10 things to do in Raleigh this fall

Now that fall is in full swing, there are many opportunities throughout the Triangle area to enjoy the changing season. Whether you’re looking for a great fall festival, the chance to enjoy the outdoors, seasonal sporting events, or something different, there’s something for all ages. In fact, as the Triangle grows, it’s blossoming into a community full of culture that celebrates its history and heritage, which are a big part of the fall season as well.

Check out the following 10 events you can do as the season is changing, all of which are taking place throughout October.

The City of Raleigh, Dix Park, and Shop Local Raleigh come together on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a celebration of all things local with Falling for Local. Enjoy area food trucks, sample North Carolina beers and ciders, and shop with over 150 businesses from the Triangle area. The event also features a pumpkin patch, kids’ activities, a photobooth, games, and more. The event is free to attend, but come ready to shop, dine, and play.

The annual Scarecrow Festival returns to Pullen Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. This all-ages event is free to guests, and you can bring props and clothing to build a one-of-a-kind scarecrow. Twine, straw, and a structure are provided. You can also enjoy live music and activities during this family-friendly event. 

Triangle Oktoberfest takes place Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct 7 at Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway in Cary. Enjoy Bavarian foods and baked goods and samples from over 40 German favorites, such as Paulaner, Spaten, Ayinger, Hacker Pschorr, and Hofbrau, seasonal Oktoberfest brews, and local craft beverages. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Lederhosen or Dirndls to keep with the theme and make the event even more fun. Ticket sales for this year’s event support the Meg’s Smile Foundation. Visit the website to purchase tickets.

The first North Carolina State Fair was held in 1853, and since then, it’s been a staple for North Carolinians. Located on the western side of Raleigh, the State Fair brings nearly one million people onto its premises to enjoy rides, games, live music, truck pulls, indulgent food, and more. This year, the State Fair will begin Thursday, Oct. 12 and end on Sunday, Oct. 22. Visit the website for hours of operation and more details. Discounted tickets are available in advance, or you can pay normal prices at the gates.

The Town of Cary will host its 23rd annual Hum Sub Diwali festival on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway in Cary. This event is a daylong immersion into the culture of Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, which is India’s most-loved festival. The event is filled with performances, food, fireworks, and more as the city and Hum Sub organization work to spread awareness of Indian culture. The event is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Durham’s Museum of Life and Science opens its Pumpkin Patch Express every Saturday and Sunday in October. Ride the Ellerbe Creek Railway to and back from the pumpkin patch, where you can pick and decorate pumpkins and enjoy a variety of fall-themed activities. Tickets are $15 per person and pre-registration is recommended.

The Clayton Harvest Festival is a four-day event that features carnival rides, live music, a Latin American Festival, car and motorcycle shows, a barbecue competition, and more. Kids can enjoy trunk or treat and a free movie night, pony rides, and a kids’ village. The event is free to attend, but come prepared to pay for rides, games, food, and beverages. The festival runs from Thursday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 29.

DJ’s Berry Patch is a farm in Apex that is open daily through October. During the fall season, visitors can pick their own apples and pumpkins, and the farm has a multitude of mums available. DJ’s Berry Patch has everything you need to decorate a perfect fall porch. In October, visitors can still find fresh cucumbers, grapes, and tomatoes, too. The farm is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Football season is in full swing in the Triangle, and as the weather cools, it’s a perfect time for tailgating. Tailgating is allowed in specific locations at Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina. These gameday traditions are a great way to celebrate the season while grilling up brats and soaking up the energy of the day. Tailgating policies and recommendations vary by university, so check each school’s recommendations for how to best enjoy these events.

Chapel Hill’s annual Festifall Arts Markets will be held three Saturdays in October: Oct. 14, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28 from 1 to 6 p.m. at 140 West Franklin St. Hosted by Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture, this event brings in artisan vendors, live music, performers, and an after party with food and beverages from local food trucks. Each Saturday brings a new lineup of performances, vendors, and artisans.

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