Packapalooza is a huge, free, family-friendly block party and street festival welcoming the Wolfpack back to campus. It takes place on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, from Brooks Avenue to the roundabout near the Memorial Belltower, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The whole community is invited to this free street festival. The festival includes music, games, vendors and much … [Read more...] about Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 22
fall-festivals
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 Arts Market Booths Food Trucks Hosted by the … [Read more...] about Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Benson Mule Days Sep 24-27
The town of Benson, NC, is holding its annual festival, Benson Mule Days from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Schedule: Benson is in Johnston County, about a 35 mile drive to the south from Raleigh. It's convenient to Willow Springs, NC. This is the 77th year for this festival, which celebrates the mule and its role in rural farming. The festival also include live … [Read more...] about Benson Mule Days Sep 24-27
Festifall Arts Market in Chapel Hill Nov. 7
Festifall Arts Market returns to Chapel Hill on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m. This year it's at a new location, the parking lot at 100 East Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It's free to attend. Meet artists, take part in art activities, and enjoy live performances, and shop paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, clothing, soaps, candles, and more. Check back … [Read more...] about Festifall Arts Market in Chapel Hill Nov. 7
40+ 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 … [Read more...] about 40+ fall festivals in the Triangle in 2026
Mead Fest at Starrlight Mead: Free mini-Renaissance Festival Sept. 26
Starrlight Mead, at 130 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting Mead Fest on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m. This free annual event is like a mini-Renaissance Festival, with sword-fighting demos, mead-making, music, vendors, food and more. This is a family friendly event. Enjoy music by Thunder and Spice and An Gorta Mor Memorial Pipe Band, plus sword fighting … [Read more...] about Mead Fest at Starrlight Mead: Free mini-Renaissance Festival Sept. 26
98th Wendell Harvest Festival Oct. 3
The 98th Wendell Harvest Festival takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Downtown Wendell, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This event is brought to you by the Wendell Chamber of Commerce. Over 100 vendors and eighteen food trucks fill the streets of Wendell, along with 10,000 visitors. Booths and food trucks open at 9 a.m. The Harvest Festival Parade starts at 10 a.m. and circles the festival … [Read more...] about 98th Wendell Harvest Festival Oct. 3
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival Oct. 3
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival takes place Saturday, October 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Historic Downtown Fuquay-Varina. It features live music, carnival rides, a beer garden, artist village, kid zone, food trucks and more. Also King BMX Bike Show and The Big Dino Show! It's free to attend and draws a great crowd. Read on for details! Main Stage Beer Garden Stage Local … [Read more...] about Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival Oct. 3
Taste of Greece in Durham Oct 10-11, 2026
A Taste of Greece takes place October 10 and 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p .m. both days, at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 8306 NC Hwy 751, Durham, North Carolina. Admission is free. This event features: A portion of all proceeds will benefit Ukrainian relief efforts. … [Read more...] about Taste of Greece in Durham Oct 10-11, 2026
North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson
The North Carolina Whirligig Festival takes place in downtown Wilson, a little less than an hour east of Raleigh, on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026. It's free to attend. Times The Whirligig Festival is a two-day arts festival that showcases the arts of the region, including whirligigs, North Carolina folk art created by local artist Vollis Simpson. Whirligigs … [Read more...] about North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson
