First Friday Market and Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox

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.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.

The Raleigh Game and Geek Expo 2026 is a premier gathering for gaming enthusiasts and pop culture fans. This annual event provides a dedicated space for community members to celebrate their shared interests and explore the latest in industry innovation. Attendees can participate in gaming tournaments or enjoy open play areas featuring retro consoles, modern systems, PCs, and tabletop games. The schedule includes expert panel discussions, live music, and themed stage activities throughout the weekend. A highlight of the experience is the time machine lounge, which offers an immersive journey into the culture and fashion of the eighties and nineties. Guests also have the chance to meet celebrities and industry professionals who helped shape the gaming and geek landscapes. This event is designed for gamers of all experience levels seeking connection and entertainment. Whether you are looking to compete, learn from industry leaders, or discover new trends, this expo offers a welcoming environment for everyone. Join us for a weekend of celebration and camaraderie as we bring the community together to level up the fun.

The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression. Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds. This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.

The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression. Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds. This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.

Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Pop Up ARTernative Market, held on the first Sunday of every month at Chapel of Bones Coffee in Raleigh. This exciting recurring event transforms the unique and atmospheric space at 658 Maywood Avenue into a bustling hub for local creativity. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can explore a diverse array of handmade goods, crafts, and unique items created by talented local makers and artists. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind gifts or simply want to support the local economy, this market offers something special for every visitor. This family-friendly event is completely free to attend and welcomes guests of all ages to browse in a relaxed setting. While you shop, take the opportunity to enjoy the gourmet coffee and full bar offerings available at Chapel of Bones. Immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Triangle and connect with the vendors who bring our local community to life. Mark your calendar for the next market date and join us for an inspiring day of discovery and connection. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Fall Outdoor Movie Night is an evening community screening of the film David. This event provides a relaxing outdoor cinematic experience designed for friends, families, and neighbors to enjoy together under the autumn sky. Attendees can expect a classic movie theater atmosphere featuring free popcorn and snow cones available while supplies last. Additional concessions will be provided throughout the evening. Seating starts promptly at 7:15 PM, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot. Please bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to ensure maximum comfort during the show. In the case of inclement weather, the screening will move to an indoor location to ensure the event proceeds as scheduled. This event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a casual night out with the community. Whether you are a fan of cinema or simply want to take advantage of the pleasant fall weather, this screening offers a welcoming environment for all. We look forward to seeing you there for a memorable night of entertainment.

A/V Geeks Go Old School is a curated screening event showcasing a collection of vintage 16mm educational short films. Attendees will experience an evening of nostalgic cinema pulled from vast film archives that highlight the unique teaching methods and entertainment styles of past decades. The program features a variety of shorts ranging from musical numbers and puppet performances to bizarre moral lessons. These films were staples of classroom instruction in previous years and are now presented for their unintentional humor and historical curiosity. The screening offers a deep dive into mid-century media that is both educational and deeply entertaining. This event is designed for film enthusiasts, nostalgia seekers, and anyone interested in the strange history of educational media. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and set to provide a fun community experience. We encourage guests to arrive early to secure a seat in the front row for a chance to win special prizes. Join us for a night of rediscovering these delightful relics of the past. Grab your tickets now to ensure your spot at this one of a kind screening.

Experience the magic of the big screen at The Lumina Theater in Southern Village without breaking the bank. Located at 620 Market Street in Chapel Hill, this premier cinema destination is proud to offer their popular Terrific Tuesdays promotion. Every Tuesday throughout the entire year, movie lovers can secure tickets for the incredibly low base price of just 6.25 dollars. Even after accounting for all taxes and fees, the total cost remains a highly accessible 7.75 dollars per person, making it the perfect opportunity to catch the latest blockbuster releases or indie gems in a comfortable, community-focused environment. Beyond the unbeatable ticket pricing, guests can also enjoy exclusive concession specials available only on Tuesdays, adding even more value to your cinematic outing. Whether you are planning a casual date night, a fun afternoon with friends, or a solo escape, The Lumina Theater provides a top-tier viewing experience at a fraction of the standard cost. We invite you to join us this coming Tuesday to enjoy high-quality entertainment and significant savings. Visit our box office or website today to browse our current showtimes and secure your seats for an unforgettable week of film.