Visit Raleigh Fire Museum on the Second Saturday

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.

Make your summer afternoons much brighter with a delicious treat at Andia's Ice Cream. Throughout the summer of 2026, Andia's is excited to offer a special promotion every Monday. When you purchase one sundae, you will receive a second one absolutely free. This offer remains valid through August 31, 2026, giving you plenty of time to enjoy these award winning desserts with a friend or family member. Each sundae features a perfect scoop of premium ice cream topped with fresh whipped cream, your favorite topping, and a drizzle of decadent sauce. Whether you are a long time fan of their nationally recognized flavors or a first time visitor, this is the perfect opportunity to experience why Andia's has gained such a stellar reputation. These delightful treats are available at both their Cary and Raleigh locations, making it easy to satisfy your cravings. Be sure to stop by any Monday before the end of August to take advantage of this sweet deal. Treat yourself to the best ice cream in the Triangle and create lasting summer memories today.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable cinematic experience under the stars at Pullen Park. Located at 520 Ashe Avenue in Raleigh, this premier outdoor movie series invites film lovers of all ages to enjoy a night of entertainment in a beautiful park setting. Whether you are a dedicated film buff or just looking for a wonderful way to spend an evening, this monthly event provides the perfect atmosphere to connect with the local community. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month from June through October 2026 for a special screening of Wicked. Please note that start times vary slightly throughout the season based on sunset. While admission to these screenings is entirely free for the public, you can enhance your visit by purchasing popcorn and refreshments at the Pullen Cafe. Please monitor the official Raleigh Parks website for weather-related updates or potential cancellations. We look forward to seeing you there for a magical evening of cinema. Visit our website today to learn more about our summer schedule and additional outdoor events happening across the Triangle.

Unwind and connect with your community at Bottle Theory in Apex during our weekly Board Game Night. Every Monday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., we invite enthusiasts of all skill levels to gather for a relaxing session filled with strategic challenges, social interaction, and great company. Whether you are a seasoned tabletop veteran or simply looking for a fun way to start your week, our event provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your favorite classic games or discover something entirely new. Our venue offers an exceptional selection of craft beverages to accompany your gameplay, ensuring you stay refreshed while you compete or collaborate with neighbors. This event is completely free to attend and serves as a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a welcoming environment. Bring your competitive spirit, invite your friends, and make Monday nights a highlight of your week. Check our full event calendar to see what other gatherings are happening at Bottle Theory. We look forward to seeing you at the table soon for an evening of gaming excellence.

RipTide Car Wash is thrilled to bring back its highly anticipated appreciation event for the second consecutive year. Throughout the entire month of August 2026, all teachers and dedicated school staff members are invited to enjoy a complimentary car wash as a token of gratitude for their hard work and commitment to education. This special offer is valid at any participating RipTide Car Wash location, including several sites throughout Durham and Raleigh. To take advantage of this refreshing deal, simply present your valid school identification card at the time of your visit. Whether you are prepping for the new school year or just need a quick clean, our high quality wash services are ready to help you shine on the road. We are proud to support the educators who shape our future. Please visit our website to view a full list of our convenient area locations and check our operating hours. We look forward to seeing you at a RipTide facility near you soon to help you enjoy a sparkling clean vehicle.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Science TODAY is a live educational series held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater focused on human-carnivore conflict in China. This session examines how people and large predators share the same landscape by analyzing over five hundred reported conflict events across the region. The goal is to identify why these interactions occur and discuss practical strategies for wildlife coexistence. Attendees will hear directly from expert researcher Jiahui Yuan from Tsinghua University and the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program includes a presentation of research findings followed by a live interactive question and answer session. You will gain insights into modern conservation challenges and evidence based solutions for managing wildlife habitats near human populations. This event is perfect for students, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental science. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and engaging for all curiosity levels. Join us at the museum to learn from leading field researchers and participate in a meaningful discussion about the future of our shared ecosystems.

Join us for an enchanting morning at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University for our monthly Bilingual Storytime. Designed specifically for children ages one to five and their adult caregivers, this program offers a unique opportunity to introduce your little ones to the world of art and language in a welcoming, gallery setting. During each session, we settle into the galleries to enjoy a captivating story read in both Spanish and English, creating a rich environment for early language development and cultural discovery. Following the reading, we engage in a lively, age-appropriate discussion about a specific featured artwork, encouraging children to express their observations and creativity. The experience concludes with a fun, related artmaking activity that allows families to bond while exploring their artistic talents. This event is completely free of charge and requires no reservations, making it a perfect morning outing. We invite you to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to the museum as we celebrate stories and art together. Visit the museum website to plan your visit and explore our full calendar of upcoming events.

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.