Women's Rugby Match: Raleigh Venom vs. James River

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.

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 a vibrant community of strategy lovers at the Durham Chess Enthusiasts weekly gathering held every Tuesday at Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner eager to learn the ropes, this event offers the perfect environment to sharpen your skills while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The venue features an excellent selection of craft beers, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you refreshed during your matches. All players are welcome to participate in this free weekly event, though please note that an adult must accompany any participants under the age of eighteen. The setting is inclusive and social, allowing you to meet new friends while engaging in friendly competition on the board. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or enjoy local food truck offerings if available on-site during your visit. Do not miss this opportunity to foster your love for the game and connect with local chess players in the heart of Durham. Head over to 4916 Hillsborough Road this Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to get in on the action. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of tactical play and great company.

Get ready to move with KatMoves Travelling Studio. We are thrilled to invite the community to join our energetic and inclusive line dancing classes held every Tuesday evening in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or someone who has never stepped onto a dance floor, these sessions are designed for everyone. Our instructor provides easy to follow guidance on footwork and patterns, ensuring that every participant feels confident while having a great time. These classes foster a relaxed atmosphere focused entirely on movement and joy. We meet weekly at the Snow Approach Foundation located on East King Street. While these sessions are completely free, we do maintain an optional tip jar on site. A portion of these generous donations supports the Snow Approach Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with brain conditions. No RSVP is required to attend these sessions, so simply bring your comfortable shoes and your enthusiasm for dance. We look forward to seeing you there for an hour of rhythm, community, and fun.

This event is a documentary screening and exploration of the life and work of Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver. It examines her deep connection to the natural world of Cape Cod and her enduring influence on contemporary literature and mindfulness. Attendees will experience a cinematic journey through Oliver’s life, featuring rare personal archives, notebooks, and correspondence. The presentation includes exclusive interviews with close friends like John Waters alongside featured readings of her most iconic poetry performed by Stephen Colbert, Lucy Dacus, Steve Buscemi, and Oprah Winfrey. These segments provide a unique look at her private world and the inspirations behind her celebrated verses. This event is perfect for literature enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking clarity in an age of digital distraction. It offers a reflective atmosphere suitable for poets, naturalists, and urbanites alike. Join us for this screening to rediscover the profound simplicity of Oliver’s work and its pressing relevance to modern life. We invite you to explore the intersection of beauty, attention, and the human experience through the lens of one of America’s most beloved contemporary mystics.

The ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament is an annual competitive bowling event held in Raleigh, North Carolina, over Labor Day weekend. Organized by an all-volunteer non-profit established in 2023, the event serves to foster high-level amateur competition while raising critical funds for LGBTQ+ charities across the state. It stands as the flagship initiative for the organization. Participants can expect a professionally managed tournament structure that welcomes amateur bowlers from both national and international backgrounds. The event focuses on fair play, skill development, and community engagement within a structured competitive environment. Beyond the lanes, the tournament highlights the dedication of volunteers committed to supporting local non-profit causes through sportsmanship and active community participation. This event is designed for amateur bowling enthusiasts who want to compete at a high level while supporting a meaningful cause. The atmosphere is centered on inclusivity, athleticism, and charitable impact. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina, this tournament provides an excellent platform to showcase your talent. Registration information is available through the official tournament portal.

The Girl Kissers Book Club Launch Party is a festive community gathering designed to celebrate the official debut of our new mailers. This event serves as a launch celebration for our members to connect in person during the Labor Day holiday weekend. We invite everyone to join us for an afternoon of networking and community building at Le Dive Bar. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of custom themed cocktails and mocktails while socializing with fellow book lovers. We will offer an exclusive sneak peek of our upcoming merchandise collection. Guests can participate in giveaways to win free mailers and browse the PR suitcase to collect various brand products. Our space will also feature dedicated areas for creative crafts and informal group discussions throughout the afternoon. This event is perfect for current members or anyone interested in joining our community. We foster a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere suitable for all readers, regardless of their current progress with our book selections. Please join us for an engaging day of conversation and celebration. We look forward to seeing you there.

Experience the vibrant spirit of sustainable agriculture at Raleigh City Farm, located in the heart of downtown at 800 North Blount Street. Starting April 15, 2026, we invite you to join our weekly Pay What You Can farm stand held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This unique initiative allows you to purchase fresh, locally grown produce while supporting our mission to connect the community to regenerative farming practices. We believe everyone deserves access to healthy food, and our sliding scale model ensures that farm-fresh nutrition remains accessible to all. After browsing the farm stand, we encourage you to stay for our Wine and Weeds gathering from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to steward our beautiful urban site, learn about native plant species, and cultivate meaningful connections with fellow neighbors. Enjoy a refreshing beverage provided by our local partners while you contribute to the growth of our space. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm. Please visit our website to sign up for sessions and secure your spot today.

Living in Alignment is an outdoor workshop that combines yoga, meditation, and guided journaling to help participants gain clarity and focus. This session offers a structured space to explore personal themes through movement and intentional reflection in a park setting. Participants will engage in an all-levels yoga practice designed to build awareness and prepare the body for stillness. Throughout the evening, the instructor will lead guided meditation sessions and provide specific prompts for journaling. This cycle of movement and writing allows you to translate physical exploration into actionable insights. The practice focuses on noticing internal patterns and documenting your thoughts in real time. This event is open to everyone regardless of experience level. It provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a balanced approach to mindfulness and self-reflection. Please arrive prepared with a yoga mat, a water bottle, a journal, a pen, and insect repellent. We invite you to join us for this unique evening of movement and inquiry. Secure your spot today to experience this intentional practice and leave feeling grounded and refreshed.

Living in Alignment is an outdoor workshop that combines yoga, meditation, and guided journaling to help participants gain clarity and focus. This session offers a structured space to explore personal themes through movement and intentional reflection in a park setting. Participants will engage in an all-levels yoga practice designed to build awareness and prepare the body for stillness. Throughout the evening, the instructor will lead guided meditation sessions and provide specific prompts for journaling. This cycle of movement and writing allows you to translate physical exploration into actionable insights. The practice focuses on noticing internal patterns and documenting your thoughts in real time. This event is open to everyone regardless of experience level. It provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a balanced approach to mindfulness and self-reflection. Please arrive prepared with a yoga mat, a water bottle, a journal, a pen, and insect repellent. We invite you to join us for this unique evening of movement and inquiry. Secure your spot today to experience this intentional practice and leave feeling grounded and refreshed.

The ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament is an annual competitive bowling event held in Raleigh, North Carolina, over Labor Day weekend. Organized by an all-volunteer non-profit established in 2023, the event serves to foster high-level amateur competition while raising critical funds for LGBTQ+ charities across the state. It stands as the flagship initiative for the organization. Participants can expect a professionally managed tournament structure that welcomes amateur bowlers from both national and international backgrounds. The event focuses on fair play, skill development, and community engagement within a structured competitive environment. Beyond the lanes, the tournament highlights the dedication of volunteers committed to supporting local non-profit causes through sportsmanship and active community participation. This event is designed for amateur bowling enthusiasts who want to compete at a high level while supporting a meaningful cause. The atmosphere is centered on inclusivity, athleticism, and charitable impact. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina, this tournament provides an excellent platform to showcase your talent. Registration information is available through the official tournament portal.

Music in the Park is a recurring summer concert series that hosts live performances by local bands on Friday nights. This monthly event brings the community together for outdoor entertainment in a relaxed park setting. Each concert is free to attend and open to the public. Guests can enjoy live music from Echo Blvd while relaxing outdoors. The event features on site dining options provided by Empanadas and More Food Truck. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to find a comfortable spot on the grass. The series is designed to be accessible and welcoming for individuals and families of all ages looking for a convenient start to their weekend. The atmosphere is casual and community focused, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing evening under the stars. Whether you are a local music fan or simply seeking a fun activity with friends and family, this series offers a great way to engage with the neighborhood. Please join us this summer for a night of music and food.

The 2026 Raleigh BJJ Open is a gi-only Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament hosted by Tap Cancer Out at the Raleigh Convention Center on September 5. This competitive event brings the martial arts community together to test skills while raising funds for cancer research and support organizations. Participants compete in a structured environment designed to provide high-quality match experiences for athletes of all skill levels. The tournament follows standard IBJJF rules and utilizes a double-elimination bracket format to ensure every competitor receives multiple opportunities to perform on the mats. Attendees can expect a professional venue, organized scheduling, and a clear focus on sportsmanship and charity. This event is ideal for dedicated BJJ practitioners who want to challenge themselves while supporting a meaningful cause. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or stepping onto the mat for your first tournament, the environment is welcoming and highly focused on the integrity of the sport. We invite all interested athletes to register early to secure their spot. Join our community for a day of technical excellence, friendly competition, and impactful philanthropy in Raleigh.