Ripple Effects: Shorts

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.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

The BEYOND Film Festival is an annual event in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to celebrating the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. Hosted at the historic Cary Theater, the festival provides a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to share their work with engaged audiences. It serves as a creative hub for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to connect and collaborate. Attendees can participate in a variety of screenings, panel discussions, and professional workshops. This eighth edition expands the experience by hosting specific workshops within the nearby Downtown Cary Park. Participants will engage with global short films and gain practical insights from industry experts through diverse programming designed to foster professional growth and creative exchange. The festival is ideal for filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinema fans looking for an intimate, high-quality event. With all sessions and social activities located within walking distance of the theater, the festival offers an accessible and immersive environment for networking and learning. Join us in downtown Cary to celebrate global storytelling and refine your craft alongside a community of dedicated film professionals. Register today to secure your place at this year’s sessions.

This workshop provides essential training for filmmakers looking to optimize their submissions on FilmFreeway. Participants will learn how to navigate the platform effectively to identify high-value festival opportunities while avoiding common submission pitfalls that waste time and budget. Led by industry expert Crickett Rumley, the session covers how to build a professional profile and maintain a compelling project presence. Attendees will learn to evaluate festival listings using Film Festival Alliance best practices. You will discover how to distinguish legitimate festivals from low-value pay-to-play events. The curriculum includes practical techniques for reading filmmaker reviews, spotting red flags in submission requirements, and interpreting rules to ensure your project is a good fit before paying any fees. This event is designed for filmmakers at all stages of their career who want to manage their festival strategy with confidence. If you are preparing a festival run, this workshop provides the insights necessary to target the right events for your specific goals. Join us to refine your submission process and maximize the impact of your festival budget.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Hopscotch Music Festival, returning to Raleigh from September 10 to 12, 2026. This premier cultural event showcases over 100 bands performing across multiple venues, including the iconic main stages at Moore Square and City Plaza. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or a casual listener, the festival offers a diverse lineup that highlights the best in local and national talent through high-energy concerts and intimate club shows. Beyond the headline performances, guests can enjoy an extensive series of free day parties hosted at various locations throughout the city. These daytime celebrations provide a fantastic opportunity to discover new music and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Triangle community. With no pass required for most of these auxiliary events, everyone is invited to participate in the festivities. We encourage all attendees to support the local music scene and enjoy the unique performances scheduled throughout the weekend. Visit our official website to view the complete event lineup, check venue schedules, and secure your tickets for the main festival stages today.

Get ready for the return of the Hopscotch Music Festival to downtown Raleigh from September 9 to September 13, 2026. This vibrant celebration of sound transforms the city into a musical playground, featuring over 100 bands performing across multiple iconic venues. While the main festival stages at Moore Square and City Plaza offer a premium ticketed experience, the highly anticipated Hopscotch Day Parties provide an incredible opportunity to enjoy live music throughout the city for free. These daytime events take place at various local bars, cafes, and creative spaces, offering an intimate atmosphere to discover your new favorite artists. Most of these performances are free to attend, though some venues may suggest a donation or have specific age requirements. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or simply looking to soak up the high-energy atmosphere of the festival, these day parties are an essential part of the Raleigh experience. Visit the official festival website to view the complete schedule and plan your weekend of music today.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

Join us for an exclusive event honoring the distinguished film critic Godfrey Cheshire and the launch of his latest book, Cheshire on Film: Life and Writings. This session celebrates his extensive career, which began in Raleigh and expanded to reach national and international audiences. It is an opportunity to reflect on his significant contributions to cinema criticism. The program features two in-depth conversations exploring Cheshire professional journey and his evolution as a writer. Attendees will gain unique insights into his perspective on film history and criticism. The event also includes a dedicated audience question and answer segment, followed by an official book signing. This is a rare chance to engage directly with one of the most respected voices in the industry. This event is ideal for film enthusiasts, writers, and local fans interested in cinema culture. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, perfect for meaningful dialogue and networking with fellow movie lovers. We invite you to join us for this insightful exploration of a remarkable career. Please reserve your spot soon to ensure your attendance and secure a copy of his new book.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

This workshop provides essential training for filmmakers looking to optimize their submissions on FilmFreeway. Participants will learn how to navigate the platform effectively to identify high-value festival opportunities while avoiding common submission pitfalls that waste time and budget. Led by industry expert Crickett Rumley, the session covers how to build a professional profile and maintain a compelling project presence. Attendees will learn to evaluate festival listings using Film Festival Alliance best practices. You will discover how to distinguish legitimate festivals from low-value pay-to-play events. The curriculum includes practical techniques for reading filmmaker reviews, spotting red flags in submission requirements, and interpreting rules to ensure your project is a good fit before paying any fees. This event is designed for filmmakers at all stages of their career who want to manage their festival strategy with confidence. If you are preparing a festival run, this workshop provides the insights necessary to target the right events for your specific goals. Join us to refine your submission process and maximize the impact of your festival budget.