Weekend best bets: American Roots fest, Bull City Race

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lots to do this weekend, including the N.C. State Fair. The fair runs through Sunday, Oct. 25. Make sure to drop by the WRAL tent to meet your favorite folks from the station and pick up your Fishel Face! Also, see me at the tent Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10: 30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

American Roots Music and Arts Festival - The Roots, Sheryl Crow, Modest Mouse and Eric Church are among those performing during this two-day music festival at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh. Single-day passes start at $39 and two-day passes start at $79.

Gentlemans Guide - The Tony Award winning production runs through Sunday at DPAC. This musical is hilarious. Tickets start at $35.

NC Symphony - The North Carolina Symphony will play music from the movies this weekend. Selections will include music from "The Dark Knight Rise," "Star Trek" and "Harry Potter." Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at Meymandi Concert Hall.

Aaron Neville - The Grammy Award winner brings his sweet soulful voice to Carolina Theatre of Durham Friday night. Tickets start at $37.

CMF Drag Brunch - Crape Myrtle Festival presents its monthly show at Babylon Restaurant Sunday. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the show starts at 12:15 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit, which helps the development of services for those living with AIDS and/or HIV.

Shawn Wayans - The comic and actor plays Goodnight's Comedy Club Thursday through Sunday.

Tom Papa - The comic and writer plays Carolina Theatre of Durham Saturday night. Tickets start at $26.

Midtown Bluegrass Series - The Midtown Bluegrass Series at North Hills continues this Sunday with Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen starting at 5 p.m. The show is free.

Mary Wilson - The legendary vocalist from The Supremes will play Carolina Theatre of Durham Sunday night. Ticket start at $37.

Bull City Race Fest and food truck rodeo - Runners will be taking to the streets of downtown Durham Sunday morning as part of this event. There are one mile, five mile and half-marathon races. After that, there will be a post-race festival including a food truck rodeo.

Escher Exhibit - "The Worlds of M.C. Escher: Nature, Science and Imagination" exhibit at N.C. Museum of Art opens to the public Saturday.The exhibition, which runs through January, examines the Dutch graphic artist's entire career. If you go on Saturday morning, you will get a sweet treat. The breakfast buffet there will feature the famous PancakeBot and there will even be Escher-inspired pancakes.

Triangle Veg Fest - Enjoy local food, music and cooking demos during this festival Saturday at Moore Square and City Market in downtown Raleigh. Admission is free.

Raleigh times 3rd Sunday Children's Carnival - From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, there will be a free carnival in front of the downtown Raleigh restaurant. There will be bounce houses, arts, crafts, games and face painting.

Five Points Fall Fest - Head to the Five Points area in Raleigh on Sunday afternoon for this festival and food truck rodeo. There will be family yoga, a DJ, cornhole and more.

Drafts and Carafes - Knightdale Station Park will be the site of this event that features food trucks, local beer and wine. Admission is free and the event runs 4-8 p.m.

Art it Up! - The Hillsborough Street district will be hosting this three-day celebration of art, culture and recreation this weekend. Some events are free and others are ticketed.

Aviator Brewing Company's Pumpkin Festival - Try several varieties of pumpkin beer, enjoy brewery tours and more during this event Saturday starting at 3 p.m. Olio and Aceto Food Truck will also be on hand.

Tir na Nog Birthday - The 18th birthday celebration for this downtown Raleigh favorite continues all weekend with special performances.

Global Glam Gala - The 21C Museum Hotel in Durham is the site of this fundraiser Saturday night. Tickets are $35 and include food and drink by The Counting House. Entertainment will include aerial performers, stilt walkers and music.

SawyerFest - Head to Kamado Grille in north Raleigh on Saturday for this fundraiser to help a local child battle brain cancer. There will be carnival games, live music and raffles starting at noon.