Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas, here’s a big (and growing) list of fall festivals, Halloween festivals, Halloween movies, trick-or-treat events and more, for 2018. Most of these are free. Some have a nominal charge and some free festivals charge for activities. Some of these events are for adults and some are for kids. Click links for all the details.
There are festivals that focus on arts, crafts, music, food, diverse cultures, science, history, and much more.
Do you know of others? Let me know and I’ll get them on the list. Triangle on the Cheap has a lot of ideas for free and cheap things to do, so make sure to subscribe by email. Your email address will never be shared, sold, or spammed. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter. Tell your friends! And follow each link below for the necessary details.
This list will grow substantially in the next few weeks, so please keep checking back.
We’re highlighting a few major festivals first, but make sure to scroll down to see a day by day list of fall festivals.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing to Triangle on the Cheap’s email list
- Big list of free things to do this week
- Haunted attractions in the Triangle
- Museum free days
Hopscotch Day Party Block Party
Saturday, September 8th, 2018
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Free
This celebration is a highlight of the Hopscotch Music Festival. This is a free component of the festival (along with the numerous day parties at various venues throughout the festival’s run) and includes live music, the Hopscotch 2018 Makers Market with more than 40 featured vendors and makers, food trucks, a beer garden and more.
SPARKcon
September 13-16
Various venues
Free
SPARKcon is an interdisciplinary creativity, art & design festival produced by the non-profit creativity incubator, Visual Art Exchange, in Raleigh NC. SPARKcon happens each September in Downtown Raleigh. The annual event includes a huge number of events encompassing creative themes, called “sparks.” The festival includes visual art, comedy, circus performances, geeky stuff, literature, music, film, dance, design and much more.
Hillsborough Hog Day
September 14th and 15th
River Park, 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Free
The highlight of this festival is the BBQ. Veteran cooking teams will be competing for top honors. The festival also includes live music, local handmade crafts and gifts, local food and drink vendors, a dessert contest, Hog Day 5K, a classic car show, Pigs on Parade and a children’s area.
Tar Heel Downtown Celebration
September 14th
Downtown Chapel Hill, centering around 140 West Franklin Street
Free
Celebrate the start of the Tar Heel football season with a live concert, Tar Heel cheerleaders, kids’ games and activities, Marching Tar Heels, face painting and a chance to meet Rameses.
BugFest
September 15th
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh
Free
Join this annual celebration of insects. There will be more than 100 exhibits, crafts games and activities. At Café Insecta you can even try tasty treats made from insects.
CenterFest
September 15th and 16th
Downtown Durham on Main and Chapel Hill Streets in the Five Point and CCB Plaza areas
Free, but a $5 donation is appreciated
146 visual artists, 75+ performing acts, 6 stages, tons of kids’ activities…there is a lot going on at this arts festival.
Dragon Boat Festival
September 22nd
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary
Tickets: $5-$8, free for kids 12 and under
This festival features dragon boat races, cultural arts, stage performances, cultural games and crafts, street food, and more.
City of Oaks Pirate Fest
September 22nd
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh
Free
2018 marks 300 years since Blackbeard lost his life in a fight with British soldiers. Mark the occasion at this new festival, where you can meet Captain Blackbeard, engage in sword fights, sing sea chanties, play swashbuckling games and much more. There will even be a costume contest.
FestiFall Arts Festival
October 7th
West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Free
Musical performances on several stages, more than 100 artisans from all over the south, food trucks, interactive art projects, more.
American Indian Heritage Celebration
November 17th
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh
Free
Musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers, and authors from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes will gather for this popular family event.
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