The North Carolina State Fair returns this month. You can also find Nicki Minaj, Oktoberfest events, fall and wine festivals, Halloween events and much more.
Oct. 1-6
Other WRAL Top Stories
Oct. 1-6: & Juliet - This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. See the Broadway hit at DPAC.
Oct. 2: Violent Femmes - The folk punk band plays Red Hat Amphitheater.
Oct. 3: Conan Gray - The American singer-songwriter and former YouTuber comes to Red Hat Amphitheater.
Oct. 4: Batman (1989) in Concert with Live Symphony Orchestra - See the orchestra at the NCMA Museum Park.
Oct. 4: Ava Gardner Festival - Learn about and celebrate the legacy of Ava Gardner in a day at the Ava Gardner museum.
Oct. 4: First Friday at Moore Square - Food trucks, local vendors, live music (6 p.m.) and a free movie on the lawn (7 p.m.).
Oct. 4: Lake Street Dive's Good Together Tour - The band plays Red Hat Amphitheater.
Oct. 4-5: Triangle Oktoberfest - The Town of Cary to hosts the 10th annual event at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre with food, wiener dog races, stein-hoisting, costume contests and more.
Oct. 4-6: Selma Railroad Days - Live music, model trains and carnival games.
Oct. 5: Fall Arts Fair - The Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park showcases the work of jewelers, potters, painters, printmakers, bookmakers, glass artists, fiber artists, and others who participate year-round in the center's programs.
Oct. 5: Garner Firemen's Day Festival - Garner Fire Station No. 1 will have homecooked BBQ plates, vendors, fire safety house, inflatables and games, a kids firefighter combat challenge, Moose the Fire Dog, live music, demonstrations, food and fire trucks.
Oct. 5: Fire Safety Day - Morrisville will celebrate National Night Out and Fire Safety Day from 10:00 am.-2:00 p.m. at Park West Village. Kids can check out emergency vehicles, meet police officers, firefighters and Sparky the Fire Dog.
Oct. 5: Falling for Local at Dix Park - Enjoy live music from local talent and demos from local businesses all day long as well as loads of fall fun with hay rides, inflatables, lawn games, kids activities, photo ops and a pumpkin patch all free of charge!
Oct. 5: Fall on First Avenue - This festival at Knightdale Station has pumpkin painting, hayrides, live music, a craft fair, food trucks, a mum sale, inflatables and more.
Oct. 5: Oktoberfest Party - This party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Raleigh has stein holding and pretzel eating competitions.
Oct. 5: Post Malone - Post Malone comes to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
Oct. 5: Latine Heritage Event: Liberation Through Education - Free food, live music, salsa lessons and more to celebrate Latine heritage and recognize some of the most pivotal social movements that paved the way for change.
Oct. 5: Raleigh Foodie Fare - This monthly event at Raleigh Iron Works has a food truck rodeo, food vendors, art vendors, drinks, live music and more.
Oct. 5: Barkitecture - Head to Fenton in Cary for the ultimate dog house building competition. Architects from around the Triangle show off unique designs that you can bid to win. All proceeds benefit local animal rescue groups.
Oct. 7-13
Oct. 8: Nicki Minaj - The singer brings her Pink Friday 2 World Tour to the Lenovo Center, formerly PNC Arena.
Oct. 8 - Howling at the Creek - The city of Raleigh will host games and a "howling" competition that begins at 10:45 a.m. to see who the best howler is! Feel free to come dressed in your costume. This event is for children up to age 6.
Oct. 9: Vampire Weekend - The show is at Red Hat Amphitheater ft. special guest Cults.
Oct. 9: America - The iconic multi-platinum-selling group brings their Ride On 2024 tour to DPAC.
Oct. 10: The Awakening Tour - See the Casting Crowns, We The Kingdom, Mac Powell, Katy Nichole, Terrian and David Leonard at the Lenovo Center.
Oct. 10: Kidz Bop Live - See the show at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
Oct. 10: The Black Crowes - See the legendary rock band at DPAC.
Oct. 10: Movies in the Garden: Hocus Pocus - The comedy will be screened at RLT’s Stephenson Amphitheatre.
Oct. 11: Matteo Lane - The comedian brings his Can't Stop Talking Tour to DPAC.
Oct. 11: Movie Night: Ghostbusters, Frozen Empire - See the outdoor movie at the Downtown Cary Park. This event is free.
Oct. 11-12: NC Symphony: The Music of John Williams - Take a trip to the legendary worlds of Oscar-winner John Williams as the symphony performs music from iconic film scores—including Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., Jurassic Park, and more.
Oct. 12: le Tour de Femme - le Tour de Femme is a women's-only road and MTB cycling charity ride with a variety of distance options. The ride benefits two local charities, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the UNC Healthcare Cancer Fund. The 2024 event will be held in Rougemont at Little River Regional Park & Natural Area.
Oct. 12: Trick-or-treat at Boxyard RTP - Dress in your ghostly best for the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s costume contest, read with Drag Story Hour, boogie at the Monster Mash Dance Party with DJ John J, enjoy a magic show and balloon twisting during SoapBox: Magic and more. Don’t forget to grab a Boxyard Trick-or-Treat Bingo Card and revel in some friendly competition for a chance to win a special treat.
Oct. 12: Blacktober Fest - Celebrate Black culture with music, food, art and entertainment.
Oct. 12: Apex Oktoberfest - The family-friendly event starts at noon at Town Hall with music, food, a beer garden, a kids zone and more.
Oct. 12: Beaglefest - Head to Wake Forest to celebrate fall and support Triangle Beagle Rescue. From dog contests to raffles, souvenir photo booth and raffles, it’s fun for the whole family.
Oct. 12: THE THE - The band brings their Ensouled World Tour to DPAC.
Oct. 12: Bike Loud '24 - Embark on a 24-mile or 66-mile bike ride on the country roads surrounding the amazing Pluck Farm in Mebane. All proceeds benefit the Be Loud! Sophie organization, supporting the unique needs of adolescent and young adults facing cancer.
Oct. 12 - Kids Fishing Day - The town of Smithfield is hosting a fun day of fishing for children ages 16 and younger at the Eva Ennis Community Pond. They will have fishing rods if you need one.
Oct. 12: Fall Festival in Chapel Hill - Enjoy woodworking, games, a bouncy house, train rides and food for purchase at American Legion Post 6 in Chapel Hill. Admission is free.
Oct. 12: The Market at Seaboard Station - Shop from 35 local artists booths curated by Triangle Pop-Up, plus food trucks and more.
Oct. 12: Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus - This uproarious show, a seamless blend of theater and stand-up, has been revamped for 2024.
Oct. 12: Estrongenics Wellness Symposium - This ticketed event includes brunch, keynote speakers, panel discussions and a crafting for wellness corner. The event will be held at the Renaissance Private ClubHouse in Raleigh.
Oct. 13: Raleigh Underground Market - North Hills has 45+ local vendors, food trucks, workshops, drinks and more.
Oct. 13: Halloween Village - Lafayette Village has trick-or-treating, a kid and a pet costume contest, fairy hair, face painting, a craft station, a scavenger hunt and more.
Oct. 14-20
Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples' Day - This Apex event honors and celebrates the histories and cultures of indigenous peoples in the United States. There will be music, friendship dances, food vendors, a deer hide painting craft and a photo backdrop for guests.
Oct. 15: United States Air Force Band - This free concert in Raleigh is a rare and exciting event to hear great patriotic music, Broadway classics and as always a salute to celebrate our veterans!
Oct. 15: Stephen Sanchez with The Paper Kites - The singer-songwriter plays Red Hat.
Oct. 16: Jungle's Volcano World Tour - The British band plays Red Hat.
Oct. 17-26: North Carolina State Fair - The fair returns, with rides, animals, food, exhibitions, concerts and much, much more.
Oct. 17-Nov. 3: Jekyll and Hyde: Carolina Ballet - Find the courage to face your dark side in the intriguing story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a world premiere ballet featuring a brand-new composition
Oct. 18: Jeff Dunham - The comedian comes to the Lenovo Center.
Oct. 18: Lainey Wilson - The country artist brings her Country's Cool Again Tour to Raleigh.
Oct. 18: Charlie Wilson Live - The solo artist and lead singer of the legacy GAP band comes to DPAC. Part of the proceeds will benefit Hayti Heritage Center.
Oct. 18-19: Haunted Trolley Tour - A special late-night tour of downtown Raleigh’s most haunted places. Tickets are $15 per person.
Oct. 19: Howl-o-Ween - It’s a Halloween dog party at the Carolina Pines Community Center Dog Park. Dogs can enjoy bobbing for bones and special costume contests like spookiest, cutest, most creative, and best doggie/owner duo. This event run 10 a.m. to noon.
Oct. 19: Sabrina Carpenter - The singer comes to the Lenovo Center.
Oct. 19: Pumpkin Splash - Dive into the pool to find your perfect pumpkin in Durham. Dry off and decorate! This event is for children ages 12 and under and tickets start at $6.
Oct. 19: Iliza - The comedian is at DPAC.
Oct. 19: NC Wine Festival - Artisans, music, food trucks and fun at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
Oct. 20: Judah and the Lion - The band plays Red Hat.
Oct. 20: The Temptations and The Four Tops - The pop group that soared to fame in the 1960s comes to DPAC.
Oct. 20: Harvest Festival - A day of fall activities in Duke Gardens.
Oct. 21-27
Oct. 22: An Evening with Sturgill Simpson - The Why Not? Tour comes to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
Oct. 22: Men At Work - See the band at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Raleigh.
Oct. 23: The Life and Music of George Michael - The show at DPAC celebrates the performance and sound of one of the biggest international stars of our time.
Oct. 24: Fall Festival at Park West Village - Enjoy free trick-or-treating, hayrides, an outdoor movie, costume contests and more in Morrisville. There will be several food trucks, including Little Salt & Pepper, WaffleUpp, and Empanadas & More.
Oct. 24: Disney Jr. Live on Tour - Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse. See the show at DPAC.
Oct. 24-27: Clayton Harvest Festival - Amusement rides, food, shopping, music and more in downtown Clayton.
Oct. 25: Trunk-or-Treat and Fall Festival - Bring your children to Biltmore Hills Park in Raleigh in their best costumes and come enjoy free candy and enjoy an awesome fall festival. Participants can make candy bags and enjoy inflatables and a variety of activities.
Oct. 25: Lewis Black - See the stand-up comedian at DPAC.
Oct. 25: Little Big Town - The band plays the Lenovo Center with special guests Sugarland & The Castellows.
Oct. 25: Zombiepalooza - Zombiepalooza is Cary's annual zombie short film competition and Halloween costume contest that takes place each October. Short films (< 5 min.) must be zombie-themed and family-friendly (no excessive violence or language) as they will be screened to an all-ages audience.
Oct. 28-31
Oct. 26: Barktoberfest - Enjoy fall with your best furry friend at Compass Rose Brewery in Raleigh. Enjoy dog costume contests, dog goodie bags, and a silent auction. This event benefits K9s For Warriors and Love Mutts Rescue.
Oct. 26: Halloween Boo Bash - Cary Crossroad Plaza will celebrate Halloween with families this Saturday afternoon. Kids can go trick-or-treating, decorate pumpkins, and participate in a costume contest.
Oct. 26: Pet-a-Palooza - This free event will feature lovable, adoptable homeless animals from a local rescue.
Oct. 26: USA Today Food + Wine Experience - Dix Park hosts this event. Taste foods from acclaimed local chefs and sip premier wine, beer and spirits from the best regional and national brands.
Oct. 25: Adult Nights: Magic and Monsters - D&D fans unite at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Meet real-life dragons, increase your armor class with sword fighting demonstrations and solve science side quests.
Oct. 25-26: Haunted Trolley Tour - A special late-night tour of downtown Raleigh’s most haunted places. Tickets are $15 per person.
Oct. 26: Family friendy! Spellbound at Mordecai - This children's Halloween market has fortune telling, a costume contest, magicians, crafts and a parade.
Oct. 26: Boos and Booze - This event at Transfer Co. Food Hall has trick or treating for all ages, local vendors, pumpkin painting and more.
Oct. 26: Trunk or Treat at Sanderford Road Community Center - Bring your kids and their candy buckets to Sanderford Road to see all the decorated trunks! This event is free and family-friendly.
Oct. 26: Brett Young - See the Restless Road Tour at DPAC.
Oct. 26: Rainbow Kitten Surprise - The rock band plays the Lenovo Center.
Oct. 26: Whiskey Myers w/ JJ Grey & MOFRO - The rock band comes to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
Oct. 26: Light The Night - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night walk will be held in Cary to support cancer patients and their families.
Oct. 26: Downtown Scary Park - The Downtown Cary Park hosts a spooktacular family-friendly Halloween event. Enjoy a variety of fun activities for all ages, followed by a special screening of the classic movie Hocus Pocus.
Oct. 26: Festifall Arts Market – Performances, vendors and more celebrating North Carolina and Tar Heels.
Oct. 26: Zombiepalooza - Cary's family-friendly film festival will feature three-legged races, undead face-painting, a zombie playground and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes for Cary’s favorite night of cosplay. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes after the film screenings
Oct. 26: Movies on the Lawn: Halloween Double Feature - See Ghostbusters (7 p.m.) and The Ring (9 p.m.) at Dix Park plus enjoy Halloween activities, food trucks and s'mores.
Oct. 26: HollyFest - Celebrate Holly Springs with craft vendors, local artists and entertainment at this annual event.
Oct. 26-27: Paw Patrol Live! - The show is at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Raleigh.
Oct. 27: Straight No Chaser - See the male a cappella group at DPAC.
Oct. 31: The Haunted at the Pines - Come out, if you dare, for a haunted night at the Carolina Pines Park. Each ghoul-themed room will be complete with frightful music for the perfect Halloween thrill. Enter at your own risk! All event proceeds will go to Raleigh Parks' Play It Forward Financial Assistance Fund.