Hops For Hope

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 spirit of Chapel Hill at the iconic Carolina Inn for their beloved annual event series, Fridays on the Front Porch. Located on the picturesque University of North Carolina campus, this outdoor concert series offers the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the warm weather season. Guests are invited to pull up a chair, relax, and soak in the live music performances that showcase the talent of regional musicians in a beautiful, historic setting. Whether you are looking for a casual evening with friends or a lively outing with family, this series provides a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Beyond the melodies, the event features a variety of local food trucks offering delicious culinary options, making it a complete evening of entertainment and dining. Admission is entirely free, ensuring that everyone can participate in this seasonal tradition. Please note that the series runs from May through October, with brief scheduled breaks throughout the summer. We encourage you to visit the Carolina Inn website to view the full performance schedule and plan your next visit. Join us this season for unforgettable music and community connection on the front porch.

Experience the vibrant spirit of our community during the First Friday celebration in historic Downtown Fuquay-Varina. Hosted by the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association, this recurring monthly event transforms the heart of our town into a lively hub of creativity and connection from 5 to 9 p.m. Attendees are invited to stroll through the charming streets while enjoying a curated selection of live music performances that highlight local talent and artistic expression. It is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the flourishing local arts scene while discovering unique offerings from our neighborhood merchants. Beyond the captivating entertainment, visitors can take advantage of exclusive shopping deals and special promotional events hosted by participating local businesses. This gathering is designed to bring neighbors and visitors together for an evening of relaxation, exploration, and support for our local economy. Whether you are searching for a hidden treasure, looking to enjoy some great tunes with friends, or simply wanting to soak in the welcoming atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and join us this Friday for an unforgettable evening in downtown.

Discover the hidden stories of Raleigh at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a sprawling 72 acre landmark with over 140 years of fascinating history. As the final resting place for governors, senators, and Civil War generals, this beautiful park-like setting offers a unique window into the past. Join us for our First Friday Cemetery Tours, held monthly from June through October. Led by knowledgeable guides, these evening strolls invite you to explore the lives of the famous and infamous residents buried within these historic grounds. Your participation directly supports vital monument preservation efforts, ensuring this legacy continues for generations to come. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging outdoor activity, these tours promise an unforgettable experience. Please remember to dress for the weather, bring plenty of water, and come prepared with questions about our local heritage and the death industry. Tickets are priced at ten dollars per person and registration is required to secure your spot. Visit our website today to view the full calendar and book your tour of this captivating historic site.

Youth Rock NC's Punk Cake Off is a benefit concert and auction designed to raise funds for the organizations upcoming 2027 music education programming. This unique community fundraiser supports a non-profit dedicated to empowering girls, transgender youth, and gender expansive youth through music and collaborative creative expression. Attendees will enjoy a night featuring live performances from local Triangle punk bands alongside an auction showcasing custom cakes created by local decorators. All proceeds directly support essential initiatives, including the annual summer camp where participants receive professional instrument instruction, write original songs, and attend educational workshops. Your contributions ensure that this vital community programming remains accessible to youth throughout the region. This event is perfect for music fans and community members who want to support creative education in a high energy environment. Come experience a night of live punk rock while bidding on unique baked goods to help build power through music. Grab your tickets today to help us meet our fundraising goals for 2027 and invest in the next generation of creative leaders.

The 2026 Raleigh BJJ Open is a gi-only Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament hosted by Tap Cancer Out at the Raleigh Convention Center on September 5. This competitive event brings the martial arts community together to test skills while raising funds for cancer research and support organizations. Participants compete in a structured environment designed to provide high-quality match experiences for athletes of all skill levels. The tournament follows standard IBJJF rules and utilizes a double-elimination bracket format to ensure every competitor receives multiple opportunities to perform on the mats. Attendees can expect a professional venue, organized scheduling, and a clear focus on sportsmanship and charity. This event is ideal for dedicated BJJ practitioners who want to challenge themselves while supporting a meaningful cause. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or stepping onto the mat for your first tournament, the environment is welcoming and highly focused on the integrity of the sport. We invite all interested athletes to register early to secure their spot. Join our community for a day of technical excellence, friendly competition, and impactful philanthropy in Raleigh.

Join the Parktown Food Hub for our recurring open distribution events dedicated to reducing hunger and food insecurity within the South Durham community. We are committed to providing essential nutrition to our neighbors in need through a welcoming and accessible service model. Our distribution events are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, ensuring that community members have reliable access to fresh items when they need them most. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to contribute to our mission, your presence strengthens our collective impact. We operate at 5124 Revere Road in Durham, North Carolina, and no appointments or official documentation are ever required to receive support. Please visit our website or check our official Facebook page before arriving to confirm specific dates and event times, as schedules may occasionally change. We invite you to be part of this vital effort by participating, volunteering, or donating to help sustain our operations. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for local families. Please join us at our next scheduled distribution event to support your health and your community.