Events Calendar for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area
- Featured Events
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- Pet Adoption Events
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- Local Farmers Markets
- Farm Experiences
- Festivals
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- Historic Events
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- Multicultural Events
- Museum Programs & Exhibits
- Nature & Outdoor Events
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- People-First Tourism
- Raleigh Locals Guide
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- Theater & Performing Arts
- Tours
- Wellness Events
Featured Events
The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss
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Chill Act North Carolina
11629 South 700 East Suite 125
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.
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Lakeside Retreats Family Fest
4521 Mial Plantation Rd
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!
African-American Heritage
Events celebrating African-American culture, history, and achievements in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
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Black Farmers' Market in Durham
at Durham Technical Community College, main campus,
Experience the vibrant Black Farmers' Market in Durham, a premier community destination dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black farmers and local business owners. This event serves as a vital platform for entrepreneurs who have historically faced systemic challenges in the agricultural industry. By participating, attendees play an essential role in fostering economic equity while enjoying an exceptional selection of fresh, locally grown produce and artisan goods. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors, learn about the significance of sustainable family farms, and contribute to a more inclusive local economy.
The market operates on a rotating schedule between Durham and Raleigh, ensuring broad access for community members across the Triangle. Whether you are looking for seasonal vegetables, unique handmade items, or simply want to support a great cause, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this inclusive gathering. We invite you to bring your family and friends to experience the energy and warmth of this collective effort. Visit the Black Farmers' Market Facebook page to check the latest schedule and confirm upcoming locations. Come out this Sunday to show your support and celebrate the hard work of our community members.
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Black History Walking Tour
at Pope House, Raleigh,
Discover the profound stories and vibrant legacy of Raleigh with an immersive Black History Walking Tour. Every Saturday from July 11 through September 12, 2026, guests are invited to journey through the heart of the city to uncover hidden narratives that shaped our community. This engaging one-hour experience departs from the historic Dr. M. T. Pope House Museum and guides participants across a 1.4-mile path through the iconic Third Ward neighborhood and Black Wall Street.
Throughout the tour, you will visit significant historic churches and explore the cultural landmarks that define the African American experience in Raleigh. This educational outing provides a unique opportunity to connect with local heritage in an active and meaningful way. Whether you are a long-time resident or a curious visitor, this tour promises an enriching perspective on city history.
Space is limited for these guided excursions, so be sure to secure your spot today. Tickets are priced at 10 dollars for adults and 6 dollars for children ages 6 to 17. Register online now to guarantee your participation in this essential historical discovery experience.
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Black Farmers' Market in Raleigh
at Southeast Raleigh YMCA,
Experience the vibrant community spirit at the Black Farmers Market in Raleigh. This recurring event serves as a crucial platform for supporting local Black farmers and entrepreneurs who contribute unique, high-quality products to the Triangle area. By shopping at this market, you are directly investing in the growth and sustainability of family-owned farms that have historically faced significant systemic challenges. It is a fantastic way to connect with your neighbors while enjoying fresh, locally sourced goods.
The market fosters a collaborative environment where residents can celebrate local talent and build a stronger, more equitable food system together. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, artisan crafts, or simply want to show your support for Black business owners, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These gatherings are held regularly and provide a welcoming space for all members of the community.
We encourage you to join us this Sunday for an afternoon of local shopping and community building. Visit the official Facebook page to confirm the specific dates and location details for the next gathering. We look forward to seeing you there.
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Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Evelyn's Book Club
at Pope House, Raleigh,
Join the Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum for an engaging monthly literary series titled Evelyn's Book Club. This program honors the legacy of Evelyn Pope, a dedicated college librarian who possessed a lifelong passion for diverse literature. The club gathers community members at the historic museum to discuss impactful works, specifically focusing on books by Black authors or those centered on Black subjects. Each session features thoughtful discussion questions to foster deep conversation and connection among participants.
The series runs throughout the year and explores a variety of genres including fiction and non-fiction. Whether you are a fan of classic literature or modern narratives, this club offers a welcoming space for thoughtful dialogue and community building. Participation is free and open to adults eighteen and older, though registration is required to attend. An optional book bundle is available for purchase during registration for your convenience. Do not miss this opportunity to celebrate literacy and local history in a unique setting. Register today to secure your spot and join the conversation in Raleigh.
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Black History Walking Tour
at Pope House, Raleigh,
Discover the vibrant history and resilient spirit of Raleigh on the Black History Walking Tour. This guided experience invites residents and visitors to explore the significant heritage of the Third Ward neighborhood and the iconic Black Wall Street. As you stroll through downtown, you will visit historic churches and landmarks that have shaped the local community, gaining a deeper understanding of the vital contributions of African Americans to the city history. The tour departs from the Dr. M. T. Pope House Museum, providing a perfect starting point for this immersive one hour journey.
Spanning approximately 1.4 miles, this engaging walk offers a professional and informative look into the past with designated rest stops included along the route. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or simply curious about the untold stories of Raleigh, this tour is an essential outing. Space is limited for these Saturday morning excursions, so be sure to secure your tickets in advance. Register today to join us for an inspiring walk through history and connect with the stories that define our shared heritage.
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17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
at Fayetteville St. block party; Ticketed concerts at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Raleigh
The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression.
Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds.
This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.
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Black History Walking Tour
at Pope House, Raleigh,
Discover the profound stories and hidden history of Raleigh on an engaging Black History Walking Tour. Every Saturday from July 11 through September 12, 2026, guests are invited to join an insightful journey through the city downtown core. Led by knowledgeable guides, this one hour experience covers approximately 1.4 miles of significant ground. Participants will explore the heritage of the Third Ward neighborhood, the legacy of Black Wall Street, and several iconic historic churches that helped shape the local community.
The tour departs promptly at 10 a.m. from the historic Dr. M. T. Pope House Museum located at 511 S Wilmington Street. Whether you are a long-time local or a curious visitor, this tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the resilience and contributions of the past. Rest stops are conveniently included along the route to ensure a comfortable experience for all ages.
Space is limited for these popular weekend walks, so be sure to secure your tickets in advance. Visit the official website today to register for your spot and immerse yourself in this essential chapter of North Carolina history.