Engage Raleigh: Community and Neighborhood Expo 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!

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.

Unlock significant savings with the Walgreens Senior Day program, specifically designed for rewards members aged 55 and older. On the first Tuesday of every month, eligible shoppers can enjoy a twenty percent discount on a wide range of regular priced merchandise both in store and online. This monthly initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for seniors to maximize their household budget while shopping for their favorite essential items. To participate, ensure you are signed up for a free myWalgreens membership. If you prefer shopping from the comfort of home, you can easily apply the promo code SENIOR20 at checkout on the official Walgreens website during the designated promotion window. Please keep in mind that the discount applies to regular priced goods and excludes certain categories such as prescriptions, tobacco, and alcohol. We encourage you to visit your local store or log into your account to review the full list of qualifying products. Mark your calendar today and take full advantage of these recurring monthly savings opportunities. Join the thousands of satisfied shoppers who prioritize their wellness and savings at Walgreens each month.

Are you passionate about the rich heritage and unique stories that define our community? The Chatham County Historical Association invites you to join the Siler City History Club, a vibrant gathering dedicated to preserving the local legacy of Siler City. This engaging program serves as an opportunity for residents to connect, share personal memories, and contribute authentic mementos to our growing historical collection. Whether you have lived here for decades or are a recent arrival eager to learn about your new home, your voice is an essential part of our shared narrative. Our meetings offer a welcoming environment designed for listening, learning, and making new friends in a collaborative setting. We meet every other month to ensure that the stories of our town continue to thrive for future generations. This event is entirely free to the public, and we encourage you to bring a friend along for an hour of meaningful discovery and connection. Come share your experiences and help us document the vibrant spirit of Siler City. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join Hardee's in commemorating a monumental milestone as the brand celebrates its 66th birthday throughout the entire month of September 2026. This special occasion also coincides with National Biscuit Month, providing the perfect excuse for a delicious celebration. To kick off the festivities, Hardee's is thrilled to offer a signature sausage biscuit for only 66 cents. This limited time offer is available during the entire Labor Day weekend, running from September 3 through September 7, 2026. The excitement does not end with the holiday weekend. Hardee's is keeping the party going by extending exclusive deals and weekly offers throughout the rest of September to honor their heritage and appreciation for loyal customers. Whether you are a long time fan or a new visitor, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy quality comfort food at an unbeatable price point. We invite you to visit your local Hardee's location to take advantage of these savings and join in the birthday cheer. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and experience the classic flavors that have made Hardee's a breakfast staple for over six decades.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool is a cinematic exploration of the life and work of Palm Springs most iconic interior designer. This documentary chronicles how Elrod transformed mid-century desert modernism into a global aesthetic phenomenon by blending architectural precision with theatrical flair. The film focuses on his legendary collaboration with architect John Lautner and the creation of the home famously featured in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Attendees will view archival footage and expert commentary that highlights Elrods unique approach to luxury, scale, and color. The presentation delves into the specific design elements that defined his signature style, showing how he brought high-fashion sensibilities into residential spaces. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of how these bold interiors captured the imagination of the Hollywood elite and continue to influence contemporary design trends today. This screening is intended for architecture enthusiasts, design professionals, and fans of mid-century cultural history. The atmosphere is professional yet engaging, providing a sophisticated look at the legacy of a true industry pioneer. Join us for this essential screening to discover the history behind some of the most covetable spaces ever created. Tickets are available now for all interested participants.

Perception vs Palate is a guided blind tasting experience designed to explore how psychology and sensory input influence your wine preferences. The session examines why external factors like labels and branding often outweigh actual taste in our decision making process. Throughout the event, participants will engage in a series of curated experiments using blind tastings to isolate their true flavor preferences. We will test how variables such as glassware, environmental mood, and music alter your sensory perception. You will also learn how factors like climate, terroir, and specific winemaking techniques can dramatically transform the profile of a single grape variety into something entirely unexpected. This event is ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious drinkers who want to sharpen their palate while stripping away industry preconceptions. Expect an informative, interactive, and relaxed atmosphere free from wine snobbery or pricing influence. Whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned collector, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of your own unique taste profile. Join us to challenge your assumptions and discover what you really like in a glass. Reserve your spot today to participate in this revealing sensory investigation.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Join a vibrant community of strategy lovers at the Durham Chess Enthusiasts weekly gathering held every Tuesday at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner eager to learn the ropes, this event offers the perfect environment to sharpen your skills while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The venue features an excellent selection of craft beers, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you refreshed during your matches. All players are welcome to participate in this free weekly event, though please note that an adult must accompany any participants under the age of eighteen. The setting is inclusive and social, allowing you to meet new friends while engaging in friendly competition on the board. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or enjoy local food truck offerings if available on-site during your visit. Do not miss this opportunity to foster your love for the game and connect with local chess players in the heart of Durham. Head over to 4916 Hillsborough Road this Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to get in on the action. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of tactical play and great company.

Get ready to move with KatMoves Travelling Studio. We are thrilled to invite the community to join our energetic and inclusive line dancing classes held every Tuesday evening in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or someone who has never stepped onto a dance floor, these sessions are designed for everyone. Our instructor provides easy to follow guidance on footwork and patterns, ensuring that every participant feels confident while having a great time. These classes foster a relaxed atmosphere focused entirely on movement and joy. We meet weekly at the Snow Approach Foundation located on East King Street. While these sessions are completely free, we do maintain an optional tip jar on site. A portion of these generous donations supports the Snow Approach Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with brain conditions. No RSVP is required to attend these sessions, so simply bring your comfortable shoes and your enthusiasm for dance. We look forward to seeing you there for an hour of rhythm, community, and fun.

Experience the rejuvenating power of yoga in the heart of Durham. Join us every Tuesday at 6 p.m. from April through September 8, 2026, at the beautiful Durham Central Park Pavilion. These gentle mat yoga sessions are led by the experts at You Call This Yoga, offering a welcoming environment for practitioners of all experience levels to unwind, stretch, and focus on their personal wellness goals. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or trying it for the first time, this is the perfect community opportunity to move your body in the fresh air. To ensure an inclusive experience, half of our scheduled sessions are taught in both Spanish and English, while the remaining classes are conducted in English. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat and water bottle to stay comfortable throughout the practice. Do not miss this chance to prioritize your physical and mental health in a supportive outdoor setting. We look forward to seeing you at 501 Foster Street for an energizing evening session. Join us today and discover the many benefits of a consistent fitness routine.

Join the vibrant Run, Sweat, Beers RUN CLUB every Tuesday evening at Growler Grlz in Durham. This energetic community has been going strong for over five years, welcoming runners and walkers of all skill levels to participate in an active and social atmosphere. Whether you are an experienced athlete or just looking for a fun way to stay moving, this group offers a perfect balance of fitness and camaraderie. There is no need for formal sign ups, so feel free to simply show up and join the fun starting at six in the evening. As a special incentive for new participants, Growler Grlz rewards your dedication by gifting you a custom t shirt after completing your first dozen runs. After your workout, you are invited to stay and relax in the welcoming taproom, which features an extensive selection of fresh, locally sourced craft beers on tap. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Come be a part of this enduring tradition and earn your post run drink today.

Living in Alignment is an outdoor workshop that combines yoga, meditation, and guided journaling to help participants gain clarity and focus. This session offers a structured space to explore personal themes through movement and intentional reflection in a park setting. Participants will engage in an all-levels yoga practice designed to build awareness and prepare the body for stillness. Throughout the evening, the instructor will lead guided meditation sessions and provide specific prompts for journaling. This cycle of movement and writing allows you to translate physical exploration into actionable insights. The practice focuses on noticing internal patterns and documenting your thoughts in real time. This event is open to everyone regardless of experience level. It provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a balanced approach to mindfulness and self-reflection. Please arrive prepared with a yoga mat, a water bottle, a journal, a pen, and insect repellent. We invite you to join us for this unique evening of movement and inquiry. Secure your spot today to experience this intentional practice and leave feeling grounded and refreshed.