Forged Critters: Beginner Blacksmithing Workshop

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.

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.

Fabrication II is a hands-on technical course designed to advance your metalworking abilities. This class serves as an essential bridge for participants looking to master more sophisticated fabrication equipment and gain authorization for open studio access. In this session, you will receive professional instruction on three core tools. You will learn to operate a plasma cutter for precision metal shaping, a TIG welder for clean and controlled joining, and gas torches for heating, bending, and cutting. Each section includes an overview followed by dedicated practice time to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with machine operation. Please note that our facility currently does not support aluminum TIG welding. This course is perfect for makers who have already completed foundational training and are ready to expand their technical toolkit. The environment is focused, collaborative, and structured to prioritize safety and skill acquisition. By attending, you unlock the ability to utilize these professional-grade tools for your independent projects during open studio hours. Sign up today to elevate your fabrication practice and take the next step toward technical mastery in the metal shop.

This workshop teaches you how to transform scrap or new silver into custom jewelry pieces. Participants learn to melt, fold, and shape silver to create unique rings, bracelets, or pendants under expert guidance. You will master the fundamentals of metal manipulation in a hands-on environment. Whether you want a clean polished aesthetic or an organic forged look, you decide the final outcome. If you are unsatisfied with your initial design, you can simply melt the material down and begin again. We provide enough sterling silver for one bracelet or multiple smaller items, and you are welcome to bring your own scrap jewelry to incorporate into your designs. No prior metalworking experience is required for this class. It is ideal for hobbyists, craft enthusiasts, and those looking to repurpose old silver into wearable art. Please note that a portion of the course fee covers your provided materials, though additional silver will be available for purchase if needed due to fluctuating market prices. Join us to develop a new skill and walk away with a piece of jewelry you crafted yourself.

This two session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience in a professional shop environment. During the first session, you will mill raw lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will use shaping and profiling tools to refine, sand, and finish your project. This structured process ensures you understand the progression from raw material to a high-quality finished product. This course is ideal for those looking to expand their woodworking skills after completing a formal introductory class. It serves as an excellent foundation for future projects like box making. Please note that participants must have prior experience with a jointer, planer, and table saw, or must have completed the Woodshop Introduction course before attending. If you are ready to apply your technical skills to a practical project, register today to secure your spot and start building your own custom kitchen essential.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is a world renowned literary event returning to the Triangle area from September 11 to 13, 2026. This gathering celebrates global thinkers, poets, and writers, serving as a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse through a series of engaging presentations and discussions. This year the festival takes place at Meredith College on September 11 and 12, followed by a final day at the North Carolina State University Centennial Campus on September 13. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of notable guests including Cheetie Kumar, Jaki Shelton Green, Joseph Bathanti, Karan Mahajan, Manil Suri, Pria Anand, Vijay Seshadri, and Vishwesh Bhatt. These sessions provide unique opportunities to hear from influential authors and storytellers who have shaped the modern literary landscape. This festival is designed for readers, students, and anyone interested in contemporary global literature and arts. The atmosphere is professional, energetic, and highly inclusive, making it an ideal environment for those looking to expand their perspectives. We encourage you to join us for this landmark production alongside our partners at Artsplosure to experience an unforgettable celebration of words and ideas.

The Jaipur Literature Festival North Carolina is a premier literary event bringing the world's largest literature festival to the Triangle area. Hosted at Meredith College and NC State Centennial Campus, the festival celebrates global culture, literature, and discourse through an expansive program of international thought leadership. The event serves as a platform for intellectual exchange and creative inspiration. Attendees can expect a diverse caravan of thinkers, poets, novelists, and performers to lead discussions and readings. The program focuses on exploring contemporary narratives and historical perspectives through curated panels and interactive sessions. Previous years have featured renowned figures such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai, and Shashi Tharoor, highlighting the caliber of guests involved. This festival is designed for readers, writers, and anyone interested in global ideas and storytelling. The atmosphere is vibrant and intellectual, fostering connections between authors and their audience. Whether you are a literature enthusiast or a curious learner, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with high-level speakers in an accessible environment. Plan your visit today to participate in this significant cultural gathering.

The Fenton Art Festival 2026 is a professional fine arts gathering hosted in the heart of the Triangle. This event serves as a curated marketplace where the community can connect directly with professional creators to celebrate high quality artistic craftsmanship and local culture. Attendees can explore a diverse selection of original works including oils, watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, and professional sculptures. The festival features more than 50 established artists showcasing their latest collections. Beyond shopping, the event schedule includes interactive art workshops, live technical demonstrations, and collaborative public art projects. These hands-on experiences are designed to offer visitors a deeper look into the creative process and the skill required to produce fine art. This festival is designed for art collectors, design enthusiasts, and families looking for a meaningful weekend activity. The atmosphere is professional yet approachable, set within one of the region premier destinations for leisure and shopping. We invite you to join us for a day of discovery and creative engagement. Plan your visit to support the local arts community and find unique pieces for your home or office collection.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is a world renowned literary event returning to the Triangle area from September 11 to 13, 2026. This gathering celebrates global thinkers, poets, and writers, serving as a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse through a series of engaging presentations and discussions. This year the festival takes place at Meredith College on September 11 and 12, followed by a final day at the North Carolina State University Centennial Campus on September 13. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of notable guests including Cheetie Kumar, Jaki Shelton Green, Joseph Bathanti, Karan Mahajan, Manil Suri, Pria Anand, Vijay Seshadri, and Vishwesh Bhatt. These sessions provide unique opportunities to hear from influential authors and storytellers who have shaped the modern literary landscape. This festival is designed for readers, students, and anyone interested in contemporary global literature and arts. The atmosphere is professional, energetic, and highly inclusive, making it an ideal environment for those looking to expand their perspectives. We encourage you to join us for this landmark production alongside our partners at Artsplosure to experience an unforgettable celebration of words and ideas.

The Jaipur Literature Festival North Carolina is a premier literary event bringing the world's largest literature festival to the Triangle area. Hosted at Meredith College and NC State Centennial Campus, the festival celebrates global culture, literature, and discourse through an expansive program of international thought leadership. The event serves as a platform for intellectual exchange and creative inspiration. Attendees can expect a diverse caravan of thinkers, poets, novelists, and performers to lead discussions and readings. The program focuses on exploring contemporary narratives and historical perspectives through curated panels and interactive sessions. Previous years have featured renowned figures such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai, and Shashi Tharoor, highlighting the caliber of guests involved. This festival is designed for readers, writers, and anyone interested in global ideas and storytelling. The atmosphere is vibrant and intellectual, fostering connections between authors and their audience. Whether you are a literature enthusiast or a curious learner, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with high-level speakers in an accessible environment. Plan your visit today to participate in this significant cultural gathering.

The Rage Retreat is a two-hour intensive writing workshop focused on harnessing anger as a creative catalyst for memoir and fiction. Led by Redbud Writing founders Emily and Arshia, this session provides a dedicated space for writers to explore emotional intensity through the written word. Participants will learn how to channel volatile feelings into vivid prose while refining their personal voice and narrative structure. Throughout the workshop, attendees will engage with guided prompts and structured in-class writing exercises. These activities are designed to help you transform complex emotions into clear, compelling storytelling. You will gain practical techniques to maintain emotional clarity on the page, ensuring that your raw inspiration translates into intentional and effective prose. The sessions are crafted to turn internal frustration into artistic momentum. This workshop is open to writers of all experience levels and backgrounds. Whether you are a beginner or an established author, you will find a supportive environment to experiment with bold themes. Join us to refine your craft and explore the productive potential of your voice. Register today to secure your place in this transformative writing experience.