One thing Raleigh knows how to do well, is a festival. There is a whole host of accolade-worthy Raleigh events and festivals happening throughout the year, and 2026 promises to be an exceptional year for entertainment. If you’re visiting Raleigh, or new to the city, then attending a festival in Raleigh is a great way to get to know the city and mingle with its passionate locals.
Whether it’s live music, the arts, sampling the food scene, nightlife, outdoor activities, craft beer, lifestyle choices, or learning about diverse cultures, there are plenty of amazing events in Raleigh that showcase the best entertainment in this Southern city.
Below are our favorite Raleigh festivals throughout the year. Whether it’s Winter, Spring, Summer or the Fall, don’t miss these popular events!
January
MLK Dreamfest (Jan 18 – 19, 2026)
- Where: Cary Arts Center
- When: 18th – 19th Jan, 2026
- Time: 4:30-8:30pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: townofcary.org
In celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the Town of Cary puts on a series of events and programs to honor his legacy, triumph, and courage, as well as focus on the issue of civil rights, and provide an opportunity for community service.
The main event for 2026 is the Dreamfest at the Cary Arts Center with keynote speaker Rev. Jerome Gay of Vision Church, RDU. There will also be a 5K run, art exhibition, Village Dining & Discussion community dinner, an outdoor Day of Service on a working farm, and a screening of the John Lewis documentary “Good Trouble.” Read our guide to things to do in Downtown Cary for helpful planning. And don’t miss the incredible Downtown Cary Park.
Don’t miss these other events in January in Raleigh.
February
Krispy Kreme Challenge (February 7, 2026)
- Where: Hillsborough St (NC State Bell Tower) to Krispy Kreme on N. Person St
- When: 7th February, 2026
- Time: 7.00am
- Cost: $49.99+ (all for fundraising)
- Website: KrispyKremeChallenge.com
The Krispy Kreme Challenge is one of the most unique things to do in Raleigh. It’s a student led-charity race serving to support the mission of the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. All you have to do is run 5-miles in total (or walk) from the NC State University Belltower to the Krispy Kreme on N. Person Street. Take a quick pit stop there to eat a dozen doughnuts (or as many as you can), then run back!
During the old, fun days, the race would see about 8,000 people participate, many in costumes. Suitable for all ages and walking is also encouraged. Of course, devouring doughnuts is optional. We love this unique Raleigh event and have done it a couple of times, even with our kids! We don’t eat the donuts though!
Watch Our Krispy Kreme video from previous years
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration (Feb 28, 2026)
- Where: North Carolina Museum of Art
- When: Friday 30th and Saturday 31st January 2026
- Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm Friday, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Saturday
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
The annual African American Cultural Celebration operated by the North Carolina Museum of History is back for the 25th year, despite the museum being closed for refurbishment. This event serves as the statewide kickoff to Black History Month in North Carolina, which will take place over two days this year.
The 2026 event will take online on the Friday, and at the North Carolina Museum of Art on the Saturday, and feature talks and workshops. There’ll be a procession, performances dances, drama, cultural exhibitions, classes, hands-on activities and a lot more.
NOTE: This event was rescheduled from Jan 31 to FEb 28 due to winter storms
See more fun February Events in Raleigh and Black History and Culturally Enriching Experiences in Raleigh
March
Triangle Yoga Fest (7th March, 2026)
- Where: 63 Hunter Street Apex, NC 27502 United States
- When: 7th March, 2026
- Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm (doors at 11:35am)
- Cost: $72.32+
- Website: peakfitevents.com/triangle-yoga-festival
Love yoga? Who doesn’t these days! This year Apex is hosting a mini yoga festival, aptly named the Triangle Yoga Festival, which is a full day of yoga workshops and classes. This is the first yoga festival to take place in the Triangle area and will take place outside the Apex Town Hall. It will have yoga classes and workshops, pottery, a kid’s area and guest speakers. Bring your own mat. Suitable for all ages.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14, 2026)
- Where: City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh
- Time: 10.00am
- Cost: Free
- Website: Raleighstpats.org
Grab your favorite green sweater and your spirit for having a good craic and head to downtown Raleigh to celebrate the St Patrick’s Day parade, also known as The Wearin’ ‘O The Green Festival! We attended last year and found it amazing! It’s well worth attending. The parade route starts at Lane Street and Wilmington Street and finishes at the corner of S Salisbury and Lenoir. The fun continues after in City Plaza with live music and performances!
If you’re looking for an Irish pub, Hibernian in Glenwood Ave (and North Raleigh), and Doherty’s Irish Pub in Cary are great! The Hibernian really bought the party last year! Here are more ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh
Art in Bloom (March 18 – 22, 2026)
- Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building
- Time: Various
- Cost: TBC, tickets go on sale Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Website: NCArtMuseum.org
Who loves art and flowers? Get ready for five days of floral arrangements from world-class designers and florists. Features 43 installations, and some more than 10 feet tall. This is such a uniuqely Raleigh event and one of my favorite annual events in Raleigh. It offers such a unique perspective of world-class art. The NC Art Museum’s beauty is elevated to the next level with these stunning floral arrangements.
Read more: A guide to the Art in Bloom Festival in Raleigh (and see the video below as well) and Don’t miss the NC Museum of Art, Raleigh’s Best Foot Forward.
See more fun March Events in Raleigh and these lovely gardens in Raleigh for spring colors and things to do in Raleigh in the Spring.
April
Peak City Pigfest (TBC 2026)
- Where: Downtown Apex
- Time: 5.00pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: PeakCityPigFest.com
This Downtown Apex festival is one of the most delicious events in the Triangle! It’s a magical evening of music, crowded streets, beer garden and Pig Pickins. There is also a huge competition where cooks can win a cash price for their BBQ chicken, ribs, beef brisket, and pork. All the fun starts in the beer garden, where live music, and of course BBQ, can be found. It’s a time for family, friends, and neighbors to get out and enjoy each other and the atmosphere. You’ll also be able to stroll around the competition area as cook teams get ready for an all-nighter of cooking their best BBQ.
Pimento Cheese Festival (April 11, 2026)
- Where: Downtown Cary Park
- Time: 11am – 4pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/special-events/pimento-cheese-festival
It’s hard to resist this Southern delicacy (especially warmed and topped with crispy bacon!). Now’s your chance to celebrate its goodness at the nation’s only festival dedicated specifically to pimento cheese! Enjoy live music and other activities at Downtown Cary Park, grab a drink from local breweries, and taste some of the best pimento cheese samples from local restaurants. You can even test your skills in the pimento cheese sculpting contest.
We attended this festival last year and enjoyed it. We were suprised by how many people were in attendance enjoying fine weather, the park amenities, and eating as much pimento cheese as possible. I highly recommend the pimento fries from Not Just a Fry Guy food truck. It landed them in our best fries in Raleigh list.
Reach, Rally & Run at Wake Tech (April 18, 2026)
- Where: Scott North Wake Campus (6600 Louisburg Rd C, Raleigh, NC 27616)
- Time: 7am – 10:30am
- Cost: $25 – $55 | $5 kids in strollers
- Website
Reach, Rally & Run is an annual run/walk fundraiser benefiting Wake Tech Community College, with all proceeds supporting emergency aid for Wake Tech students — a vital resource that helps students stay enrolled and on track during unexpected financial hardship.
Held on Wake Tech’s Northern Wake Campus, the event brings together runners, walkers, families, students, and community members for a meaningful day of movement and connection. We’ll be attending this year and hope to gather a team to run or walk together, making it a great opportunity to support a cause that directly impacts Raleigh’s future workforce while enjoying a feel-good community event. Read our full guide there.
We have created a team for this event for the 5K run/walk. Come join a happy, supportive group to enjoy the experience – move at your own pace. There’ll be someone alongside of you. When registering choose THIS IS RALEIGH team and you’ll be placed with us!
The Pit’s ‘Cuegrass Festival (April 18, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville St and Hargett St
- Time: 12.00pm-6.00pm
- Cost: Free, but donations welcome
- Website: CueGrass.com
When you hear the words North Carolina, what do you think of? Barbecue and Bluegrass of course! The annual ‘Cuegrass Festival hosted by The Pit Authentic BBQ (Warehouse District) is a celebration of those two things with two stages of bluegrass music and Eastern Carolina style BBQ. And beer! We can’t forget North Carolina’s great brews. You can get that too. There will also be a Kids Zone with extra games, inflatables, and kids activities, as well as a silent auction and Vendor Village.
READ MORE: Where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh and where to eat Carolina Barbecue
Brewgaloo (April 24 – 25, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville St
- Time: Friday 6.00-10.00pm, Saturday 12.00-8.00pm
- Cost: ticket prices vary
- Website: ShopRaleigh.org/brewgaloo
Brewgaloo is back in its usual April position as a fun two-day event. Time to kick-off the season with a frothy head from one of the many breweries in Raleigh, plus taste beer from around North Carolina at the 2nd biggest beer fest in the USA and one of the best downtown Raleigh events!
The Friday Night Block Party features all-you-can-sample 3 oz pours. Tickets are $46+ online. You can come to the event for free, but you need tickets to participate in the sampling. The Saturday Street Festival is FREE to enter, and drinks are available for purchase in 3 oz samples (2 tickets) or by the pint (5 tickets). Drink tickets will be sold in bundles of 15 or 25.
READ MORE: Get a taste of Raleigh at Brewgaloo (what to expect and how to have fun!)
Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival (April 26, 2026)
- Where: Bond Park, Cary
- Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: TownOfCary.org
The annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival returns in 2026 to the beautiful Bond Park. It’s a festival that celebrates an active lifestyle, community connectedness, and the artistry and creativity of our region.
Grab a local brew and wander around browsing the stalls of more than 170 local artists from across North Carolina. You’ll find art-paintings, jewelry, sculptures and more. There are plenty of food vendors, activities for the kids and a stage with local music all day. We love Spring Daze, mostly for its stunnign forest location beside the lake!
READ MORE: Guide to Bond Park and Lake in Cary and our guide to the Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival in Cary.
VIDEO: Spring Daze
Watch the video to see how awesome the Spring Daze festival – and beautiful Bond Park in Cary.
See more fun April Events in Raleigh, where to see spring blooms in Raleigh, and you may like the Historic Oakwood Garden Tour
May
45th Apex Peakfest (May 2, 2026)
- Where: Salem St, Downtown Apex
- Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: https://www.peakfest.org/
Time to celebrate the Peak of Good Living at the annual Apex Peak-Fest Festival. It started 45 years ago as a small community day in a school parking lot and has since grown into the largest event in Apex that draws hundreds of vendors and over 22,000 people to Salem St in downtown Apex. There is live music all day, artisan stores, entertainment for the kids, food and much more. Read our full guide to downtown Apex.
Meet in the Street (May 2, 2026)
- Where: White St, Wake Forest
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.wakeforestnc.gov/
The 44th anniversary of Meet in the Street, a premier arts & crafts, music and food festival with more than 100 artisan booths featuring handmade items for sale, dozens of food trucks, live music throughout the day on two different stages, a children’s village filled with activities for kids, and more. Read more: Things to do in Downtown Wake Forest.
Animazement (May 22 – 24, 2026)
- Where: Raleigh Convention Center
- Time: various times each day
- Cost: $77+
- Website: animazement.com
Raleigh truly has a festival and event to suit all interests and hobbies. This convention draws in 15,000 people wanting to celebrate Japanese visual culture of anime, with concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork, and more!
Artsplosure / Raleigh Arts Festival (May 16 – 17 2026)
- Where: Downtown Raleigh
- Time: Sat: 11.00am – 7.00pm; Sun: 10.00am – 6.00pm
- Website: RaleighArtsFestival.com
Artsplosure is another of the annual Raleigh events and features over 175 visual artists, artisans and crafters, showcasing their original works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more.
There are also live music performanceson the main stage, free arts and crafts for kids in the Kidsplosure section, and art installations throughout Fayetteville St. It’s an easy and fun festival for supporting local art. Wander. Wonder. Buy some art and dance the jig a little. Read our full guide to Artsplosure Raleigh.
UNC Health Golf Championship, May 28 – 31, 2026
- Where: Raleigh Country Club
- Time: First tee off 6:50-7am – 7pm Thurs/ Fri and 5pm Sat Sun
- Cost: $20+
- Tickets
Watch the PGA Tour’s rising stars as well as seasoned professionals at the state’s only Korn Ferry Tour event is on in Raleigh. It’s the primary pathway for golfers seeking to earn their PGA TOUR card. Featuring 156 pro golfers, and players with local ties. This is a fun event that we have attended in the past! I’m not a golfer and I enjoyed the experience. Read more events in May in Raleigh
June
International Food Festival (June 6, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
- Time: 11.00am – 9.00pm
- Cost: Free
Time to celebrate the vibrant cultures that make up Raleigh at the International Food Festival which takes place every year in June! Discover over 30 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe showcasing their dynamic cuisines, as well as catch live performances, and an outdoor international dance party!
Juneteenth Celebration (June 13, 2026)
- Where: Dorothea Dix Park
- Time: 12-6pm
- Website: dorotheadixpark.org
Juneteenth (June 19th) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of family entertainment with musical performers, vendors, guest speakers, kids’ zone, and exhibits. The celebration begins with a cannon salute by United States Colored Troops reenactors. 2025’s event was cancelled due to weather conditions, so fingers crossed for 2026!
Discover more Juneteenth celebrations in Raleigh and the Triangle.
Out! Raleigh Pride (June 26 – 27, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville Street
- Cost: Free
- Time: Fri: 6pm – 10pm; Sat: 12:00am – 7.00pm
- Website: OutRaleighPride.org
Join more than 66,000 people pouring into Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street to celebrate the LGBT community, our friends, and families. The free event features live entertainment, local vendors and artists, great food, a Kids Zone, and a beer garden! To celebrate Pride Month in the City of Oaks, the Friday will focus on adults (18+) only entertainment and vendors.
Out! Raleigh Pride is an important way to raise the necessary funds to support the LGBT Center of Raleigh and all of its 20+ amazing community programs. Let’s get out and celebrate and support all people in our community.
Discover more Raleigh events in June and our Summer bucket list for Raleigh.
July
Festival for the Eno (July 4 & TBD, 2026)
- Where: West Point on the Eno River City Park
- Cost: starting at $10
- Time: 10.00am – 6.00pm
- Website: EnoFest.org
This may be in nearby Durham, but anyone living in Raleigh will tell you this is the perfect Raleigh experience to attend – the legendary annual Eno Fest, held on the banks of the beautiful Eno River on Independence Day! Held annually since 1980, this Festival is considered to be one of the premier folk and arts festivals in North Carolina and the Southeast.
It is enveloped in good juju and an important mission: to conserve and protect the natural environment, culture, and history of the Eno River basin. Proceeds support the association’s work in the upkeep of the river and the purchase of land within its watershed. You can listen to about 40 artists from gospel to roots rock across four stages as well as browse the stalls of arts and craft vendors and food trucks and beer tents.
July 4th Celebrations, 2026
If you don’t want to dance beside the Eno, there are plenty of other Independence Day Celebrations across the Triangle. The City of Raleigh’s annual July Fourth fireworks will be held around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium area).
In Cary, the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts the Town of Cary’s family-friendly July 4th Celebration with rides and games, watermelon-eating contests, a 50-foot Ferris wheel, live music and fireworks. See more Independence Day events in Raleigh and the Triangle. We also like to go to a Durham Bulls game on July 4th (or close to it).
GalaxyCon (July 23 – 26, 2026)
- Where: Raleigh Convention Center
- Time: 2.00pm – 12.00am Thursday, 10.00am – 2.00am Friday and Saturday, 10.00am – 8.00pm Sunday
- Cost: From $45 for adults $20 for children
- Website: GalaxyCon.com
Where are the fandoms from across the galaxies? Do you love pop culture, gaming, fantasy, comic books and more? You will want to devote four days this year at GalaxyCon Raleigh to celebrate your other-Universe adventures. At one of the biggest events in Raleigh, you’ll be joined by celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and other fans dressed in their best costumes.
Discover more July Events in Raleigh.
August
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival (July 31 & Aug 1, 2026)
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Time: Fri 6.00pm-10.00pm; Sat 12.00pm-6.00pm (VIP), 2.00pm-6.00pm (general)
- Cost: $48+
- Website: CaryBeerAndBourbon.com
Unbuckle those belts for two days of Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! Your admission buys you a souvenir sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Apart from the overindulging you can shop for merch, play giant Jenga and cornhole, and dance to rock, blues, and bluegrass music. All held within one of our favorite music venues in Wake County,Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Related Post – cool things for your Raleigh summer bucket list
CaribMask, Caribbean Carnival (August 15, 2026)
- Where: City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh
- Time: 12pm – 8.00pm
- Website: caribmaskcarnival.com
Caribmask is a day to celebrate the Afro-Caribbean culture in Raleigh. It began after COVID19 when social distancing measures enforced the use of masks. The RDACA (Raleigh-Durham AfroCaribbean Association) saw an opportunity to promote diversity, equality and appreciation for Afro-Caribbean communities whilst still sticking to measures – and even though the pandemic is over, the tradition continues!
CaribMask is known for the carnival, which features samba dancers in elaborate and highly decorative costumes, as well as troupes/bands who drum to the tunes of their native lands. The festival celebrates communities from 15 countries, and there are also food vendors on hand to cook up cultural delicacies. The day will begin with the Parade of Bands. Troupes/bands will parade down the streets in elaborate costumes jamming to the tunes from their native lands.
Kirby Derby (Aug 23, 2026)
- Where: Dorothea Dix Park
- Cost: Free
- Time: 3.00pm – 8.00pm
- Website: kdd.gamil.com
The Kirby Derby is one of our favorite quirky local events in Raleigh. To me, this event is what Raleigh community is all about – neighbors coming together to have fun as friends. We will never forget this experience we had back in 2009 when a friend told us we had to come experience the Kirby Derby party in a small neighborhood near Pullen Park. Read our full guide to the Kirby Derby in Raleigh. And watch our video below 👇
Packapalooza, (Aug 22, 2026)
- Where: Hillsborough St
- Time: 2-10pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: packapalooza.ncsu.edu
Packapalooza is all about welcoming NC State University students back for the new college year with an all-day block party and street festival. They will have everything it takes to celebrate in NC State style, including great music, activities throughout the day, and fun entertainment for the whole family. The entertainment this year will be Saved by the 90s – sounds so fun! Hang around for the fireworks after!
Read more in our guide to the Packapalooza festival on Hillsborough St.
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (Aug 22 – 23, 2026)
- Where: Cary Town Hall Campus, Downtown Cary
- Time: 9.00am -5.00pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: TownOfCary.org
Lazy Days is the summer cousin of Spring Days Festival. Now in its 49th year, this Cary festival is held across two days and features more than 300 artists from 16 states. There are also multiple stages of live local music, a beer garden and food trucks.
Read more events in August in Raleigh
African American Cultural Festival (Aug 29 – 30, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.aacfestival.org
Held on Labor Day weekend, this Raleigh festival is held to celebrate African American culture through art, music, food, and dance. An Art Gallery Wall will display works of local and national artists. The festival has become Raleigh’s premiere destination for teaching, sharing and celebrating the distinctive folk and culturl traditions of African Americans in N.C. and from around the world. This year we’re celebrating 16 years of rythmn!
September
Hopscotch Music Festival (Sept TBC, 2026)
- Where: Various venues Downtown Raleigh
- Costs: TBC
- Website: HopScotchMusicFest.com
Earning notoriety as one of the country’s top music festivals is Hopscotch, known for its eclectic music representation covering almost every genre —rock, hip-hop, metal, folk, electronic, experimental, and more. This year will be its 16th anniversary and they’re planning something special – to be confirmed!
It’s three days of music celebration with a spirit and atmosphere that has been likened to Mardi Gras. It’s definitely a uniquely Raleigh festival as it features music pop ups at outdoor venues, indoor live music venues, in the streets and ore! Parties are happening all over town. We attended this for the first time last year and loved it! Vibe was high and friendly on the streets and inside the smaller music venues. We enjoyed the artists and experience more in the indoor music venues and the day parties! We’ll be back this year.
Here’s the ultimate guide for attending the Hopscotch Festival – tips, schedules, day parties and more
BugFest (Sept 19, 2026)
- Where: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Time: 10am – 7pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: naturalsciences.org/calendar/bugfest
Bug lovers, get ready for the largest bug even in the USA. More than 100 exhibits on the fascinating world of arthropods. You can also participate in games and activities and chat with entomologists and scientists. Each year, BugFest spotlights a particular insect, but 2026’s insect is yet to be announced!
La Fiesta del Pueblo (Sept TBC, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
- Time: 12pm-6pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: elpueblo.org/fiesta
Another celebration of a vibrant culture living in Raleigh. La Fiesta del Pueblo is the Triangle’s largest and most diverse festival of Latin American culture, featuring live music and dance performances, artisanal vendors, food trucks, educational booths, and activities for the whole family!
Festa Italiana (Sept 19, 2026)
- Where: Hunter Street and Town Hall Courtyard in Apex
- Time: 11am – 7pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: festanc.org
Festa Italiana Raleigh was founded by a small group of Italian – Americans in the Triangle in 2018. Since then, it has become a much-anticipated annual event celebrating Italian culture, music, food, wine and more. Features Italian food, wine, merchandise with cooking demonstrations, entertainment and a kid’s area! We visited for the firt time last year and enjoyed it, especially the cannoli eating contest and a gnocchi pasta cooking demonstration. I learned quite a few good tips about cooking pasta!
Asia Fest With Dragon Boat Racing (Sept 19, 2026)
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheater
- Time: 10.00am-5.00pm
- Cost: TBC
- Website: www.asianfocusnc.org/asiafest
The Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival, or Asia Fest, is a chance to celebrate Asian culture, diversity, and history. What better way to do it than with dragon boat races on Symphony Lake, games, stage performances and unique ethnic street food? We popped in for an hour last year – on a gorgeous day – and really ejoyed it. It was fun to watch the dragon boat racing – so unique – and soak up the relaxed festive atmosphere with good food!
You can also read about more events in Raleigh in September, top festivals in the Fall in Raleigh, a Fall bucket list, where to see the Fall colors in Raleigh and best places for a Fall getaway from Raleigh.
October
Raleigh Wide Open, Oct 2-3, 2026
2025 marked the first year of Raleigh Wide Open, which was the replacement for the popular World of Bluegrass Festival which is moving to Chattanooga this year. Raleigh Wide Open had all the elements that everybody loves about Bluegrass with stages, jamming, art, food and some of the best musicians and entertainers in the country.
We really enjoyed it and felt it was a great substitue for World of Bluegrass and will only get better. We especially loved the preview event the evening before at The Corner on Centennial Campus and some of the lessor known artists on the side street stages. It was great to have more diversity of music genres. Other bluegrass traditionalists may disagree.
Read our guide to the Raleigh Wide Open Festival We always update our email newsletter community first, so be sure to subscribe!
Triangle Oktoberfest, Oct 3-4 2026
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary
- Website: TriangleOktoberfest.org
The largest Oktoberfest in Central North Carolina will celebrate its 12th year in 2026 – though dates and scheduled times have yet to be announced so stay tunes.
Oktoberfest is an authentic German festival focused on family fun, traditional Bavarian food and fare; and plenty of local and authentic German beers from Munich. Of course there will be Polka music to ramp up that Oompah vibe. And I can tell you from my Oktoberfest experience in the beer halls of Munich that it is a fun event you’ll never forget. Raise your stein and get prosting!
Read more: Places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Raleigh
Triangle Parade of Homes (Oct 3 – 18, 2026)
- Where: Locations all over the Triangle
- When: 12pm-5pm
- Website
We love the Triangle Parade of homes. It’s an opportunity to tour new homes over the Triangle, to see what’s new in home construction and get design ideas and inspirations for our own home upgrades. Many of these homes are lux, so it’s a fun insight into how the 1% lives! Be sure to map out your plan before leaving. Homes can get busy and can be far apart.
If you are in the market for home buying – lux or not – we have a concierge service with our exclusive realtor partner Chuck and can help you! 👇
Looking for a realtor?
Are you looking to buy or sell a home and are in need of a real estate agent in the Raleigh area? I’ll save you time and stress searching and vetting for a trusted realtor. We’ll connect you to our exclusive Realtor partner who puts client care as a top focus. Read more here or click the button below to fill out the form and get started.
Falling for Local (Oct 3, 2026)
- Where: Dorothea Dix Park
- Time: 11.00am – 6.00pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: ShopLocalRaleigh.org
We enjoy this festival filled with local makers and creators stalls, beer tents, live music from local artists, and activities for the kids, such as hayrides and pumpkin patches. It’s a great way to welcome in Fall while still soaking up the last warm rays of summer. Buy your drink tickets in advance as the lines can get long. And note, last year the food truck lineup was ridiculous! People were waiting for a long time, and many trucks had run out of certain foods, so it may be a good idea to bring your own picnic lunch! By the end of the day last year all the beer had run out – and decent gluten free options were slim.
SAS Golf Championship (Oct 12 – 18, 2026)
- Where: Prestonwood Country Club
- Time: TBC
- Cost: TBC FREE public parking at Bond Park with shuttle to the tournament main entrance.
- Website: www.saschampionship.com
One of the biggest golf events in Wake County is the long-running annual PGA Tour Champions event held in Prestonwood Cary. Some of golf’s best attend the SAS Championship. This golf event includes:
- Pro-Am event
- Food Truck Friday: some of the area’s best Food Trucks, plus live music, and youth entertainment
- 5K Saturday race: Enjoy the unique experience of running, jogging or walking along the official tournament course prior to the second round of play.
Cary Diwali Festival (Oct 10, 2026)
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Time: 10.00am – 10.00pm
- Website
The Cary Diwali festival includes music, dance, theater performances, a handicraft bazaar, Indian food vendors, sponsor booths, an exhibition of Indian art and culture, and activities for children. It’s a celebration that marks the victory of good over evil, light over dark and the beginning of the New Year. It is one of the most widely celebrated religious and cultural events in Raleigh. We hope to make it this year!
N.C. State Fair (Oct 15- 25, 2026)
- Where: NC. State Fairgrounds
- Time: Various, usually noon – midnight
- Cost: from $10 for general admission
- Website: NCStateFair.org
Are you ready for a HUGE North Carolina event held right in the heart of Raleigh at the State Fairgrounds? It is the largest annual event in North Carolina and last year, I felt every one of those million visitors that attended the 11-day fair.
Our tip is to arrive right on opening time. We arrived before even the rides had started which gave us a great opportunity to roam freely and then be first in line for the rides. We had very little waiting time until around 1pm when all of Raleigh walked through the gates, and we walked right out! (and it meant we found parking in the side streets that was FREE!)
Bring plenty of cash as well. The NC State Fair will BLOW a hole out of your wallet. We’ll have a post coming soon with all our tips for making it work. As the biggest of the annual Raleigh events, it is a lot of fun with high-flying rides, deep-fried foods, live music, stunt shows and other entertainment (including nightly fireworks). It’s definitely worth experiencing once.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to the North Carolina State Fair and thew new foods this year at the North Carolina State Fair.
Video: NC State Fair in Previous Years
NC Wine Festival (Oct TBC, 2026)
- Where: Koka Booth, Cary
- Cost: $50-$75
- Website: ncwinefestival.com/home
Did somebody say wine tasting? You may be surprised at the state of wine in North Carolina. For over 20 years, the NC Wine festival has been sharing NC wineries goodness with us all. Paired with your chardonnay will be music, food and live entertainment.
Discover more events in Raleigh for October and check out these great wine bars in Raleigh and nearby.
November
NC Chinese Lantern Festival, Cary (Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 10 2027)
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Time: 6.00pm – 10.00pm
- Cost: TBC
- Website: BoothAmpitheatre.com
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has exploded in popularity over recent years. So plan well and buy your tickets in advance. The festival has hundreds of larger-than-life lanterns on display creating an incredible, colorful adventure for you to walk through during the holiday season.
More than 15,000 LED lights make up 20 distinct displays, including a 200-foot-long, 21-foot-tall mythical creature that sits on Symphony Lake. We have a guide to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Wake County.
Raleigh Christmas Parade (Nov 21, 2026)
- Where: Hillsborough to Fayetteville St Downtown
- Time: 9.30am
- Cost: Free
- Website: GRMA.org
We love the Raleigh Christmas Parade, it’s one of the most looked-forward to holiday events in Raleigh.
It’s incredible to see the extent people go to present their businesses or creative ideas on dozens of floats that include marching bands, twirlers, elaborately costumed Mexican dancers, cowboys and cowgirls riding through, hotted up cars, vintage cars, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
It is the largest Christmas Parade between Washington DC and Atlanta and has been a much-loved community event since it began in 1939. The parade covers 1.4 miles beginning at Hillsborough Street at the intersection of St. Mary’s Street and ending at the bottom of Fayetteville St.
If you live in one of the smaller Wake County communities, check to see what your municipality is offering by way of Christmas parades. We know Cary and Apex both have a fun filled Christmas parade event. If you don’t want to deal with the cold and crowds (60,000+), you can watch from home starting at 9:30 AM by tuning in to channel 11, or online at ABC11.com. Read our guide here.
Video: Raleigh Christmas Parade in Previous Years
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration (Nov 20, 2026)
- Moore SquareWhere: Moore Square
- Cost: Free
A great way to kick-off the holiday season is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Raleigh in Moore Square. The tree will be surrounded by the Triangle Pop-Up holiday market and a stage with live performances. You can do some Christmas shopping, have photos with Santa, and dance to a few Christmas tunes.
Check your local municipality for their annual tree lighting celebration as well. North Hills and Cary have popular ones. (you can of course visit them all!)
Read more events in Raleigh for November and the top Christmas experiences in North Carolina.
December
Holiday Express at Pullen Park, (TBC 2026)
- Where: Pullen Park
- Time: From 5.00pm – 9.30pm
- Cost: TBC
- Website: raleighnc.gov
May the Holiday Express Ticket Gods be with you! Tickets go on sale early October and you want to be ready, they sell out faster than Taylor Swift (well, almost). Pullen Park dresses up for the holiday season, festively decorated with thousands of lights and transformed into a holiday wonderland. There’s typically s’mores, hot chocolates, photos with Santa, a miniature train ride through the park and a fun carousel ride.
The past two years were canceled so keep an eye out for this year’s event and fingers crossed it’s the year for its return. Mostly suited to families with younger kids.
READ MORE: Guide to Pullen Park
Boylan Heights Art Walk, (Dec 6, 2026)
- Where: Boylan Heights neighborhood
- Time: Noon – 5.00pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.boylanheights.org/art-walk
We really love this small, local event in the neighborhood streets of Boylan Heights – one of the neighborhoods we’d most love to live in Raleigh. Many of the home’s front porches and lawns are given to local artists to showcase and sell their work. It’s where I found my favorite local artist, Amy Friend, and her red thread drawings
It’s a wonderful way to support local artists and feel the community vibe of Raleigh. It’s also the prefect opportunity to grab a local coffee, meal, or drink from this area. We took my sister visiting from Australia, and friends visiting from Wisconsin, and they all loved it. Our Tips:
- Coffee: Rebus Works (also have great art gallery and light snacks)
- Lunch: Wye Hill (also great for a drink)
- Drink: Vault Craft Beer
- Read our Neighborhood guide to Boylan Heights
Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour® (Dec 12 & 13, 2026)
- Where: Historic Oakwood District
- Time: 1.00pm – 7.00pm
- Cost: Tickets coming in Fall
- Website: HistoricOakwood.org
Join the very popular walking tour of the Historic Oakwood Neighborhood for their annual Candlelight Tour – one of the most unique ways to explore Raleigh’s historical sites. In fact, when we visited in 2023, it was a sold-out event most days, so keep your eyes on the events calendar in fall to get your tickets early. We absolutely love it. It was created in 1972 in an effort to save the neighborhood from being torn down for new development.
Dozens of Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architectural style properties open their doors to guests to see their stunning interior designs filled with elegance and elaborate Christmas decorations, as well as learning more about the history behind each house. This is one way to feel more connected to the Raleigh community and why it’s so great!
You need at least 4-hours to visit every home. Start (or end) with a drink at Pelagic Beer and Wine on North Person St, one of the coolest neighborhood watering holes in Raleigh. Read our guide to North Person Street for more ideas. Get your tickets early for this classic Raleigh event held annually in December!
READ MORE: Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour and you can see our IG Reel for 2021’s event here.
Illuminate Art Walk, Raleigh (TBC)
- Where: Downtown Raleigh
- When: After dark
- Cost: Free
- Website: downtownraleigh.org/illuminate
Born out of the pandemic and now a regular Holiday event in Raleigh is the highly enjoyable Illuminate Art Walk. Parts of the Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts transform with large-scale, interactive and light-based art pieces that are unique and family friendly. Grab yourself a coffee or hot chocolate, or thanks to Sip and Stroll maybe something a little stronger and enjoy the art displays on the streets and in storefront windows.
First Night Raleigh (Dec 31, 2026)
- Where: Fayetteville St
- Time: 2.00pm – midnight
- Cost: TBC
- Website: FirstNightRaleigh.com
First Night Raleigh, in downtown Raleigh, is North Carolina’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration and the main New Year’s Eve in Raleigh event. Festivities begin with the outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. We usually leave after the 7pm fireworks as it gets too cold for us to wait until midnight. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, thefamous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and spectacular fireworks show.
Read More: top events for New Year’s Eve in Raleigh and more December events in Raleigh, top things to do for Christmas in Raleigh, and where to see the Christmas lights.
Accommodation for your event in Raleigh
If you visit Raleigh for any of these festivals and events and looking for accommodation, the following reviews and guides may help you decide on where to stay:
- Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh (perfect downtown location)
- The State View Hotel (one of the most luxury accommodations and a slice of serenity in Raleigh)
- Casso Hotel Raleigh – a unique boutique hotel stay in Downtown Raleigh
- Sheraton Hotel Raleigh – perfect location on Fayetteville St for events
- More downtown Raleigh hotel options
Final thoughts
This is by no means an exhaustive list, simply a curation of what we think are the most unmissable festivals and events in Raleigh NC and the greater Triangle region for the upcoming year! Each month we create a list of top events and things to do including many of the smaller events, concerts, sporting matches, and fun things to do in Raleigh. You can view our monthly events calendar here.
Plus, we have a curate weekly Raleigh events guide and weekly email newsletter with our curated events list. Be sure to join our free email community for those updates, and you’ll get our free PDF downloadable checklist of all events mentioned in this post. Pop your name and email below:
You may also find our 24 hours in Raleigh, our 2-day sophisticated Raleigh and Cary itinerary, our 48-hour itinerary guide on the best things to do in Raleigh handy for your trip to Raleigh. There are plenty of parking garages in the city, and parking is free on the streets on weekends!
Be sure to share some of your favorite Raleigh events and festivals not to miss in the comments section below! Have an event you want to submit? Check our submission guidelines and options here.
If you found this post on top festivals and events in Raleigh for 2026 helpful, please consider sharing it. Have a fantastic and fun year.
Stay Connected to Raleigh
Join our free email community to receive free checklists, guides, insider tips, personal stories, fun finds, and the best events in Raleigh each week. We'll show you how to stay connected to Raleigh and love where you live! Join Below 👇
“Your weekly newsletter is a lifesaver for me. Yesterday we didn’t know what to do, I just check your list of events for the weekend, and we ended up in Cary at the Carolina Circus Festival. We had a great time so thanks a lot for all your good work 😊 we really appreciate you” Subscriber
