An Evening with Penelope Bourbon

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.

Experience an exciting twist on your Tuesday evening at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps located on Hillsborough Road in Durham. Join us for our weekly Tuesday Toss event where the luck of the roll determines the fate of your five dollar draft beer. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind with friends while enjoying our extensive selection of twenty rotating taps, fine wines, and non-alcoholic refreshments in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our venue features a spacious outdoor patio that is dog friendly and equipped with a convenient serving window for seamless ordering. Guests are invited to bring their own takeout or food from home to pair with their favorite beverages. Whether you are looking to test your luck or simply enjoy a relaxing night out in the heart of the Triangle, this event offers the perfect blend of local community spirit and great flavors. We invite you to gather your friends and stop by this week to join the fun. Check out our website or social media pages for more details on this and other upcoming events at Der Nachbar.

Art Inside the Bottle is an immersive event exploring the shared pursuit of balance in fine wine and visual art. Join us to discover how winemakers and artists utilize contrast, texture, and structure to create lasting masterpieces. We will examine how individual elements merge to produce works greater than their components. This evening features a curated tasting of five wines paired with five dishes inspired by the museum African art collection. Tashae Smith, Assistant Curator of African Art, will lead a guided gallery tour focused on the dialogue between African and American winemaking. Participants will conduct side-by-side comparisons of iconic grape varieties to understand how acidity, tannin, and composition create elegance and expression in every pour. This experience is designed for wine enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking a unique cultural evening. You will gain a deeper appreciation for sensory craft while enjoying a sophisticated, educational atmosphere. Please join us for this exploration of harmony through taste and visual storytelling. Reserve your space now to participate in this exclusive fusion of museum curation and viticulture.

Experience an authentic slice of German culture at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps in Durham. Our Stammtisch event invites you to embrace the tradition of community gathering while enjoying premium German beers served in traditional steins at standard pint prices. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of international brews or simply looking to connect with neighbors in a relaxed setting, this evening offers the perfect atmosphere for conversation and camaraderie. Located at 4916 Hillsborough Road, our venue features twenty rotating taps, an inviting outdoor patio that welcomes leashed dogs, and a family-friendly environment where all ages are encouraged to visit. You are welcome to bring your own food or enjoy offerings from our local food truck partners and artisanal bakery collaborators. Our dedicated serving window ensures seamless access to your favorite drinks without missing a moment of the social experience. Join us for this celebration of community spirit and quality beverages. We encourage you to visit our website or follow our Facebook page to stay updated on our full calendar of events and upcoming gatherings. We look forward to sharing a stein with you soon.

Are you looking to boost your digital confidence and stay connected in today's fast-paced world? Durham Parks and Recreation is thrilled to offer a specialized Computer Refresher course designed exclusively for adults ages 50 and older. This engaging series is hosted at the W.D. Recreation Center and provides a supportive environment where participants can sharpen their technical skills at a comfortable pace. Whether you want to brush up on internet navigation, email communication, or general device usage, this course offers valuable insights and hands-on practice to help you navigate modern technology with ease. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings from September 8 to September 29, with a second session running from October 6 to October 27. Because we are committed to providing personalized guidance to every student, class sizes are kept small. Please note that registration is mandatory to secure your spot in this popular program. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and master the tools of the digital age. Register today to join our vibrant learning community and take your first step toward tech proficiency.

Box Making for Beginners is a two day hands on workshop designed to teach essential woodworking skills through the creation of a small keepsake box. Participants learn fundamental techniques applicable to larger cabinetry and furniture projects while building a functional finished piece. The curriculum is split across two sessions. During the first day you will focus on project design, processing raw lumber, and structural assembly. The second day transitions to refined finishing techniques, lid construction, and decorative detailing to complete your box. This structured approach ensures you gain confidence with shop equipment while producing a high quality result. This course is ideal for those looking to expand their woodworking foundation beyond basic shop safety. Please note that individuals without prior table saw experience must complete our woodshop intro course before attending this session to ensure safety and proficiency. Whether you want to master new joinery methods or craft a thoughtful handmade gift, this class provides the practical knowledge necessary to elevate your woodworking capabilities. Join us for this two day experience to build your skills and complete your first custom project.

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.

Experience the vibrant energy of live entertainment at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. This highly anticipated event brings the community together for unforgettable evenings featuring high-energy performances by talented bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or enjoy a lively social outing with friends and family, our concert series provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing mid-week escape under the open sky. The series runs throughout the month of September, offering guests a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy great music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. While you take in the sounds of The Ray Band, you can enjoy a variety of wine and beer options available for purchase on-site. Please note that for the comfort and safety of all guests, outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted at the venue. We invite you to join us for these free community celebrations and discover why our outdoor music series is a local favorite. Visit the Waverly Place website today to view the full event schedule and plan your next evening out with us.

Queer Women's Pokemon Night is a casual social gathering for queer women and sapphic individuals interested in the Pokemon franchise. This event provides a dedicated space for fans to connect, share their enthusiasm for the series, and build community with like-minded people. Participants of all experience levels are welcome to attend. Attendees can expect a relaxed environment focused on social connection rather than competitive play. While there is no formal agenda regarding the trading card game or video game competitions, guests often discuss various aspects of the hobby. If you are new to Pokemon, experienced members are happy to offer guidance and teach newcomers the basics of the game. It is a great opportunity to share your favorite titles or learn something new in an accessible format. This event is open to all queer women, trans, non-binary, and genderfluid folks who enjoy Pokemon. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and low pressure. Please note that this is an 18 plus event. We look forward to seeing you there for a fun and inclusive evening of gaming and conversation.

The Stained Glass Iris Workshop is a hands-on creative session where participants learn to craft a custom stained glass piece. Guided by expert instructors, you will complete your project from start to finish regardless of your prior artistic experience. You will learn the fundamental steps of stained glass assembly through clear, step-by-step guidance. The workshop focuses on providing all necessary tools and materials to ensure you successfully build your own iris design. This session removes the intimidation of complex crafts by breaking down the process into simple, manageable actions for every skill level. This event is designed for anyone looking to try a new hobby in a relaxed, social environment. Whether you attend alone or with friends, the atmosphere is intended to be stress-free and engaging. Please remember that this event is BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy while you create. We recommend arriving fifteen minutes early to settle in and prepare your materials. Join us for a productive evening of creativity and leave with a beautiful piece of art you crafted yourself.