Events Calendar for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area
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Featured Events
The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss
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Chill Act North Carolina
11629 South 700 East Suite 125
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.
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Lakeside Retreats Family Fest
4521 Mial Plantation Rd
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!
Annual Events
Recurring annual events and traditions in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
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Books, Bikes and Back-to-School
at Durham Co-Op Market,
Prepare for the upcoming academic year at the vibrant Books, Bikes and Back-to-School event hosted by the Durham Co-op Market. This community gathering is designed to help students and families transition smoothly into the school season while celebrating the joy of learning and healthy living. Attendees can look forward to an engaging atmosphere filled with activities that emphasize education, active lifestyles, and community connection.
Whether you are hunting for great resources, looking to brush up on bike safety, or simply wanting to connect with local neighbors, this event offers something special for everyone. The Durham Co-op Market provides a welcoming environment for all participants to enjoy the festivities together. This is an excellent opportunity to gather necessary supplies and enjoy a productive day out before classes resume.
We warmly invite all members of the community to join us for this free event on August 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1111 W Chapel Hill Street in Durham. Mark your calendars and bring your friends for an unforgettable experience that supports our local students and families.
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Community Book Bag Giveaway in Chapel Hill
at Hargraves Community Center, Chapel Hill,
Join Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation for an exciting Community Book Bag Giveaway designed to support local students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. This vibrant event takes place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hargraves Community Center. It is a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a day filled with music, live entertainment, and community spirit.
Beyond the distribution of essential school supplies, attendees can look forward to a variety of perks including free haircuts and braids, as well as delicious lunch options served mid-day. The event features numerous activities tailored for both youth and adults, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Please note that children must be present to receive a book bag, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Admission is completely free and no prior registration is required for participation. We invite all local families to head to 216 Roberson Street to kick off the school year with style and support from our generous community partners.
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8th Annual Mud Day Festival
at Walnut Creek Wetland Park, South Raleigh
The 8th Annual Mud Day Festival is an outdoor community event dedicated to celebrating our local wetlands and the joys of nature. This event invites participants of all ages to explore environmental education through hands-on activities and interactive displays hosted by regional conservation groups. By fostering a deeper connection to our natural landscape, we provide a unique space for learning and outdoor play.
Attendees can participate in a variety of engaging experiences including nature education stations and environmental workshops. The main attraction is a massive, controlled mud pit designed for sliding and sensory play. In addition to the mud activities, the event features a curated selection of local food trucks offering diverse dining options throughout the day. Visitors will find plenty of space to relax, eat, and socialize while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
This festival is designed for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique outdoor experience. The atmosphere is casual, energetic, and highly interactive. We encourage all guests to dress for mess and prepare to get dirty while exploring the grounds. Join us in 2026 for a memorable day of community, education, and outdoor fun.
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The Shop RDU 2nd Annual Back to School Backpack Bash
at Vision Church RDU,
Prepare your students for a successful academic year by attending The Shop RDU Barbershop 2nd Annual Back to School Backpack Bash. This community focused celebration is dedicated to supporting local families as they gear up for the upcoming school season. Join us on Saturday August 15 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vision Church located at 5808 Departure Drive in Raleigh for a day filled with support and excitement.
This event serves as a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors while ensuring children have the essential tools they need for classroom success. We are thrilled to offer this experience free of charge to all attendees. Our mission is to ease the burden of school supply shopping through community generosity and collective effort.
Please mark your calendars and bring the whole family to enjoy this impactful afternoon. We look forward to seeing the community come together to empower our local youth. For further details on this event or to discover more local initiatives, please visit our website and ensure your student is ready to excel this school year.
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Durham Really Really Free Market
at Orchard Park, Durham,
Experience the power of community sharing at the Durham Really Really Free Market. This recurring local event is designed to foster connection through generosity rather than commerce. Participants are invited to bring items they no longer need and take home items they can use, creating a unique cycle of reuse that benefits everyone. Whether you have home goods, clothing, books, or toys to pass on, this market provides the perfect venue to give your items a second life.
Beyond physical goods, the market welcomes those eager to share their talents, such as music, art, or specialized services, making it a vibrant space for local interaction. Please remember that this is a zero-money event, and attendees are kindly asked to take any unselected items back home to ensure the space remains clean. Join us on the third Saturday of each month at Orchard Park from 12 to 2 p.m. to participate in this uplifting movement. We encourage you to visit the official Instagram page for real-time updates and scheduling adjustments before attending.
Summer Showcase 2026
at Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, Fuquay-Varina
Summer Showcase 2026 is an informal performance event where dance students demonstrate their progress and skills in a low pressure environment. This event provides a dedicated space for students to gain stage experience while sharing their recent accomplishments with friends and family members. Attendees will watch a variety of dance routines featuring creative choreography, engaging music, and fun stage props. Each performance is designed to celebrate the effort students have put into their training throughout the summer season. The program focuses on building confidence and stage presence in a supportive setting. This showcase is perfectly suited for parents, family, and supporters who want to celebrate the growth of our dancers. The atmosphere is relaxed, joyful, and centered entirely on the student experience rather than formal competition. We invite everyone to join us for an afternoon of creativity and community spirit. Please plan to arrive early to find seating and settle in before the performances begin. We look forward to seeing you there to cheer on our talented group of students as they take the stage.
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The People's Free Market
at Phillip R. Wright Community Park, Clayton,
Join Down Home North Carolina for The People's Free Market, a recurring community gathering held at Phillip R. Wright Community Park in Clayton. This unique initiative fosters a spirit of generosity and local connection by providing a space where participants can freely give away items they no longer need or take what they require. This is a strictly non-commercial environment where buying, selling, and trading are replaced by the simple, powerful act of sharing resources among neighbors.
Beyond the exchange of goods, these events offer a vibrant atmosphere featuring complimentary food and refreshments for all attendees. Guests can also enjoy live music, participate in engaging crafts, and take part in valuable skill-sharing sessions. Whether you are looking to declutter your home, find essential items, or offer your own talents to the community, this event provides the perfect opportunity to contribute to a sustainable local ecosystem. We encourage you to bring items for donation and invite you to join us for an afternoon of camaraderie. Please remember to collect any remaining personal items before the event concludes at 3 p.m.
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Raleigh Twilight Market
at Smoky Hollow, Raleigh,
Experience the vibrant energy of the Raleigh Twilight Market, a premier recurring event hosted by The MAKRS Society at the scenic Smoky Hollow district. Held on the third Saturday of every month from March through December, excluding October, this evening gathering brings together a curated collection of local makers, artists, and independent small businesses. Attendees can explore over thirty unique vendors while enjoying the rhythmic beats provided by live DJs in a lively outdoor atmosphere.
This community-focused event is designed to celebrate local craftsmanship while offering a fantastic evening out for friends and families alike. Guests are invited to browse a diverse array of handmade goods, discover creative arts, and enjoy a variety of delicious food and refreshing drinks available on site. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind treasures or simply looking to soak up the local culture, this market provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend excursion. Admission to the Raleigh Twilight Market is completely free, making it an accessible experience for everyone. Plan your visit today and join us in supporting our incredible local creative community.
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Raleigh's 3rd Annual All Things Groovy Hippie Fest
at Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
The All Things Groovy Hippie Fest returns to Moore Square for its third annual celebration of retro culture and community spirit. This day-long festival brings together local makers, artists, and enthusiasts to honor a free-spirited, vintage-inspired lifestyle in the heart of Raleigh.
Attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including a curated market featuring local vendors and unique artisans. The event highlights include a vintage car show, diverse food truck options, and a continuous lineup of live music performances throughout the day. Floating bubbles and colorful decorations create an immersive, cheerful environment throughout the park grounds.
This event is open to all ages and is perfect for families, music lovers, and anyone seeking a laid-back, joyful atmosphere. Whether you are looking to shop for local goods, enjoy live entertainment, or simply relax in the sun, this festival offers a unique experience. Interested vendors are encouraged to visit the official Pomona Popups website to submit an application and participate in this year's festivities.
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Hillsborough Really Really Free Market
at Gold Park, Hillsborough,
Experience the unique spirit of community generosity at the Hillsborough Really Really Free Market. Held on the third Sunday of each month from March through October, this recurring event transforms Gold Park into a vibrant hub of sharing and sustainability. The premise is refreshingly simple: there is no money, bartering, or trading involved. Participants are invited to bring items they no longer need to give away, while others are welcome to browse and take whatever they find useful. From gently used clothing and home goods to books and snacks, the selection is entirely dependent on the collective contributions of our neighbors. This event fosters a circular economy that reduces waste and strengthens local bonds.
Whether you have items to donate or are searching for something special, your presence adds to the positive energy of the market. Please remember that all remaining items must be taken home by the original owner at the conclusion of the event to ensure we keep our shared park beautiful. Join us at 415 Dimmocks Mill Road for an afternoon of community connection and discover the joy of giving.