Parks & Rec

Put on your hiking boots and get ready to Opt Outside! Join us as we explore the breathtaking trails of Forest Ridge Park, where nature’s beauty surrounds you at every turn. From the rustling of the leaves to the distant calls of wildlife, this hike offers a chance to immerse yourself in the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, this experience is designed to help you unwind, reconnect with nature, and recharge both physically and mentally. Step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover the hidden gems of Forest Ridge Park — the perfect escape for all levels of hikers!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 14+Cost: $6Register on RecLink

Join us for a hot breakfast while learning about Anna Julia Cooper, an advocate for women’s rights, education, and civil rights. Lectures presented by Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner tickets cost $20 each, with half of the proceeds supporting the Turner Historic House Museum. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location: City of Raleigh MuseumDate: Saturday, Jan. 4Time: 9 - 11 a.m.Ages: AllCost: $20 per personEmancipation Day Breakfast Tickets

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the powerful stories of Black soldiers who shaped American history. Join us for an unforgettable event where the United States Colored Troops and their allies bring to life the courageous men who fought for freedom, both on the front lines and in the camps. Hear their incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of their pivotal role in shaping our nation's past. Best of all, this inspiring event is completely free! Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history come alive—bring your friends and family and be a part of this meaningful experience. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location: Pope House Museum Age: All Cost: Free No Registration Required

Located on the outskirts of Raleigh, Oberlin Village was a vibrant African American community established after the Civil War. Celebrate Emancipation Day by joining local historian Carmen Wimberly Cauthen and Historic Turner House Foundation director Cheryl Williams for a guided tour of Oberlin Village. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location: Pope House Museum Age: All Cost: $4 for Children / $10 for Adults

Don't miss the grand finale of our Emancipation Day celebration: Music of Freedom! Join us for an inspiring evening of classical music performed by the talented Strings of Color, as they honor the abolitionists whose contributions to music played a vital role in the fight for freedom. This is a unique opportunity to experience powerful music while learning about the courageous individuals who helped shape our nation's history. Best of all, this unforgettable event is completely free! Bring your friends and family for an evening of history, music, and inspiration you won't want to miss. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location:  City of Raleigh Museum Age: All Cost: Free No Registration Required

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at our first Family Fun Day celebration at the museum! Experience the thrill of a scavenger hunt, unleash your creativity with fun craft, and discover a VERY special surprise that awaits you. Join us for a day filled with excitement and make lasting memories! Location: City of Raleigh MuseumAges: AllCost: Free

Feed your belly and your brain! Bring your lunch to the City of Raleigh Museum and listen to a captivating lecture every third Thursday of the month. Lectures will run for 30 minutes and topics vary each month. Oakwood Cemetery is known as a Cemetery Full of Life.  But what makes it so? Join the City of Raleigh Museum to discover the stories behind the stones, as well as how this active burial space operates as a museum! You'll learn about some of the Cemetery's well-loved "residents,", uncover long-buried stories, and honor heroes resting under the oaks—talk presented by Oakwood Cemetery Executive Director Robin Simonton. Location: City of Raleigh Museum Ages: All Cost: Free

John Chavis Memorial Park presents King Day A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20, from 12 - 3 p.m. This event will celebrate Dr. King's life through service, children's activities, and more! Location: John Chavis Memorial Park Age: All Cost: Free

Don't miss out on our LGBTQIA+ Film Series screening! Join us for our monthly program on the fourth Tuesday of the month. We will be showcasing films with diverse themes around sexuality and gender. This program is co-hosted with the Carolina Aging Alliance. All folks 18 and older are welcome! January's Film is "Longtime Companion." Longtime Companion follows the lives of a small circle of friends from the first mention of the disease in the New York Times in 1981. First referred to as "Gay-Related-Immune-Disorder," we watch the effect of the disease as it devastates the lives of our protagonists. Jumping between Manhattan and Fire Island, vignettes carry us from the it-couldn't-happen-to-me mentality of the early days of the disease to the invasive effect it has had on all of our lives, today. The title of the film comes from the New York Times' refusal to acknowledge homosexual relationships in their obituary section during this period. Instead, survivors were referred to as "Longtime Companions" of the deceased. Location: Five Points Center for Active Adults Age: 18 and older Cost: Free Register on RecLink

Career opportunities and cultural exchange for new North Carolinians! Are you a newcomer looking for job opportunities in Raleigh? Join us at our job fair for new North Carolinians and connect with local employers who value your talents and experience. Explore career opportunities, network with employers, access valuable community resources and meet organizations that support refugees. Thanks to our event partners, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Lutheran Services Carolinas, and Amplio Recruiting! There will be free food, snacks, and parking! For more information or questions, call or email, coeprogram@raleighnc.gov English: 919-996-2118 Spanish: 919-996-2120 Location: Method Community Center Ages: 18 and up Cost: Free *No Register Required