Rhapsody in Blue with the North Carolina Symphony

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 North Carolina Symphony opens its new season with a powerful performance featuring Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. This concert showcases a program of orchestral masterworks designed to highlight the full range and dynamic capability of the ensemble in an evening of high-level classical music. Under the direction of conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, the symphony performs Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Stravinsky Petrouchka. The highlight of the program features pianist Boris Giltburg performing the technically demanding Rachmaninoff concerto. These selections offer a diverse journey through impressionist atmosphere, romantic intensity, and rhythmic complexity, providing a complete symphonic experience. This event is tailored for classical music enthusiasts and those seeking an evening of professional orchestral performance. Attendees should note that all patrons, regardless of age, must hold a ticket and remain seated throughout the concert. Children aged two and under are not permitted to attend. Join us at the concert hall for an impressive start to the symphonic season. Secure your tickets now to experience this world-class performance firsthand and enjoy an evening of exceptional artistry with the North Carolina Symphony.

The North Carolina Symphony invites you to an evening of classical music featuring Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Mozart Symphony No. 40. This Friday Favorites performance serves as a showcase of timeless orchestral compositions performed by world-class musicians in an accessible format. It is an ideal way to enjoy significant works by these legendary composers in a professional concert setting. Under the direction of conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, the ensemble will deliver a focused program highlighting the technical brilliance of Mendelssohn and the structural beauty of Mozart. Violinist Justin Bruns joins the orchestra as a featured soloist to lead the program. Attendees can expect a high-quality musical experience characterized by precision and emotional depth. Each movement is curated to provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of the classical repertoire. This event is perfect for classical music enthusiasts, students, and anyone looking for a refined cultural experience to start their weekend. The atmosphere is welcoming and designed for both seasoned listeners and newcomers. We encourage you to secure your tickets early to ensure your preferred seating for this evening of exceptional orchestral music.

The Music of Pink Floyd with The Machine is a live concert collaboration between the North Carolina Symphony and the renowned tribute band The Machine. This event brings together the precision of a full orchestra and the raw intensity of a rock band to perform the legendary catalog of Pink Floyd. Attendees will hear iconic tracks reimagined with orchestral arrangements. The performance features conductor Sophie Mok leading the symphony alongside The Machine. The production includes a professional light show designed to complement the music and enhance the auditory experience. The program focuses on recreating the atmosphere and complexity of classic Pink Floyd albums. This concert is ideal for longtime fans of progressive rock and symphonic music lovers. The atmosphere will be energetic, immersive, and designed for a seated concert environment. Whether you are revisiting favorite hits or discovering this iconic sound for the first time, this performance offers a unique fusion of genres. Tickets are available now for this one time musical presentation. Secure your seats early to ensure a spot for this expansive sonic experience.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.

The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression. Attendees can experience a wide range of performances and exhibits highlighting visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The festival features a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. Visitors will also find an extensive collection of craft, merchant, and food vendors providing a variety of shopping and dining options throughout the event grounds. This family friendly festival is free and accessible to all members of the public, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling from across the country. The atmosphere is interactive, inclusive, and designed to foster community engagement. Whether you are interested in artistic discovery or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh for this milestone celebration and become a part of the experience.

Join the community for a high-energy evening at the Beats & Bars Music Trivia Night, hosted at The Durham Hotel. This exciting event celebrates the rich tapestry of Black music, bringing together fans for a nostalgic competition that tests your deep knowledge of hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and Southern classics. Whether you are a casual listener or a dedicated music enthusiast, this trivia night offers a perfect platform to showcase your expertise while connecting with fellow fans in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Gather your crew, form your team, and prepare for an unforgettable night of competition and good vibes. This event is part of the broader Beats & Bars Music Festival, a milestone celebration returning to Durham for its tenth year to honor creativity and culture. Entry to the trivia night is entirely free, making it an accessible opportunity to engage with Durham's thriving music scene. We invite you to bring your passion for music and join us for this unique cultural experience. Secure your spot now and get ready to celebrate the artistry and history of the music we love.

The Stained Glass Ghost Workshop is a hands-on creative session where you will craft your own custom glass ghost art piece from scratch. This workshop introduces participants to the essential techniques of stained glass fabrication in a supportive studio environment. Throughout the session you will learn how to prepare glass pieces using copper foil, assemble your design, and apply solder to complete your project. Our professional instructor provides step by step guidance through each phase of the process to ensure you gain practical skills while working with high quality materials. All necessary tools and safety equipment are provided on site. This event is perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts who want to learn a new skill without needing any prior stained glass experience. The atmosphere is social and focused on creative expression, making it a great way to spend an afternoon. Space is limited to ensure personalized instruction for every attendee. Reserve your spot today to participate in this unique craft experience and take home a finished piece of art that you created yourself.

Empire of the Sun is bringing their Ask That God: Afterlife tour to North American stages, offering fans a signature blend of electronic pop music. The tour highlights the duo’s latest artistic direction while maintaining the high-energy sound that launched their career. Attendees can expect an immersive concert experience featuring the band members Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. The performances are defined by elaborate stage production, including choreographed dancers and advanced visual elements. You will hear a mix of classic dance hits alongside new material, all supported by their hallmark adrenalized synths and polished electro beats. This tour serves as a testament to their long-standing reputation for theatrical showmanship. This event is designed for fans of modern electronic music and those who appreciate large-scale live productions. The atmosphere is vibrant and designed to be an active, high-energy experience. Whether you have followed the duo since their 2008 debut or are new to their sound, this show offers a compelling look at their evolving artistic vision. Secure your tickets early to experience this unique tour in person.

This concert features a triple bill of underground extreme metal bands performing at Kings. The event showcases a night of heavy music ranging from doom and sludge to death metal, providing a raw and intense live music experience for fans of the genre. The lineup includes Miami based doom and sludge outfit Crud, known for their crushing low frequency distortion and heavy sound. They are joined by Raleigh death metal favorites Pathogenesis, who bring a high level of technical proficiency to the stage. Rounding out the bill is the Richmond based brutal gore death metal act Excrementia, a new project featuring experienced members from bands such as Disrotter, Vigil, and Hellion Child. This show is tailored for followers of the extreme metal scene who appreciate high volume and aggressive performance styles. The atmosphere promises to be intense and focused on heavy riffing. If you enjoy sludge, doom, or death metal, this performance offers a concentrated look at the regional underground scene. Secure your spot at Kings to witness these three distinct acts perform back to back in a single evening of heavy music.