BugFest, one of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' most popular festivals, is returning to Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will include both indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor activities will be located in the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) and Nature Research Center (NRC). Outdoor activities will be located along Jones Street, … [Read more...] about NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ BugFest Sept. 20
fall-festivals
Free: Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes in Durham Sep 6
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes, 427 West Main Street in Durham, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, 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 6
Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 13
Carolina Circus Festival is a FREE event that will take place in Cary on September 13, 2025, from 3 to 9:30 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. The festival features: … [Read more...] about Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 13
St. Eugene International Food & Music Festival September 27
St. Eugene Catholic Church is holding the St. Eugene International Food & Music Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at J. Ashley Wall Town Square, 99 W. 3rd Street, Wendell, NC. The festival is free to attend and features live entertainment, authentic cuisine from around the world to purchase, kids' activities and a raffle. Entertainment: … [Read more...] about St. Eugene International Food & Music Festival September 27
Carrboro Music Festival Sep 28: 100+ bands at many venues (all free)
Carrboro Music Festival returns on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The festival is free, and will feature roughly 100 bands and performers at multiple venues around Carrboro, North Carolina. The event also includes free workshops. The event starts with a kick-off open mic at Town Commons on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and then a show at Cat's Cradle in the evening. The main … [Read more...] about Carrboro Music Festival Sep 28: 100+ bands at many venues (all free)
10th Annual Zombiepalooza at Downtown Cary Park Oct. 24
The Cary's 10th annual Zombiepalooza takes place Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The event is free to attend, and will take place on the Great Lawn. If the weather is bad, it moves inside to The Cary Theater. Zombiepalooza will feature local filmmakers’ zombie short films. The films will be between one and five … [Read more...] about 10th Annual Zombiepalooza at Downtown Cary Park Oct. 24
Falling for Local at Dix Park Oct 4: free hayrides, inflatables, pumpkin patch, more
Falling for Local is a free event at Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This festival is a celebration of fall and of local businesses. It's presented by Shop Local Raleigh, Dix Park Conservancy and Dorothea Dix Park. The festival features tons of local vendors, food trucks, North Carolina craft breweries, live music, FREE pumpkins … [Read more...] about Falling for Local at Dix Park Oct 4: free hayrides, inflatables, pumpkin patch, more
Good Neighbor Day in Wake Forest Sep 20
Wake Forest's Annual Good Neighbor Day takes place Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. This is a free event that brings together Wake Forest residents from all walks of life. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Good Neighbor Day in Wake Forest Sep 20
Community Celebration of the Arts in Wake Forest Oct. 11
The Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC invites residents to a special Community Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. Free and open to the public, this family-friendly event will include food, music, and a variety of arts activities for children of all ages. This family-friendly event will … [Read more...] about Community Celebration of the Arts in Wake Forest Oct. 11
Trick or Treat in Downtown Fuquay-Varina Oct 24
The Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association and participating Downtown businesses are presenting Trick or Treat in Downtown on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's being held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. because that's when the largest number of businesses are able to participate and welcome treat or treaters. Families are invited to dress up their ghosts and goblins and visit the … [Read more...] about Trick or Treat in Downtown Fuquay-Varina Oct 24