Dungeons & Dragons in the Park 2026

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.

Teen Art Cart is a recurring drop in program hosted at Downtown Cary Park designed for local youth to connect through creative expression. This fall event series provides a dedicated space for teens to unwind and explore their artistic interests in a low pressure environment. It serves as a community hub for socializing and artistic exploration during the school season. Participants can expect a variety of art materials provided on site, allowing for immediate hands on projects. Whether you are an experienced artist or just want to try something new, the station offers a range of supplies to spark your imagination. You are also welcome to bring your own personal sketching tools or specialized projects if you prefer to work on something specific. The station is designed to be flexible and accommodating for all skill levels. This program is specifically for teens who want a welcoming space to hang out in real life. The atmosphere is casual, inclusive, and relaxed. We invite all interested students to drop by the park for an afternoon of creativity and connection. Join us this season to enjoy the park, meet peers, and express yourself through art.

The Carolina Circus Festival is a free annual community event dedicated to the art of circus performance and mental health awareness. Taking place on September 12, 2026, in Downtown Cary, this gathering brings together professional performers and the general public to celebrate creativity and support suicide prevention efforts for the movement community. Attendees can expect a full day of entertainment featuring professional aerialists, fire spinners, and LED light performers. The festival grounds will host interactive workshops where visitors can learn circus skills firsthand, alongside a variety of local artisan vendors and food trucks. These diverse offerings ensure that guests of all ages find engaging ways to participate throughout the day. This festival is designed for families, movement enthusiasts, and anyone interested in a vibrant cultural experience. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, emphasizing community connection and artistic expression in a public park setting. Join us in Downtown Cary for this inspiring day of world class performances and community support. We encourage you to bring your family and friends to experience the wonder of these unique circus arts firsthand while supporting a meaningful cause.

Jazz’d Up Sundays is a free public concert series held at Downtown Cary Park featuring live contemporary jazz performances. This recurring event highlights talented musicians in an engaging outdoor setting designed for community connection and musical appreciation. This specific performance features vocalist Niki Haris and the Christian Tamburr Band in a program titled The Way You Make Me Feel. The ensemble presents fresh jazz, soul, and R&B interpretations of iconic Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 songs. Led by Christian Tamburr, the band emphasizes improvisation, unique arrangements, and rhythmic energy to transform legendary pop hits into modern jazz compositions. The performance showcases both the star power of Niki Haris and the technical artistry of the ensemble. This event is open to all members of the public who enjoy live music and outdoor community gatherings. Whether you are a dedicated jazz enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon activity, this concert offers a sophisticated yet accessible atmosphere. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot at Downtown Cary Park for an afternoon of professional musical storytelling.

Trivia Night with Hammered Trivia is a competitive pop culture quiz held at The Cary. This interactive event invites participants to test their knowledge of movies, music, and television in a fast paced social environment. Teams of four to six players compete across multiple rounds. Hammered Trivia hosts the session, ensuring a structured and engaging experience throughout the evening. Prizes are awarded to the winning team at the end of each round, keeping the competition lively. One team member must bring a functional smart phone, as this device is required to submit answers and participate in the game play. This event is designed for pop culture enthusiasts looking for a fun night out with friends or colleagues. The atmosphere is collaborative and high energy, making it an ideal choice for group outings. Whether you are a film buff or a music expert, this night offers a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge and win rewards. Gather your team of four to six players today and prepare for an evening of trivia at The Cary.

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.

Dungeons & Drafthouse at Video Vortex is a guided tabletop roleplaying experience featuring one-shot adventures. This event provides an accessible environment for new players and a challenge for seasoned veterans to enjoy Dungeons & Dragons in a social setting. Participants will engage in the October adventure titled Hell's Garden. This narrative follows a party awakening beneath a castle where they must navigate traps and survive the enigmatic Baroness. Professional Dungeon Masters lead each session to ensure high-quality gameplay and expert guidance. Every ticket includes all necessary materials, such as pre-generated character sheets and a new set of dice. The session runs for approximately four hours. Attendees can select between standard tables for all experience levels or advanced tables for those seeking increased mechanical complexity. This event is designed to foster community and collaborative storytelling without requiring participants to bring their own equipment. Whether you are a first-time adventurer or an experienced strategist, this event offers a complete gaming experience. Space is limited, so gather your friends and secure your spot today for this unique tabletop journey.