Thomas in the Garden at New Hope Valley Railway

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.

Join the welcoming community at Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church in Durham for their ongoing efforts to support neighbors through food access. The church hosts monthly food distributions, providing essential groceries to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot for the drive-through service, which operates efficiently to ensure everyone is served with dignity and care. Volunteers are always appreciated for those looking to give back and support the local community. In addition to distributions, the church opens its doors for monthly community meals, creating a space for connection and shared experiences. The upcoming event features a special theme celebrating diversity and inclusion through a vibrant menu of colorful dishes. These gatherings are completely free, open to everyone, and require no advance registration. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to enjoy a warm meal in a friendly environment, you are invited to participate. Visit the Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church Facebook page to stay updated on schedule changes and upcoming menu themes.

Join Hardee's this September as they commemorate an incredible 66 years of serving delicious meals. To honor this milestone and celebrate National Biscuit Month, Hardee's is excited to offer a special promotion that biscuit lovers will not want to miss. Throughout Labor Day weekend, from September 3 to September 7, 2026, guests can enjoy a signature sausage biscuit for only 66 cents. This is the perfect opportunity to kick off your holiday weekend with a classic favorite at an unbeatable value. The celebration continues well beyond the holiday weekend. Hardee's is extending the festivities throughout the entire month of September with a variety of weekly offers and exclusive deals designed to showcase their commitment to quality breakfast options. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, there has never been a better time to stop by and celebrate this historic anniversary with us. We invite you to visit your local Hardee's restaurant to take advantage of these limited-time savings. Bring your friends and family along to experience the quality and taste that have defined Hardee's for over six decades.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

Join Durham Parks and Recreation for Total Tot Time, an engaging and complimentary play program designed specifically for children ages newborn to five years old. This recurring event offers an excellent opportunity for little ones to socialize, explore, and stay active in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether your child enjoys playing with a colorful parachute, crawling through tunnels, or practicing basic movement skills, there is something here to spark every young imagination. Beyond providing a fun space for children, this program fosters meaningful interaction between parents and caregivers, creating a supportive community atmosphere. The weekly sessions run every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center. No prior reservation is necessary, so please feel free to drop in and join the fun at your convenience. We invite all families in the area to bring their little ones for an energetic morning of play and discovery. This is the perfect setting to build new friendships while enjoying high quality recreation time. We look forward to seeing you and your tot in the gym very soon.

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.

Join Durham Parks and Recreation for Total Tot Time, an engaging and complimentary play program designed specifically for children ages newborn to five years old. This recurring event offers an excellent opportunity for little ones to socialize, explore, and stay active in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether your child enjoys playing with a colorful parachute, crawling through tunnels, or practicing basic movement skills, there is something here to spark every young imagination. Beyond providing a fun space for children, this program fosters meaningful interaction between parents and caregivers, creating a supportive community atmosphere. The weekly sessions run every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center. No prior reservation is necessary, so please feel free to drop in and join the fun at your convenience. We invite all families in the area to bring their little ones for an energetic morning of play and discovery. This is the perfect setting to build new friendships while enjoying high quality recreation time. We look forward to seeing you and your tot in the gym very soon.

Celebrate the end of summer at the Free Community Labor Day Cookout hosted by Calvary Presbyterian Church. This gathering is designed to bring our neighbors together for an afternoon of camaraderie, delicious food, and festive spirits. Located at 5620 Ray Road in Raleigh, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the holiday weekend in a welcoming environment while connecting with local residents. Our cookout is open to everyone, making it the perfect destination for families, friends, and individuals looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We invite you to join us for a meal as we commemorate the significance of Labor Day with our community. Whether you are seeking a place to enjoy a pleasant outdoor lunch or simply want to meet new people, this event promises to be a highlight of your long weekend. Please mark your calendars, bring your loved ones, and join us for this special neighborhood tradition. We look forward to seeing you there for a day of celebration and unity.

Join the welcoming community at Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church in Durham for their ongoing efforts to support neighbors through food access. The church hosts monthly food distributions, providing essential groceries to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot for the drive-through service, which operates efficiently to ensure everyone is served with dignity and care. Volunteers are always appreciated for those looking to give back and support the local community. In addition to distributions, the church opens its doors for monthly community meals, creating a space for connection and shared experiences. The upcoming event features a special theme celebrating diversity and inclusion through a vibrant menu of colorful dishes. These gatherings are completely free, open to everyone, and require no advance registration. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to enjoy a warm meal in a friendly environment, you are invited to participate. Visit the Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church Facebook page to stay updated on schedule changes and upcoming menu themes.