Wake Forest National Night Out

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.

Are you looking to boost your digital confidence and stay connected in today's fast-paced world? Durham Parks and Recreation is thrilled to offer a specialized Computer Refresher course designed exclusively for adults ages 50 and older. This engaging series is hosted at the W.D. Recreation Center and provides a supportive environment where participants can sharpen their technical skills at a comfortable pace. Whether you want to brush up on internet navigation, email communication, or general device usage, this course offers valuable insights and hands-on practice to help you navigate modern technology with ease. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings from September 8 to September 29, with a second session running from October 6 to October 27. Because we are committed to providing personalized guidance to every student, class sizes are kept small. Please note that registration is mandatory to secure your spot in this popular program. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and master the tools of the digital age. Register today to join our vibrant learning community and take your first step toward tech proficiency.

Box Making for Beginners is a two day hands on workshop designed to teach essential woodworking skills through the creation of a small keepsake box. Participants learn fundamental techniques applicable to larger cabinetry and furniture projects while building a functional finished piece. The curriculum is split across two sessions. During the first day you will focus on project design, processing raw lumber, and structural assembly. The second day transitions to refined finishing techniques, lid construction, and decorative detailing to complete your box. This structured approach ensures you gain confidence with shop equipment while producing a high quality result. This course is ideal for those looking to expand their woodworking foundation beyond basic shop safety. Please note that individuals without prior table saw experience must complete our woodshop intro course before attending this session to ensure safety and proficiency. Whether you want to master new joinery methods or craft a thoughtful handmade gift, this class provides the practical knowledge necessary to elevate your woodworking capabilities. Join us for this two day experience to build your skills and complete your first custom project.

Birds and Bloomers is a guided outdoor educational tour focused on the intersection of local flowering plants and bird populations at Downtown Cary Park. This session provides participants with an expert look at the ecosystems that support regional wildlife within our urban environment. Dr. Patrick McMillan, an Emmy-award winning naturalist, horticulturist, and author, will lead the group through the park to identify various bird species. Attendees will learn specific techniques for identifying birds through sound, sight, and behavioral patterns. The tour also covers practical landscaping tips, teaching participants how to transform their own backyards into hospitable environments for birds through thoughtful planting and maintenance. This event is designed for nature enthusiasts, amateur birders, and gardening hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity. The atmosphere is professional yet accessible for all skill levels. Please bring your own binoculars to fully participate in the observation activities. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading expert while exploring the natural beauty of the park. Registration is open for anyone interested in enhancing their connection to local wildlife and horticultural practices.

Toddler Tuesday: Digging for Dinosaurs is an interactive educational workshop led by Mad Science designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of paleontology. This session provides a structured environment where toddlers explore the prehistoric world through hands-on learning and guided discovery. Participants will investigate the physical differences between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs. The experience includes a close-up look at authentic-style dinosaur teeth to spark curiosity. Children will then take on the role of paleontologists by engaging in a mini dinosaur dig. These activities are specifically crafted to build scientific knowledge while maintaining an engaging pace suitable for young learners. Every component is designed to turn complex concepts into accessible play. This class is tailored for toddlers eager to learn about history and biology in a fun setting. The atmosphere is supportive, active, and focused on sensory discovery. It is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their observation skills while enjoying a unique group experience. Parents are encouraged to register soon to secure a spot for their little explorers in this popular weekly science series.

Join the vibrant community of local chess players at Durham Chess Enthusiasts for a welcoming and intellectually stimulating weekly gathering. Held every Tuesday at the inviting Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps, this event offers the perfect setting for players of all skill levels to engage in friendly matches and sharpen their strategic thinking. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or just learning the basics of the game, our community provides an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and connect with fellow neighbors. Der Nachbar provides a comfortable atmosphere with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages available at their twenty taps. The venue is conveniently located on Hillsborough Road and features a spacious patio where participants can enjoy the fresh air. Families are more than welcome, although an adult must accompany all players under the age of eighteen. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Bring your own board if you wish or simply drop in to meet others. We invite you to join us this Tuesday to test your skills and be part of our growing local chess scene.

Escape the Lost Temple is an interactive adventure designed specifically for mothers and daughters to solve puzzles together. This immersive experience challenges teams to recover an ancient relic by navigating a themed jungle environment while working to find their way out. Participants will engage in a series of collaborative challenges that require critical thinking and communication. You will decode secret messages, locate hidden clues, and complete logic based tasks throughout the temple grounds. The experience emphasizes teamwork as you move through each stage of the quest toward a final goal. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond while navigating a fast paced and mentally stimulating environment. This adventure is intended for mothers and their daughters who enjoy problem solving and shared activities. The atmosphere is designed to be exciting and collaborative, ensuring an engaging evening for all attendees. Registration is required for every individual participating in the event. Please note that an adult must accompany each child at all times during the experience. Secure your spots now to participate in this memorable mission together.

Experience an exciting twist on your Tuesday evening at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps located on Hillsborough Road in Durham. Join us for our weekly Tuesday Toss event where the luck of the roll determines the fate of your five dollar draft beer. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind with friends while enjoying our extensive selection of twenty rotating taps, fine wines, and non-alcoholic refreshments in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our venue features a spacious outdoor patio that is dog friendly and equipped with a convenient serving window for seamless ordering. Guests are invited to bring their own takeout or food from home to pair with their favorite beverages. Whether you are looking to test your luck or simply enjoy a relaxing night out in the heart of the Triangle, this event offers the perfect blend of local community spirit and great flavors. We invite you to gather your friends and stop by this week to join the fun. Check out our website or social media pages for more details on this and other upcoming events at Der Nachbar.

Experience the magic of the big screen at The Lumina Theater in Southern Village without breaking the bank. Located at 620 Market Street in Chapel Hill, this premier cinema destination is proud to offer their popular Terrific Tuesdays promotion. Every Tuesday throughout the entire year, movie lovers can secure tickets for the incredibly low base price of just 6.25 dollars. Even after accounting for all taxes and fees, the total cost remains a highly accessible 7.75 dollars per person, making it the perfect opportunity to catch the latest blockbuster releases or indie gems in a comfortable, community-focused environment. Beyond the unbeatable ticket pricing, guests can also enjoy exclusive concession specials available only on Tuesdays, adding even more value to your cinematic outing. Whether you are planning a casual date night, a fun afternoon with friends, or a solo escape, The Lumina Theater provides a top-tier viewing experience at a fraction of the standard cost. We invite you to join us this coming Tuesday to enjoy high-quality entertainment and significant savings. Visit our box office or website today to browse our current showtimes and secure your seats for an unforgettable week of film.

Experience the bounty of local agriculture at the Raleigh City Farm Stand, held every Wednesday from April through October. Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, our vibrant one-acre urban farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with your food source. We invite you to visit between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to browse a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal produce grown directly on our site. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our pay what you can pricing model, ensuring that everyone in our community has the chance to enjoy healthy, farm-fresh ingredients. Beyond the farm stand, we offer an inviting space for community engagement and sustainability education. Whether you are interested in learning about regenerative practices or simply wish to support local growers, your visit makes a meaningful impact on our mission. We encourage neighbors and visitors alike to stop by, enjoy the atmosphere, and stock your kitchen with the very best local harvests. Plan your visit today and join us at 800 N. Blount Street to celebrate sustainable agriculture and community growth in Raleigh.