The Witch's Haunted Barn at Firefly Farm

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.

Toddler Tuesday: Digging for Dinosaurs is an interactive educational workshop led by Mad Science designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of paleontology. This session provides a structured environment where toddlers explore the prehistoric world through hands-on learning and guided discovery. Participants will investigate the physical differences between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs. The experience includes a close-up look at authentic-style dinosaur teeth to spark curiosity. Children will then take on the role of paleontologists by engaging in a mini dinosaur dig. These activities are specifically crafted to build scientific knowledge while maintaining an engaging pace suitable for young learners. Every component is designed to turn complex concepts into accessible play. This class is tailored for toddlers eager to learn about history and biology in a fun setting. The atmosphere is supportive, active, and focused on sensory discovery. It is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their observation skills while enjoying a unique group experience. Parents are encouraged to register soon to secure a spot for their little explorers in this popular weekly science series.

Join the vibrant community of local chess players at Durham Chess Enthusiasts for a welcoming and intellectually stimulating weekly gathering. Held every Tuesday at the inviting Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps, this event offers the perfect setting for players of all skill levels to engage in friendly matches and sharpen their strategic thinking. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or just learning the basics of the game, our community provides an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and connect with fellow neighbors. Der Nachbar provides a comfortable atmosphere with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages available at their twenty taps. The venue is conveniently located on Hillsborough Road and features a spacious patio where participants can enjoy the fresh air. Families are more than welcome, although an adult must accompany all players under the age of eighteen. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Bring your own board if you wish or simply drop in to meet others. We invite you to join us this Tuesday to test your skills and be part of our growing local chess scene.

Escape the Lost Temple is an interactive adventure designed specifically for mothers and daughters to solve puzzles together. This immersive experience challenges teams to recover an ancient relic by navigating a themed jungle environment while working to find their way out. Participants will engage in a series of collaborative challenges that require critical thinking and communication. You will decode secret messages, locate hidden clues, and complete logic based tasks throughout the temple grounds. The experience emphasizes teamwork as you move through each stage of the quest toward a final goal. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond while navigating a fast paced and mentally stimulating environment. This adventure is intended for mothers and their daughters who enjoy problem solving and shared activities. The atmosphere is designed to be exciting and collaborative, ensuring an engaging evening for all attendees. Registration is required for every individual participating in the event. Please note that an adult must accompany each child at all times during the experience. Secure your spots now to participate in this memorable mission together.

Experience the bounty of local agriculture at the Raleigh City Farm Stand, held every Wednesday from April through October. Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, our vibrant one-acre urban farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with your food source. We invite you to visit between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to browse a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal produce grown directly on our site. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our pay what you can pricing model, ensuring that everyone in our community has the chance to enjoy healthy, farm-fresh ingredients. Beyond the farm stand, we offer an inviting space for community engagement and sustainability education. Whether you are interested in learning about regenerative practices or simply wish to support local growers, your visit makes a meaningful impact on our mission. We encourage neighbors and visitors alike to stop by, enjoy the atmosphere, and stock your kitchen with the very best local harvests. Plan your visit today and join us at 800 N. Blount Street to celebrate sustainable agriculture and community growth in Raleigh.

Experience the charm of country living at Front Porch Fridays held at Haven Farm in Knightdale, North Carolina. Every Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m., the farm opens its gates for a relaxing community gathering. This recurring event is entirely free to attend, providing a wonderful atmosphere for visitors to unwind and enjoy the rustic surroundings. Please remember to check the official Haven Farm Facebook page for any updates regarding weather conditions before you head out. In addition to the regular Friday festivities, the first Friday of every month features an exciting opportunity for a free campout. Families are encouraged to bring their tents and gear to spend the night under the stars, followed by a cozy morning coffee at the farm shop. Whether you are looking for a peaceful evening out or a unique outdoor adventure, these events are perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Plan your visit to 8521 Buffaloe Road today and experience the warm hospitality that makes Haven Farm a local favorite.

Join us for the Fall Festival and Plant Sale at the Briggs Avenue Community Garden in Durham on Saturday, September 12, 2026. This vibrant event, hosted by the NCSU Cooperative Extension of Durham County, welcomes community members of all skill levels to celebrate the season. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, you will find plenty of opportunities to learn, connect with local growers, and appreciate the natural beauty of our shared green space. Browse a variety of unique plants, gain expert gardening tips, and enjoy an energetic atmosphere designed for families and neighbors alike. This gathering is a wonderful way to foster community spirit while preparing your own garden for the upcoming months. Admission to the festival is entirely free, making it an accessible outing for everyone. While we welcome attendees at no cost, voluntary donations are greatly appreciated to help support the ongoing maintenance and educational outreach of the garden. We invite you to visit us at 1314 South Briggs Avenue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.

This workshop is a guided hands-on session where participants learn to create a custom stained glass pumpkin. You will master the fundamental techniques of glass crafting while assembling your own holiday piece to take home. No prior experience is required to participate in this event. Attendees will receive step by step instruction on foiling, assembling, and soldering glass components. Professional tools and materials are provided for all participants. The instructor manages the process to ensure safety and precision throughout the session. If your project requires extra attention, we offer additional studio time at no extra cost to guarantee you complete your work successfully. This event is designed for beginners who want to explore glass art in a supportive environment. With a capacity limited to ten seats, you will receive personalized attention and plenty of workspace. The atmosphere is focused and collaborative, making it an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill. Secure your spot today to experience this creative process and leave with a handmade decoration for your home.

This workshop provides a guided introduction to stained glass art through the creation of a vintage haunts cat piece. Participants will gain practical experience in fundamental glass techniques in a small group setting. The session serves as an accessible entry point for those interested in learning specialized craft skills. You will learn to foil, assemble, and solder glass components to finish your own unique decorative piece. An expert instructor will guide you through each stage of the process to ensure proper technique and safety. You will receive all necessary tools and materials during the class. By the end of the session, you will leave with a completed work of art ready for display. This event is designed for beginners and requires no prior artistic experience. With a strict limit of ten seats per session, each attendee receives personalized instruction in a focused and collaborative environment. This small group structure ensures that you receive direct feedback and assistance throughout the assembly process. Register now to secure your space and explore the rewarding craft of stained glass construction.

This workshop offers a unique hands-on experience where participants create their own stained glass art piece. The event combines creative craftsmanship with a fun social atmosphere designed for those looking to try a new artistic skill in a themed setting. Whether you are a beginner or have some artistic background, this session provides a structured environment to produce a custom handmade item to take home. During the class, you will learn essential stained glass techniques including foiling, assembling, and soldering. Our professional instructor will guide you through each phase of the process, ensuring you feel confident using the tools and materials provided. All necessary equipment is supplied on site, so you do not need to bring any specialized gear or prior experience to participate in this project. This event is perfect for individuals or couples seeking an engaging and memorable activity. Because we limit attendance to ten seats, you will receive personalized attention and plenty of space to work comfortably. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early to secure your place in this exclusive workshop.