Queer Women's Pokemon Night

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.

Pullen Park After Dark is an outdoor trivia competition held on the event lawn at Pullen Park. Hosted by Challenge Entertainment, this live event invites participants to test their general knowledge and local Raleigh trivia skills in a park setting. The evening features competitive trivia rounds designed for individuals and teams of up to five people. Attendees can expect a social atmosphere with prizes awarded to the top scoring teams throughout the night. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the onsite Pullen Cafe during the event for all guests to enjoy while they play. This event is perfect for trivia enthusiasts, local residents, and friends looking for an engaging outdoor activity. The environment is casual, friendly, and structured for participants of all skill levels. To secure your spot, please register individually or as a team through the official RecLink portal. We look forward to seeing you on the lawn for a fun evening of community competition and local discovery at one of our most iconic parks.

The Raleigh Game and Geek Expo 2026 is a premier gathering for gaming enthusiasts and pop culture fans. This annual event provides a dedicated space for community members to celebrate their shared interests and explore the latest in industry innovation. Attendees can participate in gaming tournaments or enjoy open play areas featuring retro consoles, modern systems, PCs, and tabletop games. The schedule includes expert panel discussions, live music, and themed stage activities throughout the weekend. A highlight of the experience is the time machine lounge, which offers an immersive journey into the culture and fashion of the eighties and nineties. Guests also have the chance to meet celebrities and industry professionals who helped shape the gaming and geek landscapes. This event is designed for gamers of all experience levels seeking connection and entertainment. Whether you are looking to compete, learn from industry leaders, or discover new trends, this expo offers a welcoming environment for everyone. Join us for a weekend of celebration and camaraderie as we bring the community together to level up the fun.

Trivia Night with Hammered Trivia is a competitive pop culture quiz held at The Cary. This interactive event invites participants to test their knowledge of movies, music, and television in a fast paced social environment. Teams of four to six players compete across multiple rounds. Hammered Trivia hosts the session, ensuring a structured and engaging experience throughout the evening. Prizes are awarded to the winning team at the end of each round, keeping the competition lively. One team member must bring a functional smart phone, as this device is required to submit answers and participate in the game play. This event is designed for pop culture enthusiasts looking for a fun night out with friends or colleagues. The atmosphere is collaborative and high energy, making it an ideal choice for group outings. Whether you are a film buff or a music expert, this night offers a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge and win rewards. Gather your team of four to six players today and prepare for an evening of trivia at The Cary.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Join a vibrant community of strategy lovers at the Durham Chess Enthusiasts weekly gathering held every Tuesday at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner eager to learn the ropes, this event offers the perfect environment to sharpen your skills while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The venue features an excellent selection of craft beers, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you refreshed during your matches. All players are welcome to participate in this free weekly event, though please note that an adult must accompany any participants under the age of eighteen. The setting is inclusive and social, allowing you to meet new friends while engaging in friendly competition on the board. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or enjoy local food truck offerings if available on-site during your visit. Do not miss this opportunity to foster your love for the game and connect with local chess players in the heart of Durham. Head over to 4916 Hillsborough Road this Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to get in on the action. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of tactical play and great company.

Get ready to move with KatMoves Travelling Studio. We are thrilled to invite the community to join our energetic and inclusive line dancing classes held every Tuesday evening in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or someone who has never stepped onto a dance floor, these sessions are designed for everyone. Our instructor provides easy to follow guidance on footwork and patterns, ensuring that every participant feels confident while having a great time. These classes foster a relaxed atmosphere focused entirely on movement and joy. We meet weekly at the Snow Approach Foundation located on East King Street. While these sessions are completely free, we do maintain an optional tip jar on site. A portion of these generous donations supports the Snow Approach Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with brain conditions. No RSVP is required to attend these sessions, so simply bring your comfortable shoes and your enthusiasm for dance. We look forward to seeing you there for an hour of rhythm, community, and fun.

This event is a documentary screening and exploration of the life and work of Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver. It examines her deep connection to the natural world of Cape Cod and her enduring influence on contemporary literature and mindfulness. Attendees will experience a cinematic journey through Oliver’s life, featuring rare personal archives, notebooks, and correspondence. The presentation includes exclusive interviews with close friends like John Waters alongside featured readings of her most iconic poetry performed by Stephen Colbert, Lucy Dacus, Steve Buscemi, and Oprah Winfrey. These segments provide a unique look at her private world and the inspirations behind her celebrated verses. This event is perfect for literature enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking clarity in an age of digital distraction. It offers a reflective atmosphere suitable for poets, naturalists, and urbanites alike. Join us for this screening to rediscover the profound simplicity of Oliver’s work and its pressing relevance to modern life. We invite you to explore the intersection of beauty, attention, and the human experience through the lens of one of America’s most beloved contemporary mystics.

The ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament is an annual competitive bowling event held in Raleigh, North Carolina, over Labor Day weekend. Organized by an all-volunteer non-profit established in 2023, the event serves to foster high-level amateur competition while raising critical funds for LGBTQ+ charities across the state. It stands as the flagship initiative for the organization. Participants can expect a professionally managed tournament structure that welcomes amateur bowlers from both national and international backgrounds. The event focuses on fair play, skill development, and community engagement within a structured competitive environment. Beyond the lanes, the tournament highlights the dedication of volunteers committed to supporting local non-profit causes through sportsmanship and active community participation. This event is designed for amateur bowling enthusiasts who want to compete at a high level while supporting a meaningful cause. The atmosphere is centered on inclusivity, athleticism, and charitable impact. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina, this tournament provides an excellent platform to showcase your talent. Registration information is available through the official tournament portal.

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.

Join a vibrant community of strategy lovers at the Durham Chess Enthusiasts weekly gathering held every Tuesday at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner eager to learn the ropes, this event offers the perfect environment to sharpen your skills while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The venue features an excellent selection of craft beers, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you refreshed during your matches. All players are welcome to participate in this free weekly event, though please note that an adult must accompany any participants under the age of eighteen. The setting is inclusive and social, allowing you to meet new friends while engaging in friendly competition on the board. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or enjoy local food truck offerings if available on-site during your visit. Do not miss this opportunity to foster your love for the game and connect with local chess players in the heart of Durham. Head over to 4916 Hillsborough Road this Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to get in on the action. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of tactical play and great company.

Join us at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps located on Hillsborough Road in Durham for our exciting Tuesday Toss event. This weekly gathering invites you to test your luck by rolling the dice to determine which of our twenty rotating craft drafts you will enjoy for just five dollars. It is a fun and casual way to explore our diverse selection of local brews while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with friends. Our venue offers a welcoming environment for everyone, featuring a spacious patio where leashed dogs are more than welcome to join the fun. We prioritize convenience with an outdoor serving window that allows you to order without leaving your seat. Guests are encouraged to bring their own takeout food or enjoy offerings from visiting food trucks and local bakery partners. Whether you are a beer enthusiast or simply looking for a great spot to unwind, our shop provides the perfect backdrop for a midweek treat. We invite you to stop by this Tuesday to participate in the game and discover your new favorite beverage. Please visit our website or social media pages for more details on our calendar of recurring events.

This event features a live performance by the influential American black metal band Profanatica, supported by the metal act Cloak. Fans of extreme music can experience an evening dedicated to dark, atmospheric, and technically precise performances in a live concert setting. Profanatica, led by drummer and vocalist Paul Ledney, brings over three decades of experience to the stage. They are recognized for their foundational role in the United States black metal scene and their consistent commitment to a raw, uncompromising sound. Attendees can expect a high energy show that highlights the distinct musical identity of both bands. The performance serves as a rare opportunity to witness a legendary act alongside current innovators in the genre. This concert is tailored for dedicated followers of black and death metal who appreciate authentic, aggressive music. The atmosphere will be intense and focused on delivering a powerful sonic experience. Join fellow enthusiasts for an evening of heavy performance. Tickets are available now for those looking to secure their place at this significant metal event.