News Summary
October is bustling with numerous events across North Carolina, including the annual NC State Fair in Raleigh, live music concerts, and seasonal festivals. The NC State Fair showcases agriculture, local food vendors, and various themed days such as Military Appreciation Day. Additional fall festivities, community celebrations, and concerts heat up the month, offering diverse entertainment options for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the Selma Railroad Days, local harvest festivals, and Halloween-themed activities, making it a vibrant time to engage with North Carolina’s culture and community spirit.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Major Events and Festivals Scheduled Throughout October
Numerous events across North Carolina are set to take place throughout October, with a focus on community celebrations, entertainment, and seasonal festivals. The highlights include the annual North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, a variety of live music concerts, and fall festivals featuring local vendors and entertainment options. Here is a comprehensive overview of the key upcoming events.
North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh
The NC State Fair is scheduled from October 16 to October 26 at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. This event emphasizes showcasing agriculture and local farming efforts, providing a platform for regional farmers and vendors. Visitors can enjoy new food items from over 50 local vendors, with several debuting at this year’s fair.
The fair features several special days, including Military Appreciation Day on October 22. On this day, active-duty service members and veterans can attend free of charge upon presenting proper ID. The day will also include special events honoring military personnel, along with performances by the 440th Army Band.
Other designated days include Farm Family of the Day, Wolfpack Day, Sensory Day on October 19, Senior Citizens’ Day on October 21, and Hunger Relief Day on October 23. The fair introduces new ticket options, such as the Bright Lights and Boots Package, which includes adult admission plus a rodeo ticket, and the Sippin’ Spirits Package, combining admission with a cocktail voucher.
Adventurers can experience several new thrill rides from Powers Great American Midway. The fair will also host giant contests for watermelons and pumpkins, along with numerous dining options, including over 50 new local food items.
Seasonal Festivals and Local Events
The fall festival lineup begins with the Selma Railroad Days Festival, running from September 29 to October 5. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, model train exhibits, a parade, and live music performances during this week-long celebration.
Music enthusiasts have multiple options during October. On October 1, concerts include Alex Warren at Red Hat Amphitheater, Lil Tecca at The Ritz, and a screening of “Not Dead Yet! – John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50” at the Carolina Theatre. The month continues with the John Mulaney: Mister Whatever comedy show at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) from October 2-4.
Additional performances include Josey Scott at Motorco on October 11 and Joshua Radin at The Rialto on October 12. The musical event series extends with Andy Bell of Erasure performing at DPAC on October 14.
Community Celebrations and Themed Events
Throughout October, local festivals continue with events such as the Wendell Harvest Festival on October 4, featuring a parade and food trucks, and an outdoor screening of “Ghostbusters” at Durham Central Park the same day.
Other festivals include Fall on First Avenue at Knightdale Station Park with pumpkin painting and hayrides, and the 10th Annual Zombiepalooza in downtown Cary on October 24. Marbles Kids Museum hosts a Kooky Spooky Halloween Party on the same day.
Additional October Events
Family-friendly activities are scheduled with Friday Family Flicks featuring “Lilo & Stitch” at Garner Recreation Center on October 10. Live music concerts continue with performances at various venues, including Josey Scott at Motorco on October 11 and City of Raleigh’s First Friday celebration on October 3.
The month concludes with special Halloween-themed activities. Trick or Treat the Trail at White Deer Park will take place on October 31, along with the Marbles Kooky Spooky Halloween Party.
This array of events highlights North Carolina’s vibrant community and cultural activity each October, offering a variety of entertainment options suitable for all ages and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the NC State Fair run? October 16 to October 26
- What is featured during Military Appreciation Day? Free admission for active-duty service members and veterans on October 22, with special performances by the 440th Army Band
- What new ticket options are available for the fair? Bright Lights and Boots Package (adult admission plus rodeo ticket) and Sippin’ Spirits Package (admission plus cocktail voucher)
- When is the Selma Railroad Days Festival? September 29 to October 5
- What concerts are scheduled in early October? Alex Warren on October 1, Lil Tecca on October 1, John Mulaney from October 2-4, Josey Scott on October 11, Joshua Radin on October 12, and Andy Bell on October 14
- What family events are happening? Friday Family Flicks on October 10, Trick or Treat the Trail on October 31, and the Kooky Spooky Halloween Party at Marbles Kids Museum
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Additional Resources
- Carolina Journal: Agriculture’s $111B Impact at NC State Fair
- WRAL: October Events in Raleigh-Durham 2025
- ABC11: 2025 NC State Fair Competition Entries Now Open
- Morning Ag Clips: Discount Advance Tickets on Sale Now for 2025 NC State Fair
- News Observer: Food and Drink Highlights at the NC State Fair
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
