Apex Night Out featuring Touch-A-Truck

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.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool is a cinematic exploration of the life and work of Palm Springs most iconic interior designer. This documentary chronicles how Elrod transformed mid-century desert modernism into a global aesthetic phenomenon by blending architectural precision with theatrical flair. The film focuses on his legendary collaboration with architect John Lautner and the creation of the home famously featured in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Attendees will view archival footage and expert commentary that highlights Elrods unique approach to luxury, scale, and color. The presentation delves into the specific design elements that defined his signature style, showing how he brought high-fashion sensibilities into residential spaces. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of how these bold interiors captured the imagination of the Hollywood elite and continue to influence contemporary design trends today. This screening is intended for architecture enthusiasts, design professionals, and fans of mid-century cultural history. The atmosphere is professional yet engaging, providing a sophisticated look at the legacy of a true industry pioneer. Join us for this essential screening to discover the history behind some of the most covetable spaces ever created. Tickets are available now for all interested participants.

Perception vs Palate is a guided blind tasting experience designed to explore how psychology and sensory input influence your wine preferences. The session examines why external factors like labels and branding often outweigh actual taste in our decision making process. Throughout the event, participants will engage in a series of curated experiments using blind tastings to isolate their true flavor preferences. We will test how variables such as glassware, environmental mood, and music alter your sensory perception. You will also learn how factors like climate, terroir, and specific winemaking techniques can dramatically transform the profile of a single grape variety into something entirely unexpected. This event is ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious drinkers who want to sharpen their palate while stripping away industry preconceptions. Expect an informative, interactive, and relaxed atmosphere free from wine snobbery or pricing influence. Whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned collector, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of your own unique taste profile. Join us to challenge your assumptions and discover what you really like in a glass. Reserve your spot today to participate in this revealing sensory investigation.