An Evening with John Cusack and a Special Screening of Say Anything

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.

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.

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 event features a live reading of the original screenplay Dream Meanings, a compelling short play written by Rebecca Kane. The story follows Charlotte as she attempts to decode the meaning of recurring symbols in her dreams with the assistance of her sister, only to realize that her struggles go beyond what can be explained by a book. Attendees will enjoy a professional table read of this insightful work. Rebecca Kane, an accomplished playwright and artist whose work has been produced across the United States and internationally, brings her unique perspective to the stage. Her writing is known for its depth, humor, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. The performance highlights her sharp dialogue and keen understanding of complex human emotions. This event is ideal for theater enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in contemporary storytelling. You will experience a vibrant atmosphere focused on the craft of playwriting. Join us to support new work and engage with the creative process firsthand. We look forward to seeing you there for this special live reading.

The 2026 Award Winners Shorts event serves as the official closing celebration for BEYOND FF 2026. This final gathering features an exclusive encore screening of the short films that received top honors during this year’s festival, offering a focused look at the most impactful cinematic achievements of the season. Attendees can expect a curated showcase of narrative, documentary, and experimental shorts selected by our panel of expert jurors. Each film highlights unique storytelling techniques and technical mastery. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the creative excellence recognized by the festival, allowing the audience to engage with the best works presented throughout the week. This screening is ideal for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts looking to experience award-winning content in a high-quality theater environment. The atmosphere is professional yet celebratory, providing a relaxed space to reflect on the festival highlights. We invite you to join us for this final event as we honor the visionaries behind this year’s standout projects. Secure your tickets now to ensure your place at this definitive cinematic conclusion.