Out and About

State Fair, zombie runs lead weekend best bets

This weekend is full of fun events, fundraisers and pre-Halloween fun.

Posted Updated
NC State fair 2014
By
Caitlin Zanga
RALEIGH, N.C. — This weekend is full of fun events, fundraisers and pre-Halloween fun.

Community fun

The NC State Fair continues through the weekend with concerts, events, exhibits, attractions and more. For the latest updates and news, be sure to visit our State Fair page, or just search "state fair" on WRAL.com.
The Backyard Concert Series at Cameron Village finishes up Friday with a Fall Fashion Show and a performance by Sleeping Booty. Everything takes place on Daniels Street.
Raleigh Brewing Company hosts Barks and Brews, a fundraiser for Second Chance Pet Adoptions Saturday afternoon. They'll have a cask of Kibbles 'n Bits, Hell Yes Ma'am infused with Fruity Pebbles. There will also be a pet costume contest, so dogs are more than welcome to join in the fun. Cash donations only will be accepted, though they recommend $5 per pint.
The Fayetteville Dogwood Fall Festival is this weekend in Festival Park. The event features hayrides, a haunted house, a beer garden, food trucks on Saturday and many kid's activities.
One of the last Oktoberfest events in the Triangle this year, Motorco's Great Big Dtown Oktoberfest is Saturday. A family-friendly event, it features music from The Little German Band, traditional dancers, beer from Munich and German food.

Have an active weekend

Run for your life at the Run United Zombie 5k in Fayetteville on Saturday. Everyone starts with two flags, and the goal is to finish the course without zombies capturing them. Registration is $30.
Another zombie-themed run is Saturday at Reservoir Park. The Moore County Zombie Run allows you to participate as a runner or a zombie. Kids agest 5-12 can participate in the Bite Sized Run and then go Trunk-or-Treating. Registration is $15-$40.
The 7th Annual Eve Carson Memorial 5k is Saturday morning at UNC-Chapel Hill. The event features pre-race festivities, speakers, performances and more. Funds raised benefit the Eve Marie Carson Memorial Junior-Year Merit Scholarship, Pi Beta Phi's Literacy Fund, and CEO4Teens. Registration is $20-$25.
The 8th Annual American Tobacco Trail 10-Miler winds through the beautiful American Tobacco Trail on Saturday. Proceeds benefit trail development and maintenance through Triangle Rails to Trails Conservancy. Registration is $50 at early packet pickup.
The Healthy Harvest 5k in Benson, part of the Benson Harvest Festival, is Saturday. The course goes through parts of historic downtown and ends on Main Street, where runners and walkers can eat, listen to live music, get free health screenings and more.
Centro hosts its Day of the Dead 5k Saturday morning in downtown Raleigh. Following the 5k there will be a kid's run. There will also be face painting, awards for the best costumes, a mariachi band and other activities. Registration is $25.
Always a popular event, the Monster Dash in Cameron Village is Sunday. Be sure to wear your best costumes for the contest! Registration is $20-$35.

Halloween gets started early

A Reel-ly Scary Cary film series wraps up this weekend at Koka Booth Amphitheater. Upcoming films are Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary' on Thursday, 'Monsters University' on Friday and 'The Conjuring' on Saturday. The amphitheater also has a Haunted House open for visitors.
Also in Cary, the Great Pumpkin Carve is Saturday. Pick out a pumpkin there or bring your own to carve. Pumpkins will be lit up, displayed and judged to win ribbons. Afterward, watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on the outdoor screen.
CAM Raleigh gets the party started with Fright at the Museum: Fractured Fairy Tales. Costumes are a big deal here, and costume contest winners will take home some original artwork. There's also a dance party with DJ Sami Automatic. Tickets are $15-$30.
Enjoy a delicious dinner with the family while getting ready for Halloween at Weathervane's Pumpkin Party. There will be pumpkin carving, face painting and a fall-themed buffet. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
Don your best zombie attire for the Raleigh Zombie Walk Saturday evening at Moore Square. After lurching around downtown there will be an after-party at Tir na nOg. Suggested donations benefit the American Red Cross Triangle Area Chapter.
A popular Halloween event at Morehead Planetarium returns. Scare-olina Skies explores the dark legends behind the constellations. There is a family-friendly show and a show suitable for older audiences.

Good eats and drinks

Dozens of area restaurants, catering companies, beverage purveyors and food trucks head to Kenan Stadium Sunday for A Tasteful Affair. Guests will be able to sample creations from Raleigh Cake Pops, Starrlight Mead, West End Wine Bar and more. General admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $100.
Meat eaters should head to Bull City Burger and Brewery Sunday evening for Beefsteak IV, an all-you-can-eat feast of beef featuring steak and unique cuts. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children under 12.
Chili and beer combine for the Cedars Production Studios Chili Cook-off at Deep River Brewing in Clayton Saturday afternoon. Guests can pick their favorite chili for the People's Choice Award, and an unlimited tasting cup is $5. In addition to good food, there will be a kid's zone, live music and craft beer.
Mother Earth Brewing in Kinston turns five years old this weekend and is partying all weekend. On Saturday, there will be live music from The Connells, anniversary beers, new releases and an after-party at The Red Room.
Garner's inaugural Trick-or-Eat Food Truck Rodeo is Sunday, featuring 12 food trucks, two craft breweries, local musicians and entertainment. Participants include Dusty Donuts, American Meltdown, Humble Pig, Double Barley Brewing and Deep River Brewing.

On stage

Hugely popular comedian Bill Cosby performs at the DPAC Saturday night. Tickets start at $48.
Alternative rock band Capital Cities plays Lincoln Theatre Saturday evening. Tickets start at $25.
Funny lady Jeanne Robertson takes her stand-up routine to the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts Friday night. Tickets start at $32.
The Durham Symphony Orchestra puts on a fun show for the family during their Halloween Spooktacular Opening Concert Friday evening at Northgate Mall. The event is free.

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