Trick-or-Eat Food Truck Rodeo, Garner Night Out, and Touch-a-Truck

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 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.

Experience the authentic spirit of a traditional German Stammtisch at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps in Durham. This welcoming community gathering invites beer enthusiasts to enjoy premium German brews served in classic steins, all available at standard pint pricing. Located at 4916 Hillsborough Road, our venue offers a relaxed atmosphere with twenty rotating taps, a curated selection of wines, and non-alcoholic choices to suit every palate. Our inviting space features a pet-friendly patio and an outdoor serving window for your convenience. Guests are encouraged to bring their own takeout or enjoy offerings from occasional food truck visits and local bakery partnerships. Whether you are a long-time member of the local German community or simply interested in meeting new neighbors over a refreshing beverage, this event provides the perfect backdrop for casual conversation and authentic connection. Join us for an evening of camaraderie and quality craft beer. We encourage you to drop by with friends or family to experience one of the best social nights in the Triangle. For more details on this event and our upcoming calendar, please visit our website or check our official Facebook page today.

Join Hardee's in commemorating a monumental milestone as the brand celebrates its 66th birthday throughout the entire month of September 2026. This special occasion also coincides with National Biscuit Month, providing the perfect excuse for a delicious celebration. To kick off the festivities, Hardee's is thrilled to offer a signature sausage biscuit for only 66 cents. This limited time offer is available during the entire Labor Day weekend, running from September 3 through September 7, 2026. The excitement does not end with the holiday weekend. Hardee's is keeping the party going by extending exclusive deals and weekly offers throughout the rest of September to honor their heritage and appreciation for loyal customers. Whether you are a long time fan or a new visitor, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy quality comfort food at an unbeatable price point. We invite you to visit your local Hardee's location to take advantage of these savings and join in the birthday cheer. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and experience the classic flavors that have made Hardee's a breakfast staple for over six decades.

Join us for the groundbreaking Hip Hop is Higher Education symposium, taking place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the historic American Tobacco Campus in Durham. This innovative event explores the intersection of academic inquiry and musical expression, demonstrating how hip hop culture continues to shape modern scholarship and pedagogical practice. Attendees will engage in dynamic sessions that celebrate the profound impact of this genre on the educational landscape. The symposium runs from 12 to 8 p.m. and offers a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders, educators, and artists dedicated to the evolution of contemporary learning. Whether you are a student, a music enthusiast, or an academic, this event promises to challenge perspectives and inspire new ways of understanding cultural contributions to society. Please note that while this experience is offered at no cost to the public, registration is required to attend. We encourage all interested participants to secure their spots early to participate in this vibrant gathering. Visit the event website to view the full program schedule and complete your registration process today for this influential day of discovery.

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.

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.

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.

Pollinators in Our Parks is a community initiative focused on the restoration and study of native wildflower habitats. This event invites participants to actively contribute to the health of our local ecosystems through hands-on environmental stewardship and citizen science projects. Attendees will engage in practical conservation work to support local pollinators. Activities include weeding, watering, and maintaining native plant gardens under the guidance of park staff. Participants will also conduct field observations to collect data on local wildlife and plant interactions, directly contributing to ongoing conservation research efforts. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, students, and community members interested in ecological preservation. It offers a structured way to learn about native plants while providing essential care for the parks. The atmosphere is collaborative, educational, and focused on tangible environmental outcomes. No prior gardening experience is necessary to participate. Please wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. We encourage you to join us to help protect our local biodiversity and gain hands-on experience in environmental management. Register today to secure your spot in this meaningful community effort.

The Cozy Cryptid Fall Market is a curated shopping event held in October that focuses on mythical creatures and autumn themes. This market serves as a community gathering for fans of folklore and local artistry to celebrate the Halloween season. Attendees can browse collections from thirty local artists and makers. The vendors will feature unique, cryptid-themed creations and seasonal Halloween art. The event provides an opportunity to purchase handcrafted goods directly from creators while enjoying a focused, thematic shopping experience. The layout is designed to facilitate easy navigation for all guests visiting the market stalls. This event is ideal for anyone interested in supporting local small businesses and discovering niche artistic interpretations of mythical beings. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and festive, providing a relaxed environment to browse and shop. Whether you are an enthusiast of urban legends or simply looking for seasonal home goods, this market offers a distinct collection of items you will not find elsewhere. Please mark your calendar and join us to support our creative community and celebrate the spirit of the fall season.

Experience the vibrant spirit of our community during the First Friday celebration in historic Downtown Fuquay-Varina. Hosted by the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association, this recurring monthly event transforms the heart of our town into a lively hub of creativity and connection from 5 to 9 p.m. Attendees are invited to stroll through the charming streets while enjoying a curated selection of live music performances that highlight local talent and artistic expression. It is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the flourishing local arts scene while discovering unique offerings from our neighborhood merchants. Beyond the captivating entertainment, visitors can take advantage of exclusive shopping deals and special promotional events hosted by participating local businesses. This gathering is designed to bring neighbors and visitors together for an evening of relaxation, exploration, and support for our local economy. Whether you are searching for a hidden treasure, looking to enjoy some great tunes with friends, or simply wanting to soak in the welcoming atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and join us this Friday for an unforgettable evening in downtown.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual event dedicated to uniting and educating the community through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh on September 5 to 6, 2026, it serves as a platform to celebrate the heritage and creativity of African American culture. Attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive experiences including live music, theater performances, and dance showcases. The event highlights both local and national talent while hosting numerous visual artists. Guests will also find an array of craft vendors, retail merchants, and diverse food options to enjoy throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival is free and open to the public, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the country. The atmosphere is vibrant, engaging, and designed to foster connection among diverse groups of people. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful cultural expressions. Mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend to join this significant community experience and participate in the festivities.