American Dance Festival
1. In its 89th season, the American Dance Festival (ADF) returns to Raleigh from September 8–11 with a series of outdoor performances at the North Carolina Museum of Art. ADF brings the best of modern dance to the Triangle and is welcoming back audiences to its first full season in three years with more than 25 dance companies. americandancefestival.org
2. Grab your lawn chair and enjoy music, food, and more while experiencing the undeniable charm of downtown Wake Forest during Friday Night on White. Taking place along South White Street on September 9 from 6–9 p.m., one of the area’s most popular party bands, Crush, will perform while you visit the sponsor expo, choose from a variety of dining establishments and food trucks, or grab a beer or glass of wine. wakeforestnc.gov
Mordecai Historic Park
3. Celebrate the oldest house in Raleigh in its original location at the Mordecai Historic Park 50th Anniversary on September 10 from noon–4 p.m. Members of The Ghost Guild will be on hand to share their paranormal research findings of this real-life haunted house, and the family-friendly program will consist of other vendors, stage performances, ceremonies, and various other small programs throughout the park. raleighnc.gov/mordecai-historic-park
Raleigh Balloon Festival
4. Taking place at Dorothea Dix Park from September 23–25, the Raleigh Balloon Festival gives you the opportunity not only to see beautiful hot air balloons glow at dusk, but to take a tethered ride (weather permitting). Food and retail vendors, along with family activities, round out this nighttime affair. This event sold out last year, so get your tickets early! theballoonglowtour.com
5. If you love Greek food, you’ll want to make plans for the 2022 Raleigh Greek Festival Drive-Thru. From September 23–25, enjoy authentic Greek takeout prepared and served by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church family using recipes handed down for generations. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Opa! raleighgreekfestival.com
6. Voted Best Festival by Wake Living readers, the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival takes over downtown Raleigh from September 27 to October 1 for a weekend of one-of-a-kind urban bluegrass featuring Grammy Award winners, top-notch emerging acts, and traditional bluegrass. Not a big bluegrass fan? Not a problem! This event is for everyone, with a dance tent and vendors selling arts, crafts, and plenty of food. worldofbluegrass.org
Triangle Oktoberfest
7. Get ready for the largest and most authentic Oktoberfest celebration in central North Carolina! Held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre from October 1–2, Triangle Oktoberfest highlights the very best traditional German food, drink, and entertainment. That means beer and Bavarian foods, including brats, pretzels, and pork schnitzel meatballs. You also don’t want to miss the wiener dog races and live music. triangleoktoberfest.org
Ava Gardner Celebration
8. Head to neighboring Johnston County on October 7–9 to partake in the Ava Gardner 100th Centennial Celebration honoring the extraordinary life of the legendary actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian who grew up in rural North Carolina. This year’s festival will include new exhibits, heritage tours, special film and video presentations, and much more. johnstoncountync.org/ava-gardner
9. It’s that time of year again! The North Carolina State Fair runs from October 13–23. Celebrate the best of everything this state has to offer, eat crazy foods, play games, enjoy rides, attend concerts, visit with livestock, and shop amongst a variety of vendors for this special week dedicated to all things NC! ncstatefair.org
10. Band Together NC is teaming up with the United Way to host two Mighty Giveback concerts this fall at Red Hat Amphitheater. The Black Pumas are slated to take the stage on October 2 with The Record Company and The Heavy Heavy, while Turnpike Troubadours will perform on October 28 with Elizabeth Cook and American Aquarium. The goal is to raise $1 million to ensure Triangle residents and families have a safe place to live and thrive. bandtogethernc.org
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