We love Fall: it’s the season full of exciting festivals, lively events, pumpkin treats, open roaring fireplaces and flannel-clad everything. Here in Wake County, when summer’s sizzle softens into a cooling glow and the leaves change from green to red, you’d think the festival stages would start packing up for the year, but it’s actually when things get exciting.
Whether you’re looking to go toe-tapping to bluegrass under the harvest moon or whizzing around on rides at the biggest state fair of the year – Raleigh knows how to rake in the good times in Autumn.
One more thing about fall 2026. It’s the year America turns 250, and a few of our local festivals are marking it. Asia Fest built its whole 2026 theme around the anniversary, and Wendell is folding it into the 98th Harvest Festival. Little pieces of history tucked inside the usual fun.
So, pull on your boots, grab a sweater (or don’t — Raleigh likes to keep you guessing), and get ready to explore the leaf-kickin’-est events the City of Oaks this autumn.
| Festival | 2026 Date | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Fest & Dragon Boat Races | Sat, Sep 19 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $12 / $10 early bird |
| Festa Italiana | Sat, Sep 19 | Downtown Apex | Free |
| BugFest | Sat, Sep 19 | Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh | Free |
| Benson Mule Days | Sep 24 to 27 | Downtown Benson | Some free, some ticketed |
| Raleigh Tamale Festival | Sat, Sep 26 | Moore Square, Raleigh | Free |
| Raleigh Wide Open | Oct 1 to 3 | Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh | Free |
| Triangle Oktoberfest | Oct 2 to 3 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $20+ |
| Raleigh Film & Art Festival | Oct 2- 4 | Peace University | Various |
| Celebrate Fuquay-Varina | Sat, Oct 3 | Downtown Fuquay-Varina | Free |
| Wendell Harvest Festival (98th) | Sat, Oct 3 | Downtown Wendell | Free |
| Falling for Local | Sat, Oct 3 | Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh | Free |
| Ponder Days | Oct 3 to 4 | Ponder House, Wendell | Free |
| Hum Sub Diwali | Sat, Oct 10 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Free ($10 parking) |
| Fall for Five Points | Sat, Oct 10 | Five Points, Raleigh | Free |
| SAS Championship | Oct 12 to 18 | Prestonwood Country Club, Cary | $38+ |
| N.C. State Fair | Oct 15 to 25 | NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh | $13 adult / $7 youth |
| Raleigh’s International Wine Festival | Sat, Oct 17 | Downtown Raleigh | Ticketed |
| Trick or Treat Monster Mash | Oct 18 | Hillsborough St, Raleigh | Free |
| Clayton Harvest Festival | Oct 22 to 25 | Downtown Clayton | Free |
| Zombiepalooza | Oct 23 | Cary | Free |
| Pumpkin Flotilla | Fri, Oct 23 | Bond Park, Cary | Free |
| HollyFest | Sat, Oct 31 | Sugg Farm at Bass Lake, Holly Springs | Free |
| Moonlight in the Garden | Nov 5-7, 13-14, 20-21 | JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh | Ticketed |
| Fall Arts Fair | Sat, Nov 7 | Fred Fletcher Park | Free |
| NC Chinese Lantern Festival | Nov 21 to Jan 10, 2027 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | From $17 |
| American Indian Heritage Celebration (31st) | Sat, Nov 21 | NC Museum of Art, Raleigh | Free |
When is Fall in Raleigh?
Before we can share the best events in Fall in Raleigh, we should clarify what is actually classed as the Fall season. The meteorological definition of seasons is based on temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar and so pegs September 1st as the start of Fall. But, technically, fall in Raleigh begins with the Autumnal Equinox, which occurs on Sept 22nd. It then technically ends on Dec 21st with the winter solstice. This is the astronomical definition of seasons.
If you look at those two definitions, and compare that with Raleigh’s weather patterns, we’re a mixture of both. The astronomical definition makes the most sense to us with a September 22nd Fall kick off. Anyone who’s lived here for a few seasons knows it’s still hot as buggery all the way up to the end of October., and we get a series of false Falls up until then. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll be focusing on events in Raleigh from late September until Thanksgiving. You can read more about Holiday events in Raleigh in this guide.
Top Fall Festivals & Events in Sept 2026
1. Asia Fest (The Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival), Sept 19, 2026
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Time: 9am-5pm
- Cost: $11.85 | Kids under 13 and adults 65+ free
- Website: www.asianfocusnc.org
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 prepared by local chefs?
For one day in September, more than 10,000 visitors come to the Asia Fest to watch the Dragon Boat races, as well as to learn about Asian culture form nearly 100 exhibits and activities. We really enjoyed this festival last year, it’s very unique, the dragon boat racing was fun, and the atmosphere very lively!
2. Festa Italiana, Sept 19, 2026
- Where: Hunter Street & Apex Town Hall Courtyard
- 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. It features Italian food, wine, merchandise with cooking demonstrations, entertainment and a kid’s area! We really enjoyed our visit to last year’s fiesta watching the cannoli eating contest, learning how to make gnocchi, and being entertained by crooners! And of course, eating gelato!
3. BugFest, Sept 19, 2026
- Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences
- Time: 10am – 7pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: naturalsciences.org
BugFest is the Natural Science Museums biggest event of the year and is dedicated to educating the public about bugs. It features over 100 exhibits, some of which have hands-on activities for kids to learn more about these animals, as well as interactions with entomologists and other scientists. Each year BugFest is dedicated to a particular bug. This year is extra special because it’s the 30th anniversary of Bugfest, this year’s theme, “Hoppers”, spotlights, tree hoppers, plant hoppers, and leaf hoppers.
4. Benson Mule Days, Sept 24 – 27, 2026
- Where: Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, 406 Main St, Benson
- Times: Various (all day events)
- Cost: Some free and some ticketed events
- Website: www.bensonmuledays.com
Benson Mule Days is a legendary 4-day festival, one of the largest in North Carolina drawing in 20,000-30,000 people. If you like quirky, you’ll love celebration of all our beloved, obstinate mules. The tradition began in 1949 when Nowell Smith, Jr. and the McLamb Brothers had the idea for a festival that would both celebrate the farmer and foster community spirit by incorporating the town’s main draft animal – the mule.
Expect Rodeos, mule competitions, arts and craft vendors, food vendors, dancers, carnival rides, face painting, camping, parades, Bluegrass shows, and musical concerts. Saturday’s Mule Day parade is a highlight! Benson is located in Johnson County, about 30-minutes from Raleigh. Well worth a visit for Mule Days!
5. Raleigh Tamale Festival, Sept 26, 2026
- Where: Moore Square
- Time: 2pm – 6pm
- Cost: $0
- Website: raleighnc.gov
An exciting cultural festival put on by the City of Raleigh for the whole family takes place in Moore Square for one afternoon. This free event will feature family-friendly activities, delicious food trucks, vendors, performances, and competition to find the best tamale in Raleigh.
Top Fall Festivals & Events in October 2026
6. Raleigh Wide Open, Oct 1 – 3, 2026
- Where: Red Hat Amphitheater & Downtown Raleigh
- Website: Eyes Wide Open
Produced by PineCone, this downtown festival is rooted in Raleigh, featuring live bluegrass, Americana, gospel, folk and R&B plus an art market, food, drink and fun for the whole family. Best of all, it’s FREE. Last year was the first Raleigh wide Open and we’re so glad it’s back. We had such a great time and loved the inclusion of more genres, as its predecessor World of Bluegrass was mostly just bluegrass!
There will be a free Raleigh Wide Open Kickoff Celebration at The Corner at NC State’s Centennial Campus on Thurs Oct 1, 2026, with live music, friends, and festive vibes to set the stage for an unforgettable weekend. Parking is free after 5 p.m., and the music gets started at 6. I really enjoyed this event and discovering this live music venue! Here is our guide to the Raleigh Wide Open event in Downtown Raleigh.
7. Triangle Oktoberfest, Oct 2 – 3, 2026
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary
- Date: Oct 3 & 4
- Time: Fri: 5pm-10pm | Sat: 12pm-8pm
- Cost: $20+
- Website: TriangleOktoberfest.org
The largest Oktoberfest in Central North Carolina is an authentic German festival focused on family fun, traditional Bavarian food and fare; and plenty of local and authentic German beers from Munich. Rest assured there will be Polka music to ramp up that Oompah vibe. And I can tell you from my annual triangle Oktoberfest experience in the beer halls of Munich that it is a fun event you’ll never forget. Raise your stein and get posting!
Featuring more than 65 beer varieties, an amazing selection of food trucks serving Bavarian food and performances by the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band who traditional German songs, it’s guaranteed fun. Read more: Places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Raleigh
8. Raleigh Film & Art Festival, Oct 2 – 4, 2026
- Where: Peace University
- Cost: Various
- Tickets
Get ready for a weekend celebrating film, art, creativity, and community. Enjoy a weekend filled with incredible films, art, performances, community events, and opportunities to connect with artists and fellow creatives.
9. Celebrate Fuquay Varina, Oct 3, 2026
- Where: Downtown Fuquay-Varina
- Time: 10am-4pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.celebratefv.com
This festival is all about celebrating the vibrant community of Fuquay-Varina. It includes live entertainment, craft beer, the Downtown Chili Cook-off, food trucks, arts & crafts, a free kids zone, and more
10. The 98th Wendell Harvest Festival, Oct 3, 2026
- Where: Downtown Wendell
- Time: 9am-9pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.wendellchamber.com
Wendell is celebrating this annual festival in Fall with food trucks, a kid’s village and entrepreneurial market, dance performances, a parade supporting Hometown Hunger Heroes, and a free concert with The Embers
11. Falling for Local, Oct 3, 2026
- Where: Big Field, Dorothea Dix Park
- Time: 11am – 6pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: ShopLocalRaleigh.org
We enjoy this festival at Dix Park operated by Shop Local Raleigh, filled with local makers and creators’ stalls, beer tents, hayrides, live music from local artists, and activities for the kids, such as lawn games, inflatables, and a free pumpkin patch for loads of Fall fun. 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. Last year all the alcohol ran dry by the tie we got there in the late afternoon. Options for gluten free drinkers was also slim. 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 food for lunch!
12. Ponder Days, Oct 3 – 4, 2026
- Where: Ponder Community Wendell
- Time: 12pm – 5pm
- Cost: Free
- Website
Celebrate the grand opening of the new Ponder Community in Wendell with their first annual Ponder Days. There’ll be live music and activities by their signature lake to enjoy with family and friends and other details yet to be announced. You can also tour their model homes by three builders. It’s a good way to get a feel for whether this community minded neighborhood is a good place for you to live. OR just visit for some fun. Here is our guide to Wendell!
13. Hum Sub Diwali Festival, Oct 10, 2026
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Time: 10am to late (Fireworks at 9.30pm)
- Cost: Free + $10 parking lots
- Website: humsub.org
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. The headliner this year is Vidya Vox, the Indian American singer and YouTube sensation, performing live with singer Rohith Jayaraman and a full band. Read our full guide to Hum Sub Diwali.
14. Fall for Five Points Festival, Oct 10, 2026
- Where: Five Points (Fairview Road)
- Time: 11am – 6pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.fallforfivepoints.com
Fall For Five Points is an annual community-driven fall festival that brings together local vendors, merchants, artists, performers, and neighbors to celebrate the neighborhoods which make up Five Points. There’ll be performances by cloggers, magicians, and local artists Kate Rhudy, Island Moons Franks Garage and Azul Here is our guide to the Five Points neighborhood.
15. SAS Championship, Oct 12-18, 2026
- Where: Prestonwood Country Club
- Time: 9:00am start
- Cost: $40 Daily Grounds Passes. Ticket prices go up from there. FREE public parking at Bond Park with free shuttles to the tournament main entrance.
- Website: www.saschampionship.com
See some of golf’s best attend the the SAS Championship, widely recognized as one of the most important events of the year in Wake County. This golf event includes:
- Pro-Am event Oct 12
- Women’s Day on October 13
- Food Truck Friday on October 16: some of the area’s best Food Trucks, plus live music, and youth entertainment
- 5K Saturday race on October 17 Enjoy the unique experience of running, jogging or walking along the official tournament course prior to the second round of play.
- HBCU Invitational on October 17 & 18
- Fairway to Fun on October 16
- Folds of Honors Friday on October 16
- Golf Fan? Why not enjoy a golfing getaway to Pinehurst or Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
16. N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15 – 25, 2026
- Where: NC. State Fairgrounds
- When: October 15 – 25
- Cost: $13 adult, $7 youth entrance fee
- 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. 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.
If you love the weird and wonderful food at the fair, then check out the list of new foods at the fair last year. We’ll update it once we see the new foods for 2026. Be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to the North Carolina State Fair.
VIDEO: NC State Fair
17. Raleigh’s International Wine Festival, Oct 17, 2026
- Where: City Plaza Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
- Time: 12pm – 8pm
- Cost: Free to attend, but wine samples cost $$
- Website:
Why not do more wine tasting? I just hope you can make both of them work – being on the same day is a little awkward. I guess you have to decide whether you’re team NC or team International. This wine festival will feature over 25 international wine suppliers from countries such as Chile, Portugal, Italy, France and Australia. There will also be food trucks and live music performances.
If you love local wine, you do not want to miss Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex! And check out our favorite wine bars in Raleigh (and nearby)
18. Trick or Treat Monster Mash, Oct 18, 2026
- Where: Hillsborough St
- Time: 2pm-5pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.hillsboroughstreet.org
Whether you’re a college student, professional, or family, Halloween celebrations along Hillsborough Street are for you! Come in costume, collect treats from 50+ candy stations, explore our Trunk-or-Treat Zone, and enjoy a variety of hands-on crafts, games, photo opportunities, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the district. Visit activity zones, complete fun challenges, and experience live performances that bring the Halloween spirit to life. Watch the video below of 2023’s Trick or Treat on Hillsborough St.
19. Clayton Harvest Festival, Oct 22 – 25, 2026
- Where: Main St, Clayton
- Time: Various
- Cost: Free to attend
- Website: www.claytonharvestfestival.com
As Johnston County is home to many farms, it makes sense that their Fall harvest festivals are worth visiting. The Clayton Harvest Festival features carnival rides and lawn games, a Latin American festival, car and motorcycle shows, live music, and a movie night.
20. Zombiepalooza, Cary, October 23, 2026
- Where: Downtown Cary Park
- Time: 6pm -9pm
- Website: www.thecarytheater.com
We were quite surprised by the dedicated turn out for Zombiepalooza when we visited. Zombiepalooza is The Cary’s annual ZOMBIE SHORT FILM competition that takes place every October in downtown Cary, NC. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes for Cary’s favorite night of cosplay. Prizes will be awarded for best kid Halloween costume. READ MORE: The best Halloween Events in Raleigh
21. Pumpkin Flotilla, October 23, 2026
- Where: Bond Lake, Cary
- Time: 4-7pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.townofcary.org
Each October, pumpkins set sail across the Bond Park Lake at twilight accompanied by local music, snacks, and Halloween activities! Floats are limited and first come first served. If you want to show off your carved pumpkin, drop it off at the Bond Park boathouse in the days leading up to the family-friendly event. If you miss the flotilla evening, the pumpkins are typically left on the lake, and they relight them for the next couple of nights.
22. HollyFest, October 31, 2026
- Where: Jefferson L. Sugg Farm Park @ Bass Lake
- Time: 10am-4pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.hollyspringsnc.us
HollyFest is a celebration of the local community. This free annual event features local artists, food vendors, kids activities and entertainment.
Top Fall Festivals and Events in Nov 2026
23. Moonlight in the Garden, Nov 5 – 7, 13-14, 20-21, 2026
- Where: JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
- Time: Second, Third and Fourth Weekend in November
- Cost: Prices TBC. Tickets go on sale in September 17 (members first)
- Website
A unique and captivating way to experience the beautiful JC Raulston Arboretum lit up at night with magical lights. You can sit in the main area to listen to a live band, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits, and sip a cup of hot apple cider. Proceeds from the Moonlight in the Garden will benefit daily operations of the JC Raulston Arboretum.
24. Fall Arts Fair, Nov 7, 2026
- Where: Fred Fletcher Park
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Cost: Free
- Website
We really enjoyed this last-minute inclusion in our Raleigh weekend itinerary last year. It was small but mighty with fantastic local artisan stores, live music, and some food trucks. Plus, the Fred Fletcher park setting invites casual strolling. It’s so pretty
The event showcases the work of bookmakers, fiber artists, glass artists, jewelers, painters, photographers, potters, and printmakers who participate in Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers’ programs. I was so happy with my purchase of a wooden plaque with a Carolina In My Mind lyric. It’s so special to me as my mum always played this song when I was a child, and i would say to her, “Mum I should live there.” (because my name is Caroline). and then magic happened and I landed here all the way from Australia (by way of Ireland and Africa)
25. North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Time: Mon-Sun., 4.30pm-10pm; performances: 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm, nightly
- Cost: Start at $17
- Website: BoothAmpitheartre.com
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has exploded in popularity over recent years and is one of the most popular cultural festivals in Raleigh in Fall. 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 40 distinct displays, including a 200-foot-long, 21-foot-tall mythical creature that sits on Symphony Lake. There are also many acrobatic and cultural performances. Read more about the Chinese Lantern Festival here. with last year’s photos (the best yet). Will be updated after our media preview night. Read our guide to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
26. The 31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, Nov 21, 2026
- Where: NC Museum of Art
- Website: www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
Time to honor our Indigenous Peoples. This annual event has been held in honor of American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina for over 30 years. The festival includes multiple demonstrations, presentations, and performances highlight the traditional and contemporary artistic, scientific, historic, and cultural contributions of American Indians in North Carolina for over 14,000 years.
Coming to Raleigh for an event? Find a place to stay
If you’re visiting Raleigh from out of town for any events, here are our recommendations for accommodation in downtown Raleigh.
- Residence inn Downtown Raleigh – fantastic location and big suites
- Casso Hotel Downtown Raleigh – our favorite for its boutique Raleigh personality style
- StateView Hotel – hidden away in a forest on NC State’s Campus
- Sheraton Raleigh Downtown
- Check out our short-term rental favorites and here are some more Raleigh Airbnb options
If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some itinerary guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:
More things to add to your Fall Bucket List
As well as festivals and events, there are so many great things you can do in Raleigh during this season. We have a Fall bucket list guide that will give you a lot more tips on things to do in the Fall in Raleigh, which also features places to find Fall treats and drinks, Halloween events, and pumpkin patches near Raleigh (and corn mazes to visit).
You can also receive more ideas for things to do in Fall by joining our email community by using the form below so you don’t miss an update and to get access to our free printable Fall bucket list. It will help you keep on track for planning an awesome Fall.
Final thoughts
Personally, for us September is the kickoff to a month-long celebration of all our birthdays over a 6-week period, so it’s our favorite time of year to look for events and festivals. I hope this guide helped you pick out a few festivals to enjoy in the City of Oaks this leaf peeping season. If you also plan for travel this Fall. We highly recommend a trip to the North Carolina beaches. It’s still absolutely perfect weather wise, but with less crowds and cheaper prices!
Fall also sees the return of tailgating at our local sporting events. With three major universities surrounding us in the Triangle, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke, college football fever will be all around – with basketball soon to follow.Our national Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey team always shows up with big action and crowds at Lenovo Center. The Caniacs have a reputation for being the LOUDEST fans in the country. And it will be especially louder now they are Stanley Cup Champions!! Go Canes!
Raleigh fall festival FAQs
What’s the biggest fall festival near Raleigh?
The N.C. State Fair, hands down. It runs Oct 15 to 25 in 2026 and pulls close to a million people over 11 days at the State Fairgrounds. Nothing else in the fall comes near it for scale.
Are Raleigh fall festivals free?
Most of them are. BugFest, Falling for Local, the Wendell Harvest Festival, Celebrate Fuquay-Varina, HollyFest, and the Raleigh Tamale Festival are all free to walk into. The ones worth budgeting for are the State Fair, the Chinese Lantern Festival, Triangle Oktoberfest, and the SAS Championship
What’s the busiest festival weekend of the fall?
The first Saturday of October. In 2026 that’s Oct 3, and three big ones land on the same day: Celebrate Fuquay-Varina, the Wendell Harvest Festival, and Falling for Local at Dix Park. If you want to hit more than one, sort your route and your parking early. They’re spread right across the county.
Which fall festival is best for kids?
BugFest is our top pick for families. It’s free, it’s all day at the Museum of Natural Sciences, and there are over 100 hands-on exhibits plus the famous Cafe Insecta if your kids are brave enough to try a bug. The Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park and the State Fair are close behind.
When does fall actually start in Raleigh?
Officially the autumnal equinox lands around Sept 22. Around here it stays hot well into October, so the festivals kick off before the weather does. We start our list in late September and run it through Thanksgiving.
RALEIGH VENUE GUIDES:
Comment: What Fall festival and event in Raleigh are you most looking forward to? Do you have one to recommend that we may have missed? Be sure to tell us why you love it in the comments below!
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