Staged Reading: The Last of Us

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.

Discover your inner creator at Artspace, a premier visual arts center located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. We invite art enthusiasts of all skill levels to join our dynamic community for First Friday events. Experience an evening of inspiration featuring live artist showcases, interactive art-making activities, and captivating performances. Join us from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. to explore our diverse exhibitions in a vibrant atmosphere. We are proud to offer a sensory-friendly hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., ensuring an accessible and welcoming environment for every visitor. Beyond our monthly celebrations, we encourage families and individuals to participate in our recurring Open Studio sessions. Held every Sunday, these self-guided workshops provide a perfect setting to let your imagination soar through beginner-level projects designed for ages five and up. Both of these signature programs are completely free to the public, fostering creativity throughout our local community. Whether you are seeking a unique date night or a fun weekend activity for the children, Artspace provides the perfect cultural destination. Visit our website today to view our full event calendar and register for your next creative adventure.

He is an Amazing God: The Final Chapter VICTORIOUS is a powerful stage play centered on themes of faith, resilience, and ultimate triumph. This production serves as the concluding installment of an impactful series, offering a profound exploration of spiritual victory through theatrical storytelling. Attendees will experience a dynamic performance that combines compelling dialogue, moving musical sequences, and dramatic narrative arcs. The stage play highlights the human journey toward overcoming obstacles and finding strength in belief. The production team has designed this show to be both visually engaging and emotionally resonant, ensuring that the message remains clear and accessible for all members of the audience. This event is intended for anyone seeking an uplifting and thought provoking theatrical experience. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming, reflective, and celebratory of shared values. Due to high demand from previous seasons, organizers recommend securing tickets early to guarantee a seat. Join us for this final chapter to witness a memorable conclusion to a story that has inspired many. Visit the official event page to purchase your tickets and confirm your attendance today.

Glitter Hour is a monthly amateur drag competition where performers of all experience levels compete for a local title. This September edition marks another step toward the final one thousand dollar cash prize and the grand showdown scheduled for January 2027. Performers take the stage to showcase diverse drag styles in a fast-paced environment. Each participant aims to impress the crowd, as the audience holds the power to select the monthly winner. The event highlights emerging talent and fosters a platform for creative expression within the drag community. Expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with dynamic performances and a focus on artistic growth. This competition is open to drag artists looking for stage time and fans who enjoy live performance art. The event offers an accessible way to engage with the local drag scene and support new talent. Come prepared for a night of spirited rivalry and creative entertainment. We invite you to join the audience, cast your vote for the best performer, and experience the energy of the competition firsthand. Tickets are available now for those ready to witness the next generation of drag stars in action.

Strange Bait is an evening dedicated to ghost stories and local folklore hosted by author Liz Z Pardue. This event invites community members to gather for a curated presentation of eerie regional legends and strange tales from the Carolinas. The program begins with light snacks and a guided storytelling session featuring a visual slide show led by Liz Z Pardue. After the main presentation, the floor opens for attendees to share their own unexplained experiences. Guests are encouraged to participate in this interactive segment for a chance to win prizes, including passes to the local attraction Panic Point. This event is perfect for fans of supernatural lore, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique social outing. The atmosphere is designed to be engaging, cozy, and slightly chilling. If you enjoy authentic storytelling and local history, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share your interests. Please join us for this unique exploration of the strange and unknown. Secure your spot today to participate in a memorable night of haunting local narratives.