Carrboro Music Festival

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.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Hopscotch Music Festival, returning to Raleigh from September 10 to 12, 2026. This premier cultural event showcases over 100 bands performing across multiple venues, including the iconic main stages at Moore Square and City Plaza. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or a casual listener, the festival offers a diverse lineup that highlights the best in local and national talent through high-energy concerts and intimate club shows. Beyond the headline performances, guests can enjoy an extensive series of free day parties hosted at various locations throughout the city. These daytime celebrations provide a fantastic opportunity to discover new music and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Triangle community. With no pass required for most of these auxiliary events, everyone is invited to participate in the festivities. We encourage all attendees to support the local music scene and enjoy the unique performances scheduled throughout the weekend. Visit our official website to view the complete event lineup, check venue schedules, and secure your tickets for the main festival stages today.

Experience the vibrant energy of live entertainment at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. This highly anticipated event brings the community together for unforgettable evenings featuring high-energy performances by talented bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or enjoy a lively social outing with friends and family, our concert series provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing mid-week escape under the open sky. The series runs throughout the month of September, offering guests a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy great music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. While you take in the sounds of The Ray Band, you can enjoy a variety of wine and beer options available for purchase on-site. Please note that for the comfort and safety of all guests, outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted at the venue. We invite you to join us for these free community celebrations and discover why our outdoor music series is a local favorite. Visit the Waverly Place website today to view the full event schedule and plan your next evening out with us.

Experience an unforgettable month of music as Duke Arts returns to the American Tobacco Campus throughout September 2026. This vibrant concert series, expertly curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, celebrates the enduring legacy of women who have shaped the world through powerful storytelling and artistic influence. Each Wednesday evening, the amphitheater beneath the iconic Lucky Strike water tower comes alive with soulful performances that honor this rich musical lineage. These performances are completely free to the public, inviting neighbors and music lovers to enjoy high-quality entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you are a dedicated fan of singer-songwriters or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend a Wednesday night, this series offers something for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to settle in comfortably for the show. Make your way to 318 Blackwell Street in Durham to participate in this exceptional community event. For more information on the featured artists and to plan your visit, please head over to the official website today.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Hopscotch Music Festival, returning to Raleigh from September 10 to 12, 2026. This premier cultural event showcases over 100 bands performing across multiple venues, including the iconic main stages at Moore Square and City Plaza. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or a casual listener, the festival offers a diverse lineup that highlights the best in local and national talent through high-energy concerts and intimate club shows. Beyond the headline performances, guests can enjoy an extensive series of free day parties hosted at various locations throughout the city. These daytime celebrations provide a fantastic opportunity to discover new music and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Triangle community. With no pass required for most of these auxiliary events, everyone is invited to participate in the festivities. We encourage all attendees to support the local music scene and enjoy the unique performances scheduled throughout the weekend. Visit our official website to view the complete event lineup, check venue schedules, and secure your tickets for the main festival stages today.

Get ready for the return of the Hopscotch Music Festival to downtown Raleigh from September 9 to September 13, 2026. This vibrant celebration of sound transforms the city into a musical playground, featuring over 100 bands performing across multiple iconic venues. While the main festival stages at Moore Square and City Plaza offer a premium ticketed experience, the highly anticipated Hopscotch Day Parties provide an incredible opportunity to enjoy live music throughout the city for free. These daytime events take place at various local bars, cafes, and creative spaces, offering an intimate atmosphere to discover your new favorite artists. Most of these performances are free to attend, though some venues may suggest a donation or have specific age requirements. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or simply looking to soak up the high-energy atmosphere of the festival, these day parties are an essential part of the Raleigh experience. Visit the official festival website to view the complete schedule and plan your weekend of music today.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Hopscotch Music Festival, returning to Raleigh from September 10 to 12, 2026. This premier cultural event showcases over 100 bands performing across multiple venues, including the iconic main stages at Moore Square and City Plaza. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or a casual listener, the festival offers a diverse lineup that highlights the best in local and national talent through high-energy concerts and intimate club shows. Beyond the headline performances, guests can enjoy an extensive series of free day parties hosted at various locations throughout the city. These daytime celebrations provide a fantastic opportunity to discover new music and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Triangle community. With no pass required for most of these auxiliary events, everyone is invited to participate in the festivities. We encourage all attendees to support the local music scene and enjoy the unique performances scheduled throughout the weekend. Visit our official website to view the complete event lineup, check venue schedules, and secure your tickets for the main festival stages today.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.

Join Durham Parks and Recreation for Total Tot Time, an engaging and active play program designed specifically for children ages birth to five and their caregivers. Held every Monday and Wednesday morning at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center, this welcoming event offers a fantastic opportunity for young children to develop essential social skills while exploring a safe and spacious gym environment. Whether your little ones are crawling through tunnels, playing with a parachute, or enjoying a game of tag, they will have a blast making new friends. This community-focused program emphasizes the importance of quality bonding time between parents and children. By participating in these structured yet flexible play sessions, families can foster connections with other local residents in an energetic and supportive setting. No advance registration or RSVP is required to attend, making it a convenient option for busy parents. We invite you to visit the W.D. Hill Recreation Center this season to enjoy active play and socialization. Bring your little ones out to experience the joy of movement and connection in this wonderful neighborhood resource.