Small Hands Big Hearts United

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.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is an interactive children’s theatre piece for very young audiences, performed by two Star Keepers named Glimmer and Sparkle. It’s time for the night sky to fill with stars, but one important star — Little Star, the wishing star — is missing because Sparkle rushed through putting the stars away the previous morning and muddled everything up. What follows is a search-and-rescue adventure as the two star keepers (and the audience) hunt for Little Star, discovering along the way that all the other stars have been put in the wrong places too and need to be moved to their proper place. Audience members help the Star Keepers find and re-organize the sky just in time for nightfall so that everyone can make a wish on their favorite star. Twinkle, Twinkle explores the ideas that mistakes happen, feelings are valid, and no one has to face hard things alone – all wrapped up in a genuinely joyful romp about stars. By Ernie Nolan Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences Dialogue complexity: conversations are short but use more vocabulary than some other shows; performers also use physical actions, props, music, and songs to tell the story. What is Theatre for the Very Young? Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) is theatre designed for ages zero through five to support their cognitive development. The purpose of TVY is to support our youngest audience members in engaging with creative play, introducing them to narrative storytelling, and exploring social and emotional learning in a fun and approachable way. TVY is designed to be sensory friendly and an open space for movement, vocalization, and exploration! Pre-show activities! Audiences are invited to arrive 30 minutes prior to each showtime (when the “house” opens) to participate in a free pre-show activity, coordinated by RLT’s education department.

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.

The Kehlani World Tour is a live concert series featuring the two-time Grammy-nominated multi-platinum artist. This event showcases the songstress performing her catalog of hits and new music for fans across global venues. Attendees can expect a high-energy performance featuring tracks from albums like It Was Good Until It Wasnt and blue water road. Kehlani brings her signature blend of R&B and soul to the stage, supported by professional production and immersive sound. Her career includes collaborations with artists like Cardi B and Justin Bieber, ensuring a polished and dynamic live set that highlights her vocal range and songwriting prowess. This event is perfect for fans of modern R&B and live music enthusiasts looking for an engaging performance. The atmosphere is centered on connection, artistry, and musical storytelling. Secure your tickets now to catch one of the most acclaimed performers in the industry live. Join Kehlani as she brings her latest musical evolution to the stage for a memorable experience.