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!

The Body Mind Spirit Celebration is a holistic festival held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. It serves as a gathering place for individuals interested in personal growth, natural health, and spiritual discovery. The event has been a staple in Raleigh since 2003, occurring twice annually to foster community connection. Attendees can explore 195 diverse exhibitors and consult with 50 professional psychics, readers, and energy healers. The schedule features 72 presentations and live performances covering topics like metaphysics, aura photography, and holistic wellness. All sessions and performances are included with the price of admission. Guests can also shop for crystals and various natural health products throughout the weekend. This event is designed for anyone seeking wisdom, wellness, and inspiration. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, making it an ideal environment for those looking to expand their personal knowledge or connect with like minded people. Whether you are a long time enthusiast of holistic practices or a curious newcomer, there is much to discover. Join us at the next fairgrounds season to experience this unique celebration of wonder and community.

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.

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.