Bombargo Live at Kings

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.

The Gasoline Gypsies present a live musical performance showcasing their signature sound and tight ensemble playing. This event offers attendees an opportunity to experience an evening of professional musicianship characterized by intricate vocal arrangements and driving instrumental work. It is a concert event designed for live music enthusiasts seeking a polished performance from one of the most dedicated bands in the regional music scene. The performance centers on the band core members featuring four part vocal harmonies and dual lead guitars. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation with drums bass and keys. Guests can expect a high energy set that highlights the group reputation for precision and musical chemistry. The show is built on a strong work ethic that translates directly into a seamless live experience for the audience. This show is ideal for fans of classic rock and modern roots music who appreciate technical skill and stage presence. The atmosphere will be energetic and focused on the quality of the live sound. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot for an engaging night of music and community.

This event serves as the final farewell performance for the Raleigh-based band Earther as they celebrate the release of their new record titled It Sits On Me Like Sunshine. The show marks the end of a long-standing musical chapter and provides fans with one last opportunity to experience the band live in their home city. The evening will feature a diverse lineup of regional talent representing the best of North Carolina music. You can expect high energy performances from Greensboro rock outfit Condado and the return of Arm's Length Away for an exclusive pop punk reunion set. Raleigh group glowr will round out the bill with their unique style of healingcore. This concert is perfect for local music enthusiasts, longtime followers of the scene, and anyone interested in supporting North Carolina DIY culture. The atmosphere promises to be celebratory and intimate, offering a unique chance to catch four distinct acts in a single night. Secure your tickets soon to be part of this significant local music event and help send off Earther on a high note.

This concert features a triple bill of underground extreme metal bands performing at Kings. The event showcases a night of heavy music ranging from doom and sludge to death metal, providing a raw and intense live music experience for fans of the genre. The lineup includes Miami based doom and sludge outfit Crud, known for their crushing low frequency distortion and heavy sound. They are joined by Raleigh death metal favorites Pathogenesis, who bring a high level of technical proficiency to the stage. Rounding out the bill is the Richmond based brutal gore death metal act Excrementia, a new project featuring experienced members from bands such as Disrotter, Vigil, and Hellion Child. This show is tailored for followers of the extreme metal scene who appreciate high volume and aggressive performance styles. The atmosphere promises to be intense and focused on heavy riffing. If you enjoy sludge, doom, or death metal, this performance offers a concentrated look at the regional underground scene. Secure your spot at Kings to witness these three distinct acts perform back to back in a single evening of heavy music.

Join us for the groundbreaking Hip Hop is Higher Education symposium, taking place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the historic American Tobacco Campus in Durham. This innovative event explores the intersection of academic inquiry and musical expression, demonstrating how hip hop culture continues to shape modern scholarship and pedagogical practice. Attendees will engage in dynamic sessions that celebrate the profound impact of this genre on the educational landscape. The symposium runs from 12 to 8 p.m. and offers a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders, educators, and artists dedicated to the evolution of contemporary learning. Whether you are a student, a music enthusiast, or an academic, this event promises to challenge perspectives and inspire new ways of understanding cultural contributions to society. Please note that while this experience is offered at no cost to the public, registration is required to attend. We encourage all interested participants to secure their spots early to participate in this vibrant gathering. Visit the event website to view the full program schedule and complete your registration process today for this influential day of discovery.

Experience the vibrant heart of the local music scene at the Durham Beer and Banjos series. Hosted at the scenic Old Mill Farm, this weekly gathering celebrates the rich traditions of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. Every Thursday evening, community members and music lovers come together to enjoy live performances by talented regional artists in a relaxing and welcoming outdoor environment. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long day while connecting with neighbors and experiencing authentic musical artistry. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., providing an ideal backdrop for a casual evening out. With free admission, it is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to experience culture in Durham. Whether you are a dedicated fan of traditional acoustic music or simply looking for a pleasant way to spend your Thursday, this series offers something special for everyone. Please visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to view the current performance schedule and plan your visit today. We look forward to seeing you at the farm for an unforgettable musical experience.

Experience an unforgettable evening of soulful music as the Gregg Museum of Art and Design hosts a special live performance by Lakota John. Located at 1903 Hillsborough Street in the heart of Raleigh, this esteemed cultural venue offers the perfect backdrop for an intimate concert. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of exceptional artistry in a setting that celebrates both creativity and community. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate live music while exploring one of the most unique attractions in the city. Admission is completely free to the public, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy this talented artist. While the event is complimentary, please note that advanced registration is required to secure your spot for this performance. Parking is conveniently available adjacent to the building for all attendees. We encourage you to join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for this captivating experience. Gather your friends and family for an evening of musical discovery and community connection. Be sure to register today and prepare for a memorable night of entertainment.

Pullen Park After Dark is an outdoor trivia competition held on the event lawn at Pullen Park. Hosted by Challenge Entertainment, this live event invites participants to test their general knowledge and local Raleigh trivia skills in a park setting. The evening features competitive trivia rounds designed for individuals and teams of up to five people. Attendees can expect a social atmosphere with prizes awarded to the top scoring teams throughout the night. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the onsite Pullen Cafe during the event for all guests to enjoy while they play. This event is perfect for trivia enthusiasts, local residents, and friends looking for an engaging outdoor activity. The environment is casual, friendly, and structured for participants of all skill levels. To secure your spot, please register individually or as a team through the official RecLink portal. We look forward to seeing you on the lawn for a fun evening of community competition and local discovery at one of our most iconic parks.

Social Distortion is bringing their iconic punk rock and rock and roll sound to The Ritz in Raleigh for a live concert performance. This event offers fans an opportunity to experience the band in an intimate venue setting known for high energy and excellent acoustics. Attendees can expect a career spanning setlist featuring classic tracks and signature storytelling that define the band legacy. The performance focuses on authentic musical delivery with powerful vocals and driving guitar arrangements that have solidified their place in the music industry for decades. This concert is intended for long time fans of the band and enthusiasts of the classic punk rock genre who appreciate live music in a focused setting. The atmosphere at The Ritz provides clear sightlines and a communal environment where the audience is encouraged to engage with the music. Given the limited capacity and the band reputation for high demand shows, prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early to ensure participation. Join us for a memorable evening of live music in the heart of Raleigh by booking your tickets today.

The Gasoline Gypsies present a live musical performance showcasing their signature sound and tight ensemble playing. This event offers attendees an opportunity to experience an evening of professional musicianship characterized by intricate vocal arrangements and driving instrumental work. It is a concert event designed for live music enthusiasts seeking a polished performance from one of the most dedicated bands in the regional music scene. The performance centers on the band core members featuring four part vocal harmonies and dual lead guitars. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation with drums bass and keys. Guests can expect a high energy set that highlights the group reputation for precision and musical chemistry. The show is built on a strong work ethic that translates directly into a seamless live experience for the audience. This show is ideal for fans of classic rock and modern roots music who appreciate technical skill and stage presence. The atmosphere will be energetic and focused on the quality of the live sound. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot for an engaging night of music and community.