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!

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.

Teen Art Cart is a recurring drop in program hosted at Downtown Cary Park designed for local youth to connect through creative expression. This fall event series provides a dedicated space for teens to unwind and explore their artistic interests in a low pressure environment. It serves as a community hub for socializing and artistic exploration during the school season. Participants can expect a variety of art materials provided on site, allowing for immediate hands on projects. Whether you are an experienced artist or just want to try something new, the station offers a range of supplies to spark your imagination. You are also welcome to bring your own personal sketching tools or specialized projects if you prefer to work on something specific. The station is designed to be flexible and accommodating for all skill levels. This program is specifically for teens who want a welcoming space to hang out in real life. The atmosphere is casual, inclusive, and relaxed. We invite all interested students to drop by the park for an afternoon of creativity and connection. Join us this season to enjoy the park, meet peers, and express yourself through art.

The Carolina Circus Festival is a free annual community event dedicated to the art of circus performance and mental health awareness. Taking place on September 12, 2026, in Downtown Cary, this gathering brings together professional performers and the general public to celebrate creativity and support suicide prevention efforts for the movement community. Attendees can expect a full day of entertainment featuring professional aerialists, fire spinners, and LED light performers. The festival grounds will host interactive workshops where visitors can learn circus skills firsthand, alongside a variety of local artisan vendors and food trucks. These diverse offerings ensure that guests of all ages find engaging ways to participate throughout the day. This festival is designed for families, movement enthusiasts, and anyone interested in a vibrant cultural experience. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, emphasizing community connection and artistic expression in a public park setting. Join us in Downtown Cary for this inspiring day of world class performances and community support. We encourage you to bring your family and friends to experience the wonder of these unique circus arts firsthand while supporting a meaningful cause.

Jazz’d Up Sundays is a free public concert series held at Downtown Cary Park featuring live contemporary jazz performances. This recurring event highlights talented musicians in an engaging outdoor setting designed for community connection and musical appreciation. This specific performance features vocalist Niki Haris and the Christian Tamburr Band in a program titled The Way You Make Me Feel. The ensemble presents fresh jazz, soul, and R&B interpretations of iconic Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 songs. Led by Christian Tamburr, the band emphasizes improvisation, unique arrangements, and rhythmic energy to transform legendary pop hits into modern jazz compositions. The performance showcases both the star power of Niki Haris and the technical artistry of the ensemble. This event is open to all members of the public who enjoy live music and outdoor community gatherings. Whether you are a dedicated jazz enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon activity, this concert offers a sophisticated yet accessible atmosphere. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot at Downtown Cary Park for an afternoon of professional musical storytelling.

Hopscotch Music Festival is an annual multi-day event held in Downtown Raleigh featuring a diverse lineup of musical performances. The festival returns September 10-12 and serves as a premier destination for music enthusiasts to experience live shows across multiple local venues. Attendees can expect an extensive schedule featuring established bands alongside emerging artists from various genres. The event highlights include intimate club sets, large scale outdoor performances, and unique artistic showcases scattered throughout the downtown core. This structure allows participants to explore different neighborhoods while discovering new music and catching sets from their favorite acts. The festival is designed for fans of live music who enjoy a vibrant and immersive city experience. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, the event provides a unique way to engage with the Raleigh arts scene. You can purchase passes for the 2026 festival starting on May 1. Mark your calendars now to secure your access to this energetic weekend of discovery and entertainment. Join us this September for a memorable celebration of live music and community.

Hopscotch Music Festival is an annual multi-day event held in downtown Raleigh that showcases a diverse lineup of musical performances across various local venues. Scheduled for September 10 to 12, the festival serves as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts to experience live shows in the heart of the city. Attendees can expect an extensive schedule featuring both established bands and emerging artists across multiple stages. The event spans the downtown area, allowing guests to transition easily between venues while discovering new sounds and enjoying high-quality production. Beyond the music, the festival highlights the vibrant urban environment of Raleigh, providing a unique backdrop for curated live sets and unforgettable performances. This event is designed for music lovers who enjoy discovering new talent in an energetic, walkable city setting. The atmosphere is centered on community and exploration, making it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in a dense weekend of live entertainment. Passes for the 2026 festival go on sale May 1. Plan your trip to Raleigh early to secure your spot for this essential musical gathering.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is a world renowned literary event returning to the Triangle area from September 11 to 13, 2026. This gathering celebrates global thinkers, poets, and writers, serving as a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse through a series of engaging presentations and discussions. This year the festival takes place at Meredith College on September 11 and 12, followed by a final day at the North Carolina State University Centennial Campus on September 13. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of notable guests including Cheetie Kumar, Jaki Shelton Green, Joseph Bathanti, Karan Mahajan, Manil Suri, Pria Anand, Vijay Seshadri, and Vishwesh Bhatt. These sessions provide unique opportunities to hear from influential authors and storytellers who have shaped the modern literary landscape. This festival is designed for readers, students, and anyone interested in contemporary global literature and arts. The atmosphere is professional, energetic, and highly inclusive, making it an ideal environment for those looking to expand their perspectives. We encourage you to join us for this landmark production alongside our partners at Artsplosure to experience an unforgettable celebration of words and ideas.

Hopscotch Music Festival is an annual multi-day event held in Downtown Raleigh featuring a diverse lineup of musical performances. The festival returns September 10-12 and serves as a premier destination for music enthusiasts to experience live shows across multiple local venues. Attendees can expect an extensive schedule featuring established bands alongside emerging artists from various genres. The event highlights include intimate club sets, large scale outdoor performances, and unique artistic showcases scattered throughout the downtown core. This structure allows participants to explore different neighborhoods while discovering new music and catching sets from their favorite acts. The festival is designed for fans of live music who enjoy a vibrant and immersive city experience. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, the event provides a unique way to engage with the Raleigh arts scene. You can purchase passes for the 2026 festival starting on May 1. Mark your calendars now to secure your access to this energetic weekend of discovery and entertainment. Join us this September for a memorable celebration of live music and community.

Hopscotch Music Festival is an annual multi-day event held in downtown Raleigh that showcases a diverse lineup of musical performances across various local venues. Scheduled for September 10 to 12, the festival serves as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts to experience live shows in the heart of the city. Attendees can expect an extensive schedule featuring both established bands and emerging artists across multiple stages. The event spans the downtown area, allowing guests to transition easily between venues while discovering new sounds and enjoying high-quality production. Beyond the music, the festival highlights the vibrant urban environment of Raleigh, providing a unique backdrop for curated live sets and unforgettable performances. This event is designed for music lovers who enjoy discovering new talent in an energetic, walkable city setting. The atmosphere is centered on community and exploration, making it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in a dense weekend of live entertainment. Passes for the 2026 festival go on sale May 1. Plan your trip to Raleigh early to secure your spot for this essential musical gathering.

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.