1. Make memories and celebrate the changing of the seasons at the Family Day Fall Festival. Shop vendors, enjoy food truck fare and ice cream, and groove to live music at this family- and pet-friendly fest. Kid-centric activities include games, face painting, and crafts. Thursday, September 11, 4–8 p.m. 3117 Poplarwood Court, Raleigh. Free admission. ncvibes.com/event/fall-family-festival
2. Step right up! The Carolina Circus Festival returns to downtown Cary for the sixth time to promote the culture of circus and support mental health within the movement community. The nonprofit fest, sponsored by sister publication Cary Magazine, features diverse performances from ground aerobatics to aerial displays, fire, and LED shows, all reflecting a Magic and Mystery theme. Hands-on workshops give attendees a chance to pick up circus-related skills. Saturday, September 13, 3:30–9:30 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. Free admission. carolinacircusfestival.com
3. It’s time for the buggiest event of the year! BugFest offers over 100 exhibits, hands-on activities, and entomologist and scientist interactions during a day designed to engage and educate the public on arthropods. This year’s event shines a spotlight on krill. Kid-centric activities will inspire, and vendors will offer plenty of arthropod-themed merch to preserve the experience. Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. Free admission. naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/bugfest-2025
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
4. Travel the world without leaving Raleigh at The International Festival. Tempt your taste buds with authentic food and desserts from dozens of countries. Shop handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, and cultural items at the vendor bazaar. All-day performances include dance, music, and theater. Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Free admission. theinternationalfestival.org
5. Celebrate Italian culture, music, and heritage (and food!) at Festa Italiana! The annual event attracts 15,000 attendees with 60 vendors and food trucks, plus live music all day. The Zona Bambini (children’s zone) offers games, story times, crafts, face painting, and more, while the Galbani Culinary Stage showcases cooking demos packed with expert tips. Saturday, September 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hunter Street & Town Hall Campus, Apex. Free Admission. festanc.org
6. North Carolina’s largest celebration of Latin American Culture, La Fiesta Del Pueblo draws 25,000 attendees each fall. Performances showcase music, dance, and storytelling, and educational booths introduce diverse nonprofit and cultural organizations. Food truck fare, artisan vendors, and activities for the whole family await. Sunday, September 21, noon to 6 p.m. Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh. Free admission. elpueblo.org/fiesta
7. Triangle Oktoberfest is the largest and most authentic German festival in North Carolina, showcasing traditional Bavarian food and more than 50 beers, plus live music by the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band. Enjoy wiener dog races, family fun of all kinds in the Kinder Platz zone, a stein hoisting competition, and more. Friday, October 3, 5–10 p.m., and Saturday, October 4, noon to 8 p.m. $20 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. triangleoktoberfest.org
8. A new bluegrass event is coming to town! Raleigh Wide Open brings six stages with two days of live bluegrass, Americana, gospel, folk and R&B performances from established acts and emerging artists. Tap your toes at nightly street square dances — no experience required. Shop the art market and enjoy food, drinks, and fun for the whole family. Friday, October 3, 3–11 p.m. and Saturday, October 4, noon to 11 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Raleigh. raleighwideopen.com
9. Endless fall fun awaits at the Falling for Local fest. The Big Field at Dix Park will be buzzing with live music, inflatables, games, hay rides, and even a free pumpkin patch. Sate your appetite with dozens of onsite food trucks, and whet your whistle with North Carolina craft beer. Plus, shop from more than 150 local vendors. Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dix Park, Raleigh. Free admission. shoplocalraleigh.org/slr-events/falling-for-local-dix-park
10. October means one thing: the NC State Fair. The largest event in the state returns with entertainment, rides, animals, activities, competitions, games, vendors, and scavenger hunts — and, of course, those craveable deep-fried creations. With a mission to promote the state’s agriculture, agribusiness, arts, crafts, and culture, this annual agricultural show, now in its 173rd year, remains a calendar staple. October 16–26. Advance ticket price $10 adult/$5 youth; gate price $13 adult/$7 youth. NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-state-fair/2025-nc-state-fair
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