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Calendar

With so many great events happening both at Emerge and in our community, how will you keep track?  Use our calendar to help discover all of the resources that Emerge and the Triangle have to offer. 

Emerge hosts a variety of events at the clinic including therapist-led roundtables, parent education classes, resources fairs, and structured play-dates!  This calendar will also keep our Emerge families up to date on the start of our social skills groups, and changes in our clinic operating hours.

In addition to what is happing at Emerge, you will also be able to find other activities and resources for parents and caregivers such as resource fairs, sensory-friendly nights, free family events and more!

Events in August 2026

SunSunday MonMonday TueTuesday WedWednesday ThuThursday FriFriday SatSaturday
26July 26, 2026
27July 27, 2026
28July 28, 2026●(1 event)

12:00 pm: Emerge Webinar - Before the Bell Rings: Supporting Your Child Through the Back-to-School Transition

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
July 28, 2026

Join Emerge Pediatric Therapy Owner & CEO Brittni Winslow for a practical, encouraging webinar filled with strategies you can begin using before the first day of school. You'll learn how to gradually shift routines, support sensory needs, reduce anxiety around transitions, build independence, and create predictable rhythms that help your child feel safe and confident.

Whether your child is entering preschool, elementary school, or returning to a familiar classroom, you'll leave with realistic, neurodiversity-affirming tools to make the start of the school year feel calmer for your whole family.

Register here!

More information

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29July 29, 2026
30July 30, 2026●(1 event)

9:00 am: Learn to Ride a Bike - Dix Park

9:00 am – 12:00 pm
July 30, 2026

Learn to Ride @ Dix Park

July 30, 2026  9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Gipson Play Plaza, 715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Join us for a free Learn to Ride class at Gipson Play Plaza! Bikes and helmets will be available to borrow. While free to attend, space is limited and classes fill up quickly. Registration opens at 12 pm two weeks before the date of the program. Registration links will be located here.

More information

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31July 31, 2026●(1 event)

10:30 am: Story time and Craft on the Avery Family Farm - Durham

10:30 am – 12:00 pm
July 31, 2026

Its time for stories and crafts on the farm!!!

Each month we will be hosting at least one story time highlighting either a Goat on the Go book by our friend and local author Natalie Horseman, a Kids Yoga story with interactive nature themes and kid friendly yoga poses, or one of our own farm adventures from our Detective Goat series.

Story time will be followed by time with the chickens, goats, and sheep. Plus a kid friendly craft.

What to expect:

- Check in from 10:30-10:45 (Kids are welcome to have light play on our personal playground as long as they are monitored by a parent)

-Interactive story time with a Goat on the Go, Kids Yoga, or Detective Goat story

-Scheduled feeding time for the chickens, ducks, and goose. You can bring your own treats, or we will have some you can use.

- Goat and Sheep cuddle area. They may even lay in your lap 🙂 Amanda will answer farm related questions and teach about farm life.

- Farm themed crafts will be set up for kids to participate in as well.

- Open Farm Store with lots of premade gifts, crafts, stones and crystals, farm swag, and farm products

Ages: All ages welcome. (tickets need to be bought for anyone who can or will be walking, babies under 1 are free)

**Parents please stay with your child(ren): We do ask that all ages are respectful to our property, the animals, and other visitors (i.e. chasing, yelling, running, and picking up animals are not allowed)**

This is a smaller homestead not a big open property or field, and our animals are used to calm. The birds are also free roaming.

Cost:

$12 per child, $8 per adult - Includes all activities listed above. If you would like to save on the credit card fee by using Zelle, CashApp, Paypal, or check in the mail please contact me directly at averyfamilyfarm@gmail.com to sign-up.

What to wear/bring:

-Plan to wear clothing and shoes that can get a little dirty (closed toed shoes preferred).

-No earrings in ear lobes or necklaces please, and you will want a hair tie for longer hair.

-Only DEET FREE bug sprays. We have one you can borrow if needed. DEET will make the animals very sick.

More information

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1August 1, 2026●●(2 events)

10:00 am: Back to School Community Resource Event hosted by Durham County Sheriff’s Office

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
August 1, 2026

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Back to School Community Resource Event on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Durham County Memorial Stadium, 750 Stadium Drive, Durham, North Carolina.

It’s free to attend.

More information

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10:00 am: Homeschool Hub Teen Expo-NW Cary YMCA

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
August 1, 2026

Looking for community enrichment and academics for your teen this Fall? Come see what's possible at the Homeschool Hub Expo! Meet teachers and explore classes for teens. Discover enrichment and outdoor learning. Learn about academic support and resources. Find electives, activities and more!

Saturday, Aug 1 from 10a-12noon.
NW Cary YMCA 6903 Carpenter Fire Station Rd, Cary

More information

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2August 2, 2026●●(2 events)

9:00 am: Chuck E. Cheese Raleigh Sensory Sensitive Sunday

9:00 am – 11:00 am
August 2, 2026

Every child deserves a chance to have fun

At Chuck E. Cheese Raleigh, Sensory Sensitive Sundays are special hours designed to provide children with sensory sensitivities and their families a quieter, more comfortable experience. With dimmed lighting, reduced noise levels, and a calm atmosphere, we’ve made it easier for everyone to enjoy our games, food, and activities in a setting that feels just right.

 

https://www.chuckecheese.com/raleigh-nc/sensory-sensitive-sundays/

More information

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12:00 pm: 5th Annual Kids Fest - Fortnight Brewing Co Cary

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
August 2, 2026

Fortnight Brewing, at 1006 SW Maynard Road, Cary, North Carolina, is hosting its 4th Annual Kids Fest on August 2, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m.

This is a FREE event. Grab your free ticket here.

Bring the kids and enjoy an afternoon packed with activities, creativity, and community fun, hosted by Socks Off Entertainment.

Event Highlights:

  • Free Bounce House
  • Free Face Painting
  • Local Vendors
  • Food Trucks
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Free Goodie Bags for the first 200 kids!

More information

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3August 3, 2026
4August 4, 2026●●(2 events)

4:00 pm: Wings for Autism - RDU Airport

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
August 4, 2026

Welcome to Wings for Autism® a program of The Arc of the US™.

Triangle Disability & Autism Services is proud to partner with Breeze Airlines, RDU International Airport and The Arc to host this amazing FREE event Tuesday August 4, 2026.

 

REGISTER TODAY!

Part of living a full life in the community includes being able to travel to faraway locations for both work and pleasure. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism are entitled to this piece of community participation—just like anyone else—and should be able to navigate air transit comfortably to experience the same opportunities as every other traveler. The Arc’s Wings for Autism® program gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols.

People with disabilities and autism often experience barriers to participating in air travel. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming and full of unexpected and overstimulating variables, such as bright lights, noises, TSA security screening, and crowds. Too often, there is a lack of understanding among airport and airline staff—leading to confusion on how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process. Combined, these barriers lead to hesitation and fear, inhibiting participation in air travel. As a result, people can miss out on new experiences and connecting with family members and friends that live far away.

Wings alleviates some of the stress that people with autism and other IDDs and their families experience when traveling by air by providing families with the opportunity to experience and learn about how their loved ones will react to different stimuli in the airport.

During a Wings Event: Participant Activities

  • Sign-In to receive t-shirt and swag bag*!
  • Check-in to receive boarding passes
  • Pass through the TSA security checkpoint
  • Wait in the boarding area
  • Board an aircraft (that does not take off)

*Each participant will receive a complimentary t-shirt and backpack (everyone needs luggage at the airport!) *If registered after July 17, t-shirt size is not guaranteed.

Timeline:

  • 4:00 Arrival
  • 4:30: Families check in at the counter
  • 5:00: families proceed to the gate
  • 5:30: Boarding starts
  • Event ends around 6:00

All individuals 18 and over must have a REAL ID with photo (or other approved documentation (as noted on this website) to pass through TSA Security. If you are unsure if your ID is REAL ID compliant, visit this site to verify.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you MAY BE required to pay a $45 fee online prior to attending the event in order to pass through TSA. You will receive more information about this in our confirmation email. We are working with the TSA to waive this fee. 

Due to limited space, 1 individual with a disability is allowed to attend with 1 adult support person accompanying them to the event. All individuals attending this event must be pre-registered online, please do not bring individuals with you to the event who have not been registered as they will not be allowed past security. Participant and support person will remain together for the entire event.

More information

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6:00 pm: National Night Out with Chapel Hill Police Dept

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
August 4, 2026

Guardians of the Hill, the Chapel Hill Police Department, Chapel Hill Fire Department and other partners are hosting a National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Hargraves Community Center, 216 N Roberson Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

This is a free community event.

The celebration typically includes free food, games and fun for all ages.

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5August 5, 2026
6August 6, 2026
7August 7, 2026●(1 event)

5:30 pm: Kidical Mass Bike Rides

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
August 7, 2026

Oaks & Spokes is hosting Kidical Mass — family-friendly, kid-focused group bike rides. It’s free to participate.

Gather for all rides at 5:30 p.m. While everyone gets ready to roll, there will be a pre-ride party with activities like music, chalk art, bike and helmet decorating, music, free safety swag, and complimentary bike checks.

Each ride will last around 1 hour and will feature a short mid-ride dessert stop (e.g., freeze pops, popsicles, Italian ice cups; dairy-free options will always be available).

Friday, August 7, 2026
5:30 p.m.: Gather
Start and end point: Eastgate Park, 4200 Quail Hollow Drive, Raleigh, NC
It’s recommended that you park on the street, as there’s limited space in the park.

More information

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8August 8, 2026●●●(4 events)

10:00 am: First Responders Day at New Hope Valley Railway

10:00 am – 1:30 pm
August 8, 2026

Touch-A-Truck Experience!
Join us for First Responders Day on August 8 as we celebrate the heroes who keep our community safe!
Enjoy a day filled with family-friendly fun and hands-on experiences. Climb aboard emergency vehicles, meet local first responders, and get an up-close look at the equipment used to save lives every day.
With train rides at 10:30am and 12:00pm, it doesn’t get much better than a Touch-A-Truck and a train ride!
Bring the whole family and help us say THANK YOU to those who answer the call when it matters most.

Promoted By: New Hope Valley Railway

3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA

August 08, 2026 10:00 am - 1:30 pm EDT

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2:00 pm: Free Community Game Day with Backpacks and Supplies hosted by UNeek Village - Raleigh, NC

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
August 8, 2026

The UNeek Village
💜 At The UNeek Village, we created this event with EVERY individual in mind. 💜
We believe everyone deserves to feel seen, included, and supported. That’s why we’ll have a Sensory Corner on-site—a quiet, calming space for children and families who may need a break from the excitement.
🍧 Kona Ice will be serving up sweet treats from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, so come cool off before the fun really begins!
🥎 Then at 3:30 PM sharp, it’s time for the main event…
Adults vs. Kids Kickball Tournament!
Think you’ve still got it? Or will the kids take home the bragging rights? 😂
Bring your family, your friends, your lawn chairs, and your game face. We can’t wait to celebrate, laugh, and build community together.
📍 Saturday, August 8
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Jaycee Park Picnic Shelter
2405 Wade Ave., Raleigh, NC 27607
Growing. Healing. Thriving. Empowered.

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2:00 pm: Free Sign Language Social for All Abilities - Esteamed Coffee Cary

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 8, 2026

Come join us for our free, monthly ASL (American Sign Language) social at Esteamed Coffee on Saturday, August 8th. All levels of signers are welcome as we chat in American Sign Language in a warm, inclusive environment. This casual drop-in event is for individuals both with and without disabilities.

 

114 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, USA

August 08, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

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2:00 pm: Multi-Sensory Environment Open House - Durham Library Main

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 8, 2026

Check out Main Library's Multi-Sensory Environment! Drop in, try out the equipment, and learn more about what our sensory space offers.

The Multi Sensory Environment provides immersive, interactive experiences through sight, sound, touch, and smell. The room can be used for play, therapy, or teaching, and sound and light are adjustable to meet visitor needs. All ages welcome!

(The Multi-Sensory Environment is located on the 4th Floor at Main Library.)

More information

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9August 9, 2026●●(3 events)

All day: Bumble Brews Cary Play Cafe - Half Price

All day
August 9, 2026

Half-Price Open Play

Sun Aug 9th 8:00am - 9:15am

No reservation needed.

$5 per child/$4 per sibling (6 months and up) until close.

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All day: Durham Community Day at Durham Life & Science Museum *FREE ADMISSION for Durham Residents

All day
August 9, 2026

On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents receive free admission. All adults in your party will need to show proof of residency. Each adult can bring up to five children.

Durham Community Days take place twice a month. The day of the week varies, making it possible for Durham residents with various schedules to attend.

The dates of Durham Community Days have been announced through the middle of 2026.

2026

  • Friday, June 19
  • Monday, July 13
  • Sunday, August 9
  • Thursday, August 27
  • Friday, September 11
  • Tuesday, September 22
  • Thursday, October 8
  • Tuesday, October 20
  • Sunday, November 8
  • Tuesday, November 17
  • Wednesday, December 2
  • Sunday, December 13

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10:00 am: Dueling Dinosaurs Sensory Friendly Morning - NC Museum of Natural Science

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
August 9, 2026

Explore the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit (https://duelingdinosaurs.org/) with reduced noise effects and smaller crowds. Please bring any noise-reducing headphones and fidgets you may need! A limited number of Sensory Friendly Bags are available for checkout at the front desk, and a limited number of noise-reducing headphones are available to borrow at the exhibit.

Free registration is not necessary but encouraged; if you register, we’ll send reminder emails and resources about the exhibit so you can know before you go! https://naturalsciences.ticketapp.org/portal/product/139/event/b9dfba98-518d-456b-ad57-a3b9650d03b8

Please note that this is a self-guided tour of the exhibit space (not led by a museum educator), though you may interact with the research team in the SECU DinoLab!

More information

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10August 10, 2026●●(3 events)

10:30 am: Farm and Nature Explorers - Avery Family Farm Durham

10:30 am – 1:00 pm
August 10, 2026

Come join us, the goats, the sheep, the chickens, the ducks, and all the other animals for an awesome program on the farm and at Falls Lake!

Our time will be split between the animals here on the farm, arts and crafts, experiments, games, and adventures in the woods and around Falls Lake depending on the theme for that day.

This can either be a drop-off program for kids, or parents/guardians are welcome to join with a parent ticket, especially if you have a younger child.

*If "dropping off", parents are also welcome to stay in our picnic area and do work, or read/relax while their child(ren) join the program (ages 6 and up for this option)

*If you want to visit the farm to check it out first, please come for a Farm Experience (check out the calendar on our website for open dates and times) or join us for one of our other public events on the weekend. You can find these on our website as well. www.averyfamilyfarm.com *

Ages:

Drop-off: Preferred ages 5 to 14

Parent attending too: ages 3 and up (please reach out if you have multiple kids and one is younger than 3. We may be able to work something out)

Teens ages 15 and up are welcome with a sibling (get a parent ticket)--or email if your teen is interested in helping with the programs.

Program by date:

Monday August 10th: Farm Animals, Forest Games, and Fairy Houses

Friday August 28th: Farm Animals, Animal Tracks, and Mapping Skills

*We will be doing these during the school year for homeschoolers, tracked out students, and teacher workdays as well. Check back as more dates will be updated.

Time:

Check in between 10:30 and 10:45 (light play on our personal playground is allowed with parent monitoring)

Farm Animal Program starts at 10:45

Head to the forest/Falls Lake at 11:45

Pickup at 1pm (may be at the farm or at the end of our road where we access the lake trail. I will let you know which and directions the day of)

*Optional: Bring a picnic lunch and families who want to, could stay at the lake and play (its public land and trails).

Cost:

Drop-off camper: $25 per session

Camper with Parent Attendee: $20 per session

Parent Attendee: $10 per session

*If you would like to pay via check, cashapp, or zelle to save the credit card fee please contact us directly. (averyfamilyfarm@gmail.com) We are also happy to set up payment plans for multiple sessions, multiple kids, or families who need it.

Activities:

-Welcome: circle time and goats/sheep snuggles

-Scheduled activity for that days program.

Ex. forest games, fairy houses, investigating animal tracks, mapping skills, foraging (when in season), science experiments, ecosystem exploration, nature art, and more

Important Info:

-We will have a focus on animals, nature, and community

-Our emphasis is on care and compassion for each other and the animals. We ask that attendees choose to be calm with the animals, peaceful with each other, compassionate and respectful with everyone, and willing to find ways to get involved and support their fellow attendees.

-We are always outside (shelter for when weather is poor), so attendees must be ok with (or be excited about) bugs, getting dirty, animal poop, and crazy NC weather.

-Bathrooms: port a potties (serviced weekly) while at the farm, nature potty when out on the trails or at the lake.

-Limit of 15-20 kids per session

Refund Policy:

10 days before the event the full cost becomes non-refundable except in the case of extreme circumstances such as hospitalization, etc. We can also try to fill your spot from any waitlists, then potentially get you a refund.

If you still need to cancel the payment can be held as a credit for you to use for any of our events, future kids programs, or store credit with no expiration.

We look forward to having your child with us!

 

Got questions or want to come for a Farm Experience first? Contact averyfamilyfarm@gmail.com or text 9192363244

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4:00 pm: Backpack Decorating - Durham Library

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
August 10, 2026

It's time to express yourself at this backpack decorating program! We will have materials to make buttons, patches, bag charms, keychains, and pins. Backpacks will not be provided, please bring your own. No registration required but supplies are limited.

Date:
Monday, August 10, 2026
Time:
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location:
SLW Meeting Room - Side 2
Location:
Stanford L. Warren Branch Library (1201 Fayetteville St)

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5:00 pm: S'Morrisville Celebration

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
August 10, 2026

On Monday, August 10, 2026, Morrisville will become S’Morrisville, as it celebrates the delicious snacks popular at campfires everywhere.

The celebration takes place at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy FREE s’mores, including vegan options.

Activities

  • Free s’mores
  • Games
  • Food truck: Two Roosters
  • Food truck: YoYo FroYo
  • Sensory station, a sensory-friendly tent designed to offer a calm break

https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/Events-directory/SMorrisvile

More information

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11August 11, 2026●(1 event)

4:30 pm: Learning with Legos - Morrisville Library

4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
August 11, 2026

Join us for a Lego building program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Led by Teen Leadership Corp members, this program provides opportunities for participants to improve spatial reasoning, fine motor, and planning skills through constructive play.

 

Tuesday, August 11, 2026
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm
Morrisville Community Library
FREE

More information

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12August 12, 2026●●(2 events)

6:00 pm: K-5th Adventures: Design Cinderella's Castle - Morrisville Library

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
August 12, 2026

Read, create, discover and explore through hands-on activities.

Discover castle architecture and the many versions of this classic fairy tale. Utilize Tangrams to design Cinderella’s castle.

Children must be currently attending Kindergarten through 5th grade to participate in this program

 

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Morrisville Community Library
FREE

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7:30 pm: The Big Summer GlowOut - Cary

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
August 12, 2026

The Town of Cary is hosting The Big Summer GlowOut on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Harold D. Ritter Park, 301 W Lochmere Drive, Cary, North Carolina.

This is a free family event.

Light up the night and celebrate the end of summer with an evening packed with glowing fun!

Dance to high-energy music from the live DJ, splash through foam and bubbles, cool off with water play, and enjoy crafts, games, and sweet treats along the way.

Bring your energy, your best dance moves, and your summer spirit. Wear craziest neon or your brightest white or to glow beneath the lights.

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13August 13, 2026●(1 event)

10:00 am: Little Fentonians Dino Day

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
August 13, 2026

Get ready to roar! Join us in Fenton Square for Dino Day, a prehistoric‑themed celebration packed with hands‑on fun. Kids will be mesmerized by Diggery Digger’s Dino Adventure, a lively, interactive show filled with fossils, magic, music, and larger‑than‑life dino characters. After the show, little explorers can enjoy dinosaur‑themed crafts and activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
A perfect afternoon for your tiniest paleontologists!
This is a free event, but please register so we can ensure we have enough supplies for everyone.
This event is designed for children of all ages and is free to attend. After playtime, stick around for a tasty lunch at one of our restaurants!
During the event, we will be collecting school supplies for local schools in Wake County.

Promoted By: FentonNC

21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC 27511, USA

August 13, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

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14August 14, 2026
15August 15, 2026●●(3 events)

9:00 am: Books, Bikes & Back-To-School at Durham Co-Op Market

9:00 am – 2:00 pm
August 15, 2026

Books, Bikes & Back-To-School

Durham Co+op MarketDurham, NC
Saturday, August 15  •  9 AM - 2 PM

Join us for a FREE fun-filled day of bike safety, live music, vendor demos, free books, crafts and a back-to-school supply drive!

Fill-A-BackPack, Supply Drive

This event is FREE to attend! We are encouraging all attendees to donate school supplies for our back-to-school "Fill-A-BackPack" drive. See the event images for the list of supplies we are asking for!

Everyone who RSVPS to this event will get a free cup of fresh lemonade! Just show your confirmation to the staff at the DCM lemonade table.

Mini Traffic Garden - Bring Your Own Bike (and helmet)

Bike Durham is transforming ( a portion) of our parking lot into a mini traffic garden where kids and families can learn important bike safety skills, practice navigating traffic scenarios, and gain basic bike maintenance knowledge in a fun, hands-on environment.

We strongly encourage participants to bring their own bikes and helmets are mandantory for any bike riding activity.

The Durham Co+op Deli, Joe Van Gogh, Emily K Center, Letters Bookshop, Commute Friendly NC, and Bike Durham

Live Music - Lakou

From 11 AM to 1 PM, "Lakou" (a sub group of Coezii Collective) will be performing live!

Ice Cream Sampling - The Parlour will be here from 12 PM to 2 PM sampling surprise favorites!

Book Harvest - Thanks to generous donations from Book Harvest NC, all kids will get a new copy of "The Magician's Hat" by Malcolm Mitchell, along with 100+ other free books to choose from.

DIY Kids' Crafts & Activities - Let your creative juices flow at our DIY bookmark station and button making booth!

More information

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10:00 am: 8th Annual Mud Day Festival - Raleigh

10:00 am – 1:00 pm
August 15, 2026

Join us in 2026 for our 8th Annual Mud Day Festival as we celebrate our wetlands and all things muddy and wonderful!

Learn about local environmental groups in our area while participating in the fun activities they offer, visit local food trucks, and of course, slide in a giant mud pit!

Event Details

Ages: All
Cost: Free
Location: 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh, NC 27610

 

https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/events/mud-day

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3:00 pm: Sensory Time Fairy Fun - Apex Library

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 15, 2026

Wear your wings and join us for a playful, interactive, encouraging and educational Fairy Themed Sensory Time!
This event is open to children 3 and up and is specially geared towards those with sensory processing challenges. Please plan to be engaged with your child in this program, as well as connect with and foster support of other families.
Attendance will be limited to 10 families.  Registration is required.  Stop by or call  Eva Perry Youth Services at 919-387-2120 to register and for more information.
Eva Perry Library
Saturday, August 15, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
FREE

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16August 16, 2026
17August 17, 2026
18August 18, 2026●(1 event)

All day: Quiet Days at the NC ZOO

All day
August 18, 2026

The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro hosts dedicated "Quiet Days" featuring limited group reservations, turned-off background music, and sensory play spaces.

https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/events/quiet-days

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19August 19, 2026●●(2 events)

12:00 pm: Back-To-School Party - Durham Rescue Mission

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
August 19, 2026

Durham Rescue Mission, 1201 East Main Street, Durham, North Carolina, is holding a Back-To-School Party on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. It’s free to attend.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event begins at 12 p.m. All items are available while supplies last.

The event includes:

  • Backpack filled with school supplies (child must be in attendance)
  • Free hot dogs and BBQ
  • Free groceries
  • Free clothing giveaway
  • Grand price drawings including a 65″ UHD Smart TV, 2 Nintendo Switch consoles, 3 Chromebooks, bikes, and more!

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5:30 pm: Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie at Marbles Museum

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
August 19, 2026

Join us for an event exclusively for kids with disabilities and their families to experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter environment. This is a free event. Registration is required.

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20August 20, 2026
21August 21, 2026●(1 event)

5:00 pm: We Are Wildflowers Community Project - Downtown Cary Park

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
August 21, 2026

Help bring a new community art installation to life during Demo Daze! Drop by the Great Lawn Pavilion from 5 – 9 p.m. and contribute to this amazing art piece that will be on display at the Park starting on Friday, August 28th.

Led by Raleigh installation artist Jane Cheek, known for vibrant, joy-filled sculptures, this hands-on event invites all ages to hand-paint aluminum flower cutouts representing our unique community.

Using reclaimed materials, plant-stalk timbers, solar-lit orbs, and mirrored elements, the finished artwork reflects both the park’s plant life and the people who make Cary special. Come paint a bloom, snap a photo in the mirrors, and leave your mark! No experience needed!

  • This event is open to the public
  • This event is suitable for all ages

Inclusion Services

Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.

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22August 22, 2026●●(2 events)

9:00 am: Kick-Off to Kindergarten - Marbles Museum

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
August 22, 2026

Get ready for Kindergarten with engaging activities and programming to help rising Kindergartners and their families prepare for school. Kick-off to Kindergarten helps rising Kindergartners and their families prepare for Kindergarten with activities that introduce kids to a typical school day. Community partners will be on-site with helpful resources.This is a free event. 

Ongoing Activities:

  • Take a ride around the block on a WCPSS school bus.
  • Practice walking through a pretend lunch line.
  • Connect with community resources.
  • Create backpack bling.
  • Take part in center time and Ready Set Smile.

Scheduled Activities:

  • PE Class – 10:30am & 1:30pm
  • Storytime – 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
  • Morning Meeting – 11:30am & 2:30pm
  • Music Class – 12:30pm & 3:30pm
  • IMAX Theater: PBS presents Alma’s Way – Showing every hour on the hour from 10am to 3pm.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://marbleskidsmuseum.org/production/kick-off-to-kindergarten/

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10:00 am: Community Book Bag Giveaway - Chapel Hill Parks

10:00 am – 3:00 pm
August 22, 2026

Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation is presenting a Community Book Bag Giveaway for local students.

It takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hargraves Community Center, 216 Roberson Street, Chapel Hill.

This is a free event and no registration is required.

In addition to the annual bookbag give away there will be food, free haircuts and braids, activities, live entertainment and more! Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a day of music, food, and a variety of activities for youth and adults.

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23August 23, 2026
24August 24, 2026
25August 25, 2026
26August 26, 2026
27August 27, 2026●●(2 events)

All day: Durham Community Day at Durham Life & Science Museum *FREE ADMISSION for Durham Residents

All day
August 27, 2026

On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents receive free admission. All adults in your party will need to show proof of residency. Each adult can bring up to five children.

Durham Community Days take place twice a month. The day of the week varies, making it possible for Durham residents with various schedules to attend.

The dates of Durham Community Days have been announced through the middle of 2026.

2026

  • Friday, June 19
  • Monday, July 13
  • Sunday, August 9
  • Thursday, August 27
  • Friday, September 11
  • Tuesday, September 22
  • Thursday, October 8
  • Tuesday, October 20
  • Sunday, November 8
  • Tuesday, November 17
  • Wednesday, December 2
  • Sunday, December 13

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9:00 am: Learn to Ride a Bike - Dix Park

9:00 am – 11:00 am
August 27, 2026

Learn to Ride @ Dix Park

August 27, 2026  9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Gipson Play Plaza, 715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Join us for a free Learn to Ride class at Gipson Play Plaza! Bikes and helmets will be available to borrow. While free to attend, space is limited and classes fill up quickly. Registration opens at 12 pm two weeks before the date of the program. Registration links will be located here.

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28August 28, 2026
29August 29, 2026
30August 30, 2026
31August 31, 2026
1September 1, 2026
2September 2, 2026
3September 3, 2026
4September 4, 2026
5September 5, 2026
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