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.

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

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!

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Experience the perfect balance of relaxation and vitality at our recurring yoga sessions held in the beautiful Durham Central Park. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. from April through September 8, 2026, we invite the community to join us at the pavilion for gentle mat yoga. This inclusive program, hosted by You Call This Yoga, provides a welcoming space for practitioners of all skill levels to unwind and improve their physical well-being. Whether you are looking to build strength, increase flexibility, or simply clear your mind, our sessions offer the ideal environment to achieve your personal health goals. We are proud to offer bilingual instruction, with half of our sessions provided in both Spanish and English to serve our diverse community members. Please remember to bring your own yoga mat and a water bottle to ensure your comfort during the practice. While some limited props are available on-site, bringing your own gear is recommended. Join us this Tuesday to refresh your spirit and connect with fellow neighbors in the heart of Durham. We look forward to seeing you there for an invigorating evening of movement and mindfulness.

Join the Capital Squares dance group for an energetic and welcoming experience at St. James United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a curious newcomer, these square dance parties offer an evening filled with upbeat music, infectious laughter, and a low-pressure environment. You do not need a partner or prior experience to enjoy these sessions, as a friendly caller guides participants through every move. It is a fantastic way to meet new people and get active in a community setting that celebrates fun over perfection. In addition to our lively dance parties, we are excited to offer a beginner square dance lesson series starting this October. This is the perfect opportunity to learn the foundations of this traditional American dance form in a supportive atmosphere. Space is limited for the lesson series, so early registration is highly encouraged. Please visit our website to secure your spot, view the full calendar of upcoming events, and find detailed directions to the venue. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.