State Fair, Cooke Street Carnival lead our weekend best bets

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lots of great stuff happening this weekend!

First up, the North Carolina State Fair kicks off today! Head out there to enjoy the food, music and fun! This year’s theme is “Homecoming.” There are a few new rides, including a double Ferris wheel, that will make their debut. As far as the food goes, you know it is going to be deep fried and delicious! 

Now, a look at what else is happening this weekend in the Triangle!

The Return of the Legends is a two-night R&B and hip hop extravaganza at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Shows are Friday and Saturday night and will include performances from Rakim, Lords of the Underground and Bell Biv Devoe. 

The annual grassroots neighborhood festival that is the Cooke Street Carnival is Saturday afternoon. Located just a few blocks east of Historic Oakwood in downtown Raleigh, the festival was inspired by the Notting Hill Carnival in London and New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Celebrate music, art, and culture from 1 to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Are you ready to run? The Oktoberfest Run Green 8K will be held Saturday afternoon at Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh. The Tir na Nog Run Club is presenting this afternoon of running and eco-friendly fun. Each runner gets a free beer after the run and a chance to win a $3,000 travel voucher. The after party in Moore Square will feature music and food.

Also on Saturday, celebrate India through the annual Diwali event at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of India’s largest and most important holidays. There will be music, dancing, cuisine, art and an ethnic Indian handcrafted bazaar.

Head to the American Tobacco Campus in Durham on Sunday for the first Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo. This fall festival features a half-marathon, five mile and one mile runs. After, enjoy a post-race festival featuring food trucks, a beer garden and children’s zone on the lawn of the Durham Performing Arts Center.