Every month, we curate a list of local markets and events going on 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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X(Twitter) to stay in the loop on all things local. Let’s get out and show some local love to our community!
September is packed with festivals, live music, markets, cultural celebrations, and more happening around Raleigh. From Hopscotch and BugFest to Prost Y’all – NC Oktoberfest and a full calendar of concerts and performances, there’s a lot to add to the calendar this month. Here are some of the can’t-miss local events happening in September!
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
💪 Wellness Wednesdays at North Hills
September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 6–7pm
Midtown Park | 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St., Raleigh
Get moving every Wednesday evening with free outdoor fitness classes featuring Orangetheory Fitness, Midtown Yoga, YoBa Studio, Dose Yoga and JETSET Pilates throughout September.
ℹ️ @visitnorthhills | More info.
September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 6–7pm
Midtown Park | 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St., Raleigh
Get moving every Wednesday evening with free outdoor fitness classes featuring Orangetheory Fitness, Midtown Yoga, YoBa Studio, Dose Yoga and JETSET Pilates throughout September.
ℹ️ @visitnorthhills | More info.
🎮 Game & Geek Expo
September 5–6 | Sat. 10am–6pm; Sun. 10am–4pm
Raleigh Convention Center | 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh
Gaming, cosplay, celebrity guests, tabletop games, arcade and VR experiences, retro gaming, panels and a huge marketplace come together for a full weekend celebrating gaming and geek culture.
ℹ️ @gameandgeeknc | More info.
September 5–6 | Sat. 10am–6pm; Sun. 10am–4pm
Raleigh Convention Center | 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh
Gaming, cosplay, celebrity guests, tabletop games, arcade and VR experiences, retro gaming, panels and a huge marketplace come together for a full weekend celebrating gaming and geek culture.
ℹ️ @gameandgeeknc | More info.
🎉 African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh & Wake County
September 5–6 | Sat. 11am–10pm; Sun. 1–10pm
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Raleigh
The 17th annual festival fills downtown Raleigh with local and national performers, visual arts, dance, food, merchants, family activities and celebrations of African American culture. Admission is free.
ℹ️ @aacfestival | More info.
September 5–6 | Sat. 11am–10pm; Sun. 1–10pm
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Raleigh
The 17th annual festival fills downtown Raleigh with local and national performers, visual arts, dance, food, merchants, family activities and celebrations of African American culture. Admission is free.
ℹ️ @aacfestival | More info.
👨🎤 Hopscotch Music Festival
September 10–12
Multiple venues | Downtown Raleigh
Hopscotch returns for three days of music throughout downtown Raleigh with 100+ artists, headliners, club shows, day parties and the new free Moore Square Commons experience.
ℹ️ @hopscotchfest | More info.
September 10–12
Multiple venues | Downtown Raleigh
Hopscotch returns for three days of music throughout downtown Raleigh with 100+ artists, headliners, club shows, day parties and the new free Moore Square Commons experience.
ℹ️ @hopscotchfest | More info.
🎬 BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival
September 10–13
The Cary Theater | 122 E. Chatham St., Cary
The ninth annual festival celebrates independent filmmaking with four days of short films, workshops, industry conversations and a live screenplay reading.
ℹ️ @thecarytheater | More info.
September 10–13
The Cary Theater | 122 E. Chatham St., Cary
The ninth annual festival celebrates independent filmmaking with four days of short films, workshops, industry conversations and a live screenplay reading.
ℹ️ @thecarytheater | More info.
🎶 Friday Night on White
September 11 | 6–9pm
Downtown Wake Forest
The final Friday Night on White concert of the season brings Liquid Pleasure to South White Street for a free evening of live music, food trucks and downtown fun.
ℹ️ @townofwakeforest | More info.
September 11 | 6–9pm
Downtown Wake Forest
The final Friday Night on White concert of the season brings Liquid Pleasure to South White Street for a free evening of live music, food trucks and downtown fun.
ℹ️ @townofwakeforest | More info.
🏃♀️ Sola Hot Mini 5K
September 12 | 8:30am
Sola Coffee | Raleigh
Run, walk or participate virtually in the eighth annual Sola Hot Mini 5K, raising funds in the fight to end ALS.
ℹ️ @solacoffee | More info.
September 12 | 8:30am
Sola Coffee | Raleigh
Run, walk or participate virtually in the eighth annual Sola Hot Mini 5K, raising funds in the fight to end ALS.
ℹ️ @solacoffee | More info.
🎶 Live At Present Arts & Music Festival
September 12 | 11am–11pm
Haven Farm | 8521 Buffaloe Rd., Knightdale
Spend the day immersed in live performances, interactive art, local food, makers and creative experiences at this full-day arts and music festival.
ℹ️ @liveatpresent | More info.
September 12 | 11am–11pm
Haven Farm | 8521 Buffaloe Rd., Knightdale
Spend the day immersed in live performances, interactive art, local food, makers and creative experiences at this full-day arts and music festival.
ℹ️ @liveatpresent | More info.
💙 Cary Vintage Market
September 12 | 12–5pm
510 Old Apex Rd., Cary
Shop curated vintage clothing, jewelry, records, accessories, housewares and more, plus food, drinks, coffee and live music.
ℹ️ @caryvintagemarket | @hummingbirdcollective_ | More info.
September 12 | 12–5pm
510 Old Apex Rd., Cary
Shop curated vintage clothing, jewelry, records, accessories, housewares and more, plus food, drinks, coffee and live music.
ℹ️ @caryvintagemarket | @hummingbirdcollective_ | More info.
🎨 Fenton Art Festival
September 13 | 11am–5pm
Fenton | 21 Fenton Main St., Cary
Shop original work from more than 50 fine artists while exploring workshops, art demonstrations and hands-on public art activities throughout Fenton.
ℹ️ @fentonnc | More info.
September 13 | 11am–5pm
Fenton | 21 Fenton Main St., Cary
Shop original work from more than 50 fine artists while exploring workshops, art demonstrations and hands-on public art activities throughout Fenton.
ℹ️ @fentonnc | More info.
🛍️ Midtown Makers Market
September 15 | 5–8:30pm
North Hills Innovation District | Raleigh
Shop local on a Tuesday evening as makers, artisans and small businesses fill the Innovation District alongside live music.
ℹ️ @visitnhid | More info.
September 15 | 5–8:30pm
North Hills Innovation District | Raleigh
Shop local on a Tuesday evening as makers, artisans and small businesses fill the Innovation District alongside live music.
ℹ️ @visitnhid | More info.
🥳 Marbles Imagination Ball
September 18 | 7pm
Marbles Kids Museum | Downtown Raleigh
Marbles’ signature grown-up fundraiser returns with an ocean-inspired “Dive Deep” theme, creative food and drinks, entertainment and fundraising in support of access to play and hands-on learning.
ℹ️ @marblesraleigh | More info.
September 18 | 7pm
Marbles Kids Museum | Downtown Raleigh
Marbles’ signature grown-up fundraiser returns with an ocean-inspired “Dive Deep” theme, creative food and drinks, entertainment and fundraising in support of access to play and hands-on learning.
ℹ️ @marblesraleigh | More info.
🇱🇧 Taste of Lebanon Festival
September 18–20 | Fri. 7–10:30pm; Sat. 11am–10pm; Sun. 12–6pm
Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church | 600 Mt. Vernon Church Rd., Raleigh
Celebrate Lebanese food, music, dance and hospitality throughout the weekend. Friday features a ticketed kickoff party, followed by the free main festival Saturday and Sunday.
ℹ️ @tasteoflebanonnc | More info.
September 18–20 | Fri. 7–10:30pm; Sat. 11am–10pm; Sun. 12–6pm
Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church | 600 Mt. Vernon Church Rd., Raleigh
Celebrate Lebanese food, music, dance and hospitality throughout the weekend. Friday features a ticketed kickoff party, followed by the free main festival Saturday and Sunday.
ℹ️ @tasteoflebanonnc | More info.
🌿 Juniper Level Botanic Garden Fall Open Garden & Nursery Days
September 18–20 & 25–27 | 9am–5pm
9241 Sauls Rd., Raleigh
Explore one of the region’s most unusual plant collections during two special public-access weekends featuring thousands of rare plants, educational programs and opportunities to shop the adjacent nursery.
ℹ️ @juniperlevelbotanicgarden | More info.
September 18–20 & 25–27 | 9am–5pm
9241 Sauls Rd., Raleigh
Explore one of the region’s most unusual plant collections during two special public-access weekends featuring thousands of rare plants, educational programs and opportunities to shop the adjacent nursery.
ℹ️ @juniperlevelbotanicgarden | More info.
🌟 Asia Fest 2026
September 19 | 9am–5pm
Koka Booth Amphitheatre | 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary
Celebrate Asian cultures with dragon boat racing, performances, food, cultural exhibits, activities and nearly 100 exhibits throughout Koka Booth Amphitheatre and Symphony Lake.
ℹ️ @asianfocusnc | More info.
September 19 | 9am–5pm
Koka Booth Amphitheatre | 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary
Celebrate Asian cultures with dragon boat racing, performances, food, cultural exhibits, activities and nearly 100 exhibits throughout Koka Booth Amphitheatre and Symphony Lake.
ℹ️ @asianfocusnc | More info.
🐞 BugFest
September 19 | 10am–7pm
NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh
BugFest celebrates its 30th year with more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games, science programs, live performances and the famously adventurous Café Insecta. Admission is free.
ℹ️ @naturalsciences | More info.
September 19 | 10am–7pm
NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh
BugFest celebrates its 30th year with more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games, science programs, live performances and the famously adventurous Café Insecta. Admission is free.
ℹ️ @naturalsciences | More info.
🇮🇹 Festa Italiana NC
September 19 | 11am–7pm
Hunter Street & Apex Town Hall Campus | Downtown Apex
Experience Italian food, music, cooking, dance, vendors and cultural activities at this annual celebration of Italian heritage in Downtown Apex.
ℹ️ @festaitaliananc | More info.
September 19 | 11am–7pm
Hunter Street & Apex Town Hall Campus | Downtown Apex
Experience Italian food, music, cooking, dance, vendors and cultural activities at this annual celebration of Italian heritage in Downtown Apex.
ℹ️ @festaitaliananc | More info.
🌽 Farmers Fall Festival
September 19 | 11am–4pm
Downtown Cary Park | Cary
Celebrate the harvest season with farmers, local food, arts and crafts, live music, a children’s village, activities and the annual pie-eating contest.
ℹ️ @caryfarmersmkt | More info.
September 19 | 11am–4pm
Downtown Cary Park | Cary
Celebrate the harvest season with farmers, local food, arts and crafts, live music, a children’s village, activities and the annual pie-eating contest.
ℹ️ @caryfarmersmkt | More info.
🍺 Hops for Hope
September 19 | 2–6pm
Midtown Park | North Hills
Local breweries and corporate teams come together to create one-of-a-kind beers for an afternoon of tastings, live music, food trucks and family activities supporting Children’s Flight of Hope.
ℹ️ @hops4hope | More info.
September 19 | 2–6pm
Midtown Park | North Hills
Local breweries and corporate teams come together to create one-of-a-kind beers for an afternoon of tastings, live music, food trucks and family activities supporting Children’s Flight of Hope.
ℹ️ @hops4hope | More info.
🎉 919 Day: A Raleigh Celebration
September 19 | Gates open at 5pm
The Corner at NC State Centennial Campus | 941 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh
Celebrate the Triangle with live music, local artisans, food trucks and activities. Admission and parking are free.
ℹ️ @ncstatecentennial | More info.
September 19 | Gates open at 5pm
The Corner at NC State Centennial Campus | 941 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh
Celebrate the Triangle with live music, local artisans, food trucks and activities. Admission and parking are free.
ℹ️ @ncstatecentennial | More info.
🍺 Oktoberfest at Raleigh Iron Works
September 19 | 5–9pm
The Yard at Raleigh Iron Works | Iron Works Dr., Suite 100, Raleigh
Raise a stein and celebrate Oktoberfest with German-inspired food, cold beer, live polka music and plenty of festive fun. Ponysaurus Brewing will be pouring Oktoberfest beers, plus catch stein-holding competitions and a dachshund race right in front of the brewery.
ℹ️ @raleighironworks | More info.
September 19 | 5–9pm
The Yard at Raleigh Iron Works | Iron Works Dr., Suite 100, Raleigh
Raise a stein and celebrate Oktoberfest with German-inspired food, cold beer, live polka music and plenty of festive fun. Ponysaurus Brewing will be pouring Oktoberfest beers, plus catch stein-holding competitions and a dachshund race right in front of the brewery.
ℹ️ @raleighironworks | More info.
⚽ NC Courage vs. Gotham FC
September 19 | 6:30pm
WakeMed Soccer Park | Cary
Cheer on the NC Courage as they take on Gotham FC during the club’s Local Heroes match celebrating first responders, healthcare workers, educators, military members and community leaders.
ℹ️ @thenccourage | More info.
September 19 | 6:30pm
WakeMed Soccer Park | Cary
Cheer on the NC Courage as they take on Gotham FC during the club’s Local Heroes match celebrating first responders, healthcare workers, educators, military members and community leaders.
ℹ️ @thenccourage | More info.
💃 La Fiesta del Pueblo
September 20 | 12–6pm
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Raleigh
The Triangle’s major celebration of Latin American culture returns with live music and dance, food trucks, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits, community organizations and family activities.
ℹ️ @el.pueblo.inc | More info.
September 20 | 12–6pm
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Raleigh
The Triangle’s major celebration of Latin American culture returns with live music and dance, food trucks, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits, community organizations and family activities.
ℹ️ @el.pueblo.inc | More info.
🍂 North Hills Kids
September 22 & 29 | 9:30–11am
The Commons at North Hills | Raleigh
The free fall kids series kicks off September 22 with Autumn Adventures featuring Keta & Dezi Play, followed by Fall, Fun & Fitness with Fit4Mom on September 29.
ℹ️ @visitnorthhills | More info.
September 22 & 29 | 9:30–11am
The Commons at North Hills | Raleigh
The free fall kids series kicks off September 22 with Autumn Adventures featuring Keta & Dezi Play, followed by Fall, Fun & Fitness with Fit4Mom on September 29.
ℹ️ @visitnorthhills | More info.
🌮 Raleigh Tamale Festival
September 26 | 11am–2pm
Moore Square | 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh
Celebrate the flavors and traditions of tamales with local food vendors, activities and community programming in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
More info.
September 26 | 11am–2pm
Moore Square | 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh
Celebrate the flavors and traditions of tamales with local food vendors, activities and community programming in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
More info.
🍺 Prost, Y’all — NC Oktoberfest
September 26 | 1–8pm
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh gets a German-inspired celebration featuring North Carolina craft beer, local food trucks, vendors, live music and Oktoberfest fun. The festival is free to attend; tickets are required for beer. Get your drink tickets today!
ℹ️ @shoplocalraleigh | More info.
September 26 | 1–8pm
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh gets a German-inspired celebration featuring North Carolina craft beer, local food trucks, vendors, live music and Oktoberfest fun. The festival is free to attend; tickets are required for beer. Get your drink tickets today!
ℹ️ @shoplocalraleigh | More info.
💃 Apex Latino Arts Festival
September 26 | 3–7pm
Apex Town Hall Campus | 73 Hunter St., Apex
Celebrate Latino culture and heritage with live music, dance, cultural booths, hands-on arts activities, vendors and food trucks.
ℹ️ @townofapex | More info.
September 26 | 3–7pm
Apex Town Hall Campus | 73 Hunter St., Apex
Celebrate Latino culture and heritage with live music, dance, cultural booths, hands-on arts activities, vendors and food trucks.
ℹ️ @townofapex | More info.
🏒 Carolina Hurricanes Opening Night & Banner Raising
September 29 | 5pm
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
The Canes kick off the season against the Florida Panthers with Opening Night and a special banner-raising celebration.
ℹ️ @canes | More info.
September 29 | 5pm
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
The Canes kick off the season against the Florida Panthers with Opening Night and a special banner-raising celebration.
ℹ️ @canes | More info.
ON STAGE
🎭 Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Through September 13
Raleigh Little Theatre | 301 Pogue St., Raleigh
Designed for very young audiences, this interactive 30-minute adventure invites children to help two Star Keepers find a missing wishing star and put the night sky back in order.
ℹ️ @rlt1936 | More info.
Through September 13
Raleigh Little Theatre | 301 Pogue St., Raleigh
Designed for very young audiences, this interactive 30-minute adventure invites children to help two Star Keepers find a missing wishing star and put the night sky back in order.
ℹ️ @rlt1936 | More info.
🎭 Hairspray
Through September 20
Raleigh Little Theatre | 301 Pogue St., Raleigh
The Tony Award-winning musical brings Tracy Turnblad’s big dreams, big hair and fight for inclusion to the Raleigh Little Theatre stage.
ℹ️ @rlt1936 | More info.
Through September 20
Raleigh Little Theatre | 301 Pogue St., Raleigh
The Tony Award-winning musical brings Tracy Turnblad’s big dreams, big hair and fight for inclusion to the Raleigh Little Theatre stage.
ℹ️ @rlt1936 | More info.
🎭 Raleigh Fringe Festival
September 10–12
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center | 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
The Raleigh Fringe Festival returns with unconventional theatre, comedy, performance and other independent work spread across three days at Theatre Raleigh Arts Center.
More info.
September 10–12
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center | 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
The Raleigh Fringe Festival returns with unconventional theatre, comedy, performance and other independent work spread across three days at Theatre Raleigh Arts Center.
More info.
🎭 Oakwood Cemetery Series: From the Ground Up
September 18–27 | Fri. & Sat. 6:30pm; Sun. 2pm
Historic Oakwood Cemetery | 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh
Burning Coal Theatre’s annual outdoor cemetery series returns with From the Ground Up, a new work exploring the people who helped build Raleigh’s arts community.
ℹ️ @burningcoaltheatre | More info.
September 18–27 | Fri. & Sat. 6:30pm; Sun. 2pm
Historic Oakwood Cemetery | 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh
Burning Coal Theatre’s annual outdoor cemetery series returns with From the Ground Up, a new work exploring the people who helped build Raleigh’s arts community.
ℹ️ @burningcoaltheatre | More info.
LIVE MUSIC
🎤 Hayley Williams
September 9 | 7pm
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh
Hayley Williams brings The Hayley Williams Show to Raleigh with Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty.
More info.
September 9 | 7pm
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh
Hayley Williams brings The Hayley Williams Show to Raleigh with Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty.
More info.
🎸 Marcus King
September 11 | 6:30pm
Red Hat Amphitheater | 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
Marcus King brings the Darling Blue Tour Pt. 2 to downtown Raleigh. ℹ️ More info.
September 11 | 6:30pm
Red Hat Amphitheater | 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
Marcus King brings the Darling Blue Tour Pt. 2 to downtown Raleigh. ℹ️ More info.
🎤 TLC, Salt-N-Pepa & En Vogue
September 19 | 7:30pm
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh
Three iconic groups share the stage for the IT’S ICONIC tour. ℹ️ More info.
September 19 | 7:30pm
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh
Three iconic groups share the stage for the IT’S ICONIC tour. ℹ️ More info.
🎶 Shaboozey
September 22 | 7:30pm
Red Hat Amphitheater | 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
Shaboozey brings the Outlaws Never Die Tour to downtown Raleigh with Noeline Hofmann. ℹ️ More info.
September 22 | 7:30pm
Red Hat Amphitheater | 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
Shaboozey brings the Outlaws Never Die Tour to downtown Raleigh with Noeline Hofmann. ℹ️ More info.
🎸 ZZ Top & Dwight Yoakam
September 24 | 7pm
Koka Booth Amphitheatre | 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary
ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam join forces for the Dos Amigos Tour with special guest Wesko. ℹ️ More info.
September 24 | 7pm
Koka Booth Amphitheatre | 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary
ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam join forces for the Dos Amigos Tour with special guest Wesko. ℹ️ More info.
🎸 Gov’t Mule & Ziggy Marley
September 26 | 7pm
Red Hat Amphitheater | 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
Gov’t Mule and Ziggy Marley bring the Dreaming the Same Dream Tour to downtown Raleigh. ℹ️ More info.
September 26 | 7pm
Red Hat Amphitheater | 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
Gov’t Mule and Ziggy Marley bring the Dreaming the Same Dream Tour to downtown Raleigh. ℹ️ More info.
🎤 Lil Wayne
September 26 | 7pm
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh
Lil Wayne celebrates two decades of Carter classics in Raleigh with 2 Chainz. ℹ️ More info.
September 26 | 7pm
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh
Lil Wayne celebrates two decades of Carter classics in Raleigh with 2 Chainz. ℹ️ More info.
