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.

Discover the hidden stories of Raleigh by joining the Stroll Through History tours at the beautiful Historic Oakwood Cemetery. Spanning over 72 acres, this serene park-like setting serves as the final resting place for governors, senators, and influential historical figures who shaped North Carolina. This unique experience offers visitors an immersive look into the local past through carefully curated walks held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. These complimentary community tours are designed to be informal, engaging, and perfect for both first-time visitors and history enthusiasts. Each session covers a different section of the grounds, ensuring that every visit provides fresh insights and untold stories from your knowledgeable guide. Whether you are a local resident or just passing through, these tours provide a fantastic opportunity to explore regional heritage in an educational and peaceful environment. We encourage you to visit the official Historic Oakwood Cemetery website to view the complete 2026 schedule and register for your spot. Come prepared with comfortable walking shoes and your curiosity to help us celebrate and preserve this remarkable site. We look forward to walking through history with you soon.

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 the vibrant atmosphere at Durham Beer Garden, located at 812 North Mangum Street in the heart of Durham, North Carolina. This premier destination functions as a spacious beer garden, a curated bottle shop, and a dynamic event space that welcomes guests to enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating options. Whether you are looking for a diverse selection of craft beers, fine wines, or a delicious meal from the on-site food truck, our venue provides the perfect setting for a relaxed outing with friends and family. We are excited to announce our current specials, which include five-dollar select draft pints and twenty-five percent off all four-pack and six-pack containers for your enjoyment at home. To enhance your evening, join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a performance by The Backroads. This live music event is free to the public, making it the ideal way to spend your weekend. We invite you to visit us soon to explore our rotating selection and discover your new favorite brew in our welcoming community space.

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 an unforgettable evening at Boxyard RTP as Taking Back Thursday returns with a live musical residency featuring The Forryst Bruthers. Held at the unique 15,000 square foot cargotecture development, this event utilizes a custom-built central pavilion to showcase exceptional local talent. Throughout August, multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Simonsen brings his signature Americana style to the BeatBox stage, creating the perfect atmosphere for guests to unwind after a long day. Boxyard RTP offers more than just incredible music. Visitors can explore a vibrant community hub filled with diverse food and beverage vendors, unique retailers, and various service providers. Whether you are looking for a post-work drink or a relaxing social outing in a modern architectural setting, this venue provides an inviting backdrop for every occasion. We encourage you to bring your friends and colleagues to enjoy these live performances held every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. To ensure you have the most current information or to view additional details about this August residency, please visit the official Boxyard RTP online calendar today.

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.

Join the Museum of Durham History for a nostalgic journey back to the summer of 1976. Fifty years ago, Durham joined the nation in a grand celebration of the American Bicentennial at West Point on the Eno. This special event honored the rich traditions of North Carolina through vibrant displays of local arts, music, crafts, and community culture. To commemorate this significant milestone, we invite you to an exclusive pop-up reception during Third Friday on July 17, 2026. Guests will have the unique opportunity to view rare archival photographs, listen to music from the original festival, and hear captivating stories from those who attended the historic 1976 gathering. It is a wonderful chance to reflect on the legacy of our community spirit and celebrate the enduring history of Durham. This event is entirely free and open to the public. We look forward to welcoming you to the museum from 6 to 8 p.m. for an evening of shared memories and historical exploration. Bring your friends and family to help us honor this remarkable moment in time and celebrate fifty years of local history.

Experience the vibrant spirit of North Carolina at the Durham Beer and Banjos music series. Hosted every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the picturesque Old Mill Farm, this event invites community members to unwind and enjoy a curated selection of live performances. Each week showcases talented musicians specializing in roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music, creating a perfect atmosphere for music lovers and families alike to gather in a beautiful outdoor setting. This weekly gathering celebrates local culture through the harmonious blend of high-quality craft beverages and soul-stirring melodies. Whether you are looking to enjoy a relaxing sunset or simply want to immerse yourself in the rich sounds of the local folk scene, this event provides the ideal backdrop. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible opportunity for everyone to experience the best local talent the region has to offer. We encourage you to visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to view the current performance schedule and plan your visit. Come join your neighbors at Old Mill Farm for an unforgettable evening of rhythm and community.

Lace up your sneakers and join the NC Run Club for an exhilarating community run hosted at Bottle Theory in Apex. This recurring weekly event is designed to bring local fitness enthusiasts together for a fun and supportive workout experience. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger just starting your fitness journey, all paces are warmly welcomed to participate in this group exercise session. It is the perfect opportunity to improve your endurance while connecting with neighbors in a relaxed, encouraging environment. After completing your run, stick around to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Bottle Theory. Reward yourself with a refreshing selection of drinks or a delicious meal while socializing with fellow participants. This event beautifully combines physical wellness with local community spirit, making it an ideal way to spend your Thursday evening. We invite you to grab your gear and head over to Green Level West Road for a great workout and even better company. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line for this fantastic community tradition.

The Madonna Confessions II Listening Party at Bitter Social is an exclusive event designed to get fans ready for the upcoming Saturday Madonna-Rama Birthday Dance Party. This gathering serves as an energetic warm-up session where attendees can immerse themselves in the music and legacy of Madonna in a collaborative environment. Throughout the evening, participants will experience a curated playlist of iconic tracks intended to inspire and energize. Guests are encouraged to dance and connect with other fans while enjoying a night of rhythm and celebration. This listening party focuses on setting the tone for the larger weekend festivities by building anticipation and fostering a shared musical appreciation. This event is perfect for dedicated Madonna fans looking to kick off their birthday celebrations early. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and high-energy. Please note that food is available to order from Centro until 9:00pm. To place an order, simply locate and scan the QR code found at the bar. We invite you to join us for this unique pre-party experience and help us celebrate in style.

Experience the vibrant spirit of traditional music at the PineCone Old-Time Music Jam, hosted monthly at the welcoming Riparian Provision Company in Raleigh. Organized by the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, this event celebrates the rich heritage of folk performing arts by bringing together musicians of all skill levels in a collaborative environment. Participants are invited to gather in an informal circle to share tunes and enjoy the rhythmic energy of acoustic music. Led by experienced musicians, this session ensures a supportive atmosphere where everyone has the space to contribute and learn. Whether you are a seasoned player or a passionate fan of traditional sounds, this gathering provides a fantastic way to connect with the local community. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music in a relaxed setting while supporting the ongoing preservation of our musical culture. This event is entirely free and open to the public, making it accessible for everyone interested in the local music scene. Please visit the official PineCone website to view their full event calendar and join us for an evening of musical discovery and community spirit.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to bring back their highly anticipated annual promotion for the second year in a row. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all local teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash at any RipTide location. This initiative serves as a heartfelt thank you to educators for their tireless efforts and commitment to our community throughout the academic year. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming semester or simply want to keep your vehicle looking its best, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of professional car care at no cost. To redeem this special offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the RipTide Car Wash sites. With convenient locations spread across Durham and Raleigh, including the Sandy Forks Road and Falls of Neuse Road facilities, accessing your free wash is easier than ever. Do not miss this chance to experience premium service while saving money. Please visit the official RipTide website to confirm location hours and plan your visit today. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating our local school heroes.

Discover the transformative power of your own voice at Unisong: Guided Song Circles. These immersive 90-minute journeys provide a sacred space for participants of all skill levels to connect, release, and restore through the universal language of music. Whether you are looking to find joy in collective singing, process deep emotions through communal rhythm, or simply enjoy a moment of profound vibrational connection with others, these sessions offer a unique pathway to personal wellness and inner healing. Led by experienced facilitators Deja Belle and Tessie Castillo, each circle incorporates gentle movement and guided vocal exercises designed to rejuvenate the soul. These inclusive gatherings are entirely free to attend and welcome individuals ages 15 and older to participate in this shared experience. With multiple upcoming dates scheduled across Durham, Siler City, and Raleigh, there are several opportunities to join this growing community of singers. We invite you to step into a space of restoration and creative expression. Please visit the official Eventbrite page to view the full calendar of upcoming dates and secure your spot in a circle today.