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.

Join the welcoming community at Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church in Durham for their ongoing efforts to support neighbors through food access. The church hosts monthly food distributions, providing essential groceries to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot for the drive-through service, which operates efficiently to ensure everyone is served with dignity and care. Volunteers are always appreciated for those looking to give back and support the local community. In addition to distributions, the church opens its doors for monthly community meals, creating a space for connection and shared experiences. The upcoming event features a special theme celebrating diversity and inclusion through a vibrant menu of colorful dishes. These gatherings are completely free, open to everyone, and require no advance registration. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to enjoy a warm meal in a friendly environment, you are invited to participate. Visit the Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church Facebook page to stay updated on schedule changes and upcoming menu themes.

Join Hardee's this September as they commemorate an incredible 66 years of serving delicious meals. To honor this milestone and celebrate National Biscuit Month, Hardee's is excited to offer a special promotion that biscuit lovers will not want to miss. Throughout Labor Day weekend, from September 3 to September 7, 2026, guests can enjoy a signature sausage biscuit for only 66 cents. This is the perfect opportunity to kick off your holiday weekend with a classic favorite at an unbeatable value. The celebration continues well beyond the holiday weekend. Hardee's is extending the festivities throughout the entire month of September with a variety of weekly offers and exclusive deals designed to showcase their commitment to quality breakfast options. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, there has never been a better time to stop by and celebrate this historic anniversary with us. We invite you to visit your local Hardee's restaurant to take advantage of these limited-time savings. Bring your friends and family along to experience the quality and taste that have defined Hardee's for over six decades.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

This two hour workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to machine sewing for absolute beginners. It is designed for individuals who have never operated a sewing machine and do not own equipment, serving as a foundational step toward mastering larger projects like quilting or garment construction. Participants will gain hands on experience with essential machine mechanics. You will learn to thread the machine, wind a bobbin, change needles, and adjust machine settings. The curriculum also covers basic stitching techniques, including seam allowances and backstitching, alongside fundamental troubleshooting skills to build your confidence as a new crafter. This class is open to students aged 12 and older. It offers an accessible and supportive environment for those feeling intimidated by complex sewing equipment. We require a four person minimum to hold the session. If you own your own machine, please register for our Get to Know Your Machine session instead. Daytime classes offer an optional youth art class add on for children ages three and up. Join us to start your creative sewing journey today.

Experience art in a welcoming and accessible environment at the Nasher Museum of Art. The Reflections Public Tour is held on the second Tuesday of every month, offering a unique opportunity for individuals with memory loss and their companions to engage with rotating gallery themes. These ninety-minute, in-person sessions are designed to foster connection through thoughtfully curated art exploration, creative hands-on art-making activities, and delightful musical performances within the galleries. This inclusive program provides a safe space for participants to share perspectives and enjoy the cultural richness of the museum in small groups. The tour is entirely free to attend, though registration via email is requested to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. Whether you are a regular visitor or joining us for the first time, these tours offer a meaningful way to experience our current exhibitions. We invite you to join our community for this inspiring afternoon of discovery and reflection. For more details or to secure your spot for an upcoming tour, please contact the museum directly via email. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher Museum for this special program.

Casual Calligraphy Lettering is a hands-on workshop dedicated to the art of beautiful handwriting. This session teaches fundamental lettering styles and essential stroke techniques to help you master the basics of traditional calligraphy. It provides a structured environment for those who want to develop a new creative skill. Participants will learn to use professional calligraphy tools under the guidance of experienced instructors. The curriculum covers basic letter formation and page composition to ensure balanced and elegant results. You will practice various alphabet styles and gain confidence in controlling ink flow and pressure. All necessary tools are provided during the session to support your learning experience. This event is perfect for beginners and individuals interested in mindfulness through analog creation. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, making it an ideal setting to slow down and focus on detail. Whether you want to improve your personal correspondence or simply enjoy a quiet creative outlet, this class offers a rewarding experience. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for every attendee. Register today to secure your place and begin your calligraphy journey.

This free yoga class offers an accessible outdoor practice held at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. It provides an opportunity to exercise in a serene garden setting while enjoying fresh air and natural surroundings. The session is designed to be inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Participants can expect a gentle, grounding sequence that incorporates both stretching and light strengthening movements. The instructor provides numerous modifications and options throughout the practice to ensure the session remains comfortable for all fitness levels. The routine focuses on fluid motion rather than rigid poses, prioritizing physical well-being and mental relaxation over formal technique or performance. This class is ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a low-pressure environment to practice movement. You do not need prior experience to participate, as the atmosphere is intentionally relaxed and free of judgment. We invite you to join our community in the garden to start your day with intention and clarity. Please arrive prepared for outdoor conditions and bring your own mat to join this inclusive wellness session.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.