20th Annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest in Oxford, NC

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

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!

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Indulge your sweet tooth and celebrate the magic of the number thirty-one with this recurring monthly promotion. On every calendar day featuring thirty-one days, Baskin Robbins invites guests to enjoy a generous thirty-one percent discount on all individual ice cream scoops. Whether you are craving classic favorites or looking to experiment with bold new flavors, this special offer is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious frozen delight at participating locations throughout the Triangle area. Please note that this promotion is exclusively available to active Baskin-Robbins Rewards members. Signing up is simple and ensures you never miss out on these delightful savings. While the discount applies specifically to single scoops, please be aware that specialty items such as waffle cones, assorted toppings, and elaborate sundaes are excluded from this offer. The event repeats consistently throughout the year whenever the calendar provides a thirty-first day, making it an easy tradition to incorporate into your monthly routine. Ready to satisfy your cravings? Visit the official Baskin-Robbins website to sign up for their rewards program today and locate your nearest store to join in on the celebration.

Unlock significant savings with the Walgreens Senior Day program, specifically designed for rewards members aged 55 and older. On the first Tuesday of every month, eligible shoppers can enjoy a twenty percent discount on a wide range of regular priced merchandise both in store and online. This monthly initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for seniors to maximize their household budget while shopping for their favorite essential items. To participate, ensure you are signed up for a free myWalgreens membership. If you prefer shopping from the comfort of home, you can easily apply the promo code SENIOR20 at checkout on the official Walgreens website during the designated promotion window. Please keep in mind that the discount applies to regular priced goods and excludes certain categories such as prescriptions, tobacco, and alcohol. We encourage you to visit your local store or log into your account to review the full list of qualifying products. Mark your calendar today and take full advantage of these recurring monthly savings opportunities. Join the thousands of satisfied shoppers who prioritize their wellness and savings at Walgreens each month.

Are you passionate about the rich heritage and unique stories that define our community? The Chatham County Historical Association invites you to join the Siler City History Club, a vibrant gathering dedicated to preserving the local legacy of Siler City. This engaging program serves as an opportunity for residents to connect, share personal memories, and contribute authentic mementos to our growing historical collection. Whether you have lived here for decades or are a recent arrival eager to learn about your new home, your voice is an essential part of our shared narrative. Our meetings offer a welcoming environment designed for listening, learning, and making new friends in a collaborative setting. We meet every other month to ensure that the stories of our town continue to thrive for future generations. This event is entirely free to the public, and we encourage you to bring a friend along for an hour of meaningful discovery and connection. Come share your experiences and help us document the vibrant spirit of Siler City. We look forward to seeing you there.

Experience the vibrant energy of the PLAYlist Concert Series at Durham Central Park in 2026. This highly anticipated event brings the community together for an unforgettable outdoor musical journey, featuring the Africa Unplugged showcase. Set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown Durham, these concerts provide the perfect atmosphere for music lovers to enjoy high-quality performances in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle, this series offers a fantastic way to celebrate culture through rhythm and sound. The event takes place on the first Friday of each month from May through October, with a special scheduling adjustment in July. Admission is entirely free, making it an accessible experience for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the lawn seating. Local food trucks and craft beer vendors will be available on-site to satisfy your cravings while you enjoy the show. Parking is complimentary, and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Gather your friends and family for an evening of live entertainment under the stars. Check the official website today to view the full lineup and plan your visit.

Get ready to celebrate a time-honored tradition at the 51st Annual Old-Fashioned Farmers Days festival, taking place on September 5 and 6, 2026, at the beautiful Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park in Siler City, North Carolina. This exciting two-day event honors the rich agricultural heritage of our region, offering a perfect way for friends and families to spend their Labor Day weekend together. Attendees can enjoy a variety of historical demonstrations, vibrant exhibits, and engaging activities that bring the past to life. Experience the heart of community spirit as you explore the park, take in local culture, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this long-standing annual gathering. Tickets are priced at just 5 dollars, and children under the age of six are invited to attend for free, with complimentary parking included for all guests. Additional ticket purchases are available for those who wish to experience the thrilling tractor pull events. This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to embrace local heritage and community connection. Plan your visit today and join us for an unforgettable weekend of rural celebration and family-friendly fun.

Experience a cherished Labor Day Weekend tradition at the 51st Annual Old-Fashioned Farmers Day Festival. Held at the scenic Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park in Siler City, this immersive two-day event celebrates the rich agricultural history and rural heritage of our local community. Guests are invited to step back in time to explore farming traditions and enjoy a variety of activities that honor our past while providing wholesome entertainment for the entire family. The festival schedule runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 5 and 6, 2026. Visitors can look forward to engaging demonstrations, community displays, and the exciting tractor pull events. With affordable admission prices of five dollars and free entry for children under six, this festival offers an accessible way to enjoy the holiday weekend. Complimentary parking is also provided for your convenience. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new visitor to the area, we encourage you to join us for this unique cultural experience. Visit the Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park website today to plan your trip and secure your tickets for this agricultural celebration.

Unwind and connect with your community at Bottle Theory in Apex during our weekly Board Game Night. Every Monday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., we invite enthusiasts of all skill levels to gather for a relaxing session filled with strategic challenges, social interaction, and great company. Whether you are a seasoned tabletop veteran or simply looking for a fun way to start your week, our event provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your favorite classic games or discover something entirely new. Our venue offers an exceptional selection of craft beverages to accompany your gameplay, ensuring you stay refreshed while you compete or collaborate with neighbors. This event is completely free to attend and serves as a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a welcoming environment. Bring your competitive spirit, invite your friends, and make Monday nights a highlight of your week. Check our full event calendar to see what other gatherings are happening at Bottle Theory. We look forward to seeing you at the table soon for an evening of gaming excellence.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to bring back its highly anticipated appreciation event for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash as a token of gratitude for their hard work and commitment to education. This special offer is valid at any participating RipTide Car Wash location, including several sites throughout Durham and Raleigh. To take advantage of this refreshing deal, simply present your valid school identification card at the time of your visit. Whether you are prepping for the new school year or just need a quick clean, our high quality wash services are ready to help you shine on the road. We are proud to support the educators who shape our future. Please visit our website to view a full list of our convenient area locations and check our operating hours. We look forward to seeing you at a RipTide facility near you soon to help you enjoy a sparkling clean vehicle.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.