Saturday, September 26, brings food festivals, live music, theater and outdoor arts to the Triangle. From tamales at Moore Square to Durham Oktoberfest and free dance performances in Cary, these events offer plenty of ways to enjoy the day.

Raleigh Tamale Festival at Moore Square

11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount Street, Raleigh

The Raleigh Tamale Festival celebrates food and community with local vendors and entertainment for all ages. Participating food trucks include Mexiarepa Grill, La Republica, Mesas Food Truck and Poblanos Tacos.

The entertainment lineup features DJ Allnite, the Raleigh Music Collective, NRG Band, Folklor Chapin and Zumba with Maria Elena, making this a lively lunchtime stop in downtown Raleigh. 

Gov’t Mule and Ziggy Marley at Red Hat Amphitheater

7 p.m.; doors at 6 p.m. | 500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh | Ticketed

Gov’t Mule and Ziggy Marley bring the Dreaming the Same Dream Tour to Red Hat Amphitheater on Saturday night. Concertgoers can make an evening of downtown dining and live entertainment. Check current ticket availability and the venue’s bag policy before arriving. 

Durham Oktoberfest at Durham Central Park

3–7 p.m. in the park; after-party 7–10 p.m. | 501 Foster Street, Durham | Free entry

The Glass Jug Beer Lab’s Durham Oktoberfest features German-style beer, a craft market, music and competitions. Visitors can browse vendors, enjoy music from DJ Krieger and watch the costume contest and keg-rolling relay. Advance registration is required for the relay.

The celebration moves to The Glass Jug’s downtown patio from 7–10 p.m. for an after-party with DJ Gummy. Admission is free; purchases cost extra. 

Buena Vista Social Club at DPAC

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | DPAC, downtown Durham | Ticketed

Buena Vista Social Club brings the story behind the celebrated album to the stage through music, dance and Havana’s musical history. The production features English dialogue and Spanish-language songs.

DPAC advertises tickets starting at $55 plus tax, subject to availability. The show runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including intermission. Children younger than 6 are not admitted, and the production is not recommended for children younger than 8. 

Cary Farmers Market

8 a.m.–noon | East Park Street, beside Downtown Cary Park

Start Saturday with locally grown produce, meat and artisan goods at the Cary Farmers Market. Families can learn about the children’s market passport and Eat-A-Rainbow program, while SNAP/EBT shoppers can ask about matching benefits.

The market offers an easy starting point for a morning exploring downtown Cary. 

Free American Dance Festival Performance in Cary

7:30–9 p.m. | Great Lawn Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park | Free

American Dance Festival presents an encore of Made in NC, featuring works by North Carolina artists Tracey Durbin, Jabu Graybeal, Courtney Liu and Amanda K. Miller.

This all-ages outdoor performance offers a free evening of dance. Guests can bring a blanket or chair for seating on the Great Lawn. 

Schedules, prices and ticket availability may change. Check organizers’ updates before heading out. All times are Eastern.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |