October is here, which means the state fair, live music, spooky activities, and more festive fall fun. And don’t worry, Raleigh’s got something fun to do each and every weekend this month. Grab your calendar: these are the top October events you won’t want to miss.
Festivals
Falling for Local, Dorothea Dix Park | Saturday, Oct. 5 | This event kicks off the season. Enjoy a free pumpkin patch, beer, local food + more Raleigh fun.
Triangle Oktoberfest, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Friday, Oct. 4-Saturday, Oct. 5 | Raise a stein at NC’s largest Oktoberfest with traditional Bavarian food, stein hoisting, wiener dog racing + more.
Fall for Five Points, Five Points neighborhood | Saturday, Oct. 12 | Autumn is at its best in this historic, vibrant neighborhood – celebrate with a day of live music, local shopping, and more.
Geek and Grub Night Market, Fred Fletcher Park | Saturday, Oct. 12 | In addition to nerdy vendors and food truck feasts, expect a schedule of spooky happenings and a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
Hum Sub Diwali, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Saturday, Oct. 12 | Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with cultural performances, shopping, and more — this Diwali celebration is the largest of its kind in the Southeast.
NC State Fair, NC State Fairgrounds | Thursday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 27 | You know it, you love it, and we can’t wait for it. We’re excited for the rides, fried food, and farm animals.
NC Wine Festival, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Saturday, Oct. 19 | Un-wine-d with vino and spirits from 20 wineries.
USA Today Food & Wine Experience, Dorothea Dix Park | Saturday, Oct. 26 | The area’s best chefs, drink makers, and more will assemble for a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
Dia de Oakwood and Day of the Dead 5K, Oakwood Cemetery | Saturday, Oct. 26 | Honor those who have died with vibrant altars + a race through Oakwood Cemetery.
Arts and music
Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks, NC Museum of History | Friday, Oct. 4 | Bid the NC Museum of History adieu with a final slate of concerts including acclaimed country artist with Raleigh roots Rissi Palmer.
Fall Arts Fair, Fred Fletcher Park | Saturday, Oct. 5 | Meet local artisans who craft everything from pottery to jewelry
Vampire Weekend, Red Hat Amphitheater | Wednesday, Oct. 9 | You know these indie rockers from hits like “A-Punk” and “Hannah Hunt” – listen to tunes from their new album “Only God Was Above Us.”
KIDZ BOP, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | Thursday, Oct. 10 | This troupe will perform kid-friendly versions of today’s top hits.
NC Symphony: The Music of John Williams, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Friday, Oct. 11-Saturday, Oct. 12 | The symphony will transport you to Hogwarts, Jurassic Park, and a galaxy far, far away with scores by this iconic composer.
Lainey Wilson, Red Hat Amphitheater, Friday, Oct. 18 | Jam out to this country singer.
Sabrina Carpenter, Lenovo Center | Saturday, Oct. 19 | Dance along to “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and more bops from this pop star.
Nightmare on South St., Fletcher Opera Theater | Friday, Oct. 25 | Things are getting spooky at the NC Ballet. This unique Halloween experience includes a ballet performance, a costume contest, an on-stage dance party, Halloween treats, and more.
More local fun
Marbles Imagination Ball, Marbles Kids Museum | Friday, Oct. 4 | This gala is for the grown-ups only to support the nonprofit museum’s mission to give kids a place to learn and play.
Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week | Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 13 | Calling all foodies. Get a taste of what Raleigh has to offer with local deals at your favorite and soon-to-be favorite eateries.
SAS Championship, Prestonwood Country Club, Cary | Monday, Oct. 7-Sunday, Oct. 13 | Watch Raleigh and the nation’s best golfers compete for charity.
Carolina Hurricanes opening night, Lenovo Center | Friday, Oct. 11 | The Canes are back and will hit the ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the newly renamed arena.
Pumpkin Flotilla, Bond Park Lake, Cary | Friday, Oct. 25 | Jack-o’-lanterns will float through Bond Lake in a stunning and spooky display. Here are nine local spots to get your pumpkins to participate.