60+ things to do in the Triangle this September
There are so many festivals happening this September!
Sept. 1-4
Sept. 1-3: D.L. Hughley - He is the host of the nationally syndicated afternoon radio show, “The DL Hughley Show," which covers the hot topics of the day and dishes on the latest news, entertainment, pop culture and what's trending in social media. You can see him on stage at Raleigh Improv Friday through Sunday.
Sept. 1-4: Pineapple Labor Day Party - Glass Jug RTP - On Labor Day weekend, Glass Jug will be going crazy for pineapples with both locations offering tropical slushies, pineapple beer, food trucks and live music.
Sept. 1: First Friday Market and Movie Night - Head to Moore Square for this free event Friday night. There will be live music from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a free screening of "Back to the Future." There will also be free games, a local market and food trucks.
Sept. 1: First Friday Raleigh - Fairy Hair - Katie of Creating Sparkles Fairy Hair returns to Curate Downtown for September's First Friday There will be complimentary drinks (including age appropriate drinks), Fairy Hair, and a local market with more than 60 vendors.
Sept. 1: Gladys Knight with Eric Benet - The NCMA welcomes Gladys Knight, the seven-time Grammy-winning Empress of Soul, for a special evening of pop, R&B, gospel and adult contemporary music on Friday. Grammy-nominated R&B/neo soul singer Eric Benét will open the show.
Sept. 1-3: Goodnights Special Event: Preacher Lawson - You might remember him from "America's Got Talent." The very funny Preacher Lawson will be on stage at Goodnights Comedy Club Friday through Sunday.
Sept. 1: Intocable Evolucion Tour - Intocable is one of the most influential groups in the Tejano / Norteño music scene today. Their sound fuses Tejano conjunto music, Norteño folk rhythms, pop ballads and rock. See them at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium Friday night.
Sept. 2-3: 14th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County - The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, food and community. This two-day festival is held over Labor Day weekend each year. There will be a free block party, followed by ticketed concerts each evening. The event is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Sept. 2: Modern Taiwanese Folk Music and Dance - Synthesizing modern dance with traditional Taiwanese instruments, the Formosa Melody Music Center will perform original scores from across the globe in Yilan City, Taiwan. The show is Saturday at Fletcher Opera Theater.
Sept. 3: The 5 Seconds of Summer Show - The band will play Red Hat Amphitheater on Sunday night with special guest Meet Me at the Altar.
Sept. 3: Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo - This food truck rodeo will be held at Durham Central Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There will be lots of trucks and drink vendors on hand.
Through Sept. 17: Wicked - This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz, but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin – smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships, until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” See the show through Sep. 17 at DPAC.
Sept. 5-10
Sept. 6: Caamp 2023 Tour - Caamp is an American folk band from Upper Arlington, Ohio. See them on stage at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Sept. 7-9: Hopscotch Music Festival 2023 - Hopscotch Music Festival returns to downtown Raleigh Thursday through Saturday. There will more than 120 acts performing during the festival, including Pavement, Denzel Curry, Japanese Breakfast, King Krule, Margo Price and Dinosaur Jr.
Sept. 8: Outlaw Music Festival - Willie Nelson will headline this day of live music at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on Friday, Sept. 8.
Sept. 8: Festival Latino - Celebrate Latino culture at this free event at Garner Recreation Center from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be live music and dance performances, artisan vendors and food trucks. Admission is free.
Sept 8-9: Noir Bizarre's IHaveADreamPop! Electric Underground Railroad - This features a SEEK Raleigh public art project by Daniel Chavis of The Veldt. This two-day event will feature live music, vendors, and DJ sets inside VAE's main gallery. It is free and open to the public.
Sept. 9-10: Taste Of Lebanon - Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church will be the site of this annual food and cultural festival. There will be live performances, traditional dances and authentic cuisine.
Sept. 9: Sam Hunt: Summer On The Outskirts Tour - Sam Hunt will bring his concert tour to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Sept. 9: Eddie Izzard - The Remix - Eddie Izzard’s The Remix Live is a chance for Eddie to remix and re-imagine some of her own favorite, comedy bits from her last 35 years of sold-out shows. See Eddie on stage at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Sept. 10: Rock Your World - Fenton in Cary will host this day of family fun, including live music, food, drink and more. This free live music event will help benefit the U.S. Veterans Corp and Hope for Haiti Foundation.
Sept. 10: LL COOL J: The F.O.R.C.E. Live - Rock The Bells & Live Nation Urban Presents The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live, headlined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Kennedy Center Honoree, two-time GRAMMY Award winner, and hip-hop icon LL Cool J. It's his first headline arena tour in 30 years. He will be joined by The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Z-Trip, Rakim, Juvenile and De La Soul.
Sept. 11-17
Sept. 11: Lil Baby - The rapper will take the stage with GloRilla, GLOSS UP, Rylo Rodriguez and Hunxho at PNC Arena.
Sept. 15: Movie Night in Durham Central Park: “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” - Join the Museum of Durham History at the Pavilion at Durham Central Park for a free screening of "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" at 7 p.m. These events are part of the programming for their new exhibit, Stranger Times.
Sept. 16: Rocktoberfest - The Glass Jug RTP will celebrate its 9th anniversary with a Rocktoberfest party featuring two live bands, food trucks, and some German Lagers on Sept. 16.
Sept. 16-17: 2023 CenterFest Arts Festival - This downtown Durham arts festival juried visual artists from across the country and multiple stages with stand-out local performers. There is also a Creative Kids Zone and food vendors. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. Children 12 and under admitted for free. Donations support the festival and the arts in Durham. WRAL is a proud community partner of this event.
Sept. 16: 13th Annual Durham Oktoberfest with Little German Band - A full day of Oktoberfest celebration with steins of Foothills Oktoberfest Bier & German food, music and dancing at Motorco Music Hall in Durham.
Sept. 16: St. Jude 5K Walk-Run - Thousands of runners will gather in Research Triangle Park with St. Jude 5K Walk-Run to help raise money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. WRAL News is a proud sponsor and reporter Keely Arthur is emceeing the event.
Sept. 17: MAKRS @ Durham Central Park - The MAKRS Society will be hosting it's monthly pop-up market at Durham Central Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 17: La Fiesta del Pueblo - La Fiesta del Pueblo, the largest Latin American festival in the Triangle will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17, from noon to 6 p.m. on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The festival will feature local artists, food trucks, free health screenings and more fun.
Sept. 17: Canes 5K - The event includes a 5k race around PNC Arena and surrounding areas, 100- and 200-yard Caniac Kids Dashes, inflatables, and appearances by Stormy. Hurricanes players, staff, and alumni are also scheduled to be in attendance.
Sept. 18-24
Sept. 19: Squeeze and The Psychedelic Furs - See the bands on stage at DPAC.
Sept. 20: Ben Folds - See this singer-songwriter on stage at DPAC on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Sept. 20: Corinne Bailey Rae: Black Rainbows Tour at Carolina Theatre of Durham - See the singer on stage at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Sept. 21-23: Goodnights Special Event: Jim Breuer - See the comedian on stage at Goodnights Sept. 21-23.
Sept. 21-24: Beyond: The Cary Film Festival - The Town of Cary hosts this annual short film and screenplay festival at the Cary Theate. Short films from around the world will be screened and there will be panel discussions and filmmaking workshops. theater.
Sept. 21-24: Benson Mule Days - Once a year, in Benson, mules are elevated to Derby-Hollywood status. Mules take the stage and are celebrated in a four-day festival affectionately known as “Mule Days.” For over seventy years, crowds have flocked to the quaint town of Benson on the last weekend of September to enjoy the festivities. WRAL is a proud community partner.
Sept. 22-24: Oktoberfest - Lonerider Brewery is hosting a three-day Oktoberfest party Sept. 22 to 24 featuring live music, a beer stein holding competition, finger wrestling and even a game where you try to catch a dangling pretzel in your mouth. Admission is free.
Sept. 22-24: Paperhand Puppet Intervention - Paperhand Puppet Intervention returns with a new show featuring giant puppets, masks, stilts, shadows and live music at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The show will include special guests Nnenna and Pierce Freelon.
Sept. 22: Candlelight: The Best of Zelda - Head to the Hayti Heritage Center for this show featuring the music of "The Legend of Zelda" on Friday, Sept. 22.
Sept. 22-23: Jo Koy - As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house. See him on stage for two shows at DPAC.
Sept. 23: Roy Wood Jr.: Happy To Be Here Live Tour - The Emmy nominated Roy Wood Jr. has entertained millions across stage, television, and radio. See him on stage at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Sept. 23: Taste of Soul NC - Experience five hours of the ultimate cookout at Durham Central Park. The event will be happening from 3 to 5 p.m. and will include a variety of cuisines, a bounce house and live music.
Sept. 23: Whiskey Wine & Fire - There will be music, whiskey, wine, food trucks and bonfires at this event at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. General admission tickets are $59 and VIP tickets are $89.
Sept. 23: Dollyweird Art Show - Enjoy this one night exhibition celebrating local art, Durham pride and Dolly Parton. There will be more than 100 pieces of art for sale, live performances, food and more fun.
Sept. 23: 30th Anniversary of the City of Raleigh Museum - This black-tie gala will celebrate 30 years of the City of Raleigh Museum’s contributions to the community to which it serves.
Sept. 23: Milk Fest Block Party - Milkbar is holding a block party on Glenwood Avenue featuring live music, food trucks and more fun from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. Admission is free.
Sept. 23: Party in the Peak - Head to Apex Town Commons on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this free festival to celebrate the Town of Apex's 150th anniversary of incorporation. There will be live music, food trucks, storytelling from community members and a children's area with activities and games.
Sept. 23: The Farmers Fall Festival - This festival will take place along Academy Street in downtown Cary. There will be live music on the main stage, a kids performance area, fun games and interactive exhibits, local food and craft beer, art and crafts and a mid-day pie-eating contest. The fun is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 24: Chris Tucker - See this comedian on stage at DPAC.
Sept. 24: Aerosmith - The rock legends bring their "Peace Out" final tour to PNC Arena on Sunday, Sept. 24. They will be joined by The Black Crowes.
Sept. 25-30
Sept. 25: Lil Yachty: The Field Trip Tour - See Lil Yachty: The Field Trip tour at The Ritz.
Sept. 26: The War and Treaty: The Lover’s Game Tour - See this husband-and-wife duo on stage at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Sept. 27: Story Pirates - Story Pirates is a family media company that produces and creates content inspired by kids to inspire kids and their imaginations. They are best known for their multi-award-winning, top-downloaded family podcast, the “Story Pirates Podcast." See the group on stage in this interactive show on Sept. 27 at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Sept. 28: Jonas Brothers - The Jonas Brothers bring their "Five Albums. One Night. The Tour" to PNC Arena on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Sept. 28: Candlelight: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra - Head to Hayti Heritage Center for this show featuring the music of Frank Sinatra.
Sept. 28: Chicago - Hailed as one of the most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest-charting American band in Billboard Magazine's Top 125 Artists of All Time. See them on stage on Sept. 28 at DPAC.
Sept. 28: Tegan and Sara: Crybaby 2023 Tour With Special Guest Carlie Hanson - See the band on stage at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Sept. 28-Oct.1: Arnez J - His raw energy, talent and comedic skill quickly landed Arnez the coveted hosting slot on BET’s longest-running comedy series “Comic View” for two seasons joining the ranks of hosts such as D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. His hilarious new comedy special “Racially Motivated” is now available on Netflix. See him on stage at Raleigh Improv all weekend.
Sept. 29: Patti LaBelle - See this musical icon on stage at DPAC.
Sept. 29: Jake Shimabukuro - Over the past two decades, Jake Shimabukuro has proved that there isn’t a style of music that he can’t play. See him on stage at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Sept. 29: Ms. Pat - See the comedian on stage at Meymandi Concert Hall.
Sept. 29-30: IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC - The International Bluegrass Music Association brings their business conference, along with the world's most talented bluegrass musicians, to Raleigh during this week. Those musicians then perform in clubs, on street corners and in hotel lobbies over the course of five days. IBMA Bluegrass LIVE! is a two-day festival with multiple stages of free music, a dance tent, art vendors and ticketed events at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Sept. 30: Adventure Awaits - This event features an epic quest to discover a time of castles, knights and dragons at Fred Fletcher Park in Raleigh. Create fun themed crafts, practice your sword skills and check out magical vendors. The event is free and open to the public.
Sept. 30: RaleighWRLD Fest - This event will include live music, food trucks, shopping and panel discussions at Dix Park. The event is 2 to 8 p.m. General admission tickets are free. VIP tickets, which are $75 plus taxes and fee, include a luxury picnic experience.
Sept. 30: The Streetery: Baile en la Calle - The Streetery is back with this event from 5 to 9 p.m. at CCB Plaza. There will be Latin Dancing and live music.
Sept. 30: Old Dominion - The band brings its "No Bad Vibes" tour to PNC Arena with guests Tyler Hubbard and Kylie Morgan.
