Carmen

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.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.

The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression. Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds. This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.

Join the community for a high-energy evening at the Beats & Bars Music Trivia Night, hosted at The Durham Hotel. This exciting event celebrates the rich tapestry of Black music, bringing together fans for a nostalgic competition that tests your deep knowledge of hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and Southern classics. Whether you are a casual listener or a dedicated music enthusiast, this trivia night offers a perfect platform to showcase your expertise while connecting with fellow fans in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Gather your crew, form your team, and prepare for an unforgettable night of competition and good vibes. This event is part of the broader Beats & Bars Music Festival, a milestone celebration returning to Durham for its tenth year to honor creativity and culture. Entry to the trivia night is entirely free, making it an accessible opportunity to engage with Durham's thriving music scene. We invite you to bring your passion for music and join us for this unique cultural experience. Secure your spot now and get ready to celebrate the artistry and history of the music we love.

The Last of Us is a formal staged workshop presentation of a new original play written and directed by Katrina C. Tarson. This event offers a public look at the final stage of an intensive creative development process. The production utilizes a mix of text, poetry, and movement to explore modern issues facing women today. Attendees will experience a text-in-hand performance focusing on the journey of Tilou, a young woman confronted by a mysterious Sisterhood. This format provides a unique opportunity to witness the raw creative process behind a new theatrical work. The staging emphasizes clarity and lyrical storytelling to deliver its central message. This event is intended for mature audiences aged 18 and older. Following the performance, the production team will host a feedback session to gather audience insights as they refine the script for future full-scale productions. We invite you to join us for this evening of modern myth and creative exploration. Your participation is a vital part of helping this new play reach its full potential for future stages.

Strange Bait is an evening dedicated to ghost stories and local folklore hosted by author Liz Z Pardue. This event invites community members to gather for a curated presentation of eerie regional legends and strange tales from the Carolinas. The program begins with light snacks and a guided storytelling session featuring a visual slide show led by Liz Z Pardue. After the main presentation, the floor opens for attendees to share their own unexplained experiences. Guests are encouraged to participate in this interactive segment for a chance to win prizes, including passes to the local attraction Panic Point. This event is perfect for fans of supernatural lore, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique social outing. The atmosphere is designed to be engaging, cozy, and slightly chilling. If you enjoy authentic storytelling and local history, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share your interests. Please join us for this unique exploration of the strange and unknown. Secure your spot today to participate in a memorable night of haunting local narratives.

The BEYOND Film Festival is an annual event in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to celebrating the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. Hosted at the historic Cary Theater, the festival provides a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to share their work with engaged audiences. It serves as a creative hub for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to connect and collaborate. Attendees can participate in a variety of screenings, panel discussions, and professional workshops. This eighth edition expands the experience by hosting specific workshops within the nearby Downtown Cary Park. Participants will engage with global short films and gain practical insights from industry experts through diverse programming designed to foster professional growth and creative exchange. The festival is ideal for filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinema fans looking for an intimate, high-quality event. With all sessions and social activities located within walking distance of the theater, the festival offers an accessible and immersive environment for networking and learning. Join us in downtown Cary to celebrate global storytelling and refine your craft alongside a community of dedicated film professionals. Register today to secure your place at this year’s sessions.