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!

Trivia Night is an interactive group competition hosted at the Downtown Cary Park Bark Bar. The event provides a structured environment for participants to test their general knowledge against other teams in a social setting. Experts from Hammered Trivia facilitate the evening by posing a variety of challenging questions. Attendees can expect several rounds of trivia covering diverse topics. The sessions include frequent opportunities to win prizes for top-performing teams. A full service bar is available on site, allowing participants to enjoy refreshments while they play. The format is designed to be fast-paced, engaging, and straightforward for all players involved. This event is open to the public and is ideal for groups of friends, coworkers, or individuals looking to meet new people. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and welcoming to all skill levels. Whether you are a casual player or a trivia enthusiast, you will find the experience both stimulating and entertaining. We invite you to gather your team and join us at the Bark Bar for an evening of friendly competition.

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.

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.

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.

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.