1. Hit the streets of downtown Raleigh for the Hopscotch Music Festival. The eclectic lineup — to include indie faves, experimental DJs, and comics — will take to City Plaza and Moore Square stages and individual club show venues in some of Raleigh’s most loved spots for live music. Thursday, September 5, to Saturday, September 7. $159 for three-day admission; $349 for three-day VIP. Downtown Raleigh. hopscotchmusicfest.com
2. Catch two-time Grammy Award–winning band Hootie & the Blowfish performing back in North Carolina. The Summer Camp with Trucks tour — with dates in 43 cities across North America — is the band’s first major tour in five years, runs from May through September, and features special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. Friday, September 13, 7 p.m. $54.60 and up. Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh. coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com/shows
3. BugFest 2024, the buggest event of the year, offers over 100 exhibits, hands-on activities, and entomologist and scientist interactions during a day designed to engage and educate the public on arthropods. This year, the focus is on the order Lepidoptera, which is composed of butterflies and moths. Kid-centric activities will inspire, and vendors will offer plenty of arthropod-themed merch to preserve the experience. Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. naturalsciences.org/calendar/bugfest
4. The world’s largest urban bluegrass festival returns with the IBMA World of Bluegrass 2024. The highlight of the conference, awards, and showcase extravaganza for everyone from fan to professional is the IBMA Bluegrass 2024 LIVE! Festival, which takes over downtown Raleigh for a weekend of entertainment. Supporting the best in bluegrass are performances on the Red Hat Amphitheater main stage and six street stages. Exhibit halls and street vendors will offer everything from food and beverages to arts and crafts and plenty of family fun. Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28. $10 and up. Downtown Raleigh. worldofbluegrass.org/ibma-bluegrass-live
5. Over 50 countries are represented through food, desserts, performances, beer and wine, and vendors at The International Festival 2024. A Kids’ Nation will provide plenty of games and activities, to include a talent show, for young ones. Authentic international treats, merchandise, and performances make for a weekend of exceptional cuisine and culture.Friday, September 27, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, September 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 admission. NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. theinternationalfestival.org
6. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali Festival is the most celebrated religious and cultural event in India. Signifying the victory of good over evil and light over dark, and marking the beginning of the New Year, the free festival offers music, fireworks, food, and fun. Performances, a vendor bazaar, art and cultural exhibitions, and activities for children all add to the event’s creative celebration. Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. carync.gov/diwali
7. October means one thing: the NC State Fair. The largest event in the state returns with entertainment, rides, animals, activities, competitions, games, vendors, and scavenger hunts — and, of course, those craveable deep-fried creations. With a mission to promote the state’s agriculture, agribusiness, arts, crafts, and culture, this annual agricultural show, now in its 172nd year, remains a calendar staple. Thursday, October 17, to Sunday, October 27. Daily schedule varies. $13 and up gate prices ($10 and up discounted advance prices). NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair/2024
8. Savor some of the state’s finest wines at the North Carolina Wine Festival. Food, fun, and live music form the atmosphere in which to enjoy wineries, wines, and winemakers. For over two decades, this has been a can’t-miss fall event for local wine lovers. Saturday, October 19, noon to 5 p.m., $35 for general admission; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $79 for VIP session. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. ncwinefestival.com
9. Taking place on the Big Field at Dix Park is a can’t-miss culinary event. The USA TODAY Food & Wine Experience brings sips in the form of regional and national beer, wine, and spirits, and tastes from local exemplary and emerging chefs and culinary leaders. Savor experiences — like demonstrations and music — in this elevated experience. Saturday, October 26, 1–4 p.m. $60 general admission, $70 early admission at noon. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh. wineandfood.usatoday.com/raleigh/
10. Filled with fun songs and dances and interactive and exciting storylines, Nickelodeon’s hit show is coming to families everywhere with PAW Patrol Live. When Mayor Humdinger dognaps and clones Robo Dog, the pups must catch the clones, rescue Robo Dog, and show what happens when “Heroes Unite.” Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, October 27, noon and 4 p.m. $25 and up. Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh. pawpatrollive.com
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