Time Warp: Bringing Back the Funk & Groove of the 1970s

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.

Art Inside the Bottle is an immersive event exploring the shared pursuit of balance in fine wine and visual art. Join us to discover how winemakers and artists utilize contrast, texture, and structure to create lasting masterpieces. We will examine how individual elements merge to produce works greater than their components. This evening features a curated tasting of five wines paired with five dishes inspired by the museum African art collection. Tashae Smith, Assistant Curator of African Art, will lead a guided gallery tour focused on the dialogue between African and American winemaking. Participants will conduct side-by-side comparisons of iconic grape varieties to understand how acidity, tannin, and composition create elegance and expression in every pour. This experience is designed for wine enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking a unique cultural evening. You will gain a deeper appreciation for sensory craft while enjoying a sophisticated, educational atmosphere. Please join us for this exploration of harmony through taste and visual storytelling. Reserve your space now to participate in this exclusive fusion of museum curation and viticulture.

Experience a day of wonder at the Museum of Life and Science, a premier destination featuring eighty four acres of immersive discovery. Guests can explore an incredible variety of hands-on exhibits spanning physics, aerospace, and zoology. Families are encouraged to engage with nature in our butterfly house, visit the farmyard to meet alpacas and goats, or observe rescued black bears and red wolves in their habitats. This facility is designed to inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages through interactive learning. Durham Community Days offer a fantastic opportunity for local residents to experience these world class exhibits at no cost. During these scheduled days, Durham County residents receive free admission to the museum, making it the perfect time to enjoy our walking trails, climbing structures, and scientific displays. Please ensure that all adults bring valid proof of residency to participate in this offer. Each adult may bring up to five children to join in the exploration. Visit our website to view the upcoming calendar of community days and plan your next family adventure today.

Experience the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Chapel Hill by visiting the Ackland Art Museum during our special extended hours. Held on the second Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m., these sessions invite guests to immerse themselves in a prestigious collection featuring over 21,000 diverse works of art. Whether you are an art enthusiast or looking for a relaxing evening out, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the galleries after sunset. Visitors are encouraged to browse our curated Museum Store or find inspiration in our galleries while utilizing the art supplies provided by our lobby art cart. This program is completely free to the public, requiring no prior registration, making it the perfect destination for individuals or groups. Join us for a delightful evening of creativity and exploration right on the University of North Carolina campus. We look forward to welcoming you to the Ackland for an unforgettable experience. For more details on upcoming public programming and specific exhibition highlights, please visit the official museum website to plan your visit today.

Experience the vibrant energy of live entertainment at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. This highly anticipated event brings the community together for unforgettable evenings featuring high-energy performances by talented bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or enjoy a lively social outing with friends and family, our concert series provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing mid-week escape under the open sky. The series runs throughout the month of September, offering guests a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy great music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. While you take in the sounds of The Ray Band, you can enjoy a variety of wine and beer options available for purchase on-site. Please note that for the comfort and safety of all guests, outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted at the venue. We invite you to join us for these free community celebrations and discover why our outdoor music series is a local favorite. Visit the Waverly Place website today to view the full event schedule and plan your next evening out with us.

Queer Women's Pokemon Night is a casual social gathering for queer women and sapphic individuals interested in the Pokemon franchise. This event provides a dedicated space for fans to connect, share their enthusiasm for the series, and build community with like-minded people. Participants of all experience levels are welcome to attend. Attendees can expect a relaxed environment focused on social connection rather than competitive play. While there is no formal agenda regarding the trading card game or video game competitions, guests often discuss various aspects of the hobby. If you are new to Pokemon, experienced members are happy to offer guidance and teach newcomers the basics of the game. It is a great opportunity to share your favorite titles or learn something new in an accessible format. This event is open to all queer women, trans, non-binary, and genderfluid folks who enjoy Pokemon. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and low pressure. Please note that this is an 18 plus event. We look forward to seeing you there for a fun and inclusive evening of gaming and conversation.

The Stained Glass Iris Workshop is a hands-on creative session where participants learn to craft a custom stained glass piece. Guided by expert instructors, you will complete your project from start to finish regardless of your prior artistic experience. You will learn the fundamental steps of stained glass assembly through clear, step-by-step guidance. The workshop focuses on providing all necessary tools and materials to ensure you successfully build your own iris design. This session removes the intimidation of complex crafts by breaking down the process into simple, manageable actions for every skill level. This event is designed for anyone looking to try a new hobby in a relaxed, social environment. Whether you attend alone or with friends, the atmosphere is intended to be stress-free and engaging. Please remember that this event is BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy while you create. We recommend arriving fifteen minutes early to settle in and prepare your materials. Join us for a productive evening of creativity and leave with a beautiful piece of art you crafted yourself.