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.

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

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!

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Kill the Music is an interactive murder mystery performance hosted by Its A Mystery at the Summer at the Centre series. This immersive event invites attendees to play the role of detectives during the reunion concert of a fictional all girl music group. You will examine clues and work with your tablemates to identify a killer before the final curtain falls. The experience features two distinct sessions tailored to your schedule. The 11am performance offers a selection of brunch pastries, fresh fruit, and coffee, while the 8pm performance provides decadent desserts and coffee. A cash bar serving beer, wine, and bubbly will be available for both time slots. Please note that these offerings are refreshments rather than a full meal. This event is perfect for fans of crime dramas, puzzle enthusiasts, and groups seeking a unique social outing. The atmosphere is designed to be engaging, lively, and collaborative. Whether you are a seasoned sleuth or a first time player, you will find plenty of excitement in this whodunit. Book your tickets now to secure your spot for this intriguing musical mystery.

Experience the magic of the stage at the Carolina Theatre in Durham with the highly anticipated Family Saturday Series. This enchanting program is designed to introduce young audiences to the wonder of live entertainment while providing a captivating experience that guests of all ages can enjoy together. From music and storytelling to dance and puppetry, each monthly performance offers a unique opportunity to spark creativity and imagination in a professional theater setting. Join us for A Wild Goose Chase, an interactive event where poetry comes to life through stunning shadow puppetry. This engaging performance is crafted to inspire young viewers to explore their own creative voices in reading and writing. With ticket prices set at just five dollars, this series remains one of the most accessible and entertaining ways to spend a Saturday morning with your loved ones in the Triangle area. Spaces fill up quickly, so we encourage you to plan ahead for these monthly highlights. Visit our official website today to view the full schedule of upcoming performances and secure your tickets online to ensure your spot for these unforgettable family experiences.

Night of Poe is an immersive theatrical event that brings the classic tales of Edgar Allan Poe to life through performance and sound. Guests spend 90 minutes exploring a curated narrative world that blends storytelling with music to capture the mystery of Poe’s most famous works. Attendees will experience dramatic re-tellings of Poe stories performed by professional actors and musicians. The program features a gothic soundscape composed by Danny Elfman to enhance the atmosphere. Each ticket includes a tasting menu of four themed cocktails designed to complement the evening’s dark aesthetic. These elements combine to create a multi-sensory experience that prioritizes narrative depth and high-quality production. This event is designed for literature enthusiasts, fans of gothic theater, and anyone looking for a sophisticated evening of immersive entertainment. The environment is refined and meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable visit. We invite you to join us for this unique exploration of literary history. Please book your tickets in advance to secure your place in this limited engagement as spaces for this hauntingly elegant journey fill up quickly.