Friday Favorites: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

CHILL ACT North Carolina Special Needs & Homeschool Expo is a free community event bringing families together with local providers, educators, therapists, community organizations, and resources supporting children with autism, special needs, and homeschool families. Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Durham Convention Center. Families can explore valuable local resources, meet therapy and educational providers, and enjoy a welcoming day filled with activities for children. Event highlights include: • Free developmental & pre-autism screenings • Therapy, education & community resources • Balloon art • Face painting • Bounce house • Petting zoo • Art exhibition featuring neurodiverse children • Local vendors and family resources Admission is FREE for families. Register for free at www.chillactexpo.com Come connect, learn, explore resources, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the North Carolina special needs and homeschool community.

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.

The North Carolina Symphony opens its new season with a powerful performance featuring Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. This concert showcases a program of orchestral masterworks designed to highlight the full range and dynamic capability of the ensemble in an evening of high-level classical music. Under the direction of conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, the symphony performs Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Stravinsky Petrouchka. The highlight of the program features pianist Boris Giltburg performing the technically demanding Rachmaninoff concerto. These selections offer a diverse journey through impressionist atmosphere, romantic intensity, and rhythmic complexity, providing a complete symphonic experience. This event is tailored for classical music enthusiasts and those seeking an evening of professional orchestral performance. Attendees should note that all patrons, regardless of age, must hold a ticket and remain seated throughout the concert. Children aged two and under are not permitted to attend. Join us at the concert hall for an impressive start to the symphonic season. Secure your tickets now to experience this world-class performance firsthand and enjoy an evening of exceptional artistry with the North Carolina Symphony.

Join us at the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro for a delightful Sunday tradition that brings the community together. Our Sunday Brunch Music series offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live performances while soaking in the beautiful outdoor atmosphere. Located in the heart of Carrboro, our lawn provides the perfect setting for families, friends, and music lovers to gather and unwind at the end of the weekend. Experience the vibrant local culture as talented musicians take the stage every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting May 31, 2026. This free event celebrates the spirit of our community-owned grocery and highlights the incredible musical talent found throughout the Triangle region. Whether you are looking for a relaxing morning activity or a unique way to enjoy your brunch, this concert series has something special for everyone. We invite you to bring your blankets and chairs to settle in for a memorable morning of rhythm and sunshine. Visit our website for more details on our upcoming schedule and stay updated on all local outdoor concert listings. We look forward to seeing you on the lawn for a great time.

Solo Sunday is a showcase featuring Nashville based Americana artists Rosemary Schultz and Lauren Morse. This event highlights raw talent through stripped down and acoustic sets designed to emphasize authentic songwriting and vocal clarity. Guests can expect an intimate musical experience as both artists perform solo arrangements of their original compositions and select covers. The focus remains entirely on the connection between the musician and the audience in a minimalist setting. By removing the distraction of full band production the music takes center stage to showcase the lyrical depth of the Americana genre. This session is perfect for music lovers who appreciate storytelling and the craftsmanship behind acoustic performance. The environment is relaxed and welcoming making it an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We invite you to join us for this unique showcase of local artistry and discover the unfiltered sound of two rising talents in the folk and Americana scene. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door until capacity is reached. Please arrive early to secure your preferred seating for the performance.

Solo Sunday is a showcase featuring Nashville based Americana artists Rosemary Schultz and Lauren Morse. This event highlights raw talent through stripped down and acoustic sets designed to emphasize authentic songwriting and vocal clarity. Guests can expect an intimate musical experience as both artists perform solo arrangements of their original compositions and select covers. The focus remains entirely on the connection between the musician and the audience in a minimalist setting. By removing the distraction of full band production the music takes center stage to showcase the lyrical depth of the Americana genre. This session is perfect for music lovers who appreciate storytelling and the craftsmanship behind acoustic performance. The environment is relaxed and welcoming making it an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We invite you to join us for this unique showcase of local artistry and discover the unfiltered sound of two rising talents in the folk and Americana scene. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door until capacity is reached. Please arrive early to secure your preferred seating for the performance.