EVENT CALENDAR
2026 NC State Fair
The N.C. State Fair is the place to be this fall! The fair creates an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.
COST: varies (visit the link below for more details)
Fall Harvest Night
Fall has arrived in Downtown Apex! This event features:
Fall-inspired vendors from the Apex Farmers Market
Live music by North Carolina Polka Time Allstars
Photo opportunities throughout Downtown featuring Tour of Frights decorated windows
Fun specials and promotions from Downtown businesses
COST: Free to attend
North Carolina Home Show
The Home Show is a one-stop event designed to inspire and support your next home improvement project, whether it’s a small update or a major renovation. Attendees can connect with trusted professionals in home design, remodeling, landscaping, and more in an interactive, hands-on environment.
Visitors can receive expert advice, explore new ideas, and discover exclusive show-only deals from a wide range of exhibitors. The event offers a convenient way to find resources, gather inspiration, and meet professionals ready to help bring your home vision to life.
COST: Free with online registration, $10 at the door
Triangle Pop Up – Maker’s Market
Join Triangle Pop Up every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11am to 4pm in Fenton Square to enjoy local artists and live music. Browse the vendors, find a new favorite handmade item, and shop local!
COST: FREE
Spooky Halloween Beer and Cider Tour
Something spooky is hiding in Whitaker Mill…
Did you know that nearly 300 Raleigh residents are buried in a Whitaker Mill site marked by just ONE grave marker? 😳
On Taps & Corks Tours’ Spooky Halloween Tour, we’ll uncover some of the mysteries and history hiding in this fascinating Raleigh neighborhood—all while enjoying a fall afternoon of local beer and cider.
🍺 Lynnwood Brewing Concern
🍎 East Bower Cider Co.
👻 Whitaker Mill history + spooky stories
🚶♀️ A leisurely walk of about a block between stops
🎃 Costumes are welcome—but definitely not required!
And with our flexible ticketing model, you decide what you want to drink. Your ticket covers the tour experience, then you can choose and purchase the beer or cider that sounds good to you at each stop. Pints, flights, half pours—it's your call!
Grab some friends, put on your favorite fall costume (or don't!), and join us for a spooky, slightly mysterious, definitely delicious afternoon in Whitaker Mill.
📅 Saturday, October 17
📍 Whitaker Mill, Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio!
Must be 21 to participate. Tour takes place rain or shine.
COST: $29
Girls Night Out: Pure Barre Pop-Up
Barre babes, it’s time to shine! We’re teaming up with Pure Barre to bring you a special Girls Night Out. Kick off the evening with a 45-minute Pure Barre class, then stick around for a celebratory champagne toast and GNO drink specials available all night long. Enjoy 1/2 price select wines, $5 Blue Moons, and $10 Coastal Mules while you mix, mingle, and unwind!
COST: $20
11th Annual Zombiepalooza
Zombiepalooza is The Cary’s annual ZOMBIE SHORT FILM competition that takes place every October in downtown Cary, NC. Submissions are only open to North Carolina filmmakers and residents.
Short films (< 5 min.) must be zombie-themed and family-friendly (no excessive gore, violence or language) as they will be screened to an all-ages audience. They also must include creative use of this year’s theme ‘SPORT’ — the main character(s) must play a sport, any sport, in the film.
COST: Free to attend
Cary Diwali Festival
Join us for the Diwali Celebration at Downtown Cary Park! Experience an evening of music, dance, and community at the Great Lawn Pavilion as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together.
COST: Free to attend
Halloween Bar Crawl
Kick off Halloween weekend in one of Raleigh’s most iconic party districts with the Raleigh Halloween Bar Crawl on Glenwood Ave on Friday, October 30th, 2026, one of the top Raleigh Halloween events and the ultimate Glenwood South pub crawl Friday night. If you’re searching for things to do in Raleigh on October 30th, the best Raleigh bar crawl, or a high-energy Halloween party on Glenwood Ave, this is where the weekend begins.
This can’t-miss Raleigh Halloween Bar Crawl takes over Glenwood South, featuring some of the most popular bars in Raleigh, known for their packed dance floors, DJs, and nonstop nightlife. Expect exclusive drink specials, themed cocktails, and a crowd in full costume ready to party all night long.
3 Nights to Celebrate Halloween in Raleigh:
Saturday, October 24th, 2026
Friday, October 30th, 2026 (Halloween Weekend Kickoff)
Saturday, October 31st, 2026 (Halloween Night)
Whether you’re starting the celebration early or planning to go out all weekend, this Raleigh pub crawl on Glenwood Ave delivers one of the most exciting Raleigh nightlife experiences of the year.
COST: $16+
Halloween Adult Book Fair
Check out this awesome book fair at Tap Yard in Raleigh! Tons of great local authors & bookish businesses to help you find the perfect book or bookish accessory!
COST: Free to attend
Neon Nightmares Yoga
Glow with Pura Vida Studio this Halloween Eve at Downtown Cary Park! Roll out your mat under the night sky for a UV-lit yoga flow packed with neon vibes, spooky fun, upbeat music, and community connection. Wear white, neon, or a yoga-friendly costume to shine under the black lights. The perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend!
COST: Free to attend (16 yrs +)
Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade 2026
You won’t want to miss the pageantry and excitement of the 2026 Crossroads Ford ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh on November 21, 2026 in Downtown Raleigh! The parade will kick off the holiday festivities at 9:30 am street side and on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel.
COST: Free to attend
Tree Lighting Celebration at North Hills 2026
Celebrate 21 years of North Hills and kick off the holiday season with this beloved tradition!
4:00 – 7:00pm
Face Painting
Vendor Village
Train Rides
Children's Crafts & Activities
Food Trucks
Ball Pit
Inflatable Slide
Balloon Artist
Photo Ops
Seasonal Beverages
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Live Music with The Embers in The Commons
Live Acoustic Music with Mary
Selvidge in The Plaza
Santa lights the tree at 6:15pm! Follow @VisitNorthHills on social for more details and updates!
COST: Free to attend
Illuminate Art Walk
December 5th, 2025 – January 6th, 2026
Best viewed evenings 5-11pm
Downtown Raleigh shines every holiday season with Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges!
Since December 2020, Illuminate Art Walk has transformed downtown into a wonderland of art and color with large-scale, light-based installations—fun for people of all ages.
Each year, new and returning installations bring fresh excitement to the experience, encouraging visitors to explore downtown’s streets, plazas, and hidden corners in a whole new light. Whether you’re planning a festive night out, a family stroll, or a date night adventure, Illuminate Art Walk offers the perfect backdrop for making holiday memories and discovering local art in the heart of North Carolina's Capital City.
Know Before You Go –
A majority of Illuminate Art Walk installations are located within 1-2 blocks of free parking. Arrive at 5pm and park for free all evening on weekdays in 5 city-owned garages, and for free all weekend.
Illuminate is open to the public, self-guided, and Sip N' Stroll Downtown friendly.
Prefer a guided experience? Check out the Illuminate Art Walk Sip n' Stroll Tours with Raleigh Walking Tours.
WRAL First Night Raleigh
Festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. Performances and activities will continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show.
COST: TBD (visit link below for updates)
Fall into Gardening
Join the JC Raulston Arboretum for an engaging hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of fall seed sowing in central North Carolina.
Led by horticulturist Brie Arthur, this workshop is for gardeners of all levels. You'll have the opportunity to sow a variety of seeds and take home your own custom-mixed tray of plants. You'll also learn essential techniques for seed starting, including soil preparation, seed spacing and watering tips.
Whether you're new to gardening or looking to build your skills, this workshop promises to inspire and equip you to plant a vibrant fall garden.
COST: $55
Hocus Pocus in the Park
Your favorite witches are back! Join us in RLT’s Stephenson Amphitheatre on October 8 for a spooky good time at Movies in the Garden! We will be screening Disney’s 1993 family comedy, Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Rating: PG
Start time: 7:00 PM
Runtime: 1h, 36min
After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
The movie will be screened outside in the Stephenson Amphitheatre.
COST: $10
Scootin' Tootin' Line Dancing
Grab your boots and get ready to scoot and Scootin Tootin Line Dancing at Pullen Park on the Event Lawn! Enjoy free line dancing lessons, with food to purchase and $2 train rides. Come out to dance the fall night away under the lights in our fall festival atmosphere!
COST: Free to attend
Jazz in the Square
This concert series brings you live jazz performances by the hottest local musicians, right in the heart of Moore Square.
Concert-goers will enjoy food trucks on-site and wine & beer for sale, so grab your friends, blankets, and chairs for an evening of great music as the sun sets on Downtown Raleigh.
COST: Free to attend
Oktoberfest Day Party
They’re throwing an Oktoberfest day party with cheap beer, competitive stein hoisting, prizes, and carb loading. Great Lakes Oktoberfest all day long. Crofton's pretzels in house from 2pm to 5pm (get 'em while they last). Stein Hoisting Competition - women's sign-ups at 3pm (contest at 3:30pm), men's at 4pm (contest at 4:30pm). Lederhosen optional but deeply appreciated. May the strongest forearms win.
COST: Free to attend
Falling for Local
With live music from local talent and loads of FREE fall fun – including hay rides, inflatables, lawn games, kids activities, seasonal photo ops, and a pumpkin patch – you don't want to miss this family-friendly event!
Dine from 50+ local food trucks
Shop with 100+ makers and independent businesses
Sample NC craft beer and ciders
For the live music lineup and list of vendors, follow the link below.
COST: Free to attend
98th Annual Wendell Harvest Festival
A tradition dating back to 1927, this festival features a parade, more than 20 food trucks, 150 craft vendors, games for kids and adults plus live music (fun for the entire family!).
COST: Free to attend
Bands, Bites, & Boats - October 2026
One Friday a month, the Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. Spend your Friday evening floating on Bond Lake in the setting sun while you listen to great music and enjoy delicious food. Prefer to stay on land? Bring a lawn chair, friends, and family!
Band: Amanda Peach Duo
Bites: Che Empanadas |
Brews: Fortnight Brewing Company
COST: FREE
Sunday Brunch & Live Music at Good Day Good Night
Sunday Brunch & Live Music at Good Day Good Night 🍳🥂🎶
Unwind and enjoy a relaxed Sunday Brunch at Good Day Good Night at The Casso. Enjoy delicious brunch favorites, sip Champagne or Bloody Marys, and catch up with friends while live music sets the vibe. Featuring rotating performers each week, this brunch is the perfect way to make your Sundays feel special.
Brunch Served 7am-1pm
Live Music 9am-12pm
COST: depends on meals ordered
American Dance Festival: Made in NC
Join us at the Park for a captivating outdoor evening of modern dance featuring four distinct, short performances commissioned by the American Dance Festival. This special showcase features the world-premiere works of four incredible North Carolina-based artists.
COST: FREE
Raleigh Tamale Festival
Gather in downtown Raleigh to celebrate great food and community at this beloved event!
Celebrate and discover the rich traditions and diverse flavors of tamales from local vendors while enjoying fun activities throughout the festival.
COST: FREE
Roots & Rows Fall Festival
Join us for our 7th Annual Roots & Rows Fall Festival!
Come enjoy a day filled with:
• Local crafters
• Pumpkins & mums
• Tasty treats
• Live music
• Fun kids activities
Cost: FREE
Holly Springs Pride Festival
Join us every September for the Pride of Holly Springs Festival—our biggest, boldest celebration of LGBTQIA+ joy, identity, and community. This family-friendly event brings together neighbors, allies, local businesses, performers, artists, and changemakers for a day filled with love, laughter, and connection. From live music and storytelling to local vendors, food trucks, games, and interactive activities for all ages, the festival is a vibrant reflection of the diverse voices that make Holly Springs shine.
COST: FREE
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Fall Open House (2 Weekends)
During Open Garden and Nursery weekends, JLBG has horticultural staff available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden as well as free educational programs to help you flourish as a gardener.
Dates:
Friday 9/18 - Sunday 9/20
Friday 9/25 - Sunday 9/27
COST: FREE
Benson Mule Days
For 77 years, crowds have flocked to the quaint town of Benson on the fourth Saturday weekend of September to enjoy the festivities that Benson Mule Days engages you in!
COST: FREE
La Fiesta del Pueblo
The People's Festival is the largest and most diverse Latin American culture festival in the Triangle, with live music and dance performances, artisan vendors, food trucks, educational booths and activities for the whole family.
COST: FREE
Oktoberfest at Clouds Brewing
It's that time again! Our traditional Oktoberfest celebration returns this year for the last time on Saturday, September 19th!! Join us under the big Oktoberfest tent for traditional German music with The Little German Band & Dancers, Cloudstoberfest beer, traditional contests, and more!
Details:
Music from the Little German Band 2-5pm & 6-9pm
Stein holding contests @ 5pm
Beer Release: Cloudstoberfest
Food Truck: Chef Jake Wolf serving the Wandering Wolf menu by Empire Eats Food Truck
COST: FREE
Festa Italiana 2026
Festa Italiana North Carolina celebrates Italian culture and heritage in the Triangle while providing financial support to local charities
COST: FREE
Triangle Pop Up – Maker’s Market
Join Triangle Pop Up every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11am to 4pm in Fenton Square to enjoy local artists and live music. Browse the vendors, find a new favorite handmade item, and shop local!
COST: FREE
Farmers Fall Festival
The Farmers Fall Festival is back for the 9th year! Hosted by the Cary Farmers Market, this year’s festival will feature farmers, food, kids’ activities, live music, the famous pie eating contest, and more.
COST: FREE
BugFest 2026
As the Museum’s biggest and buggiest event of the year, BugFest is dedicated to educating and engaging the public about science and the wonders of the natural world. Explore over 100 exhibits, from hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and appreciation for these amazing animals, to interactions with entomologists and other scientists who will guide you through the intricate world of arthropods, offering insights into their behaviors, adaptations and ecological significance.
COST: FREE
11th Annual Asia Fest
This 10th anniversary of the Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival brings together nearly 100 cultural exhibits and activities, heart-pounding dragon boat races, tasty global street foods, and vibrant performances. Presented by Asian Focus, the festival is a beloved community highlight—drawing around 10,000 visitors annually to celebrate Asian heritage in a spirit of diversity and togetherness.
COST: TBD (visit website for more details)
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Fall Open House (2 Weekends)
During Open Garden and Nursery weekends, JLBG has horticultural staff available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden as well as free educational programs to help you flourish as a gardener.
Dates:
Friday 9/18 - Sunday 9/20
Friday 9/25 - Sunday 9/27
COST: FREE
Fenton Art Festival 2026
The Fenton Art Festival is a fine arts market featuring artists selling original art, including works in oils, watercolors, and acrylics, mixed media, illustrations, prints, sculpture and more.
Enjoy workshops, demonstrations, and opportunities to make public art in one of the Triangle’s premier destinations.
COST: FREE
Whiskey, Wine & Fire 2026
This exclusive foodie celebration will feature: Whiskey Bars, Elegant Wines & Cocktails, Great Music, Tented Food Stations, Food Trucks, & Restaurants and Intimate Firepits throughout. Relax Around the Moon Garden and enjoy an inspired take on fire-kissed BBQ, open fire cooking, specialty grilling, and drink pairings. Enjoy the firebreathers and artists set the night ablaze. Please dress appropriately, the event is outdoors.
Cost: starting at $35
Carolina Circus Festival
The Carolina Circus Festival is a 6 year old festival that will be to happening in Cary, NC! We are a 501c(3) Non Profit.
This year the Carolina Circus Festival will once again be at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park! The DCP is our incredible grand elite sponsor!
Join us for an unforgettable day of FREE Aerial Shows, Ground Acrobatics, Fire Performances, and LED Shows happening throughout the day and into the night!
COST: FREE
Eno River Association’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
From 1:00pm-5:00pm, enjoy free music and performance art, visit our community partner tables, and take home new Eno River Association merchandise. It’s all happening at the DPlex Plaza (301 W. Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701) on September 12, 2026. Stay tuned for more details.
COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)
Friday Night on White - September 2026
Introduced in 2016, Friday Night on White (FNOW) takes place in downtown Wake Forest from 6-9 p.m. on the second Friday night of each month from April through September (unless otherwise noted).
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the free concert series features local and regional party bands playing classic rock and pop, 70s, 80s, and 90s hits, R&B dance, Top 40, and Motown favorites.
COST: FREE
9th annual BEYOND: The Cary film festival
Each fall in the heart of North Carolina, Cary hosts its annual short film and screenplay festival presented at the historic Cary Theater. Engaged audiences, new and established filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests come together to celebrate the art of short filmmaking.
Filmmakers and audiences can expect to experience the best short films from around the world. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in panel discussions, workshops, and more. BEYOND is designed to support emerging filmmakers with all events and social activities taking place within walking distance of our downtown theater.
COST: starting at $10 (depending on session)