My Calendar

Events in July 2026

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
June 28, 2026
June 29, 2026
June 30, 2026
July 1, 2026(2 events)

10:00 am: Splashing with Goats at Rocking JH Farms


July 1, 2026

Water the garden, run in the sprinkler with goats, watch pigs and other animals in mud, safety water balls, bubbles, splash pad, water table, wash and brush Poppy, duck races, paint with water, popsicles and more. $15/child.

Wed, July 1 from 10a-1130a

63 Ogburn Hicks Way, Willow Spring

Email for reservation: rockingjhfarmsnc@gmail.com

10:30 am: New Hope Valley Train America's Birthday Celebration


July 1, 2026

We will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a fun, patriotic train ride on July 1 at 10:30am!

Be sure to wear your patriotic red, white and blue and keep your eye out for Uncle Sam. We’ll have miniature flags to wave during the ride and red, white and blue cupcakes for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary in true railroad style. Gather your family and friends and make memories as we honor this historic milestone together!

More information

July 2, 2026(1 event)

6:00 pm: Red, White & Boom Fireworks Show - Morrisville


July 2, 2026

The Town of Morrisville is celebrating Independence Day on Thursday, July 2, 2026, with Red, White & Boom! at Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina.

The festival will take place from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and will include live music, inflatables, face painting, food trucks, family-friendly games, and more. A fireworks show will conclude the evening. The festival is free, but please bring money for the food trucks, games and activities.

Activities & Entertainment

  • Inflatables – $20 for an unlimited access wristband (no cash sales). Sales will end at 8 p.m.
  • Face Painting
  • LED Hoop Performer
  • Food Trucks
  • Balloon Twisters
  • Music & MORE!
  • Parking & Shuttles

    • There is NO on‑site parking for this event.
    • Free shuttles will run continuously from 808 Aviation Pkwy and 909 Aviation Pkwy to Cedar Fork District Park.
    • Riders will be dropped off inside the park; after the event, all return shuttles will pick up on Aviation Parkway, near the park’s main entrance.
    • The last shuttle into the park leaves at 8:45 p.m. Shuttle service back to 808 and 909 Aviation Parkway will resume after fireworks have ended.
    • Limited accessible parking will be available on‑site on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
July 3, 2026(1 event)

All day: Emerge is CLOSED for the 4th of July

All day
July 3, 2026

July 4, 2026(5 events)

9:00 am: Children’s Independence Day Parade at Durham Central Park


July 4, 2026

The cutest and longest running program at Durham Central Park is BACK for a SPECIAL Saturday @durhamfarmersmarket edition! The Children’s Independence Day Parade will take place on the east side of the park near the playground, with all the usual fun: crafts for bike decorating from @scrapexchange blue barrels, popsicles, and @durham_firefighters fire engine tours! Come decorate your bike starting at 9:30 am and the parade starts at 10:30am!

9:30 am: Carrboro's July 4th Celebration


July 4, 2026

https://townofcarrboro.org/308/July-4th-Celebration

July 4th Celebration 2026

Join us from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th for a day of fun activities and celebrations.  The 13th Annual Community Reading of the Frederick Douglass Essay "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" will be held rain or shine and occur at the Carrboro Century Center from 2 - 4 p.m.  Come early to get a good seat!

Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. at Weaver Street Market, followed by The People’s Parade from Weaver Street to Town Hall at 10:50 a.m. led by the Bulltown Strutters. The event continues at Carrboro Town Commons from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and then concludes at the Century Center for the Community Reading at 2 - 4 p.m.

Bring non-perishable items to help support PORCH. Donation bins available at Weaver Street Market and Carrboro Town Commons.

Event Parking

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at public lots all over downtown.

Please remember that Carr Mill Mall is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing.  This means that if you plan to start your day at Weaver Street Market and join the People's Parade to Town Hall, you should not park at any Carr Mill Mall lot (including the Weaver Street lot and the Harris Teeter lot).

More information

1:00 pm: Fourth of July Celebration with Preservation Chapel Hill


July 4, 2026

2026 July 4th Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we approach the 4th of July, we are excited to invite you to join us for a special celebration hosted by Preservation Chapel Hill. This festive event is an opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate our nation's independence, and support the ongoing preservation of Chapel Hill's rich heritage.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, July 4th
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (music begins at 1:30 PM)
Location: Horace Williams House, 610 E Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC
What to Expect:
Live music from The Village Band
Water, lemonade, and ice cream
Fun for children and adults alike.
This event is open to everyone, and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. Your contributions will support our mission to preserve and protect the historic buildings and neighborhoods of Chapel Hill.
We look forward to celebrating with you and making this 4th of July a memorable occasion for all. Thank you for your continued support of Preservation Chapel Hill.
Note: The celebration will be canceled in the event of rain.

4:00 pm: July 3rd Celebration at Downtown Cary Park


July 4, 2026

A party 250 years in the making! Come out and celebrate the old USA with fun games, a mist zone, arts and crafts and other activities for people of all ages. Food trucks will be on hand to help satisfy your hunger while the Bark Bar will have cold drinks all night. Stay around for a special screening of the 90’s classic Independence Day (PG-13).

  • 4 – 8 p.m.: Patriotic Activities
    • Cozy Panda- Frantz Square
    • Carolina Blaze Softball- Frantz Square
    • All-American Scavenger Hunt- Frantz Square
    • Lawn Games- Frantz Square Lawn
    • Patriotic Art Cart- The Nest
    • Aquarena (misters, water blasters, and kiddie pools)- The Arena at Park Courts
  • 5 – 7 p.m.: Roaming Entertainment
    • Stilt Walkers from Imagine Circus
  • 6 – 8 p.m.: Trivia and Contest
    • 6 – 8 p.m.: USA Trivia at The Bark Bar
    • 8 p.m.: Liberty Lift Contest at Great Lawn Pavilion Stage
  • 8:30: Movie Night: Independence Day (PG-13)
  • 4 – 9 p.m.: Food and Beverage
    • Tropical Snow- Great Lawn
    • The Refreshery – Great Lawn
    • Tombachi- Park Street Courts
    • Kona Ice- Park Street Courts
    • Ty’s All Natural- Park Street Courts

Know Before You Go

  • This event is free and 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.

More information

6:30 pm: Chapel Hill July 4th Drone Show - 920pm Start


July 4, 2026

This July 4th marks the nation’s 250th anniversary! Chapel Hill is celebrating with a new type of show that reimagines our long-standing community gathering.

Technology meets creativity in this year’s drone show at Chapel Hill High School, presented by Skyworx. At 9:20pm, a collection of 300 synchronized drones will lift off and arrange themselves into shapes and images, using light and color to paint designs across the Chapel Hill sky.

Parking & Shuttles

No parking at Chapel Hill High School, Smith Middle School, or Seawell Elementary School.

ADA-accessible parking: Chapel Hill High School (first come, first serve starting at 6pm)

Parking options (all free):

Parking is first come, first serve until full capacity. We’ll have frequent shuttles running between these lots and the event at Chapel Hill High School.

Shuttle times:

  • Before the show: 6pm-8:45pm
  • After the show: 9:35pm-10:05pm

No shuttles during the show. We encourage you to park early so there’s time to hop on the shuttle and pick a viewing spot before the show starts. Chapel Hill Transit will not operate regular service in observance of the July 4 holiday. Only the shuttle service is available.

What to Bring

Encouraged: Plenty of water, picnic supplies, coolers, blankets, and chairs. Seating is not provided, so you must bring your own.

Not allowed: Tents, tailgates, pets, alcohol, glass, combustibles, flammables, fireworks, sparklers, weapons, and smoking

More information

July 5, 2026(1 event)

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


July 5, 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

July 6, 2026(1 event)

1:30 pm: Sensory Playdate at Oberlin Regional Library


July 6, 2026

Join us for an inclusive, interactive drop-in program for families with young children, including those with sensory processing needs.

Join us for an inclusive, interactive drop-in program designed for families with young children, including those who are autistic or on the autism spectrum, as well as children with sensory processing needs. This program is geared toward preschool-aged children (ages 3–5), but children of all ages are welcome.

More information

July 7, 2026
July 8, 2026
July 9, 2026
July 10, 2026
July 11, 2026(1 event)

2:30 pm: FREE Unbound Fencing Camp for Neurodiverse Kids, Ages 6-13


July 11, 2026 July 12, 2026

Our volunteer instructors teach the fundamentals of fencing to neurodivergent kids ages 6–13, working in small groups across our two-day camps. Footwork, blade work, and the basics they'd learn in any beginner class. Equipment is provided. Just have your child wear closed-toe shoes and athletic clothing, and bring a water bottle.

Sat and Sun July 11-12 from 230-530pm for Ages 6-13

RTP Fencing Club - 3742 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite A2, Durham 27707

Register at: https://unbound-fencing.github.io/

More information

July 12, 2026(2 events)

2:30 pm: FREE Unbound Fencing Camp for Neurodiverse Kids, Ages 6-13


July 11, 2026 July 12, 2026

Our volunteer instructors teach the fundamentals of fencing to neurodivergent kids ages 6–13, working in small groups across our two-day camps. Footwork, blade work, and the basics they'd learn in any beginner class. Equipment is provided. Just have your child wear closed-toe shoes and athletic clothing, and bring a water bottle.

Sat and Sun July 11-12 from 230-530pm for Ages 6-13

RTP Fencing Club - 3742 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite A2, Durham 27707

Register at: https://unbound-fencing.github.io/

More information

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


July 12, 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

July 13, 2026(1 event)

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

All day
July 13, 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
July 14, 2026
July 15, 2026(1 event)

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


July 15, 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.

More information

July 16, 2026
July 17, 2026(2 events)

5:30 pm: Kidical Mass Bike Rides


July 17, 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, July 17, 2026
5:30 p.m.: Gather
Start and end point: Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh, NC

More information

5:30 pm: Untitled Event


July 17, 2026

July 18, 2026(3 events)

1:00 pm: Girls ALIVE NC Program Info Session - Southwest Regional Library Durham


July 18, 2026

Info Session July 18th, 1-3pm at Southwest Regional Library - 3605 Shannon Road, Durham

At Girls A.L.I.V.E., we believe every girl deserves:

  • Awareness of her unique strengths and experiences
  • Love that is unconditional and uplifting
  • Inclusion in a community that honors neurodiversity
  • Voice to express her truth and be heard
  • Empowerment to grow, lead, and thrive

This is a space to share inspiration, news, events, stories, and resources
for girls and their families
- featuring our founder, special guests, and sneak peaks of upcoming events 
-
We are just getting started, and we are so glad you are here.

Let’s grow together, laugh together,  have fun together, and shine together.

Girls A.L.I.V.E. NC supports neurodivergent girls ages 10–18, focusing on those who experience ADHD, autism, anxiety and other learning differences. Rhonda is the mother of a neurodiverse daughter and sought more support for her. She started this non-profit a year ago and already has 40 girls between the Triangle and Fayetteville. This free program offers bi-weekly sessions for social-emotional wellness and development, hosts guest speakers on mental health, relationships, life skills, and nutrition, and provides social outings and community service experiences—all in safe spaces where girls can connect, grow, and be themselves.

More information

3:00 pm: Book Harvest Summer Block Party


July 18, 2026

Saturday, July 18, 2026
3:00-6:00 PM
Durham Central Park - 501 Foster Street

Get ready for our 6th annual Summer Block Party! This free, outdoor event is a joyful celebration of books, summer, and community! The afternoon will be action-packed, featuring fun-filled family activities and entertainment and an abundance of free, culturally inclusive children’s books for every child – from infants to high schoolers!

 

More information

5:30 pm: Tea, Art & Goat Snuggles at Avery Family Farm Durham


July 18, 2026

Come join us for a relaxing, joy filled tea party, the option to paint a cute ceramic magnet to take home with you, and of course snuggles with our sweet goats and sheep.  As a bonus there will be education about teas and the animals.

This is great for first time tea tryers or long-time tea lovers. We will also have some other beverage options for those who don't enjoy tea, as well as some light refreshments during the tea party.

Our goats and sheep will help you further relax and smile with snuggles and cuddles after the tea party. They may even lay in your lap!

If you prefer to only do tea and art you can remain in that area while the rest of the group moves to the goat snuggle area about half way through the event. Or if you prefer to only get goat snuggles you can arrive about 45 min into the event and join us when we move over to the snuggle area.

Ages: Recommended 7+

Cost:

*Tea Party, Art, + Goat Snuggles: $30 per participant (includes the entire event)

*Tea Party and Art ONLY tickets: $20 per participant. Attend the tea party, have the option to paint a ceramic, and have time on the farm, but no goat snuggle area. Perfect for those who like to watch, but not get up close and personal with the animals.

*Goat Snuggles ONLY tickets: $20 per participant. Arrive about 45 min into the event and join us for the goat snuggle area. (does not include tea or art)

What to wear/bring:

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

-Bring a LARGE TOWEL or blanket (we will have some for rent for $2 if you forget yours).

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

Additional items for sale:

-Farm Products: eggs, plants, flower arrangements, and goat milk soap

-Store Products: crystals and stones, tees, tote bags, farm-made crafts and farm stickers

*Payments accepted: Cash, check, Zelle, Cashapp, Paypal, and credit cards (small fee for this option)*

About the animals:

-Goats and Sheep: 14 Nigerian dwarf goats. All are trained to cuddle. There are also two sheep who have spent their whole lives with the goats and cuddling people.

-A sweet farm dog named Shaggy (please leave your dogs at home, as he is protective of his animals)

-Chickens, ducks, and a goose free roaming the farm property

Limited spots so register early!

Last minute planning? Text us to see if there is availability. 919-236-3244

More information

July 19, 2026
July 20, 2026
July 21, 2026(1 event)

All day: Quiet Days at the NC ZOO

All day
July 21, 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

More information

July 22, 2026
July 23, 2026
July 24, 2026
July 25, 2026(1 event)

10:00 am: We Rock the Spectrum Sensory Gym - Meet the new owners party


July 25, 2026

Join them to welcome the new owners with music, refreshments from local restaurants, swag and more!

Sat July 25th 10a-1p

2104 Village Market Way, Morrisville

Open play $16/kid

July 26, 2026
July 27, 2026
July 28, 2026(1 event)

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


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

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

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


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

July 31, 2026(1 event)

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


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

August 1, 2026