Duke Arts: Free Concert Series at American Tobacco Campus

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.

This two hour workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to machine sewing for absolute beginners. It is designed for individuals who have never operated a sewing machine and do not own equipment, serving as a foundational step toward mastering larger projects like quilting or garment construction. Participants will gain hands on experience with essential machine mechanics. You will learn to thread the machine, wind a bobbin, change needles, and adjust machine settings. The curriculum also covers basic stitching techniques, including seam allowances and backstitching, alongside fundamental troubleshooting skills to build your confidence as a new crafter. This class is open to students aged 12 and older. It offers an accessible and supportive environment for those feeling intimidated by complex sewing equipment. We require a four person minimum to hold the session. If you own your own machine, please register for our Get to Know Your Machine session instead. Daytime classes offer an optional youth art class add on for children ages three and up. Join us to start your creative sewing journey today.

Experience art in a welcoming and accessible environment at the Nasher Museum of Art. The Reflections Public Tour is held on the second Tuesday of every month, offering a unique opportunity for individuals with memory loss and their companions to engage with rotating gallery themes. These ninety-minute, in-person sessions are designed to foster connection through thoughtfully curated art exploration, creative hands-on art-making activities, and delightful musical performances within the galleries. This inclusive program provides a safe space for participants to share perspectives and enjoy the cultural richness of the museum in small groups. The tour is entirely free to attend, though registration via email is requested to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. Whether you are a regular visitor or joining us for the first time, these tours offer a meaningful way to experience our current exhibitions. We invite you to join our community for this inspiring afternoon of discovery and reflection. For more details or to secure your spot for an upcoming tour, please contact the museum directly via email. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher Museum for this special program.

Casual Calligraphy Lettering is a hands-on workshop dedicated to the art of beautiful handwriting. This session teaches fundamental lettering styles and essential stroke techniques to help you master the basics of traditional calligraphy. It provides a structured environment for those who want to develop a new creative skill. Participants will learn to use professional calligraphy tools under the guidance of experienced instructors. The curriculum covers basic letter formation and page composition to ensure balanced and elegant results. You will practice various alphabet styles and gain confidence in controlling ink flow and pressure. All necessary tools are provided during the session to support your learning experience. This event is perfect for beginners and individuals interested in mindfulness through analog creation. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, making it an ideal setting to slow down and focus on detail. Whether you want to improve your personal correspondence or simply enjoy a quiet creative outlet, this class offers a rewarding experience. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for every attendee. Register today to secure your place and begin your calligraphy journey.

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.

This concert features a showcase of melodic death metal and doom bands performing live. The event highlights the emotional depth and heavy soundscapes characteristic of the modern metal genre. Attendees will experience three distinct sets. Fires in the Distance brings emotional songwriting combined with crushing riffs and soaring melodies. They are joined by Austin based group Hinayana, who deliver atmospheric compositions defined by haunting melodies and massive heaviness. The lineup is completed by And I Become Death, providing a performance of aggressive and cinematic modern death metal. Each act brings a unique technical approach to the stage, ensuring a dynamic progression throughout the evening. This show is intended for fans of atmospheric and melodic metal who appreciate high quality live musicianship. The atmosphere will be intense and focused, providing an immersive experience for those interested in complex compositions and heavy live production. Tickets are available now for purchase through the venue website. Join us for a night dedicated to powerful instrumentation and technical precision. We look forward to seeing you at the venue for this unique metal showcase.

Join Durham Parks and Recreation for Total Tot Time, an engaging and complimentary play program designed specifically for children ages newborn to five years old. This recurring event offers an excellent opportunity for little ones to socialize, explore, and stay active in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether your child enjoys playing with a colorful parachute, crawling through tunnels, or practicing basic movement skills, there is something here to spark every young imagination. Beyond providing a fun space for children, this program fosters meaningful interaction between parents and caregivers, creating a supportive community atmosphere. The weekly sessions run every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center. No prior reservation is necessary, so please feel free to drop in and join the fun at your convenience. We invite all families in the area to bring their little ones for an energetic morning of play and discovery. This is the perfect setting to build new friendships while enjoying high quality recreation time. We look forward to seeing you and your tot in the gym very soon.

Celebrate the end of summer at the Free Community Labor Day Cookout hosted by Calvary Presbyterian Church. This gathering is designed to bring our neighbors together for an afternoon of camaraderie, delicious food, and festive spirits. Located at 5620 Ray Road in Raleigh, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the holiday weekend in a welcoming environment while connecting with local residents. Our cookout is open to everyone, making it the perfect destination for families, friends, and individuals looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We invite you to join us for a meal as we commemorate the significance of Labor Day with our community. Whether you are seeking a place to enjoy a pleasant outdoor lunch or simply want to meet new people, this event promises to be a highlight of your long weekend. Please mark your calendars, bring your loved ones, and join us for this special neighborhood tradition. We look forward to seeing you there for a day of celebration and unity.

Join the welcoming community at Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church in Durham for their ongoing efforts to support neighbors through food access. The church hosts monthly food distributions, providing essential groceries to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot for the drive-through service, which operates efficiently to ensure everyone is served with dignity and care. Volunteers are always appreciated for those looking to give back and support the local community. In addition to distributions, the church opens its doors for monthly community meals, creating a space for connection and shared experiences. The upcoming event features a special theme celebrating diversity and inclusion through a vibrant menu of colorful dishes. These gatherings are completely free, open to everyone, and require no advance registration. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to enjoy a warm meal in a friendly environment, you are invited to participate. Visit the Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church Facebook page to stay updated on schedule changes and upcoming menu themes.