Pottery Pumpkins + Gourds

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.

The Community Celebration of the Arts is a free public event hosted by the Wake Forest Public Art Commission. This gathering highlights the work of local creators while fostering engagement within the regional arts scene. Attendees can explore diverse exhibitions including works by local educators in the Arts Annex and a specialized market in the Grand Hall. The event features various hands-on art-making stations for participants of all skill levels. A central highlight is the performance by Grey Seal Puppets at 11am on the Main Stage, which combines live entertainment with interactive activities. Visitors can expect a full schedule of performances and creative displays throughout the facility. This event is designed for families and individuals who appreciate local culture and hands-on creative projects. The environment is inclusive and intended for all ages, making it an ideal weekend activity for the entire community. We encourage everyone to join us to support our local artists and enjoy a day of discovery. Mark your calendars and prepare to participate in this vibrant celebration of local talent.

This hands on workshop invites participants to design and construct a custom stained glass night light. You will learn foundational glass art skills to create a unique piece of functional home decor that effectively illuminates any space in your residence. Expert instructors will guide you through the complete creative process. Key technical steps include scoring and cutting glass, applying copper foil, and mastering soldering techniques. You will conclude the session by mounting your glass art onto the provided light fixture hardware. All necessary tools and high quality materials are supplied, ensuring a seamless and productive experience from start to finish. This event is designed for individuals of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced hobbyists. The atmosphere is collaborative and focused, providing a supportive environment to develop your creative abilities. Whether you are seeking a new artistic hobby or a custom gift for your home, this class offers a rewarding way to spend your evening. Secure your spot today to learn professional glass working techniques and leave with a beautiful, handmade light fixture ready for immediate use.

The One Day Planter workshop provides students the opportunity to construct and glaze custom ceramic planters by hand. This session focuses on practical skills for creating containers suitable for houseplants, herbs, or bonsai projects. Participants will use fundamental hand building techniques including pinching and coiling to shape their clay pieces. After construction, students will apply glazes to finish their designs. Because professional kiln firing is required, finished pieces will be ready for collection one to two weeks after the workshop. Staff members will communicate specific pick up dates once the items are processed. This event is open to everyone, regardless of prior experience level. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn a new craft or an enthusiast needing more space for your growing collection, this session offers a productive and hands on environment. No experience is required to participate, as guided instruction ensures everyone completes their project. Join us for a creative day and leave with a personalized planter ready to house your favorite greenery. Please sign up soon to secure your spot in this limited enrollment class.

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.

This workshop provides an introduction to the fundamentals of darning and basic embroidery stitches. Participants learn practical techniques to repair clothing and add decorative elements to personal items in a hands-on environment. The session is designed to help you extend the life of your wardrobe through creative and functional mending. During the class, you will receive expert instruction on various repair methods. You are encouraged to bring specific garments from home that require mending, as the instructor will offer tailored advice and group demonstrations for real-world application. All essential tools are provided, including an embroidery hoop, needles, thread, snips, scrap fabric, a hand-dyed logo tote, and stabilizer materials to ensure you have everything needed to master these crafts. This event is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable fashion, textile arts, or basic sewing skills. The atmosphere is collaborative and supportive, making it an ideal setting for both beginners and those looking to refine their needlework. Join us to develop valuable skills and enjoy a creative day of restoration. Sign up today to secure your spot and start your mending journey.

This workshop provides an introduction to the fundamentals of darning and basic embroidery stitches. Participants learn practical techniques to repair clothing and add decorative elements to personal items in a hands-on environment. The session is designed to help you extend the life of your wardrobe through creative and functional mending. During the class, you will receive expert instruction on various repair methods. You are encouraged to bring specific garments from home that require mending, as the instructor will offer tailored advice and group demonstrations for real-world application. All essential tools are provided, including an embroidery hoop, needles, thread, snips, scrap fabric, a hand-dyed logo tote, and stabilizer materials to ensure you have everything needed to master these crafts. This event is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable fashion, textile arts, or basic sewing skills. The atmosphere is collaborative and supportive, making it an ideal setting for both beginners and those looking to refine their needlework. Join us to develop valuable skills and enjoy a creative day of restoration. Sign up today to secure your spot and start your mending journey.

Art Inside the Bottle is an immersive event exploring the shared pursuit of balance in fine wine and visual art. Join us to discover how winemakers and artists utilize contrast, texture, and structure to create lasting masterpieces. We will examine how individual elements merge to produce works greater than their components. This evening features a curated tasting of five wines paired with five dishes inspired by the museum African art collection. Tashae Smith, Assistant Curator of African Art, will lead a guided gallery tour focused on the dialogue between African and American winemaking. Participants will conduct side-by-side comparisons of iconic grape varieties to understand how acidity, tannin, and composition create elegance and expression in every pour. This experience is designed for wine enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking a unique cultural evening. You will gain a deeper appreciation for sensory craft while enjoying a sophisticated, educational atmosphere. Please join us for this exploration of harmony through taste and visual storytelling. Reserve your space now to participate in this exclusive fusion of museum curation and viticulture.

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.