Weekend best bets: CenterFest, Oktoberfest and more fun
It's all about festivals this weekend!
Festivals and markets
Sept. 15: Cary Night Market - The Cary Night Market returns Friday to the old library site from 5 to 9 p.m. with local vendors, food trucks, entertainment, games, a free interactive station, a mobile themed photo booth and more!
Sept. 15-17: Southern Ideal Home Show - The fall edition of the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show brings consumers face to face with industry professionals for consultations and advice, as well as showcasing the latest products in kitchens, bath, outdoor spaces, gardening and much more. It's Friday-Sunday at the State Fairgrounds.
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: 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: Asia Fest with Dragon Boat Racing - Saturday at Koka Booth Amphitheater,10,000 visitors explore nearly 100 exhibits and activities such as cultural displays, exciting games, performances and the signature dragon boat race. The festival also features a wide variety of delicious foods and delicacies from across the world.
Sept. 16: Irish Fest in the Forest - This Irish music and dance festival will be held Saturday at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery in Durham.
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: USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience - A nationwide tour of the best local wine and food comes to Dix Park on Saturday.
Sept. 16: Harvest Fest - Celebrate Cary-grown produce and learn about local environmental organizations while enjoying family-friendly activities, food, and music at the Good Hope Farm Fall Harvest Fest.
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: 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.
On stage
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. 15: Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top - Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top will perform live at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on Friday night.
Sept. 16: Creedmoor Music Festival - The Creedmoor Music Festival returns Saturday. Spend the day enjoying delicious food and craft beer, exploring unique crafts from local vendors, shopping Main Street merchants and listening to live music from seven performers on two stages throughout the day.
Sept. 17: NCMA Groove - Head to the Museum of Art in Raleigh for a music series that celebrates music, joy and people. Celebrate and dance to the best in salsa, cumbia, bachata, reggaeton, and more.
Sept. 17: Raleigh Summer Concert Series: Head to Pullen Park and enjoy the sounds of The Blue Notes for this free concert.
Now-Sept. 24: Paperhand Puppet presents: Where our spirits reside - The show takes place August 4th through September 17th at the Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill and September 22-24 at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. Tickets range $10-20.
Get moving
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: 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.
Family-Friendly Events
Sept. 15: Father-Daughter Dance - The Town of Wake Forest is hosting a special dance for dads and their little girls. This year will be an "Under the Big Tent" circus theme, including music, entertainment, and heavy refreshments. Tickets range $30-38.
Sept. 15: Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange - This is a free event at Carolina Pines Community Center on Friday in Raleigh. This year’s neighborhood theme is “Cultivating Community Culture” and includes activities like a Kids' Art Lab, food trucks, music and live performances.
Sept. 16: Movies in the Park - Head to the Neuse River Amphitheater in Smithfield for a free screening of Jungle Cruise. Pack a picnic and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Sept. 16 - BugFest - It's time to get up close with insects! BugFest educates and engages the public about science and the natural world. This year's event focuses on spiders! There are more than 100 events, crafts and activities for you to explore at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
Sept. 16: Kids' Night Out at the Garden - This is a program at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden for children ages ages 8-12. This weekend's event focuses on owls and the evening ends with s’mores around the campfire. Register online. Tickets range $15-25.
Sept. 16: Sensory-Friendly Films - Head to the Carolina Theatre for Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. This film is part of the Sensory Friendly Film Series, which offers a welcoming and supportive environment for autistic individuals and others in need of sensory accommodations.
Sept. 16: Public Safety Day: Families can head to downtown Cary to meet Cary Police and Fire crews, enjoy Touch-a-Truck, activities and food trucks! This is a day designed to help promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.
Sept. 16: Hog Day - This festival has been running since 1983 and raises funds for youth programs and services throughout Orange County. From car shows to kids activities and of course a BBQ cook-off, this is fun for the entire family.
