Comedy Show: Ryan Erwin and Don Garrett

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.

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.

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.

This workshop provides essential training for filmmakers looking to optimize their submissions on FilmFreeway. Participants will learn how to navigate the platform effectively to identify high-value festival opportunities while avoiding common submission pitfalls that waste time and budget. Led by industry expert Crickett Rumley, the session covers how to build a professional profile and maintain a compelling project presence. Attendees will learn to evaluate festival listings using Film Festival Alliance best practices. You will discover how to distinguish legitimate festivals from low-value pay-to-play events. The curriculum includes practical techniques for reading filmmaker reviews, spotting red flags in submission requirements, and interpreting rules to ensure your project is a good fit before paying any fees. This event is designed for filmmakers at all stages of their career who want to manage their festival strategy with confidence. If you are preparing a festival run, this workshop provides the insights necessary to target the right events for your specific goals. Join us to refine your submission process and maximize the impact of your festival budget.

Karen Rontowski brings her unique brand of fast-paced and optimistic standup comedy to the stage for an unforgettable performance. This event showcases a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the comedy industry, offering a blend of sharp wit and engaging storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. Attendees can expect a dynamic set that incorporates Karen’s background as a professional tarot reader. Her comedy has gained international recognition through appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central, and her highly successful DryBar Comedy specials, which have accumulated over 40 million views. She balances quick humor with a charming perspective that keeps the energy high throughout the entire show. This show is perfect for comedy fans who enjoy observational humor that is both quirky and relatable. Whether you are a long-time follower of her work or new to her comedy style, you will find this performance refreshing and highly entertaining. Join us for an evening of laughter and insight. Book your tickets now to secure your seat for this must-see comedic event.

Suzanne Lambert brings her sharp, satirical stand-up comedy to the stage for a live performance that showcases her unique perspective on modern life. This event offers audiences a chance to experience the wit that has earned Lambert over one million followers across social media platforms. Attendees will enjoy a fast-paced set covering everyday observations, pop culture, beauty trends, and politics. Since 2018, Lambert has honed her craft at top comedy venues nationwide. She has performed alongside notable comedians including Mark Normand, Katherine Blanford, and Tony Woods. This live show captures her irreverent style and distinct voice in an intimate setting. Guests can expect a candid, high-energy performance that highlights why she has become a significant voice in digital comedy today. This show is ideal for fans of sharp social commentary and anyone looking for a night of honest, relatable humor. The atmosphere is designed to be engaging and fast-paced, reflecting the energy of her viral online presence. Secure your tickets now to see Suzanne Lambert live and experience her latest material in person.

Graeson McGaha presents a live stand-up comedy performance featuring his signature blend of high-energy Southern storytelling and blue-collar humor. This event offers an evening of observational comedy focused on the realities of modern life. Attendees can expect a fast-paced show covering topics such as parenting, marriage, small-town experiences, and nostalgic 80s and 90s culture. McGaha connects with his audience through relatable tales of family dynamics and everyday struggles delivered with an unfiltered comedic perspective. His performance style merges classic storytelling with the quick-witted nature of viral internet comedy, ensuring a dynamic experience from start to finish. This show is designed for fans of observational humor and those who appreciate stories centered on working-class life. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on shared laughter regarding the chaotic side of domestic life. If you enjoy authentic, personality-driven stand-up that feels both personal and culturally resonant, this performance is a great opportunity to see a popular online voice live on stage. Secure your tickets now to experience this engaging night of comedy.

The Stained Glass Ghost Workshop is a hands-on creative session where you will craft your own custom glass ghost art piece from scratch. This workshop introduces participants to the essential techniques of stained glass fabrication in a supportive studio environment. Throughout the session you will learn how to prepare glass pieces using copper foil, assemble your design, and apply solder to complete your project. Our professional instructor provides step by step guidance through each phase of the process to ensure you gain practical skills while working with high quality materials. All necessary tools and safety equipment are provided on site. This event is perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts who want to learn a new skill without needing any prior stained glass experience. The atmosphere is social and focused on creative expression, making it a great way to spend an afternoon. Space is limited to ensure personalized instruction for every attendee. Reserve your spot today to participate in this unique craft experience and take home a finished piece of art that you created yourself.

Empire of the Sun is bringing their Ask That God: Afterlife tour to North American stages, offering fans a signature blend of electronic pop music. The tour highlights the duo’s latest artistic direction while maintaining the high-energy sound that launched their career. Attendees can expect an immersive concert experience featuring the band members Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. The performances are defined by elaborate stage production, including choreographed dancers and advanced visual elements. You will hear a mix of classic dance hits alongside new material, all supported by their hallmark adrenalized synths and polished electro beats. This tour serves as a testament to their long-standing reputation for theatrical showmanship. This event is designed for fans of modern electronic music and those who appreciate large-scale live productions. The atmosphere is vibrant and designed to be an active, high-energy experience. Whether you have followed the duo since their 2008 debut or are new to their sound, this show offers a compelling look at their evolving artistic vision. Secure your tickets early to experience this unique tour in person.

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.