STRANGE BAIT: Get Carolina Creepy w/ Liz Z Pardue

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.

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.

The Last of Us is a formal staged workshop presentation of a new original play written and directed by Katrina C. Tarson. This event offers a public look at the final stage of an intensive creative development process. The production utilizes a mix of text, poetry, and movement to explore modern issues facing women today. Attendees will experience a text-in-hand performance focusing on the journey of Tilou, a young woman confronted by a mysterious Sisterhood. This format provides a unique opportunity to witness the raw creative process behind a new theatrical work. The staging emphasizes clarity and lyrical storytelling to deliver its central message. This event is intended for mature audiences aged 18 and older. Following the performance, the production team will host a feedback session to gather audience insights as they refine the script for future full-scale productions. We invite you to join us for this evening of modern myth and creative exploration. Your participation is a vital part of helping this new play reach its full potential for future stages.