Comedy Show: Meghan Hanley and Greg Capra

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.

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.

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.

This event features a live reading of the original screenplay Dream Meanings, a compelling short play written by Rebecca Kane. The story follows Charlotte as she attempts to decode the meaning of recurring symbols in her dreams with the assistance of her sister, only to realize that her struggles go beyond what can be explained by a book. Attendees will enjoy a professional table read of this insightful work. Rebecca Kane, an accomplished playwright and artist whose work has been produced across the United States and internationally, brings her unique perspective to the stage. Her writing is known for its depth, humor, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. The performance highlights her sharp dialogue and keen understanding of complex human emotions. This event is ideal for theater enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in contemporary storytelling. You will experience a vibrant atmosphere focused on the craft of playwriting. Join us to support new work and engage with the creative process firsthand. We look forward to seeing you there for this special live reading.

The 2026 Award Winners Shorts event serves as the official closing celebration for BEYOND FF 2026. This final gathering features an exclusive encore screening of the short films that received top honors during this year’s festival, offering a focused look at the most impactful cinematic achievements of the season. Attendees can expect a curated showcase of narrative, documentary, and experimental shorts selected by our panel of expert jurors. Each film highlights unique storytelling techniques and technical mastery. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the creative excellence recognized by the festival, allowing the audience to engage with the best works presented throughout the week. This screening is ideal for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts looking to experience award-winning content in a high-quality theater environment. The atmosphere is professional yet celebratory, providing a relaxed space to reflect on the festival highlights. We invite you to join us for this final event as we honor the visionaries behind this year’s standout projects. Secure your tickets now to ensure your place at this definitive cinematic conclusion.

Amber Wallin presents an evening of comedy, storytelling, and personality-driven performance. This event showcases the LA-based comedian known for her unique perspective on parenting, lifestyle, and character work, offering a live experience for fans of her viral social media content. Attendees will get to see the humor behind her popular Toddler Grievances series and her signature wig-based character acts in person. Beyond her digital presence, Wallin brings her seasoned stand-up background from venues like The Comedy Store and The Second City to the stage. She will also draw on her experience as a host for The Moth to share engaging anecdotes and relatable stories. This show is designed for those who enjoy observational humor, sharp wit, and authentic storytelling. It is an ideal outing for comedy enthusiasts and followers of her podcast who appreciate high-energy performances. Whether you are a long-time viewer or new to her work, this event provides an intimate look at a versatile entertainer. Tickets are available now for those looking to experience an evening of laughter and sharp, modern comedy from one of the most recognizable voices in digital entertainment.

This event features an engaging appearance and discussion with Billie Lee, a celebrated writer, actress, and activist. The session offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights into her multifaceted career and her dedicated work regarding food sustainability and trans rights. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of her journey from reality television personality to influential author and advocate. Highlights of the program include a spotlight on her professional trajectory and a deep dive into the themes of her upcoming book, Why Are You So Sensitive? published by Simon and Schuster. Billie will share her experiences as a creator of the blog She is So Vegan and discuss her ongoing advocacy for equity. Participants can expect an honest and informative conversation that explores her personal growth and her commitment to meaningful social impact. This event is designed for fans of reality television, advocates for social justice, and those interested in vegan lifestyle advocacy. The atmosphere will be professional yet welcoming, encouraging an open exchange of ideas. Secure your spot today to join this insightful conversation and connect with an inspiring voice in contemporary media and activism.

This event features a live performance by multifaceted comedian and writer Ify Nwadiwe. The show provides a unique opportunity to experience his sharp wit and comedic perspective in an intimate setting. Attendees will enjoy an evening centered on standup comedy and storytelling from an established industry professional. Ify Nwadiwe brings his diverse background to the stage, drawing on years of experience in television, video game writing, and improv comedy. Having contributed to projects like Workaholics, Comedy Bang Bang, Apex Legends, and Borderlands 4, his material covers a wide range of interests. As the host of the panel show Um Actually on Dropout TV, Ify is known for his ability to blend humor with pop culture expertise in a way that is both engaging and highly entertaining for the audience. This show is perfect for fans of modern comedy, gaming culture, and television satire. The atmosphere will be energetic, relaxed, and focused on sharp comedic delivery. If you enjoy smart humor and diverse storytelling, secure your tickets today to witness this versatile performer live on stage.

Dungeons and Drafthouse at Video Vortex is a monthly tabletop roleplaying event featuring curated one shot adventures. This session highlights The Capricorn Heist, where participants assemble a crew to complete a high-stakes mission before sunrise. Professional dungeon masters facilitate every game to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees. The session includes everything required for play, including pre-generated character sheets and a new set of dice. Players choose between standard tables for general experience levels or advanced tables for those seeking complex mechanics and challenging gameplay. The event is designed to be self-contained, meaning you do not need to bring materials or prior knowledge to participate effectively. This event is open to both newcomers and seasoned veterans looking to play in a social, structured environment. Whether you are gathering a group of friends or attending solo to meet new players, this session provides an accessible way to engage with professional-grade storytelling. Secure your ticket today to participate in this unique tabletop challenge and experience a professionally guided adventure in a welcoming local setting.

The Plum Palooza Kickoff Party is a live music event on Sunday September 13th celebrating the launch of Plum. All ticket proceeds directly support the funding of the Plum festival. Doors open at 4:30 pm and the music starts promptly at 5:00 pm. Please note that this ticketed event covers the evening music program only and is separate from the public daytime activities. Attendees will enjoy a full lineup of local talent including performances by Charlie Paso, Bedrumor, The Matildas, Supermutt, and Applefield. The event also features music sets from DJs Micky Slicks and Mikey Sharks. This show promises a high energy atmosphere dedicated to community building and local artistry. This event is designed for music lovers who want to support local creative initiatives. Tickets operate on a sliding scale from 15 to 50 dollars, allowing guests to contribute what they can afford. We invite you to join us for a night of dancing and celebration. Purchase your ticket now to secure your spot and support our collective goals for the upcoming season.

This workshop is a guided hands-on session where participants learn to create a custom stained glass pumpkin. You will master the fundamental techniques of glass crafting while assembling your own holiday piece to take home. No prior experience is required to participate in this event. Attendees will receive step by step instruction on foiling, assembling, and soldering glass components. Professional tools and materials are provided for all participants. The instructor manages the process to ensure safety and precision throughout the session. If your project requires extra attention, we offer additional studio time at no extra cost to guarantee you complete your work successfully. This event is designed for beginners who want to explore glass art in a supportive environment. With a capacity limited to ten seats, you will receive personalized attention and plenty of workspace. The atmosphere is focused and collaborative, making it an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill. Secure your spot today to experience this creative process and leave with a handmade decoration for your home.