Discover the magic of the season through his eyes and learn about the fascinating owls that call North Carolina home.

After the story, children will have the chance to unleash their creativity with a fun owl-themed craft to take home. This engaging and educational event is perfect for children ages 6 and under, offering a delightful blend of literature, nature, and hands-on activity. Adult accompaniment is required for all children, making it a wonderful family experience.

Don't miss this opportunity to spark your child's imagination and foster a love for nature. Registration is required for all attendees, so secure your spot today and join us for a memorable winter adventure at Yates Mill! This event is free, but spots are limited.

Lava Lamp Science Workshop

Join us for a hands-on science workshop where children create their own colorful lava-lamp–style experiments using simple household materials like oil, water, food coloring, and effervescent tablets.

Through guided exploration, participants will learn core science concepts such as density, buoyancy, immiscibility, and gas formation while observing how liquids move, separate, and interact. This workshop emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and learning through play, with age-appropriate explanations and plenty of time to tinker.

All materials are provided. Children will leave with a deeper understanding of everyday science—and a fun experiment to remember.

Ages: 6 and above

Location: @SEEDS, Durham

Format: Interactive, hands-on science workshop

Join the Town of Carrboro on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Carrboro Century Center (100 N Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC) for a vibrant celebration honoring the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This special event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's core values and their continued relevance today.

Experience the power of youth voices through our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Youth Poetry Exhibition, showcasing original poems from Orange County students emphasizing kindness, social justice, and equality. Be inspired by these young poets as they share their perspectives on Dr. King's timeless message. One talented participant will also be awarded the honor of speaking at the event.

Discover various ways to honor Dr. King throughout the Triangle area and learn about other MLK Day events happening in our community. This event is free and open to all. Come together with your neighbors to commemorate Dr. King's remarkable contributions and reaffirm our commitment to his dream. We look forward to seeing you there.

**MLK Dreamfest: Children's Program**

Ignite your child's imagination and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our special Children's Program as part of the Town of Cary's annual Dreamfest! Join us for a morning filled with captivating storytelling and engaging crafts, designed to introduce young minds to Dr. King's powerful message of peace, equality, and service.

This enriching event offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about Dr. King's values in an interactive and age-appropriate way. Through creative activities and inspiring narratives, we'll explore themes of community, kindness, and the importance of dreaming big. It's a chance to foster empathy, understanding, and a passion for making a positive difference in the world.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. and head to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for this free event. Let's come together to honor Dr. King's dream and inspire the next generation of leaders. We encourage you to bring your children for a fun-filled day of learning and remembrance.

Celebrate new beginnings and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Vietnam at the Tet Vietnamese New Year Festival! Join us on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM at Dorton Arena, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, for a day filled with joyous festivities.

Experience the magic of the Lunar New Year through captivating cultural performances, traditional music, and tantalizing authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Discover ancient customs, participate in engaging activities, and connect with the community in a celebration of heritage and prosperity.

Admission is $20, with free entry for children under 7 and seniors over 75. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Lunar New Year celebrations in the Triangle and create lasting memories with family and friends. Follow The Vietnamese American Association of Raleigh on Facebook for updates. Come and experience the spirit of Tet!

Unleash your inner artist at Artspace Open Studio! Every Sunday from September 7, 2025, to May 31, 2026, Artspace invites you to explore your creativity with engaging, self-guided art-making activities designed for ages 5 and up.

Join us from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM for a new, beginner-friendly art experience each month. All materials are provided, and artists of all skill levels are welcome to participate in this free program.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with art and community in a vibrant and inspiring environment. Registration is required for both children and adults, so secure your spot today and prepare for an afternoon of artistic exploration!

Experience the magic of chamber music at The Classical Concert, a family-friendly event presented by Dr. Anthony C. Lee's acclaimed concert series! On January 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., immerse yourselves in classical favorites performed by the Ardora Trio—violinist Jessica Ryou, cellist Sean Hawthorne, and pianist Dr. Jean Park—at Saint Francis Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina.

This concert is designed to engage audiences of all ages, especially young listeners. The unique "Young People's Intermission" invites children to interact with the music and learn about key musical concepts. With a live camera focused on the piano keys and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes movement, this concert makes classical music accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

New to classical music? This is the perfect opportunity to discover its beauty in a welcoming environment. A suggested donation of $15 per person or $30 per family helps support this enriching experience. Gather your loved ones and create lasting memories at The Classical Concert! We look forward to seeing you there.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of dreaming big at Book Harvest's Dream Big MLK Day Book Drive and Community Celebration! Join us on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Boxyard RTP, located at 900 Park Offices, Durham, North Carolina, for an afternoon dedicated to literacy and community engagement.

Book Harvest believes in the power of books to transform lives, and we're inviting you to be a part of this vital mission. Bring your gently used books to donate and help us provide reading materials to children in need, fostering a lifelong love of literacy and academic success.

But that's not all! Immerse yourself in the celebration with opportunities to learn how to host your own Dream Big Book Drive and discover various ways to honor Dr. King's legacy throughout the Triangle. Connect with fellow community members, share stories, and be inspired to make a difference. Don't miss this chance to honor Dr. King's dream and empower the next generation of readers. Join us for an afternoon of giving, learning, and community spirit!

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Chavis Park on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 12 PM to 3 PM! Join us for "King Day: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday," a vibrant and engaging event honoring Dr. King’s enduring impact on our community and the nation.

This free, all-ages event at John Chavis Memorial Park (505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh) offers a unique opportunity to learn about and participate in honoring Dr. King’s work through service, enriching children’s activities, and meaningful community-centered experiences. Discover various ways to commemorate MLK Day throughout the Triangle and connect with fellow community members.

Don't miss this chance to reflect, engage, and celebrate the spirit of Dr. King. Mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon of inspiration and community building. We look forward to seeing you there!