Hopscotch Music Festival is returning to Raleigh from September 10 to 12, 2026 The main concerts are taking place at Moore Square, 226 E. Martin Street, and City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. Over 100 bands are performing over the three days at the two stages and at club shows. Although the tickets to the main event, at Moore Square and City Plaza, don't quite qualify as "Triangle … [Read more...] about Hopscotch Music Festival Sep 10-12 — big list of free day parties
Entertainment
Buskers Day at North Carolina Museum of Art on Sept. 12
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, is hosting Buskers Day on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. Buskers will be performing in every corner of the 164-acre Museum Park. Wander around and enjoy all the different performances, while enjoying the park and outdoor artwork. Bring some money to put in the guitar case/hat/basket! Want to perform? NCMA is … [Read more...] about Buskers Day at North Carolina Museum of Art on Sept. 12
Big Band Bash in the Park in Garner Sept. 12
Optimist Club of Garner is hosting Big Band Bash in the Park on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner, North Carolina. This is a free, kid-friendly event. Neuse River Big Band will be sharing the sounds and styles of the Big Band Era. Food trucks will be on site, offering food and drink for purchase. … [Read more...] about Big Band Bash in the Park in Garner Sept. 12
Free: Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes in Durham Sep 12
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes, 427 West Main Street in Durham, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and family friendly. It will feature dance-offs and stein-hoisting competitions. … [Read more...] about Free: Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes in Durham Sep 12
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at Shakori Hills Arts Center in Pittsboro Sept. 12
El Vínculo Hispano (The Hispanic Liaison) is hosting its Hispanic Heritage Fiesta on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Shakori Hills Arts Center, 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Pittsboro, North Carolina. Admission is free. Highlights Look for updates on the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at Shakori Hills Arts Center in Pittsboro Sept. 12
Free Mariachi Concert at Peach Road Cultural Center in Raleigh Sept. 12
Raleigh Music Collective is partnering with Mariachi Viva Mexico NC, Raleigh Parks and Recreation, and the Mexican Consulate for a free mariachi concert. The concert will take place at Peach Road Cultural Center, 911 Ileagnes Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, on September 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Raleigh Music Collective students will perform alongside Mariachi Viva Mexico NC, sharing music that … [Read more...] about Free Mariachi Concert at Peach Road Cultural Center in Raleigh Sept. 12
International Cultural Festival in Fuquay-Varina Sep 12
Fuquay-Varina's Annual International Cultural Festival takes place Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 East Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC. It was announced on Facebook. This is a free event. Celebrate the diversity of Fuquay-Varina. Enjoy performances, kids' activities, international foods and more. This is a chance to learn about … [Read more...] about International Cultural Festival in Fuquay-Varina Sep 12
17th Annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest in Oxford, NC Sept. 11-12
The Annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest and Festival will take place on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 2026, in Downtown Oxford, NC. This free, family-friendly festival will feature: Entertainment … [Read more...] about 17th Annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest in Oxford, NC Sept. 11-12
16th Annual Durham Oktoberfest at Motorco on Sept. 12
The 16th Annual Durham Oktoberfest celebration takes place at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Session 1 is from 1 to 5 p.m. and session 2 is from 6 to 10 p.m. Featuring The Little German Band & Dancers, this is a full day of Oktoberfest celebration! Dust off your lederhosen, lace up your dirndl, and enjoy a keg-sized celebration packed with … [Read more...] about 16th Annual Durham Oktoberfest at Motorco on Sept. 12
Friday Night on White in Wake Forest: Liquid Pleasure Sept. 11
The Town of Wake Forest and Downtown Wake Forest, Inc. are bringing back Friday Night on White in 2026. The very popular event takes place the second Friday of the month, from April to September, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on White Street in Wake Forest, and features live music and beer for purchase. Music is provided by local or regional party bands playing classic rock and pop, 70s, 80s, and 90s … [Read more...] about Friday Night on White in Wake Forest: Liquid Pleasure Sept. 11
