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!

Experience the North Carolina Museum of Art in a new light with NCMA After Hours. This dynamic monthly series invites you to explore the galleries after dark, blending art, live music, and creative energy into an unforgettable evening. Whether you are browsing the renowned People Collection, dancing to a guest DJ, or engaging in hands-on art activities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for those looking to connect with community and creativity in a unique setting. Enjoy an array of cultural experiences, including special-edition giveaways and live artist demonstrations that celebrate artistic traditions from around the globe. While the event is designed with adults in mind, all ages are encouraged to attend this free community gathering. You can purchase delicious refreshments at the NCMA Cafe to enjoy as you socialize and explore the galleries. Do not miss this opportunity to engage with art beyond the traditional daytime experience. Visit our website today to view the full schedule and join us for our next evening of inspiration.

Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda is a self-guided creative workshop where participants choose and paint their own ceramic pieces. This ninety-minute session provides an accessible environment for artists of all skill levels to craft unique items that they can take home immediately. You will have a wide selection of ceramics to choose from including animal figures, trinket dishes, and functional decor. All necessary painting supplies, brushes, and professional guidance are included with your registration. Attendees can purchase drinks from the Hartwell Raleigh bar during the event to enhance their creative experience. This workshop is designed for individuals, groups of friends, and families looking for a relaxing way to spend time together. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, you will find the atmosphere welcoming and supportive. Our team remains on site throughout the session to offer artistic tips and inspiration as you work at your own pace. Join us to enjoy a fun, hands-on activity and leave with a personalized masterpiece. Secure your spot today to explore your creative side in a comfortable, community-focused setting.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

Midsummer Flower Crowns is a hands-on workshop dedicated to the art of crafting floral headpieces. Led by florist Catilyn Frank of Golden Flora, this session teaches participants how to design and assemble their own custom crowns using fresh seasonal blooms. It serves as a creative space to learn professional floral techniques in an accessible, guided environment. During the workshop, you will work with a variety of vibrant summer flowers to construct your unique piece. Catilyn Frank provides step by step instruction on structural mechanics, plant selection, and design composition. You will have all the necessary tools and greenery provided to ensure your project is successful and long lasting. The experience focuses on practical skills that you can apply to future floral arrangements. This event is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a relaxing creative outlet. The atmosphere is social and welcoming, making it perfect for individuals or groups seeking an engaging outdoor activity. If you want to refine your creative talents and take home a beautiful summer accessory, register now to secure your spot in this seasonal workshop.

Sensory Journey through Art is a virtual program that invites participants to explore the exhibition Seeing Red through a unique multisensory lens. Guided by Perry Hurt, the former director of conservation at the North Carolina Museum of Art, this session offers a fresh perspective on the featured artworks. The event is designed for anyone interested in exploring art beyond visual observation by engaging the senses of touch, taste, smell, and sound. Participants will use a custom sensory kit to connect with the exhibition in a personal and meaningful way. The experience includes expert insights and immersive audio descriptions that guide you through each piece. This program is perfect for art enthusiasts who enjoy interactive learning and tactile exploration. Because the experience relies on physical materials, we provide a free sensory kit to all attendees. Please note that these kits are limited to one per household. By integrating sensory engagement with expert-led art analysis, this event provides an accessible and inclusive environment for all guests. Secure your spot today to participate in this innovative session and deepen your appreciation for modern art.