An Evening with Sam Robbins

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.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Chapel Hill at the iconic Carolina Inn for their beloved annual event series, Fridays on the Front Porch. Located on the picturesque University of North Carolina campus, this outdoor concert series offers the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the warm weather season. Guests are invited to pull up a chair, relax, and soak in the live music performances that showcase the talent of regional musicians in a beautiful, historic setting. Whether you are looking for a casual evening with friends or a lively outing with family, this series provides a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Beyond the melodies, the event features a variety of local food trucks offering delicious culinary options, making it a complete evening of entertainment and dining. Admission is entirely free, ensuring that everyone can participate in this seasonal tradition. Please note that the series runs from May through October, with brief scheduled breaks throughout the summer. We encourage you to visit the Carolina Inn website to view the full performance schedule and plan your next visit. Join us this season for unforgettable music and community connection on the front porch.

Experience an unforgettable evening of music and relaxation at the Bands, Bites and Boats concert series, hosted at the picturesque Bond Park Boathouse in Cary. This recurring community event brings together the best of the local scene, featuring talented musicians, diverse food truck offerings, and refreshing selections from local breweries. Whether you choose to set up a lawn chair on the scenic shore or rent a boat to enjoy the tunes while drifting peacefully on the lake, this series offers a perfect atmosphere for guests of all ages. These free outdoor gatherings are held on the first Friday of every month from April through October. It is an ideal way to unwind after a long week while supporting local artists and businesses in a beautiful natural setting. Please note that while the music and event entry are free, food, beverages, and boat rentals are available for purchase on site. We invite you to join us for an evening of melody, flavor, and community spirit at Bond Park.

Experience the vibrant reopening of the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, a dynamic hub for creativity and community connection. After a year of restoration, the mill invites you to celebrate its grand reopening during the monthly First Friday event on August 7, 2026. This immersive evening features an exciting studio artist showcase, where you can explore diverse artist workspaces and interact with the talented local creators who define our regional arts scene. Guests will enjoy a rich tapestry of experiences including live music performances, poetry readings, and engaging activities designed specifically for children. The evening also highlights the special exhibit titled Chrysalis, which explores themes of resilience and transformation through visual art. Whether you are interested in enrolling in upcoming fiber arts and drawing classes or simply want to discover new local talent, this event offers something for everyone in the family. We encourage you to join us from 6 to 9 p.m. to support local artists and experience the revitalized energy of this historic venue. Please visit the official website for full event updates and details.