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!

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

The Millbrook United Methodist Church Food Pantry serves the Raleigh community by providing essential food resources to those in need. Located at 1712 East Millbrook Road, this initiative operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering a welcoming space where neighbors can receive support twice per month. The process is straightforward, utilizing a first come, first served model to ensure equitable access for all individuals and families seeking assistance during challenging times. To participate, please park in the designated lot off of Old Wake Forest Road and proceed up the walkway to the courtyard. This program relies on the generosity of the local community, and we invite you to explore opportunities for volunteering or making tax-deductible donations by visiting our website at millbrookumc.org/food-pantry. We encourage you to follow our official Facebook page for the most current updates regarding weekly availability, special holiday closures, and featured food items. We are dedicated to combating food insecurity through compassionate service. Join us this Saturday to access the resources you need or to learn how you can contribute to this vital community effort. Your support makes a significant difference for local families.

The Blue Wave Block Party is an outdoor community celebration dedicated to local culture and connection. This event brings residents together for a shared experience in the heart of our district to foster community spirit and support local businesses. Attendees can explore a curated selection of vendors showcasing unique goods and handmade crafts. The stage will feature live music performances from regional bands throughout the day, creating a vibrant acoustic backdrop for the festivities. Food trucks will be onsite serving a variety of culinary options to satisfy all tastes. We encourage families, friends, and neighbors of all ages to attend this inclusive gathering. The atmosphere is designed to be relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for your weekend plans. Whether you want to discover new local talent, shop for specialty items, or simply enjoy the sunshine with your community, there is something here for everyone to appreciate. Mark your calendar and join us for this neighborhood event. We look forward to seeing you there for a day of celebration and local engagement.

Ground Zero is a free community event dedicated to providing essential resources and support to local residents. This initiative aims to strengthen our neighborhood by connecting individuals directly with vital services and fostering community togetherness in a welcoming environment. Attendees can access a variety of resources including health screenings, clothing giveaways, and complimentary bookbags for students. Community partners and vendors such as the Wake County Health Department and Ontime Ministries, Inc. will be present to provide information and assistance. These resources are designed to address immediate needs while promoting long term wellness and stability for families and individuals throughout the area. This event is open to all community members seeking support, connection, or resources. The atmosphere is professional, organized, and focused on collective progress. Whether you are looking for specific health services, supplies for your children, or simply want to learn more about the organizations working in your neighborhood, we encourage you to attend. Please arrive early to make the most of the services offered. We look forward to seeing you there as we work together to take back our community.

We are hosting a kitten adoption event in collaboration with the Wake County Animal Center and Friends of WCAC to help shelter animals find their forever homes. This initiative aims to increase adoption rates while raising essential funds to support the medical care and daily needs of animals currently in the shelter or foster system. The event will feature on-site kitten adoptions and a raffle that showcases items from local small business owners and makers. Visitors can meet adoptable kittens and contribute to the raffle to directly impact animal welfare. All proceeds from the ticket sales go exclusively to Friends of WCAC to sustain their ongoing rescue mission and provide critical resources for displaced animals in our community. This event is designed for animal lovers, families, and anyone interested in supporting local rescues. We invite artists, makers, and small business owners to donate items for the raffle. If you are interested in contributing to this cause, please send us a direct message or an email to discuss your donation. We look forward to seeing the community come together to support these animals.

The Dog Days of Summer Brunch is a family friendly community event in Raleigh held to support the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Guests are invited to enjoy a meal while participating in activities designed for both children and their canine companions. Attendees can visit the Adopt a Puppy station where children receive adoption certificates and decorate custom dog houses. The event features face painting and photo opportunities with dogs from the rescue organization. Guests are encouraged to bring their own leashed pets to join the festivities. These activities provide an interactive environment for animal lovers to engage with the local rescue community while enjoying brunch. This event is ideal for local families and pet owners looking for a meaningful way to spend their weekend. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on animal welfare. By attending, you contribute directly to a local cause as ten percent of all brunch sales will be donated to the Carolina Boxer Rescue. Join us for a morning of fun and help us support this important organization.

Art of Cool presents The Frequency Series featuring iconic jazz performers Jonathan Butler and Najee for an evening of sophisticated live music. This concert series highlights world-class musicians while supporting the local arts community through an important charitable partnership. A portion of every ticket purchase is donated to the North Carolina Central University Foundation to advance academic excellence and public service. Attendees can expect a premium live performance showcasing the masterful artistry of Jonathan Butler and Najee. The event focuses on high-quality sound and a professional concert environment suitable for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. You will experience an intimate atmosphere where legendary performers take the stage to share their signature sound. This show is designed for those who appreciate refined instrumentation and professional live production. It is a unique opportunity to enjoy top-tier talent in a vibrant setting while contributing to a meaningful cause. Join us for a memorable evening of music and community support by securing your tickets early. We invite you to be part of this exceptional series and experience the best of modern jazz in a premier setting.