Toddler Tuesday: Halloween Cookie Decorating

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.

The Carolina Circus Festival is a free annual community event dedicated to the art of circus performance and mental health awareness. Taking place on September 12, 2026, in Downtown Cary, this gathering brings together professional performers and the general public to celebrate creativity and support suicide prevention efforts for the movement community. Attendees can expect a full day of entertainment featuring professional aerialists, fire spinners, and LED light performers. The festival grounds will host interactive workshops where visitors can learn circus skills firsthand, alongside a variety of local artisan vendors and food trucks. These diverse offerings ensure that guests of all ages find engaging ways to participate throughout the day. This festival is designed for families, movement enthusiasts, and anyone interested in a vibrant cultural experience. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, emphasizing community connection and artistic expression in a public park setting. Join us in Downtown Cary for this inspiring day of world class performances and community support. We encourage you to bring your family and friends to experience the wonder of these unique circus arts firsthand while supporting a meaningful cause.

Jazz’d Up Sundays is a free public concert series held at Downtown Cary Park featuring live contemporary jazz performances. This recurring event highlights talented musicians in an engaging outdoor setting designed for community connection and musical appreciation. This specific performance features vocalist Niki Haris and the Christian Tamburr Band in a program titled The Way You Make Me Feel. The ensemble presents fresh jazz, soul, and R&B interpretations of iconic Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 songs. Led by Christian Tamburr, the band emphasizes improvisation, unique arrangements, and rhythmic energy to transform legendary pop hits into modern jazz compositions. The performance showcases both the star power of Niki Haris and the technical artistry of the ensemble. This event is open to all members of the public who enjoy live music and outdoor community gatherings. Whether you are a dedicated jazz enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon activity, this concert offers a sophisticated yet accessible atmosphere. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot at Downtown Cary Park for an afternoon of professional musical storytelling.

Live at The Bark Bar is a recurring pop-up music series hosted at a local neighborhood venue. This event provides a space for community members to enjoy professional live music in an informal, open-air setting. Featured performer Sam Trebing brings years of experience as a band member to his current solo project. He performs a curated set list that blends country and Americana influences, covering a variety of songs ranging from classic tracks to modern hits. His solo acoustic format highlights his unique vocal style and instrument proficiency. This event is designed for music lovers, pet owners, and anyone looking for a relaxed social outing. The venue offers a dog-friendly environment where guests can enjoy beverages while listening to local talent. It is an ideal setting for those who prefer an unpretentious atmosphere over traditional concert venues. If you appreciate live music and a casual social environment, this performance offers a great way to unwind. We encourage you to visit us for an evening of entertainment and local music.

The Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo serves as the premier annual gathering for professionals in the towing and recovery industry. This event provides a dedicated space for networking, education, and industry advancement within the region. Attendees can access a wide range of specialized training classes designed to sharpen technical skills and safety standards. The exhibition floor features industry-leading vendors showcasing the latest equipment, software, and tools. A signature highlight of the weekend is the truck beauty contest, where operators display meticulously maintained rigs. These sessions and competitions ensure participants stay ahead of industry trends and operational best practices. This event is tailored for towing company owners, operators, and industry personnel who want to improve their professional expertise. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, offering a valuable environment for peer connection. We have included a dedicated kids area, making this an ideal opportunity for families to participate together. Join industry leaders to exchange knowledge and view top-tier equipment in action. Register now to secure your spot at the definitive event for the regional towing community and take your professional operations to the next level.

The Altis at Serenity Lifestyle Showcase is a complimentary public event designed to introduce guests to the active adult living experience. This showcase highlights the modern lifestyle and amenities available within this 55 plus community located in Fuquay-Varina. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends to explore the property and discover the local culture. Visitors can tour seven professionally designed model homes and the community resort-style amenity center. The event features live music from the acoustic duo Stolen Goods and caricature portraits by Tooney Ty Caricature. Guests may purchase refreshments from local food trucks including BUOY Bowls, Off the Hog, and Mr. Puebla Tacos. Various local businesses and community organizations will also be present to discuss regional resources, connections, and unique neighborhood benefits. This event is ideal for anyone interested in active adult community living who values a vibrant and social neighborhood atmosphere. Whether you are searching for your next home or simply want to experience the local lifestyle, this showcase offers a comprehensive look at the community. Join us to experience the lifestyle firsthand.

Join us for an unforgettable day of community connection at Family Fest, hosted at the beautiful Lakeside Retreats in Raleigh. This vibrant, family-focused event offers a full schedule of activities designed for all ages, running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on September 12, 2026. Guests can look forward to a diverse range of experiences including wellness sessions, yoga, creative workshops, and plenty of engaging outdoor play. The festival is crafted to provide a relaxed atmosphere where families can enjoy quality time, delicious food, and live entertainment in a serene setting. Whether you are participating in wellness activities or exploring the grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. Admission is completely free, though we kindly ask that you register in advance to secure your spot. If you wish to extend the fun, optional overnight camping is available for those looking to immerse themselves in the retreat experience. Do not miss this chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Visit our official event page today to register and stay updated on the latest festival developments.

The Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo serves as the premier annual gathering for professionals in the towing and recovery industry. This event provides a dedicated space for networking, education, and industry advancement within the region. Attendees can access a wide range of specialized training classes designed to sharpen technical skills and safety standards. The exhibition floor features industry-leading vendors showcasing the latest equipment, software, and tools. A signature highlight of the weekend is the truck beauty contest, where operators display meticulously maintained rigs. These sessions and competitions ensure participants stay ahead of industry trends and operational best practices. This event is tailored for towing company owners, operators, and industry personnel who want to improve their professional expertise. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, offering a valuable environment for peer connection. We have included a dedicated kids area, making this an ideal opportunity for families to participate together. Join industry leaders to exchange knowledge and view top-tier equipment in action. Register now to secure your spot at the definitive event for the regional towing community and take your professional operations to the next level.

Hopscotch Day Parties at Rebus Works provide a dual day musical experience during the festival weekend. These daytime events offer an intimate setting for attendees to enjoy live performances in the heart of the city. The programming is designed to showcase diverse sonic landscapes across two distinct afternoon sessions. Friday features the Triangle Synth Party which highlights local and regional electronic music innovators and synthesis enthusiasts. Saturday brings the Savage Knights showcase which centers on high energy performances and curated sounds from independent artists. Both events utilize the unique atmosphere of Rebus Works to create a comfortable space for discovery and artistic connection outside of the main festival stages. These parties are intended for festival goers who appreciate underground music scenes and community driven environments. The relaxed setting provides a perfect opportunity to recharge while discovering new talent in an accessible venue. Join us this year to experience two unique lineups that capture the spirit of the local independent music scene. Admission details are available through the main festival portal so plan to arrive early to secure your spot at these popular daytime gatherings.

The Altis at Serenity Lifestyle Showcase is a complimentary public event designed to introduce guests to the active adult living experience. This showcase highlights the modern lifestyle and amenities available within this 55 plus community located in Fuquay-Varina. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends to explore the property and discover the local culture. Visitors can tour seven professionally designed model homes and the community resort-style amenity center. The event features live music from the acoustic duo Stolen Goods and caricature portraits by Tooney Ty Caricature. Guests may purchase refreshments from local food trucks including BUOY Bowls, Off the Hog, and Mr. Puebla Tacos. Various local businesses and community organizations will also be present to discuss regional resources, connections, and unique neighborhood benefits. This event is ideal for anyone interested in active adult community living who values a vibrant and social neighborhood atmosphere. Whether you are searching for your next home or simply want to experience the local lifestyle, this showcase offers a comprehensive look at the community. Join us to experience the lifestyle firsthand.