Press & Media Kit

KNIGHTDALE, NC — September 3, 2026 — What began as a celebration of music, arts and culture is taking on a deeper purpose.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Live At Present will bring artists, families, entrepreneurs and communities together at Haven Farm in Knightdale for the inaugural Live At Present Arts & Music Festival — now centered around a simple message: come together, make a difference, and help Nepal.

In response to the devastating flooding affecting communities in Nepal, Live At Present has committed 20% of the festival's net proceeds to flood relief efforts, with the goal of helping provide support to people and communities impacted by the disaster.

“We wanted this festival to be about more than entertainment,” said Aj Bhattarai, Organizer & Project Manager for Live At Present. “Music has always had the power to bring people together. At a time when people in Nepal are facing such difficult circumstances, we felt we had an opportunity — and a responsibility — to use this platform to help.”

A Celebration of Music, Culture and Community

The festival will feature a full day of live music, arts, food, cultural experiences and local vendors, with Curtis Waters headlining the festival lineup.

Adding an especially meaningful connection to Nepal, legendary Nepali rock and blues band Mukti & Revival will join the festival as part of their 30th anniversary celebration. The collaboration represents the festival's broader mission of creating a cultural bridge between Nepal and North Carolina.

Live At Present is also introducing Nepali Mela — “Back to the Streets of KTM”, a cultural experience designed to bring the food, creativity, entrepreneurship and spirit of Kathmandu to the Triangle. The festival aims to provide a platform not only for established artists, but also for emerging musicians, creators, entrepreneurs and cultural organizations.

Building Bridges Beyond the Festival

Live At Present was created with a larger vision: to connect communities in North Carolina with artists, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and creative ventures from around the world.

Through partnerships with organizations working in areas including women's empowerment, education, environmental sustainability and community development in Nepal, the festival is creating a space where cultural exchange can lead to real-world impact. The festival will also highlight local North Carolina organizations and community initiatives, creating opportunities for attendees to discover ways they can continue supporting causes beyond the event.

“Our goal is to build a bridge,” Bhattarai said. “A bridge between artists and audiences, between North Carolina and Nepal, and between people who want to help and communities that need support.”

The Invitation to North Carolina

Organizers are encouraging people throughout the Triangle and across North Carolina to attend not simply as festivalgoers, but as a community. One day. Music. Culture. Community. And a chance to help.

Live At Present Arts & Music Festival takes place September 12, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM at Haven Farm in Knightdale, NC. The festival is family-friendly and will feature live performances, food, cultural experiences, vendors, art and the Nepali Mela.

About Live At Present

Live At Present is an arts, music and cultural platform focused on bringing people together through live experiences while creating opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and communities to connect. The Live At Present Arts & Music Festival is its flagship annual event in North Carolina.