Plus, feed alpacas at a nearby farm.
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Carolina Ballet

Weather from CBS 17 Storm Team

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77º | 70% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:06 a.m. | Sunset 7:06 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report


🍂 Porch pumpkins are fall’s best friend

Front porch decorated with assorted pumpkins, colorful mums, and a fall wreath on the door. The scene conveys a festive autumn atmosphere.
“Oh that’s gourd-geous” — something your neighbors would probably say. | Photo by @fallporchcharm
Ready to fall in love with a new decorating trend? According to an article by Axios, porch pumpkin decorating services are booming across the US — and of course, Raleigh got the memo.

If you want to pumpkin spice things up around your home, let the professionals handle it + book while spots are still open.

Porch Perfect NC
An expert team will help design a seasonal look for your porch, offering mums + hay bales alongside pumpkin packages that start at $375. You can also inquire about a disposal package for after the season.

Southern Porch Designs
Local photographer Amy Allen will bring her services to residents mainly in Raleigh and Durham — packages start at $300 + you can add on a photo shoot.

Fall Porch Charm
From Raleigh to Morrisville, this mother-daughter duo will come and bring the fall magic to your doorstep. Pumpkin pop bundles start at $375.

Autumn & Oaks
Homes across the Triangle area can book these full-styling services that start at $259. You can also book year-round custom planting services.
Bonus: Head to a pumpkin patch

Events

Saturday, Sept. 27

4th Annual Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival | Saturday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 28 | 10 a.m. | Raleigh Convention Center | $20+

Oktoberfest: Steinholding Contest | 12-10 p.m. | Salty Turtle Beer Co. | Free+

“What We Leave Behind” Musical | Saturday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Theatre Raleigh | $30+

Raleigh Tamale Festival | 2-6 p.m. | Green Road Park | Free

Triangle Sketch Comedy Presents “The Uproar: Dude Where’s My Era?” | 8-9:30 p.m. | TR Studio | $18

Sunday, Sept. 28

Divine + Delectable Dessert Fest | 12-4 p.m. | Moore Square | Free+

Triangle Trivia Tournament Championship | 12-4 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Co. | Free+

Preseason Match: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $26+

Thursday, Oct. 16

Carolina Ballet Presents: “The Seven Deadly Sins” | Thursday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $38+ | Catch the world premiere of this bold new ballet set within the shadowed corridors of a Catholic school.*
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Travel

Meet Burnsville, NC: Your ultimate fall destination

Presented by Explore Burnsville
Photo 1: Fall leaves in the Blue Ridge mountains Photo 2: A man holding a tray of oatmeal cream pies Photo 3: Kids sitting in a pumpkin patch Photo 4: People standing around a wooden high top table with beers at an outdoor bar. Photo 5: A woman sitting on a bed with a book in a wood-paneled hotel room, a man sitting in a chair next to her talking to her.
Burnsville has everything you need for a perfect fall weekend, from pumpkin picking to shopping small businesses to sipping seasonal local brews. | Photos by Explore Burnsville
This storybook town is tucked away amid the Blue Ridge Mountains just a few hours from Raleigh, and bursting with Gilmore Girls-esque nostalgic fall charm.

Burnsville, NC has a cozy fall itinerary for every kind of trip:

  • Romantic weekends | Slow down together with a secluded + unplugged mountain stay.
  • Family-friendly getaways | Favorite fall activities, outdoor expeditions, retro toy shops, and a brand new Kid Mountain playground offer fun for all ages + cherished family memories.
  • Historic adventures | Burnsville has a rich history — did you know the American flag on the moon was made in Yancey County?

Ready to go? Check this interactive foliage map to book your trip around the most colorful leaves.
Book a trip

News Notes

On This Day

Hurricane Helene approached the South Carolina-North Carolina state line last year on Sept. 27, bringing flooding, strong wind gusts, and more to the area. Today, build-back efforts are still going strong — take a look back at the total damage by the numbers. (WRAL)

Cause

September is Hunger Action Month, and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is looking to add 30 new monthly donors. Throughout this month, new Sustainer donations will be matched. Learn how to make your donation go further.*

Try This

Delivered by snail? Snail mail seems to be on the rise on TikTok, where folks are creating clubs to send artwork, journal prompts, stickers, and more to pen pals across the globe. If you’re wanting some flair in your inbox — check out these monthly subscriptions.

Real Estate

Learn about the future of Midtown real estate in a swanky setting at the upcoming Midtown Raleigh Alliance Real Estate Forum, returning Thursday, Oct. 2. See what the one-day event covers.*

Show

Coming to a theater near you — The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. On Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5, you can see the world premiere of Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” including the music video and behind-the-scenes footage. Get tickets to a screening in Raleigh.

Outdoors

Travel + Leisure named Chimney Rock State Park the best in North Carolina, thanks to the 404-ft Hickory Nut Falls and sights of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Want a taste of that natural beauty closer to home? Check out these trails with water views.

The Word

Zavacephale rinpoche. That’s the name researchers are giving to a dinosaur species recently discovered in Mongolia. Scientists hope to uncover more about the species’ behavior, history, and uniquely domed heads following the discovery. Speaking of domes — you can expand yours at one of Oak City’s museums. (NBC)

Eat

Order up. Midnight Diner in Charlotte is the most iconic diner in North Carolina, according to Reader’s Digest. You’ll have to drive ~168 miles to get its legendary fried chicken + waffles, but we have plenty of exciting new restaurants to try right here in Raleigh.

Post of the Day

A video of a woman touring an alpaca farm + feeding and petting the animals

Post via @nceatandplay

I’ll pack for this. Just an hour outside of Raleigh sits the cutest place you’ll see in your email blast today — Hardly Farm in Castalia.

When visiting, you’ll be able to experience life on the farm with several alpacas + one llama, including feeding and petting the animals. You can also take a full farm tour, gain some alpaca knowledge, and take a look around the gift shop.

If you’re still questioning if it’s worth the visit — today + tomorrow mark National Alpaca Farm Days where you can take a tour for free.

Bonus: Save this road trip for another day + plan for future events on the farm.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

A dry shampoo powder that delivers fresh hair in seconds. The powder’s paraben-free formula instantly adds volume and texture + is easy to apply with a mess-free brush applicator.
More worth The Buy

Games

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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Haley Bartlett

Here at my time at 6AM City, I’ve actually gotten to interact quite a bit with animals — even being told by coworkers I’m like a Disney princess. If you’re ever visiting Chattanooga, TN, I recommend making a pit stop at Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm & Boutique, where you can see cuties like this.
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