Chatham County, NC
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Arts
NEW: **View our Summer 2026 Art Classes Here!**
UNITY BEADS: CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Arts Center! Create your own necklace or bracelet using colorful beads, charms, and word beads. Let your imagination shine as you design a piece that reflects your personal style and the spirit of freedom. Join us in honoring community, culture, and creativity—one bead at a time! All supplies included. Instructed by Leigh Babcock. One-class session.
Registration: 5/4/26-6/8/26
Program Date: Friday, 6/12/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: All ages
Fee: FREE!
BEE PAINTING WITH A BEEKEEPER!
Come explore a live beehive and observe the Queen Bee in action at the Arts Center! Meet Michael Smith, a Certified Beekeeper from Chatham County, North Carolina, as he shares fascinating insights about honeybees-their crucial role in agriculture and the food we eat. Afterward, enjoy a fun, hands-on art session where you’ll paint your own unique bee using watercolors and ink. All supplies are provided! Instructed by Michael Smith & Rebecca Bagley. One-class session.
Registration: 6/15/26-7/20/26
Program Date: Friday, 7/24/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!
SIDE-BY-SIDE STUDIO ART SESSIONS
Side-by-Side Studio Sessions invite school-aged children and a trusted adult to create hands-on art together in a fun, collaborative environment! Each session focuses on connection, creativity, and shared expression through projects designed for all skill levels. Supplies provided. Instructed by Jessica Rigsbee. Three-class sessions.
Registration: 7/6/26-8/10/26
Program Dates: Monday, Wednesday, 8/12/26, 8/17/26, 8/19/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 5+
Fee: $60
Education & Enrichment
ADULT & PEDIATRIC CPR/AED
The Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of emergencies, such as how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, to help victims of any age. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED valid for two years. One-class session.
May Session
Registration: 3/30/26-5/4/26
Program Date: Wednesday, 5/6/26
Time: 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 15+
Fee: $40
June Session:
Registration: 3/30/26-6/15/26
Program Date: Wednesday, 6/17/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: 15+
Fee: $40
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE
American Red Cross Lifeguard Class Requirements: Must be 15 years of age as of 5/31/26 and pass Red Cross Lifeguard Prerequisite test consisting of a 200-yard swim, timed brick retrieval, and 2-minute deep water tread with no hands. Online Blended Learning Completion Certificate must be shown for admission into In-person Training. Candidates must be present for the whole course. Three-class session. For more information, contact mallory.peterson@chathamcountync.gov.
Registration: 3/30/26-5/25/26
Program Dates: Friday-Sunday, 5/29/26-5/31/26
Times:
Friday: 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: 15+
Fee: $50
SUMMER READ & PLAY
Join Chatham County Libraries and Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources for these Summer Reading programs! Your invited to the Wren, Goldston, and Chatham Community Libraries for games, books, activities, and lots of fun! No registration required, just drop by.
Chatham Community Library
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Saturday, 6/6/26 at 10:30 a.m.
Movie in the Park:
Thursday, 7/23/26 at 8:30 p.m.
Wren Library
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Thursday, 6/18/26 at 10:30 a.m.
Goldston Library (at Southwest District Park)
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Friday, 6/12/26 at 10:30 a.m.
End of Summer Bash:
Friday, 8/14/25 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!
The Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of emergencies, such as how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, to help victims of any age. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED valid for two years. One-class session.
May Session
Registration: 3/30/26-5/4/26
Program Date: Wednesday, 5/6/26
Time: 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 15+
Fee: $40
June Session:
Registration: 3/30/26-6/15/26
Program Date: Wednesday, 6/17/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: 15+
Fee: $40
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE
American Red Cross Lifeguard Class Requirements: Must be 15 years of age as of 5/31/26 and pass Red Cross Lifeguard Prerequisite test consisting of a 200-yard swim, timed brick retrieval, and 2-minute deep water tread with no hands. Online Blended Learning Completion Certificate must be shown for admission into In-person Training. Candidates must be present for the whole course. Three-class session. For more information, contact mallory.peterson@chathamcountync.gov.
Registration: 3/30/26-5/25/26
Program Dates: Friday-Sunday, 5/29/26-5/31/26
Times:
Friday: 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: 15+
Fee: $50
SUMMER READ & PLAY
Join Chatham County Libraries and Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources for these Summer Reading programs! Your invited to the Wren, Goldston, and Chatham Community Libraries for games, books, activities, and lots of fun! No registration required, just drop by.
Chatham Community Library
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Saturday, 6/6/26 at 10:30 a.m.
Movie in the Park:
Thursday, 7/23/26 at 8:30 p.m.
Wren Library
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Thursday, 6/18/26 at 10:30 a.m.
Goldston Library (at Southwest District Park)
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Friday, 6/12/26 at 10:30 a.m.
End of Summer Bash:
Friday, 8/14/25 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!
Open Gym
FAMILY OPEN BASKETBALL
Hoop it up with friends and family at these all ages open gym sessions. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates:
Saturdays, 5/2/26-8/1/26*
Tuesdays, 6/16/26-8/4/26*
Thursdays, 6/18/26-8/6/26*
Times:
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: All ages (A parent or guardian must accompany any participant under age 16)
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 6/30, 7/2, 7/4, 7/14, 7/16, 7/21, 7/23, 8/4, 8/6
FAMILY OPEN VOLLEYBALL: SKILLS CLINICS
This program is designed for players who are looking to improve their skills. The format of the session is drills, instruction, and scrimmage. Chatham County volleyball coaches and other experienced players will be on site to help to organize and coordinate the sessions. The number of players per session will be capped at 24 to ensure that everyone gets adequate court time. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates: Mondays, 5/4/26-8/3/26*
Time: 5:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 11+ (A parent or guardian must accompany any participant under age 16)
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 5/25, 6/8
FAMILY OPEN VOLLEYBALL - INT./ADV.
This program is designed for higher level players who are ready for participation in fast-paced competitive games. The number of players per session will be capped at 24 to ensure that everyone gets adequate court time. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates: Mondays, 5/4/26-8/3/26*
Time: 7:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 11+ (A parent or guardian must accompany any participant under age 16)
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 5/25, 6/8
Hoop it up with friends and family at these all ages open gym sessions. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates:
Saturdays, 5/2/26-8/1/26*
Tuesdays, 6/16/26-8/4/26*
Thursdays, 6/18/26-8/6/26*
Times:
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: All ages (A parent or guardian must accompany any participant under age 16)
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 6/30, 7/2, 7/4, 7/14, 7/16, 7/21, 7/23, 8/4, 8/6
FAMILY OPEN VOLLEYBALL: SKILLS CLINICS
This program is designed for players who are looking to improve their skills. The format of the session is drills, instruction, and scrimmage. Chatham County volleyball coaches and other experienced players will be on site to help to organize and coordinate the sessions. The number of players per session will be capped at 24 to ensure that everyone gets adequate court time. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates: Mondays, 5/4/26-8/3/26*
Time: 5:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 11+ (A parent or guardian must accompany any participant under age 16)
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 5/25, 6/8
FAMILY OPEN VOLLEYBALL - INT./ADV.
This program is designed for higher level players who are ready for participation in fast-paced competitive games. The number of players per session will be capped at 24 to ensure that everyone gets adequate court time. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates: Mondays, 5/4/26-8/3/26*
Time: 7:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 11+ (A parent or guardian must accompany any participant under age 16)
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 5/25, 6/8
Outdoor Programs
FAMILY DAY CAMP **NEW DATE**
Join us for the second annual Family Day Camp! We will open our camp facility at Northwest District Park for families to participate in our traditional summer camp activities like archery, boating, fishing, crafts, games, and more for the day! Every family member that attends must register, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: 3/2/26-4/27/26
Program Date: Sunday, 5/3/26 **Moved due to Pending Weather**
Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: All ages
Fee: $7/person
WATER CONFIDENCE CLASS
Build confidence and learn essential water safety skills in this two-part class designed to help participants feel more comfortable in and around the water. Participants will practice foundational techniques such as floating, water orientation, and basic survival skills while discussing common barriers and real-life water safety scenarios. Led by experienced instructor and former Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival David Cantong, this class focuses on practical skills that can help prevent water-related emergencies. Two-Class Session.
Registration:3/30/26-5/25/26
Program Dates: Wednesdays, 5/27/26 & 6/3/26
Rain Dates: Thursdays, 5/28/26 & 6/4/26
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Jordan Lake’s Ebenezer Swim Beach
Ages: 12+
Fee: FREE!
SUNSET PADDLE TRIP: BEGINNER (May & June)
Come learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking on a trip around Jordan Lake just before the sun sets. No experience needed. All supplies provided. One-class session.
May Session
Registration: 3/30/26-5/4/26
Program Date: Thursday, 5/7/26
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
June Session
Registration: 3/30/26-6/22/26
Program Date: Thursday, 6/25/26
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Age: 10+
Fee: $15
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING TRIP: BEGINNER
School's out! Join us for an exciting Stand-Up Paddle Boarding trip around Jordan Lake. Perfect for all skill levels, this trip offers a scenic and peaceful experience on the water. All supplies are provided.
Registration: 3/30/26-6/8/26
Program Date: Thursday, 6/11/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Ages: 10+
Fee: $15
Join us for the second annual Family Day Camp! We will open our camp facility at Northwest District Park for families to participate in our traditional summer camp activities like archery, boating, fishing, crafts, games, and more for the day! Every family member that attends must register, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: 3/2/26-4/27/26
Program Date: Sunday, 5/3/26 **Moved due to Pending Weather**
Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: All ages
Fee: $7/person
WATER CONFIDENCE CLASS
Build confidence and learn essential water safety skills in this two-part class designed to help participants feel more comfortable in and around the water. Participants will practice foundational techniques such as floating, water orientation, and basic survival skills while discussing common barriers and real-life water safety scenarios. Led by experienced instructor and former Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival David Cantong, this class focuses on practical skills that can help prevent water-related emergencies. Two-Class Session.
Registration:3/30/26-5/25/26
Program Dates: Wednesdays, 5/27/26 & 6/3/26
Rain Dates: Thursdays, 5/28/26 & 6/4/26
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Jordan Lake’s Ebenezer Swim Beach
Ages: 12+
Fee: FREE!
SUNSET PADDLE TRIP: BEGINNER (May & June)
Come learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking on a trip around Jordan Lake just before the sun sets. No experience needed. All supplies provided. One-class session.
May Session
Registration: 3/30/26-5/4/26
Program Date: Thursday, 5/7/26
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
June Session
Registration: 3/30/26-6/22/26
Program Date: Thursday, 6/25/26
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Age: 10+
Fee: $15
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING TRIP: BEGINNER
School's out! Join us for an exciting Stand-Up Paddle Boarding trip around Jordan Lake. Perfect for all skill levels, this trip offers a scenic and peaceful experience on the water. All supplies are provided.
Registration: 3/30/26-6/8/26
Program Date: Thursday, 6/11/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Ages: 10+
Fee: $15
Pool - Community Day & Private Rental
COMMUNITY POOL DAY
Join us for a free day of swimming at the Northwest District Park Pool. Pre-registration is required for everyone to enter the pool deck. Swimmers 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and adults must register to accompany their child.
Registration: 5/18/26-7/17/26
Program Date: Saturday, 7/18/26
Session 1: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 2: 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Session 3: 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park Pool
Ages: All ages, 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: FREE!
PRIVATE POOL RENTAL AT NORTHWEST DISTRICT PARK
Are you looking for a location for a birthday party, family reunion, or group gathering this summer? You can rent the pool at Northwest District Park! The pool can fit a maximum of 40 swimmers, and 2 lifeguards are included in your reservation. Reserve online or by phone.
Reservations: Must be made 14 days in advance.
Program Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, 6/6/26-8/30/26
Time:
Saturdays: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sundays: 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Fees: $175 + $100 refundable security deposit.
Join us for a free day of swimming at the Northwest District Park Pool. Pre-registration is required for everyone to enter the pool deck. Swimmers 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and adults must register to accompany their child.
Registration: 5/18/26-7/17/26
Program Date: Saturday, 7/18/26
Session 1: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 2: 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Session 3: 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park Pool
Ages: All ages, 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: FREE!
PRIVATE POOL RENTAL AT NORTHWEST DISTRICT PARK
Are you looking for a location for a birthday party, family reunion, or group gathering this summer? You can rent the pool at Northwest District Park! The pool can fit a maximum of 40 swimmers, and 2 lifeguards are included in your reservation. Reserve online or by phone.
Reservations: Must be made 14 days in advance.
Program Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, 6/6/26-8/30/26
Time:
Saturdays: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sundays: 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Fees: $175 + $100 refundable security deposit.
Specialized
THE GRAND CANVAS EXPERIENCE
Think big and paint bigger in this welcoming, inclusive art class designed for those with disabilities. In this one-session class, participants will create their own artwork on a large-scale canvas using a variety of tools, including brushes of different sizes, textured materials, stamps, stencils and oil pastels. All supplies included. One-class session. Instructed by Leigh Babcock.
Registration: 4/13/26-5/18/26
Program Date: Friday, 5/22/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: All ages & abilities
Fee: $10
Think big and paint bigger in this welcoming, inclusive art class designed for those with disabilities. In this one-session class, participants will create their own artwork on a large-scale canvas using a variety of tools, including brushes of different sizes, textured materials, stamps, stencils and oil pastels. All supplies included. One-class session. Instructed by Leigh Babcock.
Registration: 4/13/26-5/18/26
Program Date: Friday, 5/22/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: All ages & abilities
Fee: $10