STEAM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities

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.

The Brimley Brunch is an exclusive morning gathering designed to honor the generous contributors of the Brimley Society. This event serves as an opportunity for us to express our gratitude while celebrating the scientific advancements made possible through your ongoing support. Join us for a meaningful morning focused on community and appreciation. Attendees will enjoy a full brunch buffet served in a welcoming environment. The program features insights into recent scientific achievements and highlights the impact of your contributions. You will hear directly from our team about current initiatives and future goals that your membership helps sustain. It is a chance to connect with fellow supporters and engage with the science you help champion. This event is strictly reserved for current Brimley Society members. We have curated a professional atmosphere that encourages networking and genuine conversation among our most dedicated patrons. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join or upgrade your status today to secure your invitation to this and other premium events. We look forward to hosting you for a memorable morning of celebration and collaborative discovery.

Migrating Monarchs is an educational program exploring the annual southward journey of Monarch butterflies. Participants will learn how local habitats support these insects and contribute to their survival during migration. The event begins in the Nature Neighborhood Garden to examine managed habitats that fuel Monarchs. Attendees will then move into the prairie for guided butterfly spotting. Depending on activity, participants may participate in catch and release demonstrations. The session covers collaborative science initiatives including the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project and Monarch Watch to explain how citizens track population trends. This family friendly program is designed for all ages interested in wildlife conservation and local ecology. The atmosphere is interactive and focuses on active observation in a natural setting. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with scientific research while observing migration patterns firsthand. Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking in outdoor prairie terrain and prepare for time spent in the sun. We encourage families and nature enthusiasts to join us for this educational outdoor experience. Please register in advance to secure your spot for this seasonal event.

Science Café is an informal after-hours event designed to connect curious minds with current scientific research. Hosted by Chris Smith at the Daily Planet Café, this monthly gathering provides a relaxed environment for learning from expert speakers while enjoying a full food and drink menu. The café remains open from 5pm to 8pm to accommodate all attendees. This month, guest speaker Dr. Adrian Smith will present a visual showcase exploring the biomechanics of insect jumping. As the head of the Insect Research Lab at NCMNS and creator of the popular YouTube channel Ant Lab, Dr. Smith will share slow-motion footage and insights from recent laboratory projects. His presentation will highlight the surprising biological techniques insects use to navigate their environments, offering a rare look at natural history in motion. This event is perfect for anyone interested in entomology, high-speed photography, or cutting-edge biological research. Whether you are a student, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for an engaging evening, you will find this presentation both accessible and fascinating. Join us for an evening of discovery and discussion.

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.

Little Raleigh Radio presents Groove History, a listening party series hosted at the City of Raleigh Museum. This event highlights records that define Raleigh's creative history and artistic evolution through deep dives into significant local albums. The session focuses on the band The Veldt and their 1989 record, Illuminated 1989. Attendees can expect an engaging evening featuring a live performance by The Veldt, insightful interviews with the band members, and a curated playback session of their debut album. The Veldt will take the stage for their live set around 7:45pm. This event is an excellent opportunity for music fans, local history enthusiasts, and followers of the shoegaze rock genre to connect with pioneers of the local music scene. Experience the unique atmosphere of the City of Raleigh Museum during this special First Friday event. Join us from 6pm to 9pm to celebrate the release of a foundational record that was once shelved for decades but now receives the recognition it deserves. We invite you to experience this compelling piece of local musical heritage in an intimate museum setting.

This program introduces families to the practical science of composting and sustainable gardening techniques. The session provides a clear roadmap for families to reduce household waste while enriching their home gardens through natural soil revitalization. Participants will learn the core fundamentals of operating a backyard composting bin effectively. Our facilitators will demonstrate how to balance green and brown materials to create nutrient-rich compost. You will discover simple strategies to divert food scraps from landfills and transform everyday organic waste into valuable resources. The presentation includes hands-on guidance to ensure you leave with actionable techniques for your specific home environment. This event is designed for families interested in sustainability and hands-on environmental education. The atmosphere is collaborative and beginner-friendly, making it an excellent opportunity for children and adults to learn together. By attending, you gain the knowledge required to support a healthier planet starting in your own backyard. We encourage families of all experience levels to join us for this informative session. Please register in advance to secure your spot for this practical guide to home composting success.