Sherri and Larry Wedding Container Fundraiser Party

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.

Experience an evening of inspiration at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, a vibrant hub managed by the Orange County Arts Commission. On September 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., join us for a special First Friday celebration featuring the captivating Colors of Soul exhibit, curated by the Inter-Latin American Artist Collective. This event brings together an impressive lineup of talented local creators to share their vision with the community. The evening promises a dynamic blend of visual arts, live musical performances, and poetic expressions. Beyond the main exhibit, attendees can explore open artist studios and discover the diverse range of creative workshops available, spanning from fiber arts to figure drawing. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with local culture and support regional artists in a unique historic setting. We invite everyone to visit the Eno Arts Mill for this free, energetic gathering. Whether you are an art enthusiast or looking for a meaningful outing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please visit the official website to learn more and secure your spot today.

Experience the vibrant energy of community music making at the One Tribe Drum Circle held at the scenic Dix Park Stone Houses Visitor Center in Raleigh. Taking place on the first Friday of every month from June through November, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with others through the power of rhythm. Whether you are an experienced percussionist or a complete beginner, all are welcome to participate in this uplifting and stress-relieving activity. You are encouraged to bring your own hand percussion instruments, though One Tribe provides plenty of gear for those who do not have their own. Seating is provided for your convenience, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone to enjoy the music. This inclusive event is designed to promote self-expression and foster local connections in a beautiful outdoor setting. While registration is requested, the organizers welcome drop-in attendees even if the event appears sold out online. Join us for this accessible and rhythmic celebration of community spirit. For the latest updates and additional details, please follow One Tribe on their official social media pages.

The Cozy Cryptid Fall Market is a curated shopping event held in October that focuses on mythical creatures and autumn themes. This market serves as a community gathering for fans of folklore and local artistry to celebrate the Halloween season. Attendees can browse collections from thirty local artists and makers. The vendors will feature unique, cryptid-themed creations and seasonal Halloween art. The event provides an opportunity to purchase handcrafted goods directly from creators while enjoying a focused, thematic shopping experience. The layout is designed to facilitate easy navigation for all guests visiting the market stalls. This event is ideal for anyone interested in supporting local small businesses and discovering niche artistic interpretations of mythical beings. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and festive, providing a relaxed environment to browse and shop. Whether you are an enthusiast of urban legends or simply looking for seasonal home goods, this market offers a distinct collection of items you will not find elsewhere. Please mark your calendar and join us to support our creative community and celebrate the spirit of the fall season.

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 energy of community music making at the One Tribe Drum Circle held at the scenic Dix Park Stone Houses Visitor Center in Raleigh. Taking place on the first Friday of every month from June through November, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with others through the power of rhythm. Whether you are an experienced percussionist or a complete beginner, all are welcome to participate in this uplifting and stress-relieving activity. You are encouraged to bring your own hand percussion instruments, though One Tribe provides plenty of gear for those who do not have their own. Seating is provided for your convenience, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone to enjoy the music. This inclusive event is designed to promote self-expression and foster local connections in a beautiful outdoor setting. While registration is requested, the organizers welcome drop-in attendees even if the event appears sold out online. Join us for this accessible and rhythmic celebration of community spirit. For the latest updates and additional details, please follow One Tribe on their official social media pages.

Experience an unforgettable evening of music and relaxation at the Bands, Bites and Boats concert series, hosted at the picturesque Bond Park Boathouse in Cary. This recurring community event brings together the best of the local scene, featuring talented musicians, diverse food truck offerings, and refreshing selections from local breweries. Whether you choose to set up a lawn chair on the scenic shore or rent a boat to enjoy the tunes while drifting peacefully on the lake, this series offers a perfect atmosphere for guests of all ages. These free outdoor gatherings are held on the first Friday of every month from April through October. It is an ideal way to unwind after a long week while supporting local artists and businesses in a beautiful natural setting. Please note that while the music and event entry are free, food, beverages, and boat rentals are available for purchase on site. We invite you to join us for an evening of melody, flavor, and community spirit at Bond Park.

Music in the Park is a recurring summer concert series that hosts live performances by local bands on Friday nights. This monthly event brings the community together for outdoor entertainment in a relaxed park setting. Each concert is free to attend and open to the public. Guests can enjoy live music from Echo Blvd while relaxing outdoors. The event features on site dining options provided by Empanadas and More Food Truck. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to find a comfortable spot on the grass. The series is designed to be accessible and welcoming for individuals and families of all ages looking for a convenient start to their weekend. The atmosphere is casual and community focused, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing evening under the stars. Whether you are a local music fan or simply seeking a fun activity with friends and family, this series offers a great way to engage with the neighborhood. Please join us this summer for a night of music and food.

Get ready to move and groove with KatMoves Travelling Studio. We are thrilled to invite community members of all ages and skill levels to join our free weekly line dancing classes held in the heart of Hillsborough, North Carolina. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, our sessions provide a welcoming environment focused on enjoyment, health, and social connection. Each session begins with clear instruction on essential footwork and patterns, followed by a collaborative review, and concludes with time to practice your new moves on the dance floor. The classes run every Tuesday through December 15, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Snow Approach Foundation located at 129 E King Street. While these sessions are completely free, we proudly accept optional donations in our on-site tip jar. A portion of these proceeds directly supports the Snow Approach Foundation in their vital mission to improve the quality of life for individuals living with brain conditions. No RSVP is required, so gather your friends and join us for a fantastic evening of rhythm and community spirit.

Experience the revitalizing benefits of community wellness at Free Yoga in Durham Central Park. Every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. through September 8, 2026, participants are invited to join gentle mat yoga sessions held under the welcoming cover of the Durham Central Park Pavilion. These sessions are designed to accommodate all levels of experience, fostering a peaceful environment for movement and mindfulness in the heart of the city. To ensure accessibility for our diverse community, the instruction rotates between bilingual sessions in English and Spanish and standard English sessions. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, these classes offer the perfect opportunity to improve your fitness and connect with your neighbors. Please remember to bring your own yoga mat and a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the practice. Limited props will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there to stretch, breathe, and strengthen together in this beautiful outdoor setting.

Join the vibrant running community at Growler Grlz in Durham for the weekly Run, Sweat, Beers Run Club. This popular social gathering has been going strong for over five years, welcoming runners and walkers of all fitness levels to enjoy a great workout and even better company. Whether you are an experienced marathoner or just looking for a casual stroll, you are invited to participate in this energetic group atmosphere every Tuesday evening between 6 and 9 p.m. There is no formal registration process required, so simply show up and join the fun. As an added bonus, all new members who complete their first dozen runs are rewarded with a complimentary Growler Grlz t-shirt. After your workout, stick around to sample a wide variety of fresh craft beers on tap at the taproom. It is the perfect opportunity to meet local residents, improve your health, and unwind in a welcoming setting. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line this Tuesday for a refreshing run.