North Carolina has a rich agricultural heritage, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage. The fairs are back in full force for 2026. You'll have a lot to choose from. You can find livestock competitions, local or regional food and drink, live music, rides, and, of course, lots and lots of fried food. The fairs are primarily held in the fall, with the … [Read more...] about County and State Fairs in North Carolina — updated for 2026
Festival
45+ fall festivals in the Triangle in 2026
Fall festivals in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas will be great in 2026! Please check out this big list of festivals all fall in the Triangle. Our list is getting updated every day. We are adding more details as we receive them. Jump to: September Festivals African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and … [Read more...] about 45+ fall festivals in the Triangle in 2026
Fall Festival and Plant Sale at Briggs Avenue Community Garden in Durham Sept. 12
Briggs Avenue Community Garden, which is owned and operated by NCSU-Cooperative Extension-Durham County, is holding its fall festival and plant sale on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a free event. Donations are appreciated. The garden is at 1314 S. Briggs Avenue, Durham, NC. You can expect: Whether you're an experienced grower or just getting started, this … [Read more...] about Fall Festival and Plant Sale at Briggs Avenue Community Garden in Durham Sept. 12
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Triangle
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, 2026, in the United States. It recognizes the rich and varied cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans, and the contributions that they have made to the United States. In the Triangle, there are several ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Do you know of others that should be included on our calendar? Send an … [Read more...] about Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Triangle
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
Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Carolina Circus Festival is a FREE event that will take place in Cary on September 12, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. The festival is a full day of circus related workshops and shows. There will also be a full market of vendors and food. It takes place in Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Festival Features Show Schedule Arts Market Booths Food … [Read more...] about Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Hopscotch Music Festival Sep 10-12 — big list of free day parties
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
Wake Forest Diwali Festival Oct. 3
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host its annual Diwali Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The festival is free and open to everyone. Diwali is known as the "Festival of Lights," and it celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Diwali Festival Oct. 3
Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats: Free event Sept. 12 with outdoor fun, entertainment, yoga, more
Lakeside Retreats, at 4251 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Family Fest on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is a FREE event, but please register. Family Fest is a relaxed, family-focused community event featuring wellness experiences, creative activities, outdoor play, food, and entertainment. Some of the activities: There's also an … [Read more...] about Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats: Free event Sept. 12 with outdoor fun, entertainment, yoga, more
Festa Italiana in Apex Sept. 19
Festa Italiana will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11 pm. to 7 p.m., at Hunter Street and Apex Town Hall Courtyard, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina. Admission is free. Celebrate Italian culture with a fun day that includes: This is an annual event with free admission. Festa Italiana is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes Italian culture and donates to charitable … [Read more...] about Festa Italiana in Apex Sept. 19
