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 29 to September 1, 2025
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: Saturdays, September 6, 13 and 20, 2025
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.
Hopscotch Music Festival
Hopscotch Music Festival
Date: September 4 to 6, 2025
Time: All day (including day parties)
Place: Main stages are Moore Square and City Plaza, Raleigh, North Carolina, but day parties are at many venues
Cost: $160.39 for a 3-day pass to main stages and venue shows, but day parties are free (donations welcome)
Features: This major music festival in Raleigh features many bands, both on the main stages, club shows, and (free day parties)
Wake Forest Unplugged
Wake Forest Unplugged
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
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.
Hillsborough Hog Day
Hillsborough Hog Day
Date: September 12 and 13, 2025
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
Festival Latino
Festival Latino
Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Place: Garner Recreation Center, 215 W Main Street, Garner, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Music and dance performances, artisan vendors, food trucks and more.
Carolina Circus Festival
Carolina Circus Festival
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
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.
BugFest
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ BugFest
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
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.
Wilson Jazz Festival
Wilson Jazz Festival
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Place: Various locations in Wilson, NC
Cost: The Main Stage is ticketed (check back soon for the price) and the rest is free.
Features: Live jazz at several venues in Wilson, plus a Second Line.
Triangle Vegfest
Triangle Vegfest
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2025
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Place: Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Typically free with a suggested donation
Features: Vegan food for purchase, free face painting, family fun zone, contests, shopping, more.
La Fiesta Del Pueblo
La Fiesta Del Pueblo
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Place: Fayeteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Music and dance performances, visual art exhibits, folk art, educational booths and family activities.
Carolina Indie Fest
Carolina Indie Fest
Date: Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 3 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday
Place: Hugger Mugger, 229 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC
Cost: Free
Features: 10 bands over the two days, plus arts and craft vendors and food trucks.
Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Hunter Street and Town Hall Courtyard, 500 Hunter Street, Apex, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live entertainment, authentic Italian food, cannoli eating contest, cooking demonstrations, kids’ zone and much more.
Morrisville International Festival
Morrisville International Festival
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 #B Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Music and dance performances from around the world, artisan vendors, food and drink, and more.
The International Festival
The International Festival
Date: September 20, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Music and dancing, kids’ activities, art, food, dessert, vendors, more.
CenterFest
CenterFest
Date: Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, 2025
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.
Asia Fest and Dragon Boat Races
Asia Fest and Dragon Boat Races
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Recency Parkway, Cary, NC
Cost: $12 for ages 13+ ($9 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.
Mead Fest
Mead Fest
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
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.
Apex Latino Arts Festival
Apex Latino Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 3 to 9 p.m.
Place: The Depot, 220 N Salem Street, Apex. NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music and entertainment, Latino-inspired arts and crafts activities, food vendors, country booths and more.
Raleigh Tamale Festival
Raleigh Tamale Festival
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
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.
Taste of Lebanon Festival
Taste of Lebanon Festival
Date: September 27 and 28, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday (times tentative; check back soon for confirmation)
Place: Saint Sharbel Church, 600 Mt. Vernon Church Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Cultural festival celebrating the richness of Lebanese culture and cuisine. Food, dance, music, kids’ activities, souvenirs and more.
St. Eugene International Food & Music Festival
International Food & Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
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 20, 2025
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Place: Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free (registration fee to race your dog)
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.
Carrboro Music Festival
Carrboro Music Festival
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 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!
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