What’s Happening in Raleigh October 2026: Pumpkins, Fairs & Fall Air
It’s the BEST season in Raleigh (in our opinion)!! Whether you’re looking for something crafty to do, ready to hit the NC State Fair, or have a laid-back market stroll, this month’s lineup has a little something for everyone.
Here’s your guide to what’s happening in and around Raleigh this October - grab your sweater, your besties, and your fall bucket list!
Week of September 28th - October 4th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
98th Annual Wendell Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, October 3rd, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Where: Third Street, Wendell
Cost: Free
Description: Celebrate fall in Wendell at this annual festival, a local tradition dating back to 1927! Enjoy a parade, more than 20 food trucks, 150 craft vendors, games for kids and adults, and live music throughout the day.
When: Saturday, October 3rd, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Downtown Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Grab your lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest with a day party featuring Great Lakes Oktoberfest beer, pretzels, prizes, and a competitive stein-hoisting competition. The party runs from 2-5 PM, with women's and men's competitions throughout the afternoon.
Week of October 5th - October 11th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Thursday, October 8th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
Cost: FREE to attend
Description: Enjoy an evening of live jazz in the heart of Downtown Raleigh! Bring your friends, blankets, and chairs and settle in for performances from local musicians. Food trucks will be on-site, with wine and beer available for purchase.
When: Thursday, October 8th, 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Pullen Park, Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Grab your boots and head to Pullen Park for a night of free line dancing lessons! Dance under the lights on the Event Lawn, grab some food, and even take a $2 train ride while enjoying the fall festival atmosphere.
When: Thursday, October 8th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Raleigh Little Theatre
Cost: $10
Description: Get into the Halloween spirit with an evening featuring the classic spooky season favorite Hocus Pocus at Raleigh Little Theatre. Bring your friends and enjoy a fun movie night under the stars!
When: Saturday, October 10th, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh
Cost: $55
Description: Learn how to start your fall garden at this hands-on gardening workshop at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Participants will learn about fall seed sowing, soil preparation, seed spacing, and watering - and even get to take home their own custom-mixed tray of plants.
Week of October 12th - October 18th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Thursday, October 15th - Sunday, October 25th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
Cost: Varies
Description: It's fair season! The NC State Fair is packed with thrilling rides and games, free entertainment, thousands of animals, family-friendly activities, competitions, vendors, and plenty of delicious fair food.
When: Friday, October 16th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Downtown Apex
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Celebrate the arrival of fall in Downtown Apex! Shop fall-inspired vendors from the Apex Farmers Market, enjoy live music from the North Carolina Polka Time Allstars, snap photos with the Tour of Frights decorated windows, and check out special promotions from downtown businesses.
When: Saturday, October 17th - Sunday, October 18th
Where: Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh
Cost: Free with online registration; $10 at the door
Description: Get inspired for your next home project at the NC Home Show! Browse exhibitors specializing in home design, remodeling, landscaping, and more while getting expert advice, discovering new ideas, and checking out show-only deals.
Triangle Pop Up Maker’s Market
When: Saturday, October 17th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Fenton Square, Cary
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Shop local at Triangle Pop Up's monthly Maker's Market! Browse handmade goods from local artists and makers, enjoy live music, and discover something new while supporting small businesses.
Spooky Halloween Beer and Cider Tour
When: Saturday, October 17th, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Whitaker Mill, Raleigh
Cost: $29
Description: Explore the spooky side of Raleigh's Whitaker Mill neighborhood on this Halloween-themed beer and cider tour. The afternoon includes stops at Lynnwood Brewing Concern and East Bower Cider Co., along with local history, spooky stories, and plenty of fall vibes. Costumes are welcome but not required! Must be 21+ to participate.
Week of October 19th - October 25th
images from Canva Gallery
When: Thursday, October 15th - Sunday, October 25th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
Cost: Varies
Description: It's fair season! The NC State Fair is packed with thrilling rides and games, free entertainment, thousands of animals, family-friendly activities, competitions, vendors, and plenty of delicious fair food.
Girls Night Out Pure Barre Pop Up
When: Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: AVA, Cary
Cost: $20
Description: Grab your girls for a fun night out! Start with a 45-minute Pure Barre class, then stick around for a champagne toast and special drink deals while you mix, mingle, and unwind.
When: Friday, October 23rd, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Get ready for a night of zombie-themed fun at Cary's annual Zombiepalooza! The event features a short film competition showcasing family-friendly zombie films created by North Carolina filmmakers, with this year's films incorporating the theme "SPORT."
Week of October 26th - November 1st
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Monday, October 26th, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Downtown Cary Park! Enjoy an evening filled with music, dance, and community at the Great Lawn Pavilion as Cary comes together for its Diwali celebration.
When: Friday, October 30th, 6:00 PM - 11:59 PM
Where: Glenwood South, Raleigh
Cost: $16+
Description: Kick off Halloween weekend with a night out in Glenwood South! Expect themed cocktails, drink specials, DJs, dancing, and plenty of costumes as Raleigh's iconic nightlife district gets into the Halloween spirit.
When: Friday, October 30th, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Tap Yard Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Calling all book lovers! Browse a variety of local authors and bookish businesses at this Halloween-themed adult book fair. It's the perfect place to find your next read or a fun book-inspired accessory.
When: Friday, October 30th, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Cost: Free to attend (ages 16+)
Description: Kick off Halloween weekend with a glow-in-the-dark yoga flow! Neon Nightmares Yoga features a UV-lit practice under the night sky with upbeat music, spooky vibes, and plenty of neon. Wear white, neon, or a yoga-friendly costume to glow under the black lights.
October in Raleigh is packed with ways to enjoy the season — from neighborhood markets to fairground nights. Save this list, share it with friends, and tag us @thrivinginraleigh when you explore these local favorites.
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this October be sure to check out our full events calendar!
Is there something we’ve missed? Please let us know here!
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