Glitter Hour Amateur Drag Competition

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.

This event is a documentary screening and exploration of the life and work of Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver. It examines her deep connection to the natural world of Cape Cod and her enduring influence on contemporary literature and mindfulness. Attendees will experience a cinematic journey through Oliver’s life, featuring rare personal archives, notebooks, and correspondence. The presentation includes exclusive interviews with close friends like John Waters alongside featured readings of her most iconic poetry performed by Stephen Colbert, Lucy Dacus, Steve Buscemi, and Oprah Winfrey. These segments provide a unique look at her private world and the inspirations behind her celebrated verses. This event is perfect for literature enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking clarity in an age of digital distraction. It offers a reflective atmosphere suitable for poets, naturalists, and urbanites alike. Join us for this screening to rediscover the profound simplicity of Oliver’s work and its pressing relevance to modern life. We invite you to explore the intersection of beauty, attention, and the human experience through the lens of one of America’s most beloved contemporary mystics.

The ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament is an annual competitive bowling event held in Raleigh, North Carolina, over Labor Day weekend. Organized by an all-volunteer non-profit established in 2023, the event serves to foster high-level amateur competition while raising critical funds for LGBTQ+ charities across the state. It stands as the flagship initiative for the organization. Participants can expect a professionally managed tournament structure that welcomes amateur bowlers from both national and international backgrounds. The event focuses on fair play, skill development, and community engagement within a structured competitive environment. Beyond the lanes, the tournament highlights the dedication of volunteers committed to supporting local non-profit causes through sportsmanship and active community participation. This event is designed for amateur bowling enthusiasts who want to compete at a high level while supporting a meaningful cause. The atmosphere is centered on inclusivity, athleticism, and charitable impact. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina, this tournament provides an excellent platform to showcase your talent. Registration information is available through the official tournament portal.

The Girl Kissers Book Club Launch Party is a festive community gathering designed to celebrate the official debut of our new mailers. This event serves as a launch celebration for our members to connect in person during the Labor Day holiday weekend. We invite everyone to join us for an afternoon of networking and community building at Le Dive Bar. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of custom themed cocktails and mocktails while socializing with fellow book lovers. We will offer an exclusive sneak peek of our upcoming merchandise collection. Guests can participate in giveaways to win free mailers and browse the PR suitcase to collect various brand products. Our space will also feature dedicated areas for creative crafts and informal group discussions throughout the afternoon. This event is perfect for current members or anyone interested in joining our community. We foster a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere suitable for all readers, regardless of their current progress with our book selections. Please join us for an engaging day of conversation and celebration. We look forward to seeing you there.

He is an Amazing God: The Final Chapter VICTORIOUS is a powerful stage play centered on themes of faith, resilience, and ultimate triumph. This production serves as the concluding installment of an impactful series, offering a profound exploration of spiritual victory through theatrical storytelling. Attendees will experience a dynamic performance that combines compelling dialogue, moving musical sequences, and dramatic narrative arcs. The stage play highlights the human journey toward overcoming obstacles and finding strength in belief. The production team has designed this show to be both visually engaging and emotionally resonant, ensuring that the message remains clear and accessible for all members of the audience. This event is intended for anyone seeking an uplifting and thought provoking theatrical experience. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming, reflective, and celebratory of shared values. Due to high demand from previous seasons, organizers recommend securing tickets early to guarantee a seat. Join us for this final chapter to witness a memorable conclusion to a story that has inspired many. Visit the official event page to purchase your tickets and confirm your attendance today.

The Last of Us is a formal staged workshop presentation of a new original play written and directed by Katrina C. Tarson. This event offers a public look at the final stage of an intensive creative development process. The production utilizes a mix of text, poetry, and movement to explore modern issues facing women today. Attendees will experience a text-in-hand performance focusing on the journey of Tilou, a young woman confronted by a mysterious Sisterhood. This format provides a unique opportunity to witness the raw creative process behind a new theatrical work. The staging emphasizes clarity and lyrical storytelling to deliver its central message. This event is intended for mature audiences aged 18 and older. Following the performance, the production team will host a feedback session to gather audience insights as they refine the script for future full-scale productions. We invite you to join us for this evening of modern myth and creative exploration. Your participation is a vital part of helping this new play reach its full potential for future stages.

Strange Bait is an evening dedicated to ghost stories and local folklore hosted by author Liz Z Pardue. This event invites community members to gather for a curated presentation of eerie regional legends and strange tales from the Carolinas. The program begins with light snacks and a guided storytelling session featuring a visual slide show led by Liz Z Pardue. After the main presentation, the floor opens for attendees to share their own unexplained experiences. Guests are encouraged to participate in this interactive segment for a chance to win prizes, including passes to the local attraction Panic Point. This event is perfect for fans of supernatural lore, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique social outing. The atmosphere is designed to be engaging, cozy, and slightly chilling. If you enjoy authentic storytelling and local history, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share your interests. Please join us for this unique exploration of the strange and unknown. Secure your spot today to participate in a memorable night of haunting local narratives.