Events Calendar for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area
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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!
Team Building
Corporate team building activities and group experiences.
Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons with Nick Scarff
at North Carolina Museum of Art, West Raleigh
This two hour workshop offers a practical introduction to the tabletop role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. It is designed to help beginners overcome the initial barriers of complex rule sets and overwhelming amounts of source material by providing clear and direct guidance. Local Dungeon Master Nick Scarff will lead the session to ensure all participants gain the confidence needed to start their own tabletop adventures.
During the event you will select a character template and a matching miniature figure to use throughout the session. You will learn the essential core mechanics of the game. Key topics include how to navigate a character sheet, techniques for effective role playing, the execution of magical abilities, and the tactical steps required for handling combat scenarios. The format focuses on hands on learning through direct experience.
This workshop is ideal for anyone curious about the hobby who has no prior experience. You do not need to bring any supplies or books to attend. We provide everything necessary to begin your journey. Join us for an accessible and structured session to unlock your imagination. Please sign up today to secure your spot at the table.
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Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons with Nick Scarff
at North Carolina Museum of Art, West Raleigh
This two hour workshop provides a beginner friendly introduction to the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Led by local Dungeon Master Nick Scarff, this session helps participants overcome the initial intimidation of starting a tabletop role playing game by offering clear and simple guidance on the core mechanics of play.
Participants will begin by selecting a character template and a corresponding miniature figure. The session covers essential gameplay elements including how to navigate a character sheet, methods for effective role playing, the mechanics of using magical abilities, and strategies for managing combat scenarios. You will gain the practical knowledge needed to confidently begin your own gaming adventures.
This event is designed for individuals with no prior experience or supplies. Whether you are curious about the hobby or simply looking to learn the basics in a supportive environment, this workshop is for you. We provide all the necessary materials, so you only need to bring your imagination. Join us to learn the fundamentals and start your journey into tabletop gaming today.
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Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hour - August 2026
at The Commons, Downtown Raleigh
The Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hour is a recurring networking event designed for women entrepreneurs and professionals in the Triangle area to connect and exchange ideas. The primary goal is to provide a consistent space for those building businesses or launching new projects to build their local professional networks in a relaxed setting. Attendees can expect a casual environment focused on meaningful conversation rather than structured programming or sales pitches. There are no formal presentations or keynote speakers. Instead the evening is dedicated to open mingling and fostering organic relationships between founders freelancers and creative professionals. This format ensures that participants have the flexibility to drop in and connect with others at their own pace. If you are looking to expand your support system or simply engage with like minded peers this event offers an ideal opportunity to step away from your daily work. The atmosphere remains inclusive and approachable for women at every stage of their professional journey. We invite you to join us this August to meet new collaborators and recharge through positive community interaction in the Raleigh area.
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NC State vs. Virginia Away Watch Party
at Sports & Social, Cary
This event serves as the official watch party destination for NC State football fans during the away game against Virginia. We provide a dedicated space for supporters to gather and experience every play of the game alongside fellow members of the Wolfpack community.
Attendees will enjoy the game broadcast on a massive 42-foot big screen designed to provide a stadium-like viewing atmosphere. Throughout the event, we offer exclusive drink specials to enhance the experience. Participants also have the opportunity to win tickets to upcoming NC State Athletics home games, adding an extra layer of excitement to the broadcast.
This gathering is intended for dedicated NC State fans who want to enjoy the game in a high-energy, communal environment. The venue is optimized for group viewing, ensuring every attendee gets a clear view of the action. Whether you are a casual fan or a season ticket holder, this watch party is the best place to cheer on the team while away from the stadium. Join us for kickoff to support the Wolfpack and enjoy the game with the local community.
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Gilmore Girls Trivia Night
at Southern Peak Brewery, Apex
Join us at Southern Peak Brewery for a night dedicated to Gilmore Girls trivia. This themed event invites fans to test their knowledge of the show while enjoying a selection of local craft beers in a friendly, community-focused setting.
The evening features multiple rounds of questions covering iconic moments, characters, and storylines from the series. Participants will compete for various prizes provided by the brewery. The competition begins promptly at 6:30pm, so arriving early is encouraged to settle in and secure your spot.
This event is perfect for dedicated fans, local trivia enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun midweek outing. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow viewers. Gather your team of brightest minds and prepare for a night of friendly competition and entertainment. Whether you are a long-time fan or just enjoy a good challenge, this trivia night offers an engaging experience for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at the brewery for a memorable evening of Gilmore Girls themed fun.
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Escape the Lost Temple: A Mother & Daughter Adventure
at Herbert C. Young Community Center, Cary
Escape the Lost Temple is an interactive adventure designed specifically for mothers and daughters to solve puzzles together. This immersive experience challenges teams to recover an ancient relic by navigating a themed jungle environment while working to find their way out.
Participants will engage in a series of collaborative challenges that require critical thinking and communication. You will decode secret messages, locate hidden clues, and complete logic based tasks throughout the temple grounds. The experience emphasizes teamwork as you move through each stage of the quest toward a final goal. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond while navigating a fast paced and mentally stimulating environment.
This adventure is intended for mothers and their daughters who enjoy problem solving and shared activities. The atmosphere is designed to be exciting and collaborative, ensuring an engaging evening for all attendees. Registration is required for every individual participating in the event. Please note that an adult must accompany each child at all times during the experience. Secure your spots now to participate in this memorable mission together.