Joshua Ray Walker

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.

This concert features a live performance by Infinity Dream, supported by Strychnine Soul and Rotting Ways. The event offers an immersive night of melodic, atmospheric metal and hard rock designed for fans of emotional and technically driven live music. Infinity Dream brings their signature sound to the stage, featuring complex keyboard arrangements and powerful male and female vocals. Attendees will hear tracks from their debut album Memories and their latest release Silver Lining, which dropped in October 2025. Following their recent work with iconic bands like Metal Church, the group brings high-level musicianship and a professional stage presence to this show. They are joined by the heavy sounds of Strychnine Soul and Rotting Ways to round out the lineup. This show is ideal for listeners who appreciate deep lyrical themes and moody, lush melodic compositions. The atmosphere will be intense, artistic, and reflective, making it a must-see for local metal enthusiasts. Purchase your tickets now to experience this compelling live performance and witness the evolution of Infinity Dream in a high-energy, concert-hall setting.

This event features a double bill performance by two high-energy string bands, 65 North Pickers and Radish. The concert showcases a blend of traditional bluegrass, jam band improvisation, and contemporary musical influences designed for music lovers who enjoy live string instrumentation and adventurous performances. The 65 North Pickers open the evening with their signature mix of mandolin, banjo, guitar, and bass. They are known for incorporating elements of classic festival culture, the Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix into their original songs and jams. Following them, Radish takes the stage to present their unique bluegrass-ish sound. This Baltimore-based ensemble features a full complement of acoustic instruments, including the dobro, to deliver a fresh and genre-bending sonic experience. Both groups are celebrated for their technical musicianship and ability to keep a crowd engaged through complex arrangements. This show is perfect for fans of improvisational music and anyone looking for a night of spirited live performance. Whether you are a dedicated bluegrass enthusiast or a casual listener of alternative string music, you will find a welcoming atmosphere. Join us for this evening of talent and community to see why both bands are gaining significant momentum in the music scene.

This event features a live rap performance by Chandler, supported by TuffLuckKid. It serves as a showcase for Chandler, a Newport News native and New York based artist known for his viral hit FIGURE IT OUT and his return to the music industry in 2021. Attendees can expect a high energy set highlighting tracks like NOTHIN TO IT and Hot Pocket. Chandler brings extensive stage experience to the show, having performed across the country with acts such as DRAM and Dirty Heads. The performance will focus on his signature wordplay and distinct musical persona that has gained him over 25 million streams in the past year. You will hear a mix of fan favorites alongside recent releases that have landed him on major streaming playlists. This show is designed for fans of modern rap and those following rising talent in the hip hop scene. The atmosphere will be fast paced and engaging, reflecting his recent successful tours and media appearances. Secure your tickets now to experience this performance live as Chandler continues his upward trajectory in the rap music scene.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.

The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression. Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds. This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.

The Beats N Bars Music Festival is returning to Durham, North Carolina for its monumental tenth anniversary on September 5 and 6, 2026. This year, the festival features the Labor of Love Fest, a vibrant day party and concert dedicated to honoring Black music, creativity, and the dedication required to build community. Held at The Fruit, this energetic event offers an unforgettable experience complete with live performances, curated DJ sets, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. It is the perfect atmosphere for those looking to celebrate local culture in a fun and sophisticated setting. Following the main event, join us on Sunday for the Music Trivia Night at The Durham Hotel. This interactive evening invites music lovers to test their knowledge of hip-hop, soul, and R&B classics in a high-energy environment. Whether you are dancing at the day party or competing with your crew at trivia, this weekend promises to be a highlight of the season. Secure your tickets early to be part of this incredible celebration of artistry and connection in the heart of Durham.

Open Mic Night is a community performance event that offers a platform for local artists to showcase their talents on a professional stage. The purpose of this gathering is to provide an accessible space for musicians, singers, and creatives to share their work with a live audience in a supportive environment. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a first time artist, our doors are open to everyone looking to express themselves musically. Participants can expect a curated lineup of diverse acts ranging from solo acoustic sets to vocal performances. The stage is equipped with professional audio gear to ensure high quality sound for all performers. We encourage variety and welcome original compositions as well as covers. The evening focuses on creating a high energy atmosphere where every artist is given the spotlight to engage the room. This event is perfect for aspiring musicians, local music enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys supporting grassroots talent. The vibe is relaxed yet focused, making it an ideal setting for networking or simply enjoying a night of live music. If you are interested in performing, please arrive early to sign up on our list.

The Midnight Raven Stained Glass Experience is a hands-on workshop where participants learn to create custom stained glass art. This guided session teaches the fundamental techniques of foiling, assembling, and soldering glass pieces in a supportive studio environment. During the workshop, you will work directly with professional tools and glass materials. Our instructor provides step by step guidance to ensure you complete your unique project with confidence. While individual pacing varies, the studio offers complimentary additional time to guarantee every guest finishes their artwork regardless of complexity. This structured approach allows you to focus on developing new skills and crafting a finished piece to take home. This event is perfect for beginners and those curious about the stained glass process. With class sizes strictly limited to ten participants, you receive personalized attention throughout the session. The atmosphere is focused yet relaxed, fostering a creative space for all skill levels. If you are looking to learn a hands-on craft or simply want a productive creative outlet, register today to secure your seat for this unique artistic experience.

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.