Your daily roundup of events, deals, and fun happening across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and beyond! Whether you’re in the mood for fall festivities, free family fun, or a relaxing Monday night hangout, the Triangle has something for everyone.

🎓 NC Countdown to College — Application Fees Waived

📍 All Day | FREE | Multiple NC Colleges and Universities

It’s a big day for students and families — many North Carolina colleges and universities are waiving application fees as part of the statewide NC Countdown to College initiative. Don’t miss your chance to apply for free and take the next step in your education journey.

🎡 North Carolina State Fair

📍 All Day | $5–$13 | NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh

The North Carolina State Fair continues in full swing! Experience thrilling rides, classic fair food, and award-winning exhibits that celebrate our state’s culture and creativity. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves a good funnel cake.

👶 Total Tot Time

📍 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE | W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham

Bring your little ones (ages 5 and under) for free play and social time at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center. This safe, fun environment is ideal for toddlers to explore, move, and make new friends.

💀 Día de Muertos Ofrenda at Duke Chapel

📍 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | FREE | Duke University Chapel, Durham

Honor loved ones and explore the rich cultural traditions of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with the beautiful ofrenda display at Duke Chapel. Open all day for quiet reflection and cultural appreciation.

🏈 Monday Night NFL Football Watch Party

📍 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh

Grab your friends and head to Crank Arm Brewing for a lively NFL Monday Night Football watch party. Enjoy local brews, community vibes, and big-screen action right in downtown Raleigh.

🐶 Halloween Yappy Hour with Chatham Animal Rescue

📍 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | $10 | Carolina Brewery, Pittsboro

Bring your pup in costume and enjoy a spooktacular Halloween Yappy Hour with Chatham Animal Rescue. Great beer, great cause, and adorable dogs — what’s not to love?

🍗 Durham Beer Garden — 75¢ Wing Night

📍 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | 75¢ per wing | Durham Beer Garden

Monday means wing night in Durham! Stop by Durham Beer Garden for 75¢ wings (dine-in only) and enjoy one of the best deals in town.

🎤 Open Mic Night at Steel String Brewery

📍 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Carrboro

Calling all local artists! Share your music, poetry, or comedy at Steel String Brewery’s Open Mic Night. Support local talent while sipping small-batch brews in Carrboro’s creative atmosphere.

🏐 Cornhole Tournament at Raleigh Brewing

📍 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh Brewing Company

It’s game night with a competitive twist! Join the Cornhole Tournament at Raleigh Brewing and show off your tossing skills while enjoying a craft beer or two.

😂 Cosmic Chuckles: Weekly Comedy Show

📍 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Flying Saucer, Raleigh

Start your week with laughter at Cosmic Chuckles, the Triangle’s favorite Monday night comedy show featuring local comics and rising stars. Free to attend, fun guaranteed.

🎨 Adult Coloring Night at KōMANA Brewing

📍 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Cary

Relax and unwind with Adult Coloring Night at KōMANA Brewing. Coloring pages and supplies are provided — just bring your creativity (and maybe try their latest seasonal brew).

🎲 Game Night at Crank Arm Brewing

📍 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh

Board games, beers, and good company — what more could you need? Crank Arm Brewing hosts a fun and casual Game Night perfect for friends or solo adventurers.

🧩 Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

📍 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham

Enjoy mead, laughter, and strategy during Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery. Bring your favorite game or join others in the fun!

🎙️ Carrboro Open Mic at Speakeasy

📍 8:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. | FREE | Carrboro

End your Monday with music and community at Speakeasy’s Carrboro Open Mic. From soulful tunes to witty stand-up, the night is open to all performers.

🗓️ Wrap-Up

Mondays in the Triangle are anything but boring! From free college application opportunities to comedy, cornhole, and community connection, October 20 offers something for everyone. Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything in the Triangle.