Looking for things to do outside Raleigh and Durham this weekend? Nearby towns are celebrating Halloween with festivals, trick-or-treat trails, art walks, and local markets.

This October 30–November 1, 2026, weekend guide highlights events in Cary, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Garner, and Knightdale. Whether you’re planning a family outing, an evening exploring galleries, or a Sunday shopping trip, there’s plenty to enjoy close to home.

Confirm schedules, weather updates, admission, and registration before leaving. Free admission may not include food, shopping, or additional activities. All times are local.

Friday, October 30: Halloween Fun and Art Walks

Carrboro Halloween Carnival

Bring the family to Carrboro Town Commons for carnival-style games and Halloween activities. Participating children can receive a prize bag, and concessions will be available for purchase.

• Time: 5:30–8 p.m.
• Location: Carrboro Town Commons, 301 West Main Street
• Admission: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Registration: Not required. 

This community celebration offers families a chance to enjoy Halloween fun before Saturday night.

Haunted Hill Trunk or Treat — Chapel Hill

Put on a costume and head to Chapel Hill Community Center Park for trunk-or-treating. The Town also lists a skateboarding exhibition and an interactive skateboard experience with boards and helmets provided.

• Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
• Location: Chapel Hill Community Center Park, 120 South Estes Drive
• Admission: Free
• Registration: Not required; drop-in program

The outdoor event is weather-dependent. Check the Town’s parking and shuttle instructions before arriving. 

Last Fridays and the Art Walk — Hillsborough

Explore artist receptions, demonstrations, music, and community activities during Hillsborough’s monthly arts celebration. October’s program includes the Makers Market and Live on the Lawn.

• Time: Overall event window, 5:30–9 p.m.; individual activities have their own hours
• Location: Downtown Hillsborough and the Historic County Courthouse lawn, 104 East King Street
• Admission: Free; purchases extra

Review the monthly itinerary to choose the galleries, performances, and vendors you want to visit. 

Final Friday Cary Art Loop

Spend Friday evening exploring Cary’s creative community. Participating galleries and businesses host open studios, artist meetups, exhibitions, and other programming.

• Time: Main art-crawl window, 6–9 p.m.
• Location: Participating venues around Cary
• Admission: Many activities are free; check individual listings for ticketed programs

Some venues close earlier or run later than the main crawl window. Check the venue map before setting your route. Explore the Final Friday schedule⁠.

Kick or Treat the Trail — Knightdale

The Town of Knightdale and Neuse River Futbol Alliance combine Halloween and soccer-themed fun with trick-or-treat stations, games, activities, food trucks, and music.

• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Location: Knightdale Station Park, 810 North First Avenue
• Admission: Confirm participation details with the organizer; food purchases are separate

Bring a candy bucket and a costume for the evening’s festivities. 

Saturday, October 31: Festivals, Treat Trails, and Planetarium Fun

HollyFest — Holly Springs

Spend Halloween day at HollyFest, the town’s annual celebration featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities, and entertainment. This year’s festival also includes elements celebrating Holly Springs’ 150th anniversary.

• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Location: Jefferson L. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, 2401 Grigsby Avenue
• Admission: Free for all ages; purchases extra

Review the official parking map and traffic guidance. The Town notes that Hopper service to Sugg Farm will not operate during HollyFest. View HollyFest details⁠.

Trick or Treat the Trail — Garner

Take your Halloween outing outdoors at White Deer Park. Children can follow the park’s trail in costume while collecting treats.

• Time: 3–5:30 p.m.
• Location: White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road
• Admission: Check current participation details with the Town

Bring a candy bucket and comfortable shoes for walking between treat stops. 

Scare-olina Skies — Chapel Hill

Add a planetarium show to your Halloween afternoon at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

• Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Location: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 East Franklin Street
• Admission: Ticketed; check current prices and availability

Review the show’s age guidance and parking information when booking. View show details and tickets⁠.

Sunday, November 1: Shop Local and Enjoy Market Music

Pirates and Mermaids Holiday Market — Knightdale

Hummingbird Market brings a nautical-themed holiday market to Haven Farm, featuring local makers, pirate and mermaid characters, a treasure hunt, food trucks, and activities.

• Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Location: Haven Farm, 8521 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale
• Admission: Free; purchases extra
• Ages: All ages

Get an early start on holiday shopping while browsing handmade gifts and enjoying the themed market. 

Cary Underground Market

Visit Bond Brothers Beer Company for a market and concert series featuring more than 40 local vendors, live bands, food trucks, and more.

• Time: Noon–4 p.m.
• Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 East Cedar Street, Cary
• Admission: Free; purchases extra

This Sunday stop combines shopping and music in downtown Cary. View Cary Underground Market details⁠.

Plan Your Weekend Around the Triangle’s Towns

For family Halloween activities, consider Carrboro’s carnival, Chapel Hill’s Haunted Hill celebration, or Knightdale’s Kick or Treat. Art lovers can choose between Hillsborough’s Last Fridays and Cary’s Final Friday Art Loop.

Saturday offers a daytime festival in Holly Springs, a treat trail in Garner, and a planetarium show in Chapel Hill. On Sunday, markets in Cary and Knightdale provide opportunities to support local makers.

Choose a destination or two, allow time for parking, and check outdoor-event updates before heading out. Contact venues about accessibility accommodations and activity-specific requirements.

Keep DoRaleigh.com bookmarked for community news, local event guides, and more things to do around Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding towns.

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