Paint Your Pet Portrait

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.

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.

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.

Casual Calligraphy Lettering is a hands-on workshop dedicated to the art of beautiful handwriting. This session teaches fundamental lettering styles and essential stroke techniques to help you master the basics of traditional calligraphy. It provides a structured environment for those who want to develop a new creative skill. Participants will learn to use professional calligraphy tools under the guidance of experienced instructors. The curriculum covers basic letter formation and page composition to ensure balanced and elegant results. You will practice various alphabet styles and gain confidence in controlling ink flow and pressure. All necessary tools are provided during the session to support your learning experience. This event is perfect for beginners and individuals interested in mindfulness through analog creation. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, making it an ideal setting to slow down and focus on detail. Whether you want to improve your personal correspondence or simply enjoy a quiet creative outlet, this class offers a rewarding experience. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for every attendee. Register today to secure your place and begin your calligraphy journey.

Experience the magic of creativity at the JB Duke Hotel in Durham as they present their distinguished Artist in Residence Series throughout the fall of 2026. In an exciting partnership with the Durham Art Guild, the hotel transforms its lobby into a vibrant studio space every Tuesday evening starting at 6 p.m. through October 27. Witness talented local artists crafting masterpieces in real time, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into their creative process. Guests are encouraged to unwind in the comfort of the Lobby Lounge while engaging directly with the featured artists. This relaxed atmosphere is the perfect setting to appreciate fine art while enjoying a curated selection of sharable appetizers, creative entrees, and handcrafted cocktails from the hotel menu. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring midweek outing, this program offers a unique connection to the local creative community. Make sure to visit the lobby at Duke University to support these incredible creators. Check the official website to view the full artist schedule and plan your visit for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and fine dining.

Page 158 Books invites you to an author event featuring Dr. Jen Golbeck, the creator of the popular Golden Ratio Squad, to celebrate her new book, Think Like a Dog. This session explores the science behind canine behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional intelligence. The evening features a moderated discussion, an audience question and answer segment, and a photo opportunity with Dr. Golbeck and the Golden Ratio dog squad. Your ticket purchase includes a pre-signed copy of the book. Please note that dog availability for photos depends on the comfort and energy levels of the animals throughout the event. This event is designed for dog owners, animal lovers, and science enthusiasts curious about the psychological bond between humans and their pets. You will gain research-backed insights on how to build a stronger connection with your dog by focusing on their individual strengths. Whether you are interested in behavioral science or simply enjoy the Golden Ratio community, this presentation offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert. Join us for this engaging look at what is happening inside the minds of our favorite companions.

The Dream it, See it Vision Board Workshop is a guided session where adults create physical collages representing their personal goals and aspirations. Participants use art supplies to turn abstract dreams into tangible visual reminders of their future intentions. This workshop provides the space and tools needed to practice mindful goal setting through creative expression. During this hands-on event, you will curate images and words that resonate with your personal objectives. We provide all necessary materials, including magazines, adhesives, and poster boards, to help you construct your vision board. You will spend the afternoon reflecting on your priorities while organizing these elements into a cohesive display that clarifies your path forward. This event is designed for adults seeking motivation, mental clarity, or a productive creative outlet. The atmosphere is quiet and focused, making it ideal for those who want to step away from daily routines to prioritize their ambitions. If you are ready to focus your energy and gain a clearer perspective on your goals, please register now to secure your spot in this inspiring session.

Experience the vibrant spirit of sustainable agriculture at Raleigh City Farm, located in the heart of downtown at 800 North Blount Street. Starting April 15, 2026, we invite you to join our weekly Pay What You Can farm stand held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This unique initiative allows you to purchase fresh, locally grown produce while supporting our mission to connect the community to regenerative farming practices. We believe everyone deserves access to healthy food, and our sliding scale model ensures that farm-fresh nutrition remains accessible to all. After browsing the farm stand, we encourage you to stay for our Wine and Weeds gathering from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to steward our beautiful urban site, learn about native plant species, and cultivate meaningful connections with fellow neighbors. Enjoy a refreshing beverage provided by our local partners while you contribute to the growth of our space. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm. Please visit our website to sign up for sessions and secure your spot today.

Living in Alignment is an outdoor workshop that combines yoga, meditation, and guided journaling to help participants gain clarity and focus. This session offers a structured space to explore personal themes through movement and intentional reflection in a park setting. Participants will engage in an all-levels yoga practice designed to build awareness and prepare the body for stillness. Throughout the evening, the instructor will lead guided meditation sessions and provide specific prompts for journaling. This cycle of movement and writing allows you to translate physical exploration into actionable insights. The practice focuses on noticing internal patterns and documenting your thoughts in real time. This event is open to everyone regardless of experience level. It provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a balanced approach to mindfulness and self-reflection. Please arrive prepared with a yoga mat, a water bottle, a journal, a pen, and insect repellent. We invite you to join us for this unique evening of movement and inquiry. Secure your spot today to experience this intentional practice and leave feeling grounded and refreshed.

Living in Alignment is an outdoor workshop that combines yoga, meditation, and guided journaling to help participants gain clarity and focus. This session offers a structured space to explore personal themes through movement and intentional reflection in a park setting. Participants will engage in an all-levels yoga practice designed to build awareness and prepare the body for stillness. Throughout the evening, the instructor will lead guided meditation sessions and provide specific prompts for journaling. This cycle of movement and writing allows you to translate physical exploration into actionable insights. The practice focuses on noticing internal patterns and documenting your thoughts in real time. This event is open to everyone regardless of experience level. It provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a balanced approach to mindfulness and self-reflection. Please arrive prepared with a yoga mat, a water bottle, a journal, a pen, and insect repellent. We invite you to join us for this unique evening of movement and inquiry. Secure your spot today to experience this intentional practice and leave feeling grounded and refreshed.