Hip Hop is Higher Education Symposium

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.

Experience the vibrant heart of the local music scene at the Durham Beer and Banjos series. Hosted at the scenic Old Mill Farm, this weekly gathering celebrates the rich traditions of roots, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. Every Thursday evening, community members and music lovers come together to enjoy live performances by talented regional artists in a relaxing and welcoming outdoor environment. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long day while connecting with neighbors and experiencing authentic musical artistry. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., providing an ideal backdrop for a casual evening out. With free admission, it is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to experience culture in Durham. Whether you are a dedicated fan of traditional acoustic music or simply looking for a pleasant way to spend your Thursday, this series offers something special for everyone. Please visit the official Durham Beer and Banjos Facebook page to view the current performance schedule and plan your visit today. We look forward to seeing you at the farm for an unforgettable musical experience.

Experience an unforgettable evening of soulful music as the Gregg Museum of Art and Design hosts a special live performance by Lakota John. Located at 1903 Hillsborough Street in the heart of Raleigh, this esteemed cultural venue offers the perfect backdrop for an intimate concert. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of exceptional artistry in a setting that celebrates both creativity and community. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate live music while exploring one of the most unique attractions in the city. Admission is completely free to the public, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy this talented artist. While the event is complimentary, please note that advanced registration is required to secure your spot for this performance. Parking is conveniently available adjacent to the building for all attendees. We encourage you to join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for this captivating experience. Gather your friends and family for an evening of musical discovery and community connection. Be sure to register today and prepare for a memorable night of entertainment.

NC State LIVE and the Gregg Museum of Art and Design invite you to a special community concert featuring Lakota John Locklear and his family. This performance highlights the musical traditions of the Lumbee Tribe and the rich cultural heritage of southeastern North Carolina. Lakota John Locklear blends authentic blues with Indigenous musical styles to create a unique sound. He will perform alongside his family members, Mama Tonya, Papa John, and Sister Layla. Attendees can expect an intimate musical journey that bridges traditional storytelling and contemporary performance. The collaboration showcases the deep connections between family and artistic expression while honoring the specific musical history of the region. This event is designed for students, faculty, and local community members who appreciate live music and cultural storytelling. The atmosphere will be welcoming and collaborative, making it an excellent opportunity to engage with regional artists in a relaxed museum setting. Join us for this celebration of heritage and talent by attending this one of a kind performance. We encourage all interested participants to arrive early to secure seating and enjoy the museum environment before the music begins.

The Brown Bags to Building Bridges series invites you to learn how the Town of Apex Planning Department shapes our local future. This session provides an essential overview of how the town manages growth, tracks development trends, and executes long-range strategies like the Peak Plan 2055. During this interactive forty-five minute presentation, department staff will explain the complex mechanisms that influence our community development. You will discover how zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning work together to create the Apex of tomorrow. The session also highlights specific ways that residents can engage with the planning process and share their own perspectives on town projects. This event is designed for all residents who want to understand the foundations of local government and community growth. It offers a professional, informative atmosphere perfect for anyone curious about the future of our town. Please note that this is a brown bag event, so remember to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. We look forward to seeing you there for this engaging look at how Apex continues to build bridges with its citizens.

Join a professional naturalist for an educational hike through the Jesse P. Perry III Arboretum at Prairie Ridge to learn local tree identification. This program offers a practical introduction to the diverse forest ecosystems found in our region. During this one to two mile trek, participants will examine ten distinct tree species. You will gain hands-on experience identifying key characteristics of various specimens while learning biological facts about their life cycles. The session also introduces Nature’s Notebook, a collaborative citizen science project. You will discover how your personal observations of seasonal changes contribute to meaningful scientific research used by experts across the country. This event is designed for individuals aged twelve and older who have an interest in forestry or biology. The atmosphere is casual, informative, and suited for anyone curious about the natural world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced nature enthusiast, this walk provides valuable skills for your future outdoor explorations. Prepare for light hiking and prepare to engage with the environment in a meaningful way. Registration is encouraged to secure your spot.

Pollinators in Our Parks is a community initiative focused on the restoration and study of native wildflower habitats. This event invites participants to actively contribute to the health of our local ecosystems through hands-on environmental stewardship and citizen science projects. Attendees will engage in practical conservation work to support local pollinators. Activities include weeding, watering, and maintaining native plant gardens under the guidance of park staff. Participants will also conduct field observations to collect data on local wildlife and plant interactions, directly contributing to ongoing conservation research efforts. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, students, and community members interested in ecological preservation. It offers a structured way to learn about native plants while providing essential care for the parks. The atmosphere is collaborative, educational, and focused on tangible environmental outcomes. No prior gardening experience is necessary to participate. Please wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. We encourage you to join us to help protect our local biodiversity and gain hands-on experience in environmental management. Register today to secure your spot in this meaningful community effort.

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 us for an enchanting morning at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University for our monthly Bilingual Storytime. Designed specifically for children ages one to five and their adult caregivers, this program offers a unique opportunity to introduce your little ones to the world of art and language in a welcoming, gallery setting. During each session, we settle into the galleries to enjoy a captivating story read in both Spanish and English, creating a rich environment for early language development and cultural discovery. Following the reading, we engage in a lively, age-appropriate discussion about a specific featured artwork, encouraging children to express their observations and creativity. The experience concludes with a fun, related artmaking activity that allows families to bond while exploring their artistic talents. This event is completely free of charge and requires no reservations, making it a perfect morning outing. We invite you to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to the museum as we celebrate stories and art together. Visit the museum website to plan your visit and explore our full calendar of upcoming events.

Join a professional naturalist for an educational hike through the Jesse P. Perry III Arboretum at Prairie Ridge to learn local tree identification. This program offers a practical introduction to the diverse forest ecosystems found in our region. During this one to two mile trek, participants will examine ten distinct tree species. You will gain hands-on experience identifying key characteristics of various specimens while learning biological facts about their life cycles. The session also introduces Nature’s Notebook, a collaborative citizen science project. You will discover how your personal observations of seasonal changes contribute to meaningful scientific research used by experts across the country. This event is designed for individuals aged twelve and older who have an interest in forestry or biology. The atmosphere is casual, informative, and suited for anyone curious about the natural world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced nature enthusiast, this walk provides valuable skills for your future outdoor explorations. Prepare for light hiking and prepare to engage with the environment in a meaningful way. Registration is encouraged to secure your spot.