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!

NCMA Games Together is a premiere gaming festival celebrating the artistry and community spirit of video and tabletop gaming. This inaugural event brings together players of all experience levels to explore how gaming influences culture and creative expression through an engaging, immersive day of discovery. The schedule features a diverse range of activities for attendees to enjoy. Highlights include an insightful talk by author Jacob Geller and live video game inspired jazz performances by the Turnabout Players. Guests can participate in an introductory Dungeons and Dragons workshop led by Nick Scarff or attend a special screening of the 1994 Street Fighter film. The festival also hosts local indie game developers showcasing new projects, alongside dedicated play tables where visitors can challenge others to tabletop games and test new titles. This festival is designed for game enthusiasts, local creators, and anyone curious about the modern gaming landscape. We invite you to join us for a high energy atmosphere where you can learn new skills, connect with fellow players, and find inspiration. Come participate in this celebration of play.

This two hour workshop offers a practical introduction to the tabletop role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. It is designed to help beginners overcome the initial barriers of complex rule sets and overwhelming amounts of source material by providing clear and direct guidance. Local Dungeon Master Nick Scarff will lead the session to ensure all participants gain the confidence needed to start their own tabletop adventures. During the event you will select a character template and a matching miniature figure to use throughout the session. You will learn the essential core mechanics of the game. Key topics include how to navigate a character sheet, techniques for effective role playing, the execution of magical abilities, and the tactical steps required for handling combat scenarios. The format focuses on hands on learning through direct experience. This workshop is ideal for anyone curious about the hobby who has no prior experience. You do not need to bring any supplies or books to attend. We provide everything necessary to begin your journey. Join us for an accessible and structured session to unlock your imagination. Please sign up today to secure your spot at the table.

Join us for an evening with Jacob Geller as he discusses his latest book, How a Game Lives. This event serves as a platform for Geller to share insights from his acclaimed collection of video essays which bridge the gap between gaming, history, and art. The hour-long session features a reading of selected chapters from his anthology. Following the reading, Geller will lead an interactive question and answer session. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of his book and participate in an author signing event immediately following the presentation. This talk is designed for video game enthusiasts, writers, and anyone interested in modern cultural analysis. Whether you are a longtime fan of his video essays or new to his work, this event offers a unique look at how games function as a medium for understanding ourselves. The atmosphere will be informal, engaging, and centered on deep discussion. We invite you to join this community gathering to explore the intersection of technology and storytelling. Please arrive early to ensure seating and to secure your copy of the book before the signing begins.

This two hour workshop provides a beginner friendly introduction to the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Led by local Dungeon Master Nick Scarff, this session helps participants overcome the initial intimidation of starting a tabletop role playing game by offering clear and simple guidance on the core mechanics of play. Participants will begin by selecting a character template and a corresponding miniature figure. The session covers essential gameplay elements including how to navigate a character sheet, methods for effective role playing, the mechanics of using magical abilities, and strategies for managing combat scenarios. You will gain the practical knowledge needed to confidently begin your own gaming adventures. This event is designed for individuals with no prior experience or supplies. Whether you are curious about the hobby or simply looking to learn the basics in a supportive environment, this workshop is for you. We provide all the necessary materials, so you only need to bring your imagination. Join us to learn the fundamentals and start your journey into tabletop gaming today.

The Video Game Jam with Turnabout Players is an hour-long musical event featuring live jazz interpretations of classic video game soundtracks. Hosted at the NCMA Games Together festival, this performance celebrates the evolution of gaming music across the past four decades. Attendees will hear iconic themes reimagined by one of the Triangle region's most prominent musical groups in the gaming community. This session highlights the intersection of live jazz performance and digital media history. The Turnabout Players bring their expertise to the stage to perform a curated selection of hits that span multiple generations of gaming hardware and titles. Whether you are a fan of retro chiptunes or modern orchestral scores, the performance offers a dynamic look at how these soundtracks have shaped the medium. This event is designed for gamers, music enthusiasts, and festival attendees of all ages who appreciate the art of game audio. The atmosphere is casual and engaging, providing a perfect opportunity to relax while enjoying high-quality live music. We invite you to join us for this unique showcase and experience your favorite gaming memories in a new way.

Get ready to level up at the Retro Video Game Expo, hosted by Charlie’s Collectible Show at Triangle Town Center on August 15 and 16, 2026. This exciting two-day event transforms the former Macy’s space into a massive hub for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you are a dedicated collector or a casual gamer, you will find an extensive selection of consoles, rare cartridges, and unique accessories from every generation of gaming history. Admission and parking for this event are entirely free, making it the perfect weekend outing for friends and families. Immerse yourself in the action with our dedicated free-play stations featuring modern hits on the PlayStation and Switch consoles. For those feeling competitive, we are hosting a variety of tournaments including Super Smash Bros, Tekken 8, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Registration for each tournament is only five dollars, providing a fantastic chance to test your skills and claim victory. Visit the official website today to secure your tournament spots and join our vibrant community for an unforgettable weekend of pixelated fun and competitive gaming.

Join us at Guildhall Games located within the innovative Boxyard RTP for an exciting afternoon of tabletop gaming. This unique venue, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, provides a vibrant and creative atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends or meeting fellow enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned strategist or a casual player looking to learn a new game, our Sunday sessions offer the ideal environment to unwind and engage in friendly competition. Our expansive library features a wide variety of games suitable for all skill levels and interests. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to step away from your digital devices and enjoy high quality face to face interaction in one of the most distinctive architectural spaces in Durham. The community at Guildhall Games is welcoming and always eager to help newcomers join a table. We invite you to visit us this Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. to experience the energy of Boxyard RTP firsthand. For more information regarding our full game collection or to view upcoming community events, please visit the official website at boxyard.org/calendar. We look forward to seeing you at the table.

Looking for the ultimate way to spend your Sunday? Join us at the Super Rad Retro Lounge Arcade Bar in Raleigh for our exhilarating weekly air hockey tournament. This event invites players of all skill levels to showcase their reflexes and sportsmanship in a friendly, competitive environment. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual player just looking for some weekend excitement, our tournament is the perfect stage to test your talents. Located at 106 Glenwood Avenue, our venue is a nostalgic haven featuring forty classic arcade games, pinball machines, console stations, and more. The tournament kicks off every Sunday at 1 p.m., and the best part is that entry is completely free for all participants. It is an all ages event, making it an excellent opportunity to gather friends or family for an afternoon of gaming nostalgia. Do not miss your chance to be part of the local arcade scene. We encourage everyone to drop by, meet fellow gamers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our retro lounge. We look forward to seeing you there for a great game.