Music, eats and art in the Triangle
Just because the kids are back in school and you're back at work full tilt doesn't mean the fun has to stop!
Festivals are great weekend entertainment. Sometimes creepy (Bugfest at the Museum of Life and Science) but never sleepy (the N.C. State Fair!), these autumn extravaganzas have something for everyone.
From Raleigh to Durham and places in between, here's a glance at what's up.
September
African-American Cultural Festival of Raleigh
Sept. 3-4 | Downtown Raleigh
Aacfestival.org
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of the African-American community with an art gallery walk, authentic African cuisine and live musical performances.
ProgDay
Sept. 3-4 | Storybook Farm, Chapel Hill
Progday.net
Join a grassroots collective of fans at the longest-running festival of progressive rock in the world.
Hopscotch Music Festival
Sept. 8-10 | Downtown Raleigh
Hopscotchmusicfest.com
Salute creative and boundary-pushing musical stylings with this three-day festival hosting a range of genres from folk to hip hop.
Greek Festival
Sept. 9-11 | N.C. State Fairgrounds – Raleigh
Raleighgreekfestival.com
Get your Greek on with the flavors and cultures of Greece, including traditional music, homemade cuisine and hands-on activities for kids.
N.C. Gourd Festival
Sept. 10-11 | NC State Fairgrounds – Raleigh
Ncgourdsociety.org/festival
Check out gourds from over the world while participating in lectures and workshops on growing them.
SPARKcon
Sept. 15-18 | Downtown Raleigh
Sparkcon.com
Ignite your inner muse at the interdisciplinary celebration of art, music, film, fashion and more. This “creative potluck” is put together by passionate individuals who volunteer their expertise and are deeply embedded in the local scene.
BugFest
Sept. 17 | N.C. Museum of Natural Life and Science, Raleigh
Bugfest.org
Bug out with an insect-themed day featuring exhibits, activities, games and buggy dishes prepared by local chefs.
Triangle Area Dragon Boat Festival
Sept. 17 | Koka Booth Ampthitheater, Cary
Dragonboatnc.wix.com/festival
Race to this festival honoring the diverse cultural history and traditions of the local Asian community through vibrantly colored boats and authentic eats.
CenterFest
Sept. 17-18 | Downtown Durham
Centerfest.durhamarts.org
Celebrate original work in clay, drawing, painting, photography and more from 150 artists at this two-day happening.
Apex Music Festival
Sept. 17 | Apex Chamber of Commerce Grounds, Apex
Apexmusicfest.com
Participate in this pub-crawl experience while listening to phenomenal musical acts.
Irish Music Festival
Sept. 17 | Downtown Wake Forest
Raleighirishfestival.com
Bring your family to this festivity featuring lively Irish music and dancing.
Hillsborough Street Live and Local Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 24-25 | Raleigh Little Theater, Raleigh
Hillboroughstreet.org/bluegrass2016
Embrace your love of bluegrass at this event involving food trucks, a kid zone and multiple musical stages.
Carrboro Music Festival
Sept. 24-25 | Town Hall, Carrboro
carrboromusicfestival.com/311/carrboro-music-festival
Sing along as Triangle performers showcase their talents as well as the various musical styles they represent.
The N.C. Jerk Fest
Sept. 24 | Eno Amphitheater, Durham
Caribsplash.org/jerkfest
Travel to the Caribbean without leaving the Triangle at this fun-filled day of family entertainment, cook-offs and cultural entertainment.
Durham Latino Festival
Sept. 24 | Rock Quarry Park, Durham
Durhamnc.gov/1009/Durham-Latino-Fiesta-Soccer-Challenge
Get active while celebrating Latino traditions. Enjoy the large soccer tournament, food, vendors' wares and information booths.
Wake County Storytelling Festival
Sept. 24 | Historic Oak View County Park
Wakegov.com/libraries/events/pages/storytelling
Listen and become enchanted as featured storytellers captivate adults and kids alike.
N.C. Pride Parade and Festival
Sept. 24 | Duke East Campus, Durham
ncpride.org/pride/
Being surrounded by friends, floats and fun, what more could you ask for? Also enjoy vendors, parties and shows.
Wide Open Bluegrass
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 | Downtown Raleigh
Wideopenbluegrass.com
Expand your bluegrass horizons by listening to amazing performances, dancing to the tunes and participating in activities.
October
Festifall Art Festival
Oct. 1 | Downtown Chapel Hill
Chapelhillfestifall.com
Browse among handmade art and groove to live performances as this festival takes over Franklin Street.
N.C. State Fair
Oct. 13-23 | N.C. State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
ncstatefair.org/2016/index.htm
Ride the ferris wheel, eat fried Oreos, live it up at varied performances and explore the many exhibits at everyone's favorite fair.
International Festival of Raleigh
Oct. 14-16 | Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh
Internationalfocusnc.org/festival
Go around the world during three days of fashion, food, film and more.
World Beer Festival
Oct. 15 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Enhance your palate while sampling beer-and-food pairings selected by industry experts.
Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo
Oct. 16 | Downtown Durham
bullcityracefest.com
Enjoy a combination of a world-class running experience and a world-class eating experience with various race lengths, multiple food trucks and a craft beer garden.