Weekend best bets: Smash pumpkins, throw axes

RALEIGH, N.C. — It's a busy weekend in the Triangle!

North Carolina Whirligig Festival (The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street St., Wilson) - Head to downtown Wilson for this 14th annual festival on Saturday and Sunday. This event celebrates arts, specifically the whimsical, wind-driven whirligigs - giant sculptures made from recycled industrial parts by local folk-artist Vollis Simpson.

Salt and Smoke Festival (Rock Quarry Farm, 54 West, Chapel Hill) - Acme presents this sixth annual event on Saturday in Chapel Hill. There will be whole heritage hog barbecue, southern sides, raw oysters, local beer and live music.

Pumpkin Smash (Three Bears Acres, 711 Beaver Dam Rd, Creedmoor) - Our friends at MIX 101.5 are presenting this annual event on Saturday at Three Bear Acres in Creedmoor. Destroy your leftover pumpkins and enjoy more family fun.

Oktoberfest (Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave., Durham) - Head to Motorco in Durham on Friday for this party including live music, a German kitchen takeover and more.

Durham Food Truck Rodeo (Durham Central Park, 502 Foster St., Durham) - Enjoy an afternoon of food truck fun on Sunday. There will be tons of trucks, music and locally-brewed craft beer.

Carolina Artisan Craft Market (Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh) - Hosted by local nonprofit Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, this market features gifts and goods ranging from glass to ceramics, wood, wearables, metal and leather. It is open Friday through Sunday at the convention center.

Patchwork Market (Fullsteam Brewery, 726 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham) - Shop at this monthly vintage market on Saturday at Fullsteam.

City of Oaks Marathon (NC State Bell Tower, 2011 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh) - This annual race is Sunday morning. It starts on Hillsborough Street. The City of Oaks has several different options including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, four-person marathon relay and a kid's mile. WRAL is a proud sponsor of this race.

Stomp the Monster NC 5K and Fun Run (WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr., Cary) - This third annual race is Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The race helps support the STOMP the Monster NC, a local non-profit that provides financial support to local cancer patients during their fight with their disease.

5K Fundraiser Walk for the Homeless (Solite Park, 4704 Fayetteville Road, Durham) - Open Table Ministry's 9th annual Walk in Their Shoes, a 3-mile walk for the homeless and unsheltered, is Saturday. All proceeds will benefit the homeless of Durham, enabling Open Table Ministry to provide free clothing, food, emergency shelter, and assistance with obtaining permanent housing.

Saturday Ax Throwing (Compass Rose Brewing, 3201 Northside Drive, Raleigh) - Epic Axe Throwing will be at Compass Rose on Saturday. There will be an ax throwing tournament, food trucks and live music.

Bob Dylan (DPAC, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - This singer-songwriter has been creating music for more than five decades. See him and his band Saturday night.

Eyes Up Here Comedy (Neptunes, 14 W Martin Street, Raleigh) - Hosted by Kathleen McDonald, this Friday night show brings together some of the area's funniest female comedians.

So You Think You Can Dance Live (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - See the top 10 contestants from Season 15 of the reality show dance competition on Sunday at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

Ron White (DPAC, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon Ron “Tater Salad” White returns Durham on Friday.