Total Tot Time: Free Play Program for Kids

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.

The Carrboro Farmers Market invites families to participate in the engaging Market Bunch program, held every Wednesday from April through November. This weekly initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about sustainability, local agriculture, and healthy eating through hands-on arts and crafts projects. Set in the heart of Carrboro, these sessions are designed to foster curiosity and community spirit while connecting the next generation with local farmers and artisans. Beyond the kids activities, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere featuring goods produced within fifty miles of the town. Whether you are browsing for fresh seasonal produce, attending special thematic events like Tomato Day, or participating in the annual vendor costume contest, there is always something unique to discover. We encourage parents to bring their children to explore these educational offerings and enjoy the local bounty in a family-friendly setting. Visit the Carrboro Town Commons to experience our community atmosphere firsthand. We look forward to seeing you there to support our local growers and enjoy the weekly festivities with your family. Check our website or sign up for the weekly newsletter for complete event details.

The Brown Bags to Building Bridges series invites you to learn how the Town of Apex Planning Department shapes our local future. This session provides an essential overview of how the town manages growth, tracks development trends, and executes long-range strategies like the Peak Plan 2055. During this interactive forty-five minute presentation, department staff will explain the complex mechanisms that influence our community development. You will discover how zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning work together to create the Apex of tomorrow. The session also highlights specific ways that residents can engage with the planning process and share their own perspectives on town projects. This event is designed for all residents who want to understand the foundations of local government and community growth. It offers a professional, informative atmosphere perfect for anyone curious about the future of our town. Please note that this is a brown bag event, so remember to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. We look forward to seeing you there for this engaging look at how Apex continues to build bridges with its citizens.

Join a professional naturalist for an educational hike through the Jesse P. Perry III Arboretum at Prairie Ridge to learn local tree identification. This program offers a practical introduction to the diverse forest ecosystems found in our region. During this one to two mile trek, participants will examine ten distinct tree species. You will gain hands-on experience identifying key characteristics of various specimens while learning biological facts about their life cycles. The session also introduces Nature’s Notebook, a collaborative citizen science project. You will discover how your personal observations of seasonal changes contribute to meaningful scientific research used by experts across the country. This event is designed for individuals aged twelve and older who have an interest in forestry or biology. The atmosphere is casual, informative, and suited for anyone curious about the natural world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced nature enthusiast, this walk provides valuable skills for your future outdoor explorations. Prepare for light hiking and prepare to engage with the environment in a meaningful way. Registration is encouraged to secure your spot.

The Carrboro Farmers Market invites families to participate in the engaging Market Bunch program, held every Wednesday from April through November. This weekly initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about sustainability, local agriculture, and healthy eating through hands-on arts and crafts projects. Set in the heart of Carrboro, these sessions are designed to foster curiosity and community spirit while connecting the next generation with local farmers and artisans. Beyond the kids activities, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere featuring goods produced within fifty miles of the town. Whether you are browsing for fresh seasonal produce, attending special thematic events like Tomato Day, or participating in the annual vendor costume contest, there is always something unique to discover. We encourage parents to bring their children to explore these educational offerings and enjoy the local bounty in a family-friendly setting. Visit the Carrboro Town Commons to experience our community atmosphere firsthand. We look forward to seeing you there to support our local growers and enjoy the weekly festivities with your family. Check our website or sign up for the weekly newsletter for complete event details.

The Back to School Block Party is a community celebration held to welcome local students and families as the new academic year begins. This outdoor gathering offers a space for neighbors to connect and enjoy an evening of festivities before classes resume. The goal is to provide a positive environment that builds excitement and community spirit for all participants. Attendees can explore a variety of food trucks serving diverse options suitable for all ages. The event features numerous inflatables and structured games designed to keep children active and entertained throughout the evening. Additional activities include interactive stations that encourage engagement and social interaction among attendees. These highlights ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy during this transition period. This event is open to all students, parents, and community members looking for a relaxed way to wrap up the summer season. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming, inclusive, and fun for families of all backgrounds. We invite you to join us for this community celebration. Please bring your friends and neighbors as we prepare for a successful school year together.

The Fall Leaves Linocut workshop is a hands-on printmaking session led by artist Bill Fick from SuperG Print Lab. Participants will learn the fundamentals of carving and printing original autumn themed designs to create custom artwork. During this session you will explore the linocut process from start to finish. You will learn how to carve intricate seasonal motifs into blocks and use professional inks to pull your own prints. The workshop emphasizes the use of bold lines, unique textures, and layering colors to capture the essence of fall foliage. All necessary materials, including carving tools, blocks, and paper, are provided for every attendee. This event is designed for both beginners and experienced artists who want to refine their printmaking skills in a collaborative setting. Whether you are looking to start a new creative hobby or build upon your existing artistic practice, this workshop offers a productive and focused environment. Space is limited so please register early to secure your spot. Bring your creativity and prepare to produce a collection of handmade prints to take home.

Experience the vibrant sounds of summer at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. Every Wednesday evening throughout the month of September, the community is invited to gather for an energetic lineup of live performances featuring talented local bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or seeking a lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family, this event provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening under the open sky. Attendees can enhance their experience by purchasing a variety of beer and wine available on-site. Please note that while the concerts are free to attend, outside coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted within the venue. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local musicians while enjoying the welcoming ambiance of the Waverly Place shopping center. Make sure to mark your calendar for these exciting mid-week musical showcases. We encourage you to visit the official Waverly Place website to view the full event schedule and plan your visit. Do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season with community and song.

The Back to School Block Party is a community celebration held to welcome local students and families as the new academic year begins. This outdoor gathering offers a space for neighbors to connect and enjoy an evening of festivities before classes resume. The goal is to provide a positive environment that builds excitement and community spirit for all participants. Attendees can explore a variety of food trucks serving diverse options suitable for all ages. The event features numerous inflatables and structured games designed to keep children active and entertained throughout the evening. Additional activities include interactive stations that encourage engagement and social interaction among attendees. These highlights ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy during this transition period. This event is open to all students, parents, and community members looking for a relaxed way to wrap up the summer season. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming, inclusive, and fun for families of all backgrounds. We invite you to join us for this community celebration. Please bring your friends and neighbors as we prepare for a successful school year together.

Are you passionate about the rich heritage and unique stories that define our community? The Chatham County Historical Association invites you to join the Siler City History Club, a vibrant gathering dedicated to preserving the local legacy of Siler City. This engaging program serves as an opportunity for residents to connect, share personal memories, and contribute authentic mementos to our growing historical collection. Whether you have lived here for decades or are a recent arrival eager to learn about your new home, your voice is an essential part of our shared narrative. Our meetings offer a welcoming environment designed for listening, learning, and making new friends in a collaborative setting. We meet every other month to ensure that the stories of our town continue to thrive for future generations. This event is entirely free to the public, and we encourage you to bring a friend along for an hour of meaningful discovery and connection. Come share your experiences and help us document the vibrant spirit of Siler City. We look forward to seeing you there.