Artist Reception: Art What You Eat

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 an evening of inspiration at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, a vibrant hub managed by the Orange County Arts Commission. On September 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., join us for a special First Friday celebration featuring the captivating Colors of Soul exhibit, curated by the Inter-Latin American Artist Collective. This event brings together an impressive lineup of talented local creators to share their vision with the community. The evening promises a dynamic blend of visual arts, live musical performances, and poetic expressions. Beyond the main exhibit, attendees can explore open artist studios and discover the diverse range of creative workshops available, spanning from fiber arts to figure drawing. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with local culture and support regional artists in a unique historic setting. We invite everyone to visit the Eno Arts Mill for this free, energetic gathering. Whether you are an art enthusiast or looking for a meaningful outing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please visit the official website to learn more and secure your spot today.

Experience the vibrant energy of community music making at the One Tribe Drum Circle held at the scenic Dix Park Stone Houses Visitor Center in Raleigh. Taking place on the first Friday of every month from June through November, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with others through the power of rhythm. Whether you are an experienced percussionist or a complete beginner, all are welcome to participate in this uplifting and stress-relieving activity. You are encouraged to bring your own hand percussion instruments, though One Tribe provides plenty of gear for those who do not have their own. Seating is provided for your convenience, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone to enjoy the music. This inclusive event is designed to promote self-expression and foster local connections in a beautiful outdoor setting. While registration is requested, the organizers welcome drop-in attendees even if the event appears sold out online. Join us for this accessible and rhythmic celebration of community spirit. For the latest updates and additional details, please follow One Tribe on their official social media pages.

Discover your inner creator at Artspace, a premier visual arts center located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. We invite art enthusiasts of all skill levels to join our dynamic community for First Friday events. Experience an evening of inspiration featuring live artist showcases, interactive art-making activities, and captivating performances. Join us from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. to explore our diverse exhibitions in a vibrant atmosphere. We are proud to offer a sensory-friendly hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., ensuring an accessible and welcoming environment for every visitor. Beyond our monthly celebrations, we encourage families and individuals to participate in our recurring Open Studio sessions. Held every Sunday, these self-guided workshops provide a perfect setting to let your imagination soar through beginner-level projects designed for ages five and up. Both of these signature programs are completely free to the public, fostering creativity throughout our local community. Whether you are seeking a unique date night or a fun weekend activity for the children, Artspace provides the perfect cultural destination. Visit our website today to view our full event calendar and register for your next creative adventure.

Experience an evening of inspiration at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, a vibrant hub managed by the Orange County Arts Commission. On September 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., join us for a special First Friday celebration featuring the captivating Colors of Soul exhibit, curated by the Inter-Latin American Artist Collective. This event brings together an impressive lineup of talented local creators to share their vision with the community. The evening promises a dynamic blend of visual arts, live musical performances, and poetic expressions. Beyond the main exhibit, attendees can explore open artist studios and discover the diverse range of creative workshops available, spanning from fiber arts to figure drawing. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with local culture and support regional artists in a unique historic setting. We invite everyone to visit the Eno Arts Mill for this free, energetic gathering. Whether you are an art enthusiast or looking for a meaningful outing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please visit the official website to learn more and secure your spot today.

Experience the vibrant energy of community music making at the One Tribe Drum Circle held at the scenic Dix Park Stone Houses Visitor Center in Raleigh. Taking place on the first Friday of every month from June through November, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with others through the power of rhythm. Whether you are an experienced percussionist or a complete beginner, all are welcome to participate in this uplifting and stress-relieving activity. You are encouraged to bring your own hand percussion instruments, though One Tribe provides plenty of gear for those who do not have their own. Seating is provided for your convenience, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone to enjoy the music. This inclusive event is designed to promote self-expression and foster local connections in a beautiful outdoor setting. While registration is requested, the organizers welcome drop-in attendees even if the event appears sold out online. Join us for this accessible and rhythmic celebration of community spirit. For the latest updates and additional details, please follow One Tribe on their official social media pages.

The Cozy Cryptid Fall Market is a curated shopping event held in October that focuses on mythical creatures and autumn themes. This market serves as a community gathering for fans of folklore and local artistry to celebrate the Halloween season. Attendees can browse collections from thirty local artists and makers. The vendors will feature unique, cryptid-themed creations and seasonal Halloween art. The event provides an opportunity to purchase handcrafted goods directly from creators while enjoying a focused, thematic shopping experience. The layout is designed to facilitate easy navigation for all guests visiting the market stalls. This event is ideal for anyone interested in supporting local small businesses and discovering niche artistic interpretations of mythical beings. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and festive, providing a relaxed environment to browse and shop. Whether you are an enthusiast of urban legends or simply looking for seasonal home goods, this market offers a distinct collection of items you will not find elsewhere. Please mark your calendar and join us to support our creative community and celebrate the spirit of the fall season.

Little Raleigh Radio presents Groove History, a listening party series hosted at the City of Raleigh Museum. This event highlights records that define Raleigh's creative history and artistic evolution through deep dives into significant local albums. The session focuses on the band The Veldt and their 1989 record, Illuminated 1989. Attendees can expect an engaging evening featuring a live performance by The Veldt, insightful interviews with the band members, and a curated playback session of their debut album. The Veldt will take the stage for their live set around 7:45pm. This event is an excellent opportunity for music fans, local history enthusiasts, and followers of the shoegaze rock genre to connect with pioneers of the local music scene. Experience the unique atmosphere of the City of Raleigh Museum during this special First Friday event. Join us from 6pm to 9pm to celebrate the release of a foundational record that was once shelved for decades but now receives the recognition it deserves. We invite you to experience this compelling piece of local musical heritage in an intimate museum setting.

Unlock a world of curiosity and wonder at Marbles Kids Museum during the first full weekend of every month. Thanks to the Bank of America Museums on Us program, Bank of America and Merrill customers, as well as employees, are invited to enjoy complimentary admission to this vibrant Raleigh destination. Whether you are seeking hands-on learning experiences or imaginative play spaces, this program provides a fantastic opportunity for families to explore one of the Triangle's most beloved cultural treasures at no cost. To participate, simply present your active Bank of America or Merrill credit or debit card, or proof of employment, at the admission desk. You may also secure your spot by utilizing the promo code BOFA when booking your tickets online in advance. This initiative is designed to increase accessibility to educational resources and foster community engagement for all. We encourage you to gather your loved ones and take advantage of this wonderful monthly perk. Plan your visit today, explore the exhibits, and discover the joy of discovery at Marbles Kids Museum.

Experience a day of wonder and discovery at Marbles Kids Museum through the Bank of America Museums on Us program. This initiative offers Bank of America and Merrill customers, as well as employees, the opportunity to enjoy complimentary general admission to participating museums during the first full weekend of every month. It is a fantastic way to engage with interactive exhibits and inspire curiosity in a vibrant educational environment. To secure your entry, please present an active Bank of America or Merrill credit or debit card along with a photo ID at the admissions desk. Alternatively, you may apply the promo code BOFA when booking your tickets online. Remember that this offer grants one complimentary ticket per cardholder, so ensure you plan accordingly for additional guests in your party. We encourage you to visit this weekend to take advantage of this generous benefit and explore the diverse range of hands-on activities waiting for you at Marbles. We look forward to seeing your family there for a memorable weekend of learning and play.