Concerts, Festivals & Fall Fun: Raleigh’s September 2025 Events
September in Raleigh just hits different. The air feels a little cooler, the weekends start filling up fast, and suddenly there’s more happening than you could possibly fit into one month. From live music and food festivals to family-friendly fun, Raleigh is packed with things to do this September. To make your life easier, we pulled together a list of the best events so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying. Let’s get into it!
Week of September 1st - September 7th
left image from Hopscotch Music Fest | right image from Triangle Pop Up
When: Tuesday, September 3rd at 7pm
Where: Coastal Credit Union
Cost: $40+ per ticket
Description: If you grew up blasting Blink-182 on your iPod, this one’s a no-brainer. The pop-punk legends are hitting Raleigh with a high-energy show that’s basically a trip down memory lane. Expect singalongs, lots of nostalgia, and a seriously fun night.
When: Thursday, September 4th - Saturday, September 6th
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost:
3 Day General Admission: $181.04 per ticket
3 Day VIP + Club Fast Pass: $370.13 per ticket
Description: Hopscotch weekend is when downtown Raleigh feels the most alive. With over 100 artists playing across multiple venues, it’s a mix of big names you know and smaller acts you’ll be glad you discovered. Even if you don’t grab a pass, the energy downtown is worth soaking in.
When: Saturday, September 6th from 11am - 4pm
Where: NC Museum of Art
Cost: FREE
Description: Shop local, stroll the museum lawn, and maybe even pick up a little treat for yourself. Triangle Pop-Up is always full of talented makers and small businesses, and it’s such a relaxed way to spend a Saturday.
Bonus: you can easily make a whole day of it by exploring the art trails or grabbing lunch nearby.
When: Saturday, September 6th - Sunday, September 7th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
Cost: $10+ per ticket
Description: If you love thrifting or hunting for hidden gems, you’ll be in heaven at the NC Vintage Bazaar. Think retro fashion, timeless antiques, and collectibles you didn’t know you needed. It’s a treasure hunt, Raleigh-style.
Week of September 8th - September 14th
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from Canva Gallery
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Open House
When: Friday, September 12th - Sunday, September 14th AND Friday, September 19th - Sunday, September 21st
Where: Juniper Level Botanic Gardens
Cost: FREE
Description: This Raleigh gem only opens a handful of weekends a year, and September is one of them. Wander through rare plants and gorgeous blooms—it’s the kind of spot that feels like a hidden escape right in the city.
When: Saturday, September 13th from 4pm - 9pm
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheater
Cost:
General Admission - 5-9pm: $66.52
VIP Admission - 4-9pm: $111.62
Description: Picture this: sipping whiskey or wine while live music plays and the smell of open fire cooking fills the air. That’s exactly what you’ll get at this foodie fest. Come hungry, leave happy.
When: Saturday, September 13th from 3pm - 9:30pm
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Cost: FREE
Description: Downtown Cary turns into a circus—literally. Acrobats, jugglers, fire performers, and so much more take over City Plaza for a day of free entertainment. It’s fun, a little wild, and perfect for the whole family.
When: Saturday, September 13th from 12pm - 6pm
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: FREE
Description: You know it, you love it—the Food Truck Rodeo is back! Fayetteville Street fills up with dozens of food trucks serving everything under the sun. It’s basically a giant outdoor food court, but way better. Bring a friend (or two) so you can share bites and try as many trucks as possible.
Week of September 15th - September 21st
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from Asian Focus NC
When: Saturday, September 20th from 9am - 5pm
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheater
Cost: $11.85+ per ticket
Description: Koka Booth Amphitheatre comes alive with food, music, dance, and culture at Asia Fest. It’s one of the Triangle’s most colorful celebrations, with something happening on stage and in the food stalls all day long.
When: Saturday, September 20th from 9am - 2pm
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Cost: FREE
Description: Celebrate the season at the State Farmers Market with local vendors, kids’ activities, and plenty of fall flavors. It’s the perfect spot for pumpkin painting, stocking up on seasonal goodies, and enjoying a family-friendly day outdoors.
Raleigh International Festival
When: Saturday, September 20th from 10am - 7pm
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
Cost: FREE
Description: Travel the world without leaving Raleigh! This festival highlights cultures from around the globe with food, music, and interactive exhibits. Come hungry, stay curious, and experience something new.
When: Saturday, September 20th from 10am - 7pm
Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Cost: FREE
Description: The bugs are taking over downtown (in a good way). BugFest is one of Raleigh’s most unique events, with hands-on exhibits, crafts, and even bug tastings for the adventurous. It’s fun, quirky, and always draws a crowd.
Week of July 22nd - July 31st
left image from Canva Gallery | right image from North Hills
When: Thursday, September 25th - Friday, September 28th
Where: Benson, NC
Cost: FREE
Description: Benson Mule Days is a North Carolina tradition that’s been going strong since 1949. Rodeos, parades, carnival rides, and live music—it’s small-town fun at its best, just a short drive from Raleigh.
When: Saturday, September 27th from 2pm - 6pm
Where: Moore Square
Cost: FREE
Description: Tamales take center stage at this delicious festival. Sample flavors from across Latin America, enjoy music and dancing, and bring the family for a fun afternoon.
When: Sunday, September 27th from 4pm - 9pm
Where: Midtown Park - North Hills
Cost: $11.30+ per ticket
Description: North Hills turns into a huge block party with live bands, food trucks, and a family zone. It’s the kind of event where you can spend the whole afternoon hanging out, then stay into the evening for music under the stars.
Whew—September is busy! Raleigh is showing off this month with everything from food truck feasts and music festivals to family-friendly fun and cultural celebrations. Grab your calendar, text a few friends, and start making plans now—because this is one month you won’t want to miss in the City of Oaks.
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this September, be sure to check out our full events calendar!
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