The Ultimate Guide to Thrive this Fall 2025 in The Triangle, NC
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisper, there's no better place to embrace the fall season than in the Triangle. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this guide will help you make the most of autumn with must-attend events, spooky haunted houses, charming pumpkin patches, and fall-themed food and drinks. Let’s dive into all the fall fun The Triangle has to offer this season!
Fall Markets 🛍️
left image from Smoky Hollow | right image from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Saturday, October 11th, 11am-4pm
Where: Raleigh Iron Works
Celebrate local artisans and makers with handmade goods, crafts, and art in a fun outdoor setting.
When: Saturday , October 18th, 2025, 10am-3pm
Where: Triangle Cinemas
Shop from a variety of local vendors offering seasonal goods and gifts.
When: Saturday, November 8th, 10am-4pm
Where: Fred Fletcher Park
An arts market featuring local makers and live music right in one of our favorite Raleigh parks.
When: Friday, November 14th - Sunday, November 16th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
A huge indoor vintage-inspired market with décor, fashion, and holiday gifts.
When: Saturday, November 15th, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Smoky Hollow
A magical evening market with artisan vendors, food, and live music.
Haunted Houses and Trails 👻
Images from @darksidehauntedestates on IG
This haunted farm transforms into a terrifying experience each October. With multiple haunted attractions, including a haunted hayride and corn maze, it’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
Located in Middlesex, Darkside Haunted Estates offers a chilling experience with haunted trails, houses, and mazes. It’s known for its intense scares and immersive atmosphere—definitely not for the faint of heart!
Haunted Farm at Phillips Farm of Cary
This haunted farm offers a blend of classic Halloween fun and serious scares. With a haunted maze, spooky hayride, and other terrifying attractions, it’s a perfect spot to get into the Halloween spirit.
Fall Festivals 🎡🍂
images from Thriving in Raleigh
Raleigh Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
When: Friday, October 3rd - Saturday, October 4th
Where: Downtown Raleigh
A full day of live music, food, and local entertainment in the heart of the city.
When: Friday, October 3rd, 5-7pm
Where: Method Road Community Center
A family-friendly festival with costumes, games, and fall-themed activities.
11th Annual Triangle Oktoberfest
When: Friday, October 3rd - Saturday, October 4th, event times vary
Where: Koka Booth Amp
Enjoy German beers, traditional food, live music, and family activities at this festive event.
When: Saturday, October 4th, 9am-9pm
Where: Downtown Wendell
Experience a small-town parade, local vendors, live music, and fun for all ages.
When: Saturday, October 4th, 11am-6pm
Where: Dix Park
Celebrate local vendors, food trucks, and live music at this annual fall festival.
When: Thursday, October 16th - Sunday, October 26th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
Enjoy rides, concerts, competitions, and classic fair food at this iconic state event.
Carolina Renaissance Festival (Day Trip)
When: Weekends, September 27th - November 23rd
Where: Huntersville (Approx 2.5 hours from Raleigh)
Step into the past with jousting, artisan crafts, costumed performers, and festive food.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and More 🎃
Images from @pagefarmsraleigh on IG
Located in Youngsville, Hill Ridge Farm is a fall favorite. Pick out the perfect pumpkin, navigate the corn maze, and enjoy a hayride through the picturesque countryside.
The oldest corn maze in North Carolina, Ken’s Korny Corn Maze in Garner offers 10 acres of twists and turns. It’s a fun challenge for all ages, and they also have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and more.
This family-owned farm in Raleigh is a perfect spot for pumpkin picking and other fall activities. The corn maze, hayrides, and farm animals make it a great day out for families.
Fall Treats 🍩🍂
images from Thriving in Raleigh
Sonder Coffee, Wendell . Choose any 4 flavors: Carrot Cake, Apple Cider Donut, Cookie Butter, Pumpkin, Cinnamon Toast, Salted Maple
Bittersweet, Raleigh: A creamy fall twist on the classic French dessert.
Oma’s Café & Wine Bar, Raleigh: A warming mix of chai spices and apple cider.
Sir Walter Coffee, Raleigh: Cold brew sweetened with pumpkin cheesecake flavoring.
Halloween Events 🎃👻
images from Canva Gallery
When: Friday - Saturday, October 17th-18th, 7-9pm, Saturday - Sunday, October 25th-26th , 7-9pm
Where: Mordecai Historic Park
Take a nighttime trolley ride through Raleigh’s haunted spots guided by a “ghost host” sharing lore and stories.
Spooky Halloween Beer and Cider Stroll
When: Saturday, October 18th, 1-3pm
Where: Lynwood Brewing Concern
A guided tasting tour through Raleigh’s beer & cider scene, with seasonal selections and local history.
When: Saturday, October 25th, 10am-3pm
Where: Mordecai Historic Park
Pumpkin decorating, magician acts, mystery characters, a costume parade, and a market of enchanting items.
When: Saturday, October 25th, Showtimes Vary
Where: NC Symphony
A family-friendly concert featuring spooky melodies, costume contests, and ghostly performances.
When: Friday-Saturday, October 31st - November 1st, 4-10pm
Where: Downtown Raleigh
A two-night bar crawl full of eerie cocktails, festive costumes, and non-stop fun in local bars.
This guide will ensure you experience all the best that fall has to offer in the Triangle. Whether you're looking for festive events, spooky thrills, or seasonal flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy fall, y'all!