Homeschool History Day at Mordecai Historic Park

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.

Toddler Tuesday: Digging for Dinosaurs is an interactive educational workshop led by Mad Science designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of paleontology. This session provides a structured environment where toddlers explore the prehistoric world through hands-on learning and guided discovery. Participants will investigate the physical differences between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs. The experience includes a close-up look at authentic-style dinosaur teeth to spark curiosity. Children will then take on the role of paleontologists by engaging in a mini dinosaur dig. These activities are specifically crafted to build scientific knowledge while maintaining an engaging pace suitable for young learners. Every component is designed to turn complex concepts into accessible play. This class is tailored for toddlers eager to learn about history and biology in a fun setting. The atmosphere is supportive, active, and focused on sensory discovery. It is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their observation skills while enjoying a unique group experience. Parents are encouraged to register soon to secure a spot for their little explorers in this popular weekly science series.

Join the vibrant community of local chess players at Durham Chess Enthusiasts for a welcoming and intellectually stimulating weekly gathering. Held every Tuesday at the inviting Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps, this event offers the perfect setting for players of all skill levels to engage in friendly matches and sharpen their strategic thinking. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or just learning the basics of the game, our community provides an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and connect with fellow neighbors. Der Nachbar provides a comfortable atmosphere with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages available at their twenty taps. The venue is conveniently located on Hillsborough Road and features a spacious patio where participants can enjoy the fresh air. Families are more than welcome, although an adult must accompany all players under the age of eighteen. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Bring your own board if you wish or simply drop in to meet others. We invite you to join us this Tuesday to test your skills and be part of our growing local chess scene.

Escape the Lost Temple is an interactive adventure designed specifically for mothers and daughters to solve puzzles together. This immersive experience challenges teams to recover an ancient relic by navigating a themed jungle environment while working to find their way out. Participants will engage in a series of collaborative challenges that require critical thinking and communication. You will decode secret messages, locate hidden clues, and complete logic based tasks throughout the temple grounds. The experience emphasizes teamwork as you move through each stage of the quest toward a final goal. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond while navigating a fast paced and mentally stimulating environment. This adventure is intended for mothers and their daughters who enjoy problem solving and shared activities. The atmosphere is designed to be exciting and collaborative, ensuring an engaging evening for all attendees. Registration is required for every individual participating in the event. Please note that an adult must accompany each child at all times during the experience. Secure your spots now to participate in this memorable mission together.

Toddler Tuesday: Digging for Dinosaurs is an interactive educational workshop led by Mad Science designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of paleontology. This session provides a structured environment where toddlers explore the prehistoric world through hands-on learning and guided discovery. Participants will investigate the physical differences between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs. The experience includes a close-up look at authentic-style dinosaur teeth to spark curiosity. Children will then take on the role of paleontologists by engaging in a mini dinosaur dig. These activities are specifically crafted to build scientific knowledge while maintaining an engaging pace suitable for young learners. Every component is designed to turn complex concepts into accessible play. This class is tailored for toddlers eager to learn about history and biology in a fun setting. The atmosphere is supportive, active, and focused on sensory discovery. It is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their observation skills while enjoying a unique group experience. Parents are encouraged to register soon to secure a spot for their little explorers in this popular weekly science series.

Are you looking to boost your digital confidence and stay connected in today's fast-paced world? Durham Parks and Recreation is thrilled to offer a specialized Computer Refresher course designed exclusively for adults ages 50 and older. This engaging series is hosted at the W.D. Recreation Center and provides a supportive environment where participants can sharpen their technical skills at a comfortable pace. Whether you want to brush up on internet navigation, email communication, or general device usage, this course offers valuable insights and hands-on practice to help you navigate modern technology with ease. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings from September 8 to September 29, with a second session running from October 6 to October 27. Because we are committed to providing personalized guidance to every student, class sizes are kept small. Please note that registration is mandatory to secure your spot in this popular program. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and master the tools of the digital age. Register today to join our vibrant learning community and take your first step toward tech proficiency.

Join the vibrant community of local chess players at Durham Chess Enthusiasts for a welcoming and intellectually stimulating weekly gathering. Held every Tuesday at the inviting Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps, this event offers the perfect setting for players of all skill levels to engage in friendly matches and sharpen their strategic thinking. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or just learning the basics of the game, our community provides an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and connect with fellow neighbors. Der Nachbar provides a comfortable atmosphere with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages available at their twenty taps. The venue is conveniently located on Hillsborough Road and features a spacious patio where participants can enjoy the fresh air. Families are more than welcome, although an adult must accompany all players under the age of eighteen. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Bring your own board if you wish or simply drop in to meet others. We invite you to join us this Tuesday to test your skills and be part of our growing local chess scene.

The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony is a formal public gathering dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of first responders and remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. This event provides our community with a meaningful space to reflect on the events of that day and express gratitude to those who serve on the front lines every day. We invite all residents to join us in this collective act of commemoration and solidarity. The ceremony will feature a series of solemn tributes, including a moment of silence and a ceremonial presentation of the colors. Attendees will hear brief remarks from local community leaders and first responder representatives who share personal reflections on service and resilience. The program is designed to be concise yet impactful, ensuring that our shared commitment to never forget remains at the forefront of the experience. This event is open to all community members seeking to pay their respects in a quiet and supportive environment. Please arrive early to secure seating as we prepare to honor this significant moment together. We look forward to your presence as we unite to observe this day of national remembrance.

The Patriot Day Ceremony is a formal community event hosted by the American Legion Post 124 to honor the lives lost and the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. This annual gathering serves as a space for public reflection and collective remembrance of the tragic events that reshaped our nation. Attendees will join local public safety officials and members of the Town Council for a structured program of tribute. The ceremony features remarks from community leaders and local representatives who share personal reflections on resilience and national service. The environment remains solemn yet purposeful as the town comes together to acknowledge the lasting impact of that day. This event is open to all community members who wish to participate in a shared experience of gratitude and support for our first responders. Please join us for this meaningful commemoration to stand in unity with your neighbors. Your presence adds strength to our communal memory as we recognize those who serve our town and country. We look forward to welcoming you to this important local tradition of remembrance and reflection.

We invite you to join our 9/11 Honor and Remembrance ceremony to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001. This public gathering serves as a moment of collective reflection and national unity for all community members who wish to pay their respects and honor the legacy of those impacted by the tragedy. Our program features a formal memorial service including a moment of silence and short reflections from local leaders. Attendees will witness a presentation of the colors, live musical tributes, and a candle lighting ceremony designed to foster a spirit of peace and resilience. The event provides a structured space for quiet contemplation and shared remembrance. We encourage everyone to participate in this meaningful observance regardless of background. The atmosphere will be respectful, solemn, and supportive. Please arrive fifteen minutes early to ensure seating, as the ceremony will begin promptly. Your attendance contributes to the enduring promise that we will never forget those lost. We look forward to gathering together to observe this important milestone in our nation's history with grace and dignity.