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 2019. 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
Hillsborough Hog Day
September 20th and 21st, 2019
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.
BugFest
September 21st, 2019
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 21st and 22nd, 2019
Downtown Durham on Main and Chapel Hill Streets in the Five Point and CCB Plaza areas
Free, but a $5 donation is appreciated
100+ 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 28th, 2019
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 14th, 2019
Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh
Free
At this festival, presented in partnership with North Carolina Museum of History, you can meet Captain Blackbeard, engage in sword fights, sing sea chanties, play swashbuckling games and much more.
FestiFall Arts Festival
October 12th, 2019
West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Free
Musical performances on several stages, more than artists and artisans from all over the south, food trucks, interactive art projects, more.
American Indian Heritage Celebration
November 23rd, 2019
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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