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!

The Nature Discovery Butterfly Walk is an interactive outdoor program designed to teach participants how to identify local butterfly species and understand their unique behaviors. This event serves as an introduction to citizen science and the natural history of our local pollinators. We begin with a brief educational talk covering identification techniques and ecological roles. Following the presentation, participants will head into the garden and prairie areas to conduct field observations. We will actively look for various species and document our findings. A key highlight of this experience is learning how to upload your data to the eButterfly collaborative science project, turning your sightings into valuable research contributions. This walk is suitable for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in local wildlife. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you will enjoy a professional atmosphere focused on learning and discovery. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes for our outdoor excursion. We invite you to join us for this informative session and help us track butterfly populations in our region.

Triangle Cinemas invites families to experience the magic of cinema this summer with their exciting series of free movie screenings located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh. Throughout the summer season, beginning June 16 and running through August 20, 2026, local residents can enjoy popular family films like The Wild Robot every Tuesday through Thursday, with additional screenings on select Fridays. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m. each morning, with feature presentations beginning at 10 a.m. This community initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for children to stay entertained and engaged during their summer break in a comfortable, theater environment. While guests are kindly asked to refrain from bringing outside food or beverages, a variety of delicious concessions will be available for purchase at the theater to complete your movie experience. Whether you are looking for a regular outing or a fun weekend activity, these screenings serve as a perfect escape for all ages. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full schedule and join us for a summer of cinematic adventure that the entire family will cherish.

Join us at Fenton in Cary for an unforgettable prehistoric adventure during our Little Fentonians Dino Day on August 13, 2026. This exciting event is perfect for young explorers eager to step back in time. The morning kicks off with Diggery Diggers Dino Adventure, an interactive and high energy show that combines fossils, magic, and music with impressive larger than life dinosaur characters. It is a fantastic opportunity for children to be mesmerized by the wonder of dinosaurs in a fun and educational setting. Following the performance, children can participate in a variety of creative, dinosaur themed crafts and engaging activities tailored to spark curiosity and imagination. This event is part of our commitment to providing enriching and complimentary experiences for families in our community. We encourage all participants to RSVP in advance to help us prepare for the festivities. Do not miss this chance to create lasting memories at one of our most popular seasonal programs. We look forward to seeing you and your little explorers there for a morning filled with prehistoric excitement and hands on learning.

New Hope Valley Railway is hosting a centennial birthday celebration for the historic Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad Caboose number 308. This special event commemorates one hundred years of rail history and invites the public to participate in this significant milestone celebration. The event takes place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the railway grounds. Attendees can participate in a festive gathering featuring complimentary cupcakes and a group singing of Happy Birthday to the caboose. The celebration begins promptly at 10:00 am. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for the party before the scheduled 10:30 am train departure. This provides a brief opportunity to honor the equipment before the train departs for its journey. This event is ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and train lovers interested in local railroad heritage. The atmosphere will be celebratory, friendly, and brief. We invite you to be part of this century old milestone by joining us for these morning festivities. Please visit our website at TriangleTrain.com to secure your tickets and view additional information regarding the ride. We look forward to celebrating this historic caboose with you.

Little Fentonians Dino Day is a prehistoric themed community event held in Fenton Square designed for young children. This interactive outdoor gathering celebrates paleontology through education and entertainment to provide an engaging afternoon for families in the area. Participants will experience Diggery Diggers Dino Adventure which is a featured live performance that combines fossil displays with magic and music. The show incorporates large dinosaur characters to create an immersive environment for the audience. Following the performance children can participate in hands on craft stations and various activities focused on dinosaur exploration. These stations encourage creativity and curiosity in a structured environment. This event is specifically tailored for toddlers and young school age children interested in dinosaurs. The atmosphere is designed to be energetic and welcoming for all junior paleontologists and their caregivers. We invite local families to join us in the square for this unique educational experience. Please plan to arrive early to secure your spot for the main performance and ensure enough time to enjoy all the provided craft activities throughout the afternoon.

Wake County Public Libraries is hosting an interactive pop-up event at Dix Park designed for local families and community members. The event provides direct access to library services in a beautiful outdoor setting, making it easy to engage with educational resources outside of a traditional branch building. Attendees can sign up for new library cards, check out books, and return previously borrowed items on-site. A primary highlight is the family story time session, which begins promptly at 10:30 am. This interactive program incorporates music, books, rhymes, and movement activities specifically crafted to support early childhood development and essential pre-reading skills. This program is presented at no cost to the public through the generous support of Dix Park Conservancy donors. This event is ideal for parents, caregivers, and young children seeking a fun, educational outdoor experience. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and perfect for fostering a love of reading in the next generation. Join us at the park to enjoy these services and participate in our morning story time session with your family.

Experience an unforgettable afternoon at RushHour Karting in Garner, North Carolina, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., racing fans are invited to a special meet-and-greet event featuring NASCAR professional Ross Chastain. This unique gathering, hosted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Governor Highway Safety Program, combines excitement with a vital message regarding road safety. Attendees can enjoy photos, autographs, and the chance to interact with a star athlete. For those looking for an extra thrill, the event features a wristband lottery system available on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to twenty lucky fans will be selected to go head-to-head on the track with Ross Chastain. This is an excellent opportunity to test your driving skills while learning that high speed belongs strictly on the professional track rather than public roads. This family-friendly event is completely free and open to the general public. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and participate in this high-energy community experience. We look forward to seeing you at the track for this exclusive local event.

Join NASCAR driver Ross Chastain for a special event hosted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation at RushHour Karting. This community gathering focuses on promoting road safety through an interactive and engaging racing experience for all local residents. Fans are invited to meet Ross Chastain for photos and autographs throughout the day. Attendees can pick up a numbered wristband on a first come first served basis to enter a lottery for the chance to race against Ross on the track. Up to twenty lucky participants will be selected to compete alongside the professional driver. This activity serves as a practical reminder that while professional racing is exciting, high speeds belong exclusively on the track rather than on public roads. This family friendly event is open to fans of all ages who want to meet a NASCAR professional while supporting highway safety initiatives. The atmosphere is casual, energetic, and educational. Come participate in this unique opportunity to learn about responsible driving habits in a fun, high energy environment. We look forward to seeing you at the track for this important community initiative.

Experience the magic of summer evenings at Jordan Lake Farms during our Twilight on the Farm event. Join us in Apex for an enchanting experience designed to delight guests of all ages. Families can enjoy a safe and engaging play area or embark on a whimsical train ride through the scenic farm landscape as the sun begins to set. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind while strolling through our vibrant flower fields or peaceful Christmas tree rows. Guests are invited to craft their own beautiful bouquets by picking fresh, seasonal blooms directly from the field. Whether you choose to relax by the pond, sit on the flower porch, or explore the grounds, the stunning sunset views offer a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable outing. Please note that outside food and beverages are not permitted, though refreshments will be available for purchase onsite. Tickets are affordably priced, with children twelve and younger enjoying free admission. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of charm, nature, and community fun. Secure your tickets online today to ensure your spot at this wonderful seasonal celebration.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer as the Downtown Raleigh Alliance brings back the highly anticipated Live After 5 concert series. This exciting community event features a rotating lineup of talented local musicians performing at iconic locations throughout the city. Join us on select Thursdays from May 14 through August 13, 2026, for evenings filled with high-energy live performances and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the Triangle. This family-friendly series offers the perfect setting for neighbors and visitors to connect while enjoying great music under the open sky. In addition to the incredible soundscapes, attendees can indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks parked on-site. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long day or planning a fun evening out with friends, this concert series provides an ideal escape. We invite you to mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and experience the best of Raleigh's outdoor music scene. Visit our website today to view the full schedule, explore venue details, and plan your next night out at Live After 5.