Start easing into fall with this list of the top things to do in September in the Triangle. September is a very busy season for festivals, with some of the most popular festivals of the year taking place this month.
We focus on the “free and cheap” so many of these events will be easy on your wallet.
After our list of highlighted events, we include a day by day list of everything on our calendar for September. You can also jump right to the day-by-day list. (Please give it a moment to load…it’s a lot!)
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Date: August 30 to September 2, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
Place: Kerr Scott Building at NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $8 for adults and free for kids
Features: This show offers a vast array of precious and semi-precious gem stones, pearls, beads and beading supplies, fossils, minerals, crystals, gems, and finished jewelry in gold and silver, including 14K, 18K and platinum fine jewelry, hand-crafted, custom designs, fashion jewelry, and sterling silver.
Come Out and Play Sculpture Show
Come Out and Play Sculpture Show
Date: August 24 and 25, 2024, and then every Saturday through September 21, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. until dark
Place: JimGin Farm, 150 Wild Horse Run, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: Free
Features: More than 50 artists display their work, and there will also be music provided by the North Carolina Songwriters Co-Op.
African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
Date: August 31 and September 1, 2024
Time: Check back soon.
Place: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This festival is a Labor Day tradition in Raleigh. It’s a celebration of African American culture through art, music, dance, food and community.
Wake Forest Unplugged
Wake Forest Unplugged
Date: Sunday, September 1, 2024
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Place: E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This event encourages people to leave their technology behind and connect with the community through games, activities and a free concert.
A Labor Day Concert for Living Wages
A Labor Day Concert for Living Wages
Date: Monday, September 2, 2024
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Place: Steel String Brewery at Pluck Farm, 6901 NC 54 West, Mebane, NC
Cost: Free, with a $20 suggested donation
Features: Donations, and 10% of Steel String purchases will support Orange County’s Living Wage’s mission. The concert features kBakua, Deja Belle and Deep Chatham Ramblers. There will also be a bounce house for the kids, food trucks and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Hillsborough Hog Day
Hillsborough Hog Day
Date: September 13 and 14, 2024
Time: 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday
Place: River Park, 144 E Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, BBQ cook-off, handmade crafts, classic car show, much more
BugFest
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ BugFest
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This is the largest bug-centered event of its kind of the country. Participate in more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games and activities. Meet entomologists and other scientists.
Carolina Circus Festival
Carolina Circus Festival
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Place: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Aerial and ground acrobatics performances, fire and LED shows, free workshops, games and crafts.
Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Hunter Street and Town Hall Courtyard, 500 Hunter Street, Apex, NC
Cost: Free
Features: 60+ local food trucks and vendors providing Italian products. Entertainment, cookin gdemos, wine and beer tents, children’s area.
Mead Fest
Mead Fest
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 12 to 5 p.m.
Place: Starrlight Mead, 130 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: Free (pay for food and drink)
Features: A mini-Renaissance festival, with sword fighting demos, mead, music, costumes, and more.
Morrisville International Festival
Morrisville International Festival
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Place: Town Hall Drive, Morrissville, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Music and dance performances from around the world, artisan vendors, food and drink, and more.
Raleigh Tamale Festival
Raleigh Tamale Festival
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Place: Moore square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Tamale competition, performances, family activities, food trucks and vendors.
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Place: Shakori Hills Arts Center, 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Arts and crafts fair, games, parade of Latin-American outfits, art exhibit, four Latin bands, folkloric dance groups, more.
Taste of Lebanon Festival
Taste of Lebanon Festival
Date: September 21 and 22, 2024
Time: Check back soon
Place: Saint Sharbel Church, 600 Mt. Vernon Church Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Cultural festival celebrating the richness of Lebanese culture and cuisine.
CenterFest
CenterFest
Date: Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Place: Downtown Durham
Cost: Free, but a donation of $5 is suggested
Features: Live music on multiple stages, visual artists, kids’ activities and much more.
The International Festival
The International Festival
Date: September 27-29, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Place: Jim Graham Building of NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $5 per day in advance
Features: Music and dancing, naturalization ceremony for 240 new citizens, kids’ activities, art, food, dessert, vendors, more.
Asia Fest and Dragon Boat Races
Asia Fest and Dragon Boat Races
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Recency Parkway, Cary, NC
Cost: $10 for ages 13+ ($8 early bird tickets.) Free for 12 and under and 65 and older.
Features: Watch dragon boat races and enjoy cultural performances, arts and crafts, Asian food and more.
St. Eugene International Food & Music Festival
International Food & Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: J. Ashley Wall Town Square, 99 W 3rd Street, Wendell, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live entertainment and authentic cuisine from around the world, kids’ activities and more.
Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Place: Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Wiener dog races, German-inspired food, live music and fall brews.
Oktoberfest Celebrations
Oktoberfest Festivals
Date: Various dates
Time: Varies
Place: Many locations
Cost: Most are free
Features: We’ve compiled a list of a ton of Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the Triangle. They take place in September and October.
Saxsquatch Presents: Cryptids with a Cause
Saxsquatch Presents: Cryptids with a Cause
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Place: Franklin and Columbia Streets, moving to 140 West Plaza, Chapel Hill
Cost: Free
Features: Saxsquatch (saxophone-playing Bigfoot) is leading a flash mob at the intersection of Franklin and Columbia Streets. Then the party movies to 140 West Franklin Plaza where there will be a DJ and a chance to snatch Saxsquatch swag. This event is a fundraiser for PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro, so please bring a canned food donation.
Family Renaissance Fair at NC Museum of Art
Family Renaissance Fair
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Combat demonstrations, medieval and Renaissance crafts, performances, and free access to fall exhibitions. Especially for kids and their families.
El Futuro Hispanic Heritage Kermes
El Futuro Hispanic Heritage Kermes
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: El Futuro, 2020 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Latinoamerican food, music, dance, agencies, games, cake Mariachis, more.
Carrboro Music Festival
Carrboro Music Festival
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: Check back soon. Last year it was from 1 to 9 p.m.
Place: Multiple venues in Carrboro, NC. Both indoor and outdoor.
Cost: Free
Features: 100+ bands perform in multiple venues.
Full September Calendar
Please give the list a moment to load…it’s a LOT!
