38th Annual Sculpture in the Garden

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!

Four hours for them. Four hours for YOU. Drop the kids off at Battle House Laser Tag for a night packed with laser tag, pizza, a movie, and more laser tag. Meanwhile, you can go to dinner, catch a movie, run errands, enjoy a quiet house, or simply remember what it feels like to finish a sentence without being interrupted. Details Ages: 7 to 13 Time: 5 PM to 9 PM Price: $49 per child What's Included -4 hours total -Approximately 3 hours of Battle House Laser Tag -Large slice of pizza and a drink -Movie time during dinner, then more laser tag time For Parents: Four glorious hours where parents do not have to entertain anyone Reserve tickets at: https://ecom.roller.app/battlehousefayetteville/parentsnightout/en-us/products

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.

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.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the Carrboro Farmers Market during the upcoming Carrboro Cookout event. This vibrant gathering highlights the exceptional quality of locally raised meats from North Carolina farmers. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to sample a diverse range of products, including chicken, duck, pork, beef, lamb, and bison, while discovering classic cookout dishes that will inspire your own holiday gatherings. Our farmers take pride in providing high-quality, locally sourced protein, and guests will be able to take home a comprehensive directory of our meat vendors to support local agriculture throughout the year. Whether you are planning a festive backyard barbecue or simply looking to learn more about the food sources in your community, this event provides the perfect backdrop for a delicious morning. Join us on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Carrboro Town Commons for a celebration of local food and community spirit. Admission is free, and all members of the public are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there for a memorable culinary experience.

Experience one of the most vibrant automotive gatherings in the Southeast at the monthly Cars and Coffee Morrisville event. Hosted year round on the first Saturday of each month at the Imperial Center, this dynamic meet provides a premier space for enthusiasts to showcase a diverse array of vehicles. Whether you own a vintage classic, a sleek luxury model, or a custom build, all makes and models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome to join the display. Enjoy a crisp morning filled with premium coffee and local food offerings while connecting with a community that shares your passion for engineering and design. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming to families, hobbyists, and professional collectors alike. While admission is entirely free, we encourage attendees to consider a small five dollar donation to support the selected monthly charity. Make sure to follow our official Facebook page for the latest updates on monthly themes and special guest appearances. Plan your visit to the Imperial Center in Durham this weekend for an unforgettable morning of automotive excellence. We look forward to seeing you there.

Experience the vibrant spirit of creativity at the Come Out and Play sculpture show, hosted at the scenic JimGin Farm in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This recurring event runs every Saturday from August 29 through September 26, 2026, offering a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of artwork nestled in a beautiful farm setting. With over 50 talented artists from across the Triangle showcasing their sculptures, paintings, and glass fusing, there is something to capture the imagination of every attendee. Beyond the stunning visual displays, guests can enjoy an energetic atmosphere filled with live music and community spirit. Founded as a thoughtful gift to honor those affected by the events of September 11, this event emphasizes accessibility by offering free admission and complimentary food for all visitors. The farm provides ample space to wander and explore, making it a perfect destination for families and art enthusiasts alike. Please note that dogs are welcome on a leash. Join us for this celebration of local talent and creativity, and plan your visit to the farm today for an unforgettable outdoor art experience.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.

The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression. Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds. This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.

This program introduces families to the practical science of composting and sustainable gardening techniques. The session provides a clear roadmap for families to reduce household waste while enriching their home gardens through natural soil revitalization. Participants will learn the core fundamentals of operating a backyard composting bin effectively. Our facilitators will demonstrate how to balance green and brown materials to create nutrient-rich compost. You will discover simple strategies to divert food scraps from landfills and transform everyday organic waste into valuable resources. The presentation includes hands-on guidance to ensure you leave with actionable techniques for your specific home environment. This event is designed for families interested in sustainability and hands-on environmental education. The atmosphere is collaborative and beginner-friendly, making it an excellent opportunity for children and adults to learn together. By attending, you gain the knowledge required to support a healthier planet starting in your own backyard. We encourage families of all experience levels to join us for this informative session. Please register in advance to secure your spot for this practical guide to home composting success.

This program introduces families to the practical science of composting and sustainable gardening techniques. The session provides a clear roadmap for families to reduce household waste while enriching their home gardens through natural soil revitalization. Participants will learn the core fundamentals of operating a backyard composting bin effectively. Our facilitators will demonstrate how to balance green and brown materials to create nutrient-rich compost. You will discover simple strategies to divert food scraps from landfills and transform everyday organic waste into valuable resources. The presentation includes hands-on guidance to ensure you leave with actionable techniques for your specific home environment. This event is designed for families interested in sustainability and hands-on environmental education. The atmosphere is collaborative and beginner-friendly, making it an excellent opportunity for children and adults to learn together. By attending, you gain the knowledge required to support a healthier planet starting in your own backyard. We encourage families of all experience levels to join us for this informative session. Please register in advance to secure your spot for this practical guide to home composting success.

Experience the charm of country life at the Sunrise Community Farm Center in Chapel Hill. Our Open Farm event invites guests of all ages and abilities to explore our beautiful grounds every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. regardless of the weather. Whether you are looking to spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors or seeking an educational environment, our farm provides a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of North Carolina. We offer an array of activities for families and individuals alike. Visitors can enjoy general admission for a modest fee, or upgrade their experience by booking a delightful horse or pony ride in advance. With covered areas ensuring comfort year-round, rain or shine, it is the perfect destination for a weekend outing. The farm is dedicated to inclusivity and fostering a connection between the community and agricultural life. Plan your visit today to discover why our farm is a local favorite. Purchase your tickets online or at the gate to start your adventure at our thriving community center.