We’ve got your weekend lineup, Raleigh! Check out these local things to do to keep you busy this weekend!
Every week, we curate a list of local things to do in and around Raleigh. Our goal is to uplift local businesses and connect you with fun, community-driven experiences.
We prioritize events from our Shop Local Raleigh members, offering you the best local experiences. Want to add your event to our list? Consider becoming a Shop Local Raleigh member or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
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🎡 The NC State Fair returns this Thursday, and the weekend is just getting started! From Halloween celebrations and local markets to comedy, live music, theater, and family-friendly fall fun, Raleigh and the surrounding communities have plenty on the calendar. Find your next local adventure below.
Thursday, October 15
NC State Fair
🗓️ Oct. 15–25 | ⏰ Oct. 15 opens at noon; daily hours vary
The midway, livestock exhibits, competitions, food and North Carolina traditions return for eleven days of State Fair fun!
📍 NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ncstatefair | More info.
Jazz in the Square
🗓️ Oct. 15 | ⏰ 6–8 PM
Jasmine Best & The Jazz Xperiment take over Moore Square for a free outdoor jazz concert with food and drinks available for purchase.
📍 Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @downtownraleighalliance | More info.
Carolina Ballet: Dracula
🗓️ Oct. 15–Nov. 1 | ⏰ Oct. 15–16, 7:30 PM; Oct. 17, 2 & 7:30 PM; Oct. 18, 2 PM
Carolina Ballet premieres a haunting new take on Dracula, blending gothic storytelling with powerful dance and an original score.
📍 Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @carolinaballet | More info.
Travesties at Burning Coal Theatre
🗓️ Oct. 15–18 | ⏰ Thu.–Sat., 7:30 PM; Sun., 2 PM
History, memory and absurdity collide in Tom Stoppard’s quick-witted comedy.
📍 Burning Coal Theatre, 224 Polk St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @burningcoaltheatre | More info.
Oak City Comedy Festival
🗓️ Oct. 14–18 | ⏰ Showtimes vary
The festival brings comedians and comedy fans together for performances at venues around Raleigh.
📍 Multiple Raleigh venues
🎟️ Varies by show
ℹ️ @oakcitycomedyfestival | More info.
Fall in Full Swing at Crooked Hammock
🗓️ Oct. 14–Nov. 15 | ⏰ Hours and activities vary
Seasonal brews, comfort food, festive Halloween brunches and community celebrations give the brewery’s backyard a fall makeover.
📍 4501 Edwards Mill Rd.
ℹ️ @crookedhammockbrewery | More info.
3 Day Deal at Homewood Nursery
🗓️ Oct. 15–17 | ⏰ Store hours; unavailable
Save 25% on houseplants, fall décor, spring bulbs, seed packets and more during Homewood Nursery’s three-day sale.
📍 Homewood Nursery, 10809 Honeycutt Rd.
ℹ️ @homewoodnursery | More info.
David Nihill at Goodnights
🗓️ Oct. 15 | ⏰ 7:30 PM
Irish comedian David Nihill brings his Taking Tangents Tour and globe-spanning stories to Goodnights.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; 18+
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers at Goodnights
🗓️ Oct. 15 | ⏰ 8 PM
Local comics impersonate famous comedy legends, living and dead, for a one-night Halloween show in Room 861.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; 18+
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing
🗓️ Oct. 15 | ⏰ 6–8 PM; run begins 6:15 PM
Choose a 3- or 5-mile route, then relax with a pint at Ponysaurus. All paces welcome.
📍 Ponysaurus Brewing, 2221 Iron Works Dr., Suite 100, Raleigh
ℹ️ @ponysaurusbrewingral @raleighironworks | More info.
After Hours: Ancient Nubia at NCMA
🗓️ Oct. 15 | ⏰ 7:30–10 PM
Celebrate the opening of Ancient Nubia with after-hours gallery exploration, a DJ set by DJ Uymami and live printing by artist Zaire Miles-Moultrie.
📍 North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @ncartmuseum | More info.
Friday, October 16
NC Opera: Carmen
🗓️ Oct. 16 & 18 | ⏰ Fri., 7:30 PM; Sun., 3 PM
NC Opera performs Bizet’s gripping story of passion, jealousy and betrayal at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
📍 Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @mmcraleighnc | More info.
Triangle Parade of Homes
🗓️ Oct. 16–18 | ⏰ Noon–5 PM
Explore new construction, fresh designs and inspiring interiors on the final weekend of the Triangle Parade of Homes.
📍 Homes throughout the Triangle
ℹ️ @triangleparade | More info.
NC Symphony: Rhapsody in Blue
🗓️ Oct. 16–17 | ⏰ Fri., noon & 8 PM; Sat., 8 PM
Pianist Clayton Stephenson joins the NC Symphony for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, with Bernstein favorites on the program.
📍 Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ncsymphony | More info.
Mario Adrion at Goodnights
🗓️ Oct. 16–18 | ⏰ Fri., 7 & 9:15 PM; Sat., 7 & 9:30 PM; Sun., 6 PM
German comedian Mario Adrion brings his playful take on modeling, culture clashes and life in America to Goodnights.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; 18+
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
Conor Janda at Goodnights
🗓️ Oct. 16–18 | ⏰ Fri., 7:30 & 9:45 PM; Sat., 7:30 & 10 PM; Sun., 8 PM
Catch Conor Janda’s sharp, personal stand-up in Goodnights’ Room 861.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; 18+
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
Garner’s Diwali Celebration
🗓️ Oct. 16 | ⏰ 5–9 PM
Celebrate Diwali with Indian food, cultural performances, music, dancing, crafts and vendors at this welcoming community festival.
📍 Garner Recreation Center, 215 W. Main St., Garner
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @townofgarner | More info.
Blacklight Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda
🗓️ Oct. 16 | ⏰ 6–7:30 PM
Get creative with glowing colors at this hands-on pottery painting workshop hosted at Daughter’s Soft Serve.
📍 Daughter’s Soft Serve – 6 N Main St., Wendell
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
EverythingELSE Sale
🗓️ Oct. 16–25 | ⏰ Daily hours vary
Shop Kids EveryWEAR’s sale of adult clothing, accessories, toys, furniture, household goods and more—everything except kids’ clothes and shoes.
📍 1213 Buck Jones Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @kidseverywear | More info.
Fall Harvest Night in Apex
🗓️ Oct. 16 | ⏰ 5–8 PM
Downtown Apex celebrates fall with local vendors, the NC Polka Time Allstars, festive photo opportunities and specials at local businesses.
📍 The Depot parking lot, 220 N. Salem St., Apex
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @townofapex | More info.
SAS Championship
🗓️ Oct. 16–18 | ⏰ Daily tee times vary
Watch PGA TOUR Champions professionals compete at Prestonwood Country Club during one of Cary’s signature sporting events.
📍 Prestonwood Country Club, 300 Prestonwood Pkwy., Cary
🎟️ $30+ tickets
ℹ️ @saschampionship | More info.
Saturday, October 17
CatVideoFest at Marbles IMAX
🗓️ Oct. 17–18 | ⏰ Screening times vary
Celebrate all things feline at the family-friendly CatVideoFest. A portion of proceeds supports local rescue Alley Cats and Angels.
📍 Marbles IMAX, 201 E Hargett St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @marblesraleigh | More info.
NC Home Show
🗓️ Oct. 17–18 | ⏰ Sat., 10 AM–8 PM; Sun., 10 AM–5 PM
Meet home improvement, remodeling, landscaping and design professionals, and discover ideas for your next project.
📍 Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free online registration; $10 at door
ℹ️ @acshomeshow | More info.
Pets & Pumpkins at Moore Square
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 11 AM–3 PM
Celebrate the new Moore Square dog park with a pet parade, pet pumpkin patch, vendors, crafts, and food trucks.
📍 Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @raleighgov | More info.
Practical Magic Market at The Studio
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
A witchy day of handmade and vintage shopping with 30+ local artists, mocktails, cake jars and tarot readings.
📍 The Studio, 106 W. Chatham St., Apex
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @thestudioinapex | More info.
Tricks & Treats Pawty at Saving Grace Supply Co.
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM
Get into the Halloween spirit with a pet-focused celebration at Saving Grace Supply Co.
📍 Saving Grace Supply Co. 4016 Durham Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @savinggrace_supplyco | More info.
Sneaky Penguin 4 Year Anniversary
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ Noon–6 PM
Celebrate four years with new beers, Longleaf Swine barbecue, ice cream, a DJ, trivia, stein-holding and raffles.
📍 Sneaky Penguin Brewing, 7449 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @sneakypenguinbrewing | More info.
Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival: Oktoberfest Edition
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ Noon–8 PM
Celebrate five years of one of North Carolina’s most unique fall festivals featuring international wines, craft beers, authentic cuisine, live music, and cultural experiences from around the world. Spend the day discovering new flavors as you explore wines and beers from around the globe, enjoy delicious international cuisine, and experience a vibrant festival in the heart of Downtown Raleigh.
📍 400 block of Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
🎟️ Free admission; tastings cost extra
ℹ️ @n.c.vibes | More info.
Halloween Boo Bash in Wake Forest
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 10 AM–1 PM
Downtown Wake Forest hosts a free family Halloween celebration with inflatables, games, food trucks and costumes.
📍 Downtown Wake Forest, E. Owen Ave. and nearby streets
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @townofwakeforest | More info.
Time Warp 2026 at COR Museum
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 6:30–11 PM
Break out the bell-bottoms for a 1970s disco-inspired fundraiser with dancing, casino-style games, food and raffles.
📍 City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @cormuseumfriends | More info.
NC Courage vs. San Diego Wave
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 7 PM
Cheer on the North Carolina Courage as they face San Diego Wave FC.
📍 First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Dr., Cary
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @thenccourage | More info.
Spooky Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at HighCraft
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 2–3:30 PM
Paint your own spooky ceramic keepsake at this creative afternoon workshop.
📍 HighCraft 112 N Salem St., Apex
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
Apex Farmers Market
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 8 AM–noon
Shop seasonal produce, locally raised meats, eggs, baked goods, preserves and handmade products from area growers and makers.
📍 122 N. Salem St., Apex
🎟️ Free to browse
ℹ️ @apex_farmers_market | More info.
Midtown Farmers’ Market
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 8 AM–noon
Browse produce, baked goods, meats, dairy, crafts and more from dozens of local vendors.
📍 4191 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free to browse
ℹ️ @midtownfarmers @visitnorthhills | More info.
Cary Farmers Market
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 8 AM–noon
Shop locally grown produce, humanely raised meats and artisan goods alongside Downtown Cary Park.
📍 160 E. Park St., Cary
🎟️ Free to browse
ℹ️ @caryfarmersmkt | More info.
Tappin’ the Gourd Pumpkin Extravaganza
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 2–8 PM listed; organizer listings conflict
Celebrate pumpkins and fall brews with seasonal drinks, a carving contest, pie-eating competition, food trucks and music.
📍 Tap Yard Raleigh, 1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh
🎟️ Free admission; drinks extra
ℹ️ @tapyardraleigh | More info.
Ricci Rescues in the Park
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 10 AM–1 PM
Meet adoptable pets and local rescue organizations during a free, family-friendly adoption event with pet vendors.
📍 Midtown Park at North Hills, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ More info.
Sunday, October 18
Hillsborough Street Trick or Treat
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ 2–5 PM
Visit 50 candy stations, a Trunk-or-Treat Zone, crafts, games and other family-friendly Halloween activities.
📍 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @liveitupraleigh | More info.
Justin Whitehead at Goodnights
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ 8:15 PM
Comedian and social media favorite Justin Whitehead brings his sharp punchlines to Goodnights.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; 18+
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
Waylon Wyatt at The Ritz
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ Showtime unavailable
Singer-songwriter Waylon Wyatt brings the Dustpiles World Tour to Raleigh.
📍 The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ritzraleigh | More info.
Vintage & Makers Market at Wolfe & Porter
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ 2–7 PM
Browse vintage finds and handmade goods from 15+ vendors while enjoying cocktails and food.
📍 Wolfe & Porter, 905 W Morgan St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @wolfeandporter | More info.
Howl-O-Ween Party at Clouds Brewing
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ 2–5 PM
Bring your costumed pup for Freedom Ride Rescue’s Halloween costume contest and meet adoptable dogs.
📍 Clouds Brewing, 1233 Front St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @freedomride.rescue @cloudsbrewingraleigh | More info.
Spooky Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at Branches
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ 10–11:30 AM
Create a one-of-a-kind spooky ceramic piece with guidance from Cozy Panda while enjoying coffee.
📍 Branches Coffee Co., 130 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
Spooky Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at Unhinged
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ 3–4:30 PM
Paint a ceramic keepsake at this relaxed Sunday workshop in Knightdale.
📍 Unhinged Coffee & Co., 319 N. First Ave., Knightdale
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
Sip & Shop Market at Heights House
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ Noon–4 PM
Spend the afternoon shopping local artists and makers with outdoor bar drinks, food trucks and music.
📍 Heights House, 308 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @heightshouseparlor | More info.
Morgan Street Sessions
🗓️ Oct. 18 | ⏰ Noon–4 PM
Settle into a Sunday afternoon of DJs, house music, brunch cocktails, local vendors and food hall favorites.
📍 Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @morganstreetfoodhall | More info.
🎶 Live Music
LaMP at Lincoln Theatre
🗓️ Oct. 15 | ⏰ 8:00pm
Live performance by LaMP featuring Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger and Ray Paczkowski.
📍 Lincoln Theatre, 126 East Cabarrus St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @lincoln919 | More info.
Bring Out Yer Dead at Lincoln Theatre
🗓️ Oct. 16 | ⏰ 8:00pm
An evening of live music with Bring Out Yer Dead at Lincoln Theatre.
📍 Lincoln Theatre, 126 East Cabarrus St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @lincoln919 | More info.
Maggie Rose at Lincoln Theatre
🗓️ Oct. 17 | ⏰ 8:00pm
Catch singer-songwriter Maggie Rose live in downtown Raleigh.
📍 Lincoln Theatre, 126 East Cabarrus St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @lincoln919 | More info.
