Mead Fest at Starrlight Mead

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.

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 Hardee's in commemorating a monumental milestone as the brand celebrates its 66th birthday throughout the entire month of September 2026. This special occasion also coincides with National Biscuit Month, providing the perfect excuse for a delicious celebration. To kick off the festivities, Hardee's is thrilled to offer a signature sausage biscuit for only 66 cents. This limited time offer is available during the entire Labor Day weekend, running from September 3 through September 7, 2026. The excitement does not end with the holiday weekend. Hardee's is keeping the party going by extending exclusive deals and weekly offers throughout the rest of September to honor their heritage and appreciation for loyal customers. Whether you are a long time fan or a new visitor, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy quality comfort food at an unbeatable price point. We invite you to visit your local Hardee's location to take advantage of these savings and join in the birthday cheer. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and experience the classic flavors that have made Hardee's a breakfast staple for over six decades.

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.

The Carrboro Farmers Market invites families to participate in the engaging Market Bunch program, held every Wednesday from April through November. This weekly initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about sustainability, local agriculture, and healthy eating through hands-on arts and crafts projects. Set in the heart of Carrboro, these sessions are designed to foster curiosity and community spirit while connecting the next generation with local farmers and artisans. Beyond the kids activities, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere featuring goods produced within fifty miles of the town. Whether you are browsing for fresh seasonal produce, attending special thematic events like Tomato Day, or participating in the annual vendor costume contest, there is always something unique to discover. We encourage parents to bring their children to explore these educational offerings and enjoy the local bounty in a family-friendly setting. Visit the Carrboro Town Commons to experience our community atmosphere firsthand. We look forward to seeing you there to support our local growers and enjoy the weekly festivities with your family. Check our website or sign up for the weekly newsletter for complete event details.

The Back to School Block Party is a community celebration held to welcome local students and families as the new academic year begins. This outdoor gathering offers a space for neighbors to connect and enjoy an evening of festivities before classes resume. The goal is to provide a positive environment that builds excitement and community spirit for all participants. Attendees can explore a variety of food trucks serving diverse options suitable for all ages. The event features numerous inflatables and structured games designed to keep children active and entertained throughout the evening. Additional activities include interactive stations that encourage engagement and social interaction among attendees. These highlights ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy during this transition period. This event is open to all students, parents, and community members looking for a relaxed way to wrap up the summer season. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming, inclusive, and fun for families of all backgrounds. We invite you to join us for this community celebration. Please bring your friends and neighbors as we prepare for a successful school year together.

The Fall Leaves Linocut workshop is a hands-on printmaking session led by artist Bill Fick from SuperG Print Lab. Participants will learn the fundamentals of carving and printing original autumn themed designs to create custom artwork. During this session you will explore the linocut process from start to finish. You will learn how to carve intricate seasonal motifs into blocks and use professional inks to pull your own prints. The workshop emphasizes the use of bold lines, unique textures, and layering colors to capture the essence of fall foliage. All necessary materials, including carving tools, blocks, and paper, are provided for every attendee. This event is designed for both beginners and experienced artists who want to refine their printmaking skills in a collaborative setting. Whether you are looking to start a new creative hobby or build upon your existing artistic practice, this workshop offers a productive and focused environment. Space is limited so please register early to secure your spot. Bring your creativity and prepare to produce a collection of handmade prints to take home.

Experience an evening of inspiration at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, a vibrant hub managed by the Orange County Arts Commission. On September 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., join us for a special First Friday celebration featuring the captivating Colors of Soul exhibit, curated by the Inter-Latin American Artist Collective. This event brings together an impressive lineup of talented local creators to share their vision with the community. The evening promises a dynamic blend of visual arts, live musical performances, and poetic expressions. Beyond the main exhibit, attendees can explore open artist studios and discover the diverse range of creative workshops available, spanning from fiber arts to figure drawing. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with local culture and support regional artists in a unique historic setting. We invite everyone to visit the Eno Arts Mill for this free, energetic gathering. Whether you are an art enthusiast or looking for a meaningful outing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please visit the official website to learn more and secure your spot today.

Experience the vibrant energy of the PLAYlist Concert Series at Durham Central Park in 2026. This highly anticipated event brings the community together for an unforgettable outdoor musical journey, featuring the Africa Unplugged showcase. Set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown Durham, these concerts provide the perfect atmosphere for music lovers to enjoy high-quality performances in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle, this series offers a fantastic way to celebrate culture through rhythm and sound. The event takes place on the first Friday of each month from May through October, with a special scheduling adjustment in July. Admission is entirely free, making it an accessible experience for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the lawn seating. Local food trucks and craft beer vendors will be available on-site to satisfy your cravings while you enjoy the show. Parking is complimentary, and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Gather your friends and family for an evening of live entertainment under the stars. Check the official website today to view the full lineup and plan your visit.

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.