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!

Step back in time and discover the heart of North Carolina with a captivating journey aboard the Historic Raleigh Trolley. This immersive one-hour tour offers an unparalleled look at the capital city, guiding visitors through downtown to explore significant historic sites, architectural landmarks, and the vibrant culture that has shaped Raleigh since its founding in 1792. Whether you are a long-time local or a first-time visitor, this excursion provides fascinating insights into the community evolution that defines the area. Tours depart every Saturday from March through December at the scenic Mordecai Historic Park. With convenient start times available at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m., it is easy to find a slot that fits your schedule. Admission is affordably priced at ten dollars for adults and six dollars for youth, making this an ideal activity for families and history enthusiasts alike. Do not miss your chance to see the city from a unique perspective. Secure your seats today by visiting the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center, booking online, or calling 919-996-4364 to reserve your place on this historic adventure.

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.

Discover a curated selection of unique finds at the Pop-Up Raleigh Art and Vintage Market. Held on the third Saturday of every month from March through December, this recurring event transforms Trophy on Maywood into a vibrant hub for local creativity. Shoppers are invited to browse an eclectic array of offerings, including one-of-a-kind handmade art, high-quality vintage clothing, and thoughtfully sourced accessories. By attending, you play a vital role in supporting talented local artisans and small business owners who contribute to the cultural landscape of the Triangle area. This market provides the perfect atmosphere to hunt for distinctive gifts or to simply enjoy an afternoon of discovery in a welcoming community setting. Whether you are a long-time vintage enthusiast or an art lover looking for something special to brighten your home, you will find something that resonates with your personal style. We encourage you to visit our website or follow our Facebook page for the latest updates on participating vendors and upcoming seasonal themes. Come join us this month for an inspiring shopping experience that celebrates local talent and sustainable fashion.

RipTide Car Wash is excited to announce the return of their popular appreciation program for the second year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all local teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to receive a complimentary car wash as a token of gratitude for their hard work and commitment to education. This special offer is valid at any RipTide Car Wash location across the region, including their sites in Durham and Raleigh. To take advantage of this refreshing promotion, simply visit any participating location and present your valid school identification at the time of service. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming academic year or simply need to brighten your commute, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a premium wash at no cost. Please be sure to check the RipTide website for a full list of addresses to find the location most convenient for you. We encourage all eligible educators to participate in this seasonal event. This promotion serves as a small way to give back to the professionals who make a difference in our community every single day. Do not miss out on this limited time offer.

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.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to announce the return of their highly anticipated appreciation event for educators and school personnel. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to visit any RipTide Car Wash location to receive a professional car wash completely free of charge. This promotion serves as a sincere thank you for the tireless hard work and commitment shown by our local academic community as they prepare for a new school year. To take advantage of this special offer, simply present your valid school identification at any of the participating locations in Durham or Raleigh. Whether you visit the Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard site, the North Roxboro Street location, or one of the convenient Raleigh branches on Falls of Neuse Road or Sandy Forks Road, the team is ready to provide you with a top tier experience. We encourage all eligible staff to stop by, enjoy a pristine vehicle, and prepare for the busy academic season ahead. Please visit the official RipTide website to locate your nearest facility and verify operating hours.