Reveal: Masquerade for Mental Health 2026

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.

Experience the vibrant sounds of summer at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. Every Wednesday evening throughout the month of September, the community is invited to gather for an energetic lineup of live performances featuring talented local bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or seeking a lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family, this event provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening under the open sky. Attendees can enhance their experience by purchasing a variety of beer and wine available on-site. Please note that while the concerts are free to attend, outside coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted within the venue. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local musicians while enjoying the welcoming ambiance of the Waverly Place shopping center. Make sure to mark your calendar for these exciting mid-week musical showcases. We encourage you to visit the official Waverly Place website to view the full event schedule and plan your visit. Do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season with community and song.

Who They Fear will headline a live music showcase at Chapel of Bones alongside Featherweight, Left on Red, Unthreaded, and The Day We Confess. This event serves as a platform for these five distinct bands to share the stage and perform their original material for an engaged audience in one unified evening. The lineup offers a variety of musical styles, ensuring a dynamic experience for everyone in attendance. Each band brings a unique approach to their set, providing a comprehensive look at their recent work. This is a chance to see multiple emerging acts perform in a single setting, allowing you to discover new sounds and support the local music scene in a professional venue environment. This showcase is intended for fans of live rock and alternative music who appreciate high energy performances and creative expression. The atmosphere will be focused on the artistry of the musicians and the connection between the bands and their listeners. We invite you to join us for this evening of live performance. Tickets are available now, and we encourage you to secure yours early to ensure your spot at the venue.

Join us at Southern Peak Brewery for a night dedicated to Gilmore Girls trivia. This themed event invites fans to test their knowledge of the show while enjoying a selection of local craft beers in a friendly, community-focused setting. The evening features multiple rounds of questions covering iconic moments, characters, and storylines from the series. Participants will compete for various prizes provided by the brewery. The competition begins promptly at 6:30pm, so arriving early is encouraged to settle in and secure your spot. This event is perfect for dedicated fans, local trivia enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun midweek outing. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow viewers. Gather your team of brightest minds and prepare for a night of friendly competition and entertainment. Whether you are a long-time fan or just enjoy a good challenge, this trivia night offers an engaging experience for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at the brewery for a memorable evening of Gilmore Girls themed fun.

Youth Rock NC's Punk Cake Off is a benefit concert and auction designed to raise funds for the organizations upcoming 2027 music education programming. This unique community fundraiser supports a non-profit dedicated to empowering girls, transgender youth, and gender expansive youth through music and collaborative creative expression. Attendees will enjoy a night featuring live performances from local Triangle punk bands alongside an auction showcasing custom cakes created by local decorators. All proceeds directly support essential initiatives, including the annual summer camp where participants receive professional instrument instruction, write original songs, and attend educational workshops. Your contributions ensure that this vital community programming remains accessible to youth throughout the region. This event is perfect for music fans and community members who want to support creative education in a high energy environment. Come experience a night of live punk rock while bidding on unique baked goods to help build power through music. Grab your tickets today to help us meet our fundraising goals for 2027 and invest in the next generation of creative leaders.

The 2026 Raleigh BJJ Open is a gi-only Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament hosted by Tap Cancer Out at the Raleigh Convention Center on September 5. This competitive event brings the martial arts community together to test skills while raising funds for cancer research and support organizations. Participants compete in a structured environment designed to provide high-quality match experiences for athletes of all skill levels. The tournament follows standard IBJJF rules and utilizes a double-elimination bracket format to ensure every competitor receives multiple opportunities to perform on the mats. Attendees can expect a professional venue, organized scheduling, and a clear focus on sportsmanship and charity. This event is ideal for dedicated BJJ practitioners who want to challenge themselves while supporting a meaningful cause. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or stepping onto the mat for your first tournament, the environment is welcoming and highly focused on the integrity of the sport. We invite all interested athletes to register early to secure their spot. Join our community for a day of technical excellence, friendly competition, and impactful philanthropy in Raleigh.

Join the Parktown Food Hub for our recurring open distribution events dedicated to reducing hunger and food insecurity within the South Durham community. We are committed to providing essential nutrition to our neighbors in need through a welcoming and accessible service model. Our distribution events are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, ensuring that community members have reliable access to fresh items when they need them most. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to contribute to our mission, your presence strengthens our collective impact. We operate at 5124 Revere Road in Durham, North Carolina, and no appointments or official documentation are ever required to receive support. Please visit our website or check our official Facebook page before arriving to confirm specific dates and event times, as schedules may occasionally change. We invite you to be part of this vital effort by participating, volunteering, or donating to help sustain our operations. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for local families. Please join us at our next scheduled distribution event to support your health and your community.

Experience the vibrant sounds of summer at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. Every Wednesday evening throughout the month of September, the community is invited to gather for an energetic lineup of live performances featuring talented local bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or seeking a lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family, this event provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening under the open sky. Attendees can enhance their experience by purchasing a variety of beer and wine available on-site. Please note that while the concerts are free to attend, outside coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted within the venue. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local musicians while enjoying the welcoming ambiance of the Waverly Place shopping center. Make sure to mark your calendar for these exciting mid-week musical showcases. We encourage you to visit the official Waverly Place website to view the full event schedule and plan your visit. Do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season with community and song.

The Good Karma Summer Tour 2026 brings Florida reggae rock band Kash’d Out to the stage alongside special guests RDGLDGRN. This live music event features a high energy performance highlighting the band's signature mix of catchy lyrics, rhythmic guitar work, and island inspired grooves that have earned them spots on the Billboard Reggae Charts. Fans can expect a full set featuring tracks from the band's catalog, including music from their debut album The Hookup. Joining them on this tour, RDGLDGRN will provide an eclectic sound that complements the headliner's vibe. The production focuses on delivering a tight, professional live music experience designed for intimate venues and outdoor stages alike, ensuring clear sound quality and an engaging atmosphere throughout the evening. This concert is intended for fans of reggae, rock, and modern alternative music looking for a lively summer event. Whether you are a long time follower of the band or discovering their sound for the first time, this performance offers a chance to experience their studio precision in a live setting. Secure your tickets early to join the crowd for this nationwide tour stop.

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.