Saturday, October 18 – Raleigh, Durham & Beyond

The Triangle is bursting with fall festivals, art markets, live music, and spooky fun for all ages.

Start your day early with Shred Day in Apex (8am–11am) or stop by Toastique’s Grand Opening at The Exchange in Raleigh, where the first 100 guests earn $50 in rewards. Explore handcrafted goods at the Durham Craft Market or stroll through the Sculpture in the Garden exhibit at the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

Families can join the Free Durham History Walking Tour with John Schelp, the Lowe’s DIY-U Kids Workshop, or meet friendly rescues at the Brajboro Cow Sanctuary. Dog lovers won’t want to miss Wag-O-Ween in Fuquay-Varina, featuring costumes, treats, and local vendors.

Later in the morning, choose from Halloween Boo Bash in Downtown Wake Forest, Pumpkin Painting on the Porch at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, or Harvest Fest at Good Hope Farm in Cary. If you’re in Raleigh, hop aboard the Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour or sip your way through the Raleigh International Wine & Beer Festival at City Plaza.

Celebrate creativity at Festifall Arts Market: Carolina Day in Chapel Hill, Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun Art Market in RTP, or Fenton Makers Market in Cary. The Nasher Museum’s 20th Anniversary Celebration brings live performances and art experiences to Durham.

Music fans can enjoy Live Music with Dave Hawkins (Gizmo Brew Works), Peak City Band (Raleigh Brewing), and the lively Rock & Brew Music Festival at Lafayette Village. For something spooky and scenic, check out Witches on the Water at Lake Wheeler Park or the Track ’n’ Treat Halloween Train Ride at New Hope Valley Railway.

Evening events include Bullhorn Fest at Shadowbox Studio, Bull City BOOs Fest, Diwali Mela at Brier Creek, and the Raleigh Zombie Walk at Moore Square. Wind down with live music at Fortnight Brewing, Bombshell Beer Co., or CaryLive! Concert Series: Tae and the Neighborly in Downtown Cary.

Sunday, October 19 – Brunch, Markets & Fall Magic

Your Sunday starts with the North Carolina State Fair — the ultimate fall celebration! Stroll the midway, enjoy classic fair food, and experience agricultural exhibits and concerts.

In Carrboro, Sunday Brunch Music at Weaver Street Market brings mellow vibes, while Raleigh Foodie Fare at Moore Square fills downtown with local eats and live music. Browse creative vendors at Bazaar Craft & Art Market in Carrboro or support community sustainability at the Black Farmers’ Market in Durham.

Families can explore Harvest Festival at Duke Gardens, Hillsborough Street Trick-or-Treat, and Hidden Block Party: Halloween Edition at Gateway Plaza. For relaxation, visit Artspace Open Studio in Raleigh or join a Free Ukulele Lesson at KōMANA Brewing in Cary.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy Bluegrass Open Jam at Bond Brothers Eastside or Jazz’d Up Sundays with the Noel Freidline Quartet and Maria Howell at Downtown Cary Park. End the weekend with Sunday Open Mic at Moon Dog Meadery or Secret Cinema Sundays at Raleigh Brewing.

Don’t Miss: Raleigh’s Signature Fall Attractions

North Carolina State Fair – Daily through October 27 | Rides, food, and fireworks! Haunted Trolley Tours – Nightly at Mordecai Historic Park Día de Muertos Ofrenda at Duke Chapel – Honoring culture and community through Oct. 31

Plan Your Perfect Weekend

Whether you’re exploring the arts in Chapel Hill, sipping local brews in Raleigh, or joining family festivals in Cary, the Triangle offers something for everyone. Tag your adventures with #DoRaleigh and share how you celebrate fall fun across the region!

From the NC State Fair and Wine & Beer Fest to Diwali Mela, Bullhorn Fest, and countless free family events, this Triangle weekend is overflowing with community spirit, creativity, and seasonal magic. our week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Triangle at DoRaleigh.com