Weekend best bets: Pepper Festival, Groove in the Garden

RALEIGH, N.C. — We have a packed calendar for the first fall weekend of the year.

Pepper Festival (185 Granite Mill Blvd, Chapel Hill) - This 11th annual event is one of the largest chef competitions in the state. Enjoy a line-up of pepper-themed dishes and brews, families activities and live music on Sunday at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill. WRAL Out and About editor Kathy Hanrahan will be emceeing. Proceeds benefit Abundance NC, a nonprofit that supports sustainable food, fuels and more than 200 farmers across the state.

Capital City BikeFest (Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh) - In its 14th year, this annual event includes a street fair, motorcycle meet-ups, custom bike show competition, a tattoo festival, vintage car show and more. Things kick off on Friday and run through Sunday at various locations, including the Raleigh Convention Center. This year, the History Channel's "ToyMakerz" series will be filming some of the event for use on the show.

Dragon Boat Festival (Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - This annual event features a nearly 100 exhibits and activities including dragon boat races, cultural displays, games, performances and authentic Chinese cuisine on Saturday at Booth Amphitheatre.

La Fiesta del Pueblo (City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh) - This festival celebrates Latino art and culture, informs participants about services and issues and encourage participants to take action in the community. Check it out on Sunday in City Plaza.

Oktoberfest (Bull City Burger and Brewery, 107 E Parrish St, Durham) - Head to Durham on Saturday for this 8th annual family-friendly Octoberfest street festival. The restaurant is closing East Parrish Street in downtown Durham in front of Bull City Burger and Brewery for a day of fun including brats and burgers, a children's play area with a bounce house, live music and beer.

Oktoberfest at Bombshell (Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St., Holly Springs) - Enjoy traditional accordion music from Tom Neuhauser and a stein hoisting competition on Saturday. This event is pet and family friendly.

City of Oaks Pirate Fest (N.C. Museum of History, 5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh) - This year marks 300 years since the notorious pirate Blackbeard roamed the Carolina coast and lost his life. Learn more about the history of pirates, enjoy pirate-themed activities and a costume contest on Saturday at this event.

Hops for Hope (Raleigh Beer Garden, 614 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh) - This event will feature 25 one of a kind beers from local breweries. Held behind Raleigh Beer Garden on Saturday, this fourth annual event has teams from Triangle companies paired with 25 local breweries to create their own beer and raise money for Children's Flight of Hope. Tickets are $25 for unlimited tasting.

Food Truck Rodeo (Namu, 5420 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham) - Enjoy this food truck rodeo at the zen and beautiful gardens of Namu Durham on Sunday.

Trucks for the Park (Durham Central Park, 502 Foster St., Durham) - Pie Pushers Pizza and Only Burger are teaming up to organize this private “mini-rodeo" on Sunday. More than 15 trucks will prepare a sample of a special menu item they wish to share. Fullsteam Brewery will also be there offering two beers per ticket and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 and can feed one to three people.

Milkfest Block Party (Milk Bar, 410 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh) - This block party will be happening on Saturday. There will be food from MOFU Shoppe and Southern Charred, in addition to live music and a mimosa bar. A portion of proceeds will go to CASA, which aims to end homelessness in the Triangle.

Coast to Coast VIP Hour (Oak City Brewing, 616 North First Avenue, Knightdale) - There will be 11 taps of 21st Amendment Keen Bean Nitro and 10 Taps of Brooklyn Brewery for an all-day celebration including swag giveaways, VIP hour and beer ambassadors passing out free samples on the lawn!! Of course we will have you guys covered for food! Havana Dave's will be on site from 4 to 9 pm. VIP hour begins at 11 am. Tickets must be purchased via Eventbrite by Friday.

Groove in the Garden (Raleigh Little Theatre's Stephenson Amphitheatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh) - Head to Raleigh Little Theatre on Saturday for this afternoon live music at the Stephenson Amphitheater and Rose Garden. There will also be great live music, food trucks and vendors.

The Monti: Heroes and Villains (Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham) - This local story-telling series kicks off on Saturday night at the Carolina Theatre of Durham.

Bill Maher (Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - The host of HBO's "Politically Incorrect" will perform at Durham Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

The Fun Show with Cat and Nat (Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham) - This mom duo is most well known for their viral #MOMTRUTHS videos and hilarious weekly Facebook Live Shows. See them live on Sunday at Carolina Theatre of Durham.

The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (Parkside Town Commons, 7119 O’Kelly Chapel Road, Cary) - Enjoy this free concert Friday night at Parkside Town Commons in Cary.

Movie by Moonlight: Jurassic Park (Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh) - Head to Dorothea Dix Park on Sunday for a free screening of this film. Ty's All Natural, Taco Grande and Mr. Softee Ice Cream will also be on hand.

Southern Ideal Home Show (N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh) - Get your home ready for fall at this how show at the N.C. State Fairgrounds this weekend. YardCrashers star, Chris Lambton, will be on hand sharing his top home improvement tips.