This weekend in Wake County, NC

Wake Forest and NC State face off in an in-state ACC showdown at Carter-Finley Stadium - Official Home Of Wolfpack Football. Their long history fuels an intense atmosphere, with local pride and conference implications on the line. Rivalry energy and high-stakes football define this matchup.

The annual Harvest Craft Fair returns with a large mix of returning favorites and specialty crafters from the community. Browse handmade goods to get a head start on holiday shopping, enjoy live music, and savor hot food while you explore. You can also pick up fresh meat and vegetables for the week.

Look for 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, raised in North Carolina, at the farmers market at North Hills in Raleigh. These choices fit weekend cookouts, game day meals, or anytime you want to restock the kitchen.

At Moore Square Downtown in Raleigh, a relaxed one mile walk honors Jackson and his uncle Nicholas while supporting the Autism Society of North Carolina. The atmosphere is easygoing and social, with time to talk and connect along the route. The team, Jackson’s Angels, celebrates Jackson’s ongoing cognitive development milestones and acknowledges the varied experiences of families affected by autism, with roughly ten North Carolina families receiving a new diagnosis each day. Proceeds from the Triangle Run Walk for Autism help fund local programs of the Autism Society of North Carolina that serve more than 95,000 families statewide. Optional personalized team shirts may be available to order through the organizer.

Dr Tabatha is coming to Apex, NC for a one day event focused on healing and transforming the body while connecting with a faith based community. Early registration discounts are available, and seating is limited.

Agri Supply hosts a bustling monthly farmers market that showcases about 50 small local businesses. Explore booths from makers offering handcrafted soaps, toys, taxidermy pieces, crafts, jewelry, mugs, and crochet items. Local growers bring fresh produce and homemade goods including eggs, bread, vegetables, and more. A selection of food trucks serves a range of cuisines. The market is set up outdoors in the Agri Supply parking lot, and parking is free. Interested in selling your goods? Vendor participation is free. Reach out to the Agri Supply Garner store and ask for event coordinator Ryan Brown, then wait for confirmation of selection. If additional participation dates open, the team will get in touch, and questions can be directed to Agri Supply. Plans may shift with the weather.

Celebrate the season with a Halloween themed drone meetup at Dorothea Dix Park. Steve plans to outfit his fleet with spooky designs, and participants are invited to bring their own eerie builds, even a flying ghoul. Pilots and spectators are welcome, and all skill levels and aircraft types can take part, including FPV setups, camera drones, helicopters, and RC airplanes. The group meets along the long edge of the Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park. Bring your aircraft, controller, and fully charged batteries. A portable launch pad, a chair, or a small folding table can make setup easier, and there will be opportunities to chat with fellow enthusiasts.

YMCA volunteers will gather at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Giving Garden to plant 450 sweet potatoes. This collaborative garden project offers a chance to work side by side with fellow volunteers on a large planting effort.

Explore the foundations of boxing in a free beginner friendly class. The session lasts one hour and focuses on core techniques. Please bring a water bottle and wear workout attire, and all other equipment will be provided for you. Participants also receive a complimentary follow up class to build on what they learn.

The newly renovated location in Garner, NC is marking a grand re-opening and unveiling an expanded hardware section. For a single day, all regularly priced merchandise is 15% off, with complimentary food available while supplies last and activities for families. The celebration includes demos by 3M, Apollo, DEWALT, Midwest Fastener, Richmond, Rust-Oleum, and Valspar, plus giveaways valued in the thousands from TowRight, UWS, Fimco, and Yeti, along with state fair tickets.

During a live presentation of his dinosaur fossil collection, Paleontologist Diggery accidentally triggers the DinoSauroScope 3000, sending the audience on a time traveling adventure for face to face encounters with living dinosaurs. The show blends oversized interactive puppets, music, magic, and lifelike replica dino bones for a high energy experience packed with thrills. The story follows Diggery on a prehistoric quest where the crowd plays a role in saving the human race. Two performances are available. Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under. All children ages 2 and up require a ticket, including any child who will require their own seat. Prices adjust based on demand and availability, and buying early is the best way to secure the lowest available price.

Apex Underground Market blends a marketplace with live music, presented by The MAKRS Society at Sweetwater Town Center. This monthly series features new bands at each installment, more than 30 local vendors, and food trucks. Attendees can browse unique goods, enjoy performances, and find drinks and food while spending time with friends and family.

A community pickleball tournament brings Raleigh neighbors together to get active and connect. All experience levels are welcome, from first timers to seasoned players, with an emphasis on good natured competition. Participants should bring a paddle and plenty of community spirit for a lively time on the court.

Glenwood Place hosts a car show celebrating classic, rare, and exotic vehicles. The event is family and pet friendly, and all cars are welcome. A limited number of reserved spaces are set aside for classics and other rare models, with ample additional parking for everyone else in adjacent lots a few hundred feet from the main area. Multiple dining choices are available on site, along with restrooms. Restaurants include Ladyfingers, Napa, Village Juice Kitchen, Monya Ramen, Iron Oaks, and Sojourn. Expect easy entry and exit as you explore the displays and grab a bite with the family.

Enjoy a friendly plant swap paired with a potluck. Bring a cutting or an extra plant to trade, plus a shared dish, then browse what others have brought and head home with fresh finds. Everyone is welcome, from folks who struggle to keep plants alive to those with collections that have taken over.

A pop-up market at Raleigh Iron Works featuring local artisans.

A community Fall Fest takes place at New Restoration Outreach Christian Center. “Paid in Full” shirts are available to order. The ministry expresses gratitude for the support it has received, and all are welcome to attend.

Keith’s Store hosts a combined pop-up market and cat and dog adoption event presented by Paws for Life NC. Meet animals seeking forever homes while browsing the Familiar Festival Pop-Up Market, which showcases local vendors offering handcrafted items, gifts, artwork, and more. Vendor donations from the market will benefit Whisker Junction’s TNVR program, helping trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return community cats. Spend a friendly day supporting local makers and animal rescue, with plenty of opportunities to shop, adopt, and make a difference.

Tap Yard Raleigh in Raleigh hosts the 19th annual NC Local Music benefit in support of InterAct of Wake County, an organization working to end domestic and sexual violence and to help survivors and their families rebuild safer lives. Enjoy live performances by LaureNicole, Grace Lucia, Scarlett Tantrum, and Vibration Theory, along with raffle prizes and a silent auction that boost fundraising. Kitoko Bites will serve award-winning vegan and gluten-free donuts, and Alphanie Artistry will offer face painting, temporary tattoos, and art. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show.

Saturday gatherings feature Commander play, and entering the event code lets participants receive random prizes. On select Saturdays, the event takes place at Gamers Geekery & Tavern in Cary, NC. For details on which Saturdays are hosted at this location, check the website.

Triangle Barkitecture brings a free, public celebration of pet-focused design to Downtown Cary Park. Local architects, designers, and creatives craft custom structures ranging from modern dog houses to imaginative cat lounges. These one of a kind pieces are showcased and then offered in a live silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting Hope Animal Rescue, Connie's Kittens, Paws For Life NC, and German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions. The event features rescue groups with adoptable pets, pet vendors, activities and giveaways, the Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest, photo opportunities and interactive experiences, and the Stuff the Trunk pet supply drive. Every dollar raised supports local foster and rescue organizations working to place pets in loving homes.

This monthly Rune Study invites participants to bring a notebook and their questions to receive a complimentary rune reading.

Celebrate Ashley Sanchez’s return to the U.S. Women’s National Team with a spirited gathering at R&D Brewing. Courage Country supporters will rally together to cheer on the team and share the excitement with fellow fans. Arriving early is encouraged, with a complimentary drink for the first 25 attendees, an appearance by Roary, face painting, and plenty of giveaways and prizes, plus a few extra surprises. Guests are encouraged to bring friends and wear red, white and blue to show their support. An RSVP helps secure a spot.

Discover Garner’s rich history, from the community builders to the stories that shaped the town. Drop in to explore and leave with a new insight about Garner.

Admission is free for this performance by Loon & Crow, a Winston-Salem, North Carolina group that channels gritty, blues-rooted garage energy into open-ended jam exploration. Expect heavyweight drums and saturated guitar tones propelling slow-burn rhythms that surge into soaring climaxes, with improvisation ensuring every set takes its own path. Listeners who favor honest blues rock blended with the spontaneity of the jam world will find a deeply absorbing live experience.

The Glow Market brings a special Gloween edition to PourWorks in Raleigh with an evening of spooky shopping, music, food, and family friendly activities. Browse goods from more than 15 local makers, artisans, and creatives, enjoy a set from DJ Vic of the Capital District Kingz, and grab barbecue from Close Fire BBQ. Personalized tarot readings by MindfulMerce will be available, and Blazin Trails Bottle Babies Pet Adoption will be on site with adoptable pups. Highlights include a pup Halloween costume contest, trick or treating at vendor booths for kids, and drink specials. Free glow gear will be offered while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged and admission is free. Presented by EverGlow Candle Company and PourWorks.

A compact spin on the Showdown! format gets the laughs going earlier in the day. Taking the place of the Mozzarella Matinee this month, this Mini-Showdown features the Wheel of Comedy Chaos and 2 to 5 teams competing, with fewer rounds for a shorter, tighter version of the show. It remains engaging and unpredictable, and it changes every time, all while starting earlier so the laughter starts sooner.

Triangle-based cover band Peridot Sun delivers a range of popular songs from the 70s up to today with a distinctive, harmony-driven sound.

Josh Rhyne & The Silvertones Band power an upbeat evening of live music with lively energy, dynamic sound, and a crowd-pleasing mix made for sing-alongs. Whether dancing up front, taking it easy, or simply soaking in the performance, the atmosphere fits a range of plans. It is a friendly night out with friends that celebrates local live music.

A North Carolina favorite returns as The Tone Merchants lead a sing-along rock show that puts the audience in the spotlight. Expect an interactive night where your voice and your crew help drive the music. Bring your best vocals, get ready to rock, and make it a night to remember.

Edith Márquez brings her renowned voice to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, presenting a concert that celebrates a career of more than three decades. A leading figure in Mexican and Latin American ballad and ranchera, she first gained widespread recognition with the pop group Timbiriche and has continued to captivate audiences ever since. This production unites the elegance of a full orchestra with the energy of mariachi on a single stage, shaping a rich sound for a set that spans her signature hits alongside beloved Mexican traditions. Created to resonate with longtime followers, the performance promises stirring moments and a memorable musical journey.

Afrobeat Wave Saturdays brings an elevated nightlife experience to Zenith Nightclub, featuring sets from DJ 7-7, DJ Speed, DJ T3ddy and guest DJs. Expect a high-energy blend of Afrobeats, hip hop, dancehall, soca, R&B, zouk, reggae and francophone favorites, all in a stylish atmosphere made for memorable nights. Entry is limited to guests 21 and over, and fashionable attire is required. Street parking is available, and rideshare is recommended. For details, call 919.244.2060.

Embark on a three-hour e-bike experience that blends ghost lore, mystery, and Raleigh history. The ride starts at the North Carolina Museum of Art with a short safety briefing and a few practice laps to get comfortable, then opens with a haunting tale connected to the museum. Cruise the NC Greenway’s Art to Heart Trail, stop at Meredith College, continue to Dorothea Dix Park for stories tied to the former mental hospital and nearby cemeteries, make additional storytelling stops, loop through NC State, and finish back at the museum. New for this season, AI-powered digital video lets historical figures share their own accounts for an immersive perspective. E-bikes supply the power, so pedaling is optional and the tour suits any fitness level. After booking, you will receive a message with full logistics, including the exact meeting time. Tours typically run in light rain, cancellations are required 72 hours in advance, and alternate arrangements are provided if weather becomes severe.

A friendly hiking group gathers at Umstead Park in Cary. It typically meets on Friday and Sunday mornings, most often in Umstead, with frequency that can shift with the season, weather, and the availability of a hike leader. Routes and meeting points change from outing to outing and are shared through a WhatsApp group. Typical outings cover around four miles and usually wrap up in under two hours. Those who prefer a slower pace sometimes turn back early. To connect with the group on WhatsApp, message John Zeiger at 919/522-4212 or Susan Nicholas. Coordinator: John Zeiger, johnz@outdoorz.net.

Presented by The MAKRS Society, Raleigh Underground Market blends a curated marketplace with live performances at Midtown Park at North Hills. Look for new bands each month, more than 50 local vendors, and a variety of food trucks along with beer and wine. It is a relaxed way to discover local makers, listen to live music, enjoy drinks and bites, and share a fun outing with friends and family.

An all-day Commander session takes place every Sunday. This weekly event is dedicated to Commander play for the entire day.

Pokémon fans come together at East Coast Gaming in Cary for a relaxed League Play session guided by resident Pokémon Professor Kristine Freeman, who serves as the TCG judge and event organizer. The gathering spans about three hours and is designed for players looking to trade, battle, and connect with a local community. The focus is on the trading card game, with the video game and Pokémon Go also welcome. House rules emphasize fun and flexibility. Legacy format is allowed, so cards from any set are fine. Proxies, World Championship cards, and foreign-language cards are permitted as long as both players understand what the cards do. New players can get a friendly introduction to the TCG from Kristine, including basic instruction and take-home resources for practice. For younger attendees or anyone less interested in gameplay, there are coloring and activity pages with stickers as rewards.

American Legion Riders Post 116 hosts a community-focused motorcycle showcase and swap meet that welcomes the public. Expect a large display of bikes competing across classes such as Vintage, Metric, Custom, Stock, and Bagger, with awards including People’s Choice, Commander’s Choice, and Best in Show. Spectators can explore a swap meet featuring parts, gear, accessories, and collectibles, connect with local vendors, and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase. A 50/50 raffle and other activities add to the family friendly atmosphere. On-site bike registration is available only at the event for $20 per motorcycle. There is no charge for spectators, and public voting helps choose the People’s Choice winner. Proceeds benefit the US Veterans Corps Feed A Hero Friday program, supporting meals for local veterans. Now in its third year, this gathering blends motorcycles, shopping, and community service at American Legion Post 116.

A Trolls themed roller skating party brings bright colors, upbeat music, and kid friendly energy. The skate is open to all ages and takes place in a playful, Trolls themed setting that keeps things lively. Admission is $13 online or $14 at the door. Skate rental is $6, rollerblade rental is $7, and Skatemate rental is $6. Non skating spectators are $4. All guests are required to complete a waiver, and adults must include the names of all children on their waiver.

A free weekly air hockey tournament at Super Rad Retro Lounge welcomes players of every experience level. Newcomers can get guidance and learn the basics, while seasoned competitors can enjoy friendly matchups and a shot at bragging rights. Expect a supportive community, lighthearted competition, and plenty of high energy action around the tables.

Explore the Black Farmers Market, a family-friendly, community-supported marketplace open to the public every weekend. This rotating weekly market highlights Black-owned farmers, food makers, and small businesses from across the Triangle, making it a fit for a weekend outing, a family visit, or a quick stop to support local community vendors. Angelica Wellness Shop, a Raleigh-based herbal tea brand, plans to offer wellness-focused beverages for visitors to enjoy while they browse, including herbal tea blends in hot tea bags and sachets, premium bottled spring water, and canned sweet tea, with canned unsweet tea coming soon. The market rotates between Raleigh and Durham, inviting visitors to explore local vendors and leave with something refreshing for their weekend.

At Souly Holistic in Raleigh, women gather for a New Moon sister circle that offers a caring, supportive space to share, reflect, and uplift one another. Grounded and welcoming rather than religious or dogmatic, it focuses on self-awareness, emotional well-being, and authentic connection. Each month, on or near the new moon, participants explore a theme, take part in a calming meditation, and set intentions for the weeks ahead. The emphasis is on strengthening bonds and community so inner work can ripple outward in positive ways. The gathering is facilitated by Karin Cross. A $5 love offering is requested and can be given in cash, via Venmo @Karin-Cross-3 with the last four digits 2475, or through Cash App $KarinCross. Early arrival is welcome for browsing Souly Holistic’s metaphysical shop and for informal conversation before the circle begins.

This fall euchre series welcomes teams and solo players. Participation is free, and partners are reassigned each week by random draw. Strong planning pays off, and the top three finishers receive Cleveland Draft House gift cards. For more information, email Euchreontap@iCloud.com.

Enjoy a free show from Dizgo at Bowstring Brewyard in Raleigh. Born from attic jam sessions between childhood friends Andrew Pickel and Kevin Hinnefeld, the group took its name from a dream before the first gig and later rounded out the lineup with Jake Evatt on keys and vocals and Justin Clark on drums. The Bloomington quartet blends jamtronica, funk, soul, searing guitar, and psychedelic textures, weaving soulful vocals and analog synths through intricate compositions and extended improvisation. Their concerts balance dance-floor momentum with thoughtful passages, creating an immersive experience for listeners. Dizgo has appeared at Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp, Secret Dreams, Domefest, and Sonic Bloom, and has supported artists such as Goose, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, lespecial, Dogs in a Pile, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Their 2024 album Melt reflects their core idea of band and audience locking in together, sharing a feedback loop of energy.

Pot your own Boxwood bonsai in a peaceful farm setting alongside rescued goats. Learn the basics of bonsai care to get started. No prior experience is required.

Explore Raleigh’s African American history on a historian-led tour. Hear about the educators, engineers, political leaders, medical scientists, military officers, and others who helped shape the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This guided experience shares the community’s achievements and legacy in Raleigh.

North Carolina native Mike Davis brings a versatile live set to Salty Turtle Beer Co: Raleigh, showcasing musicianship that captures attention and holds it. He moves easily across genres, sings with heartfelt joy, and shapes his guitar tone to soothe or ignite. Rhythms and arrangements invite singing along or a bit of dancing, all with a clear focus on connecting with the audience. The setlist blends longtime favorites, nearly forgotten tunes, and new discoveries that may become go-to listens, delivered with an easy smile and lively spirit.

An upbeat early showcase creates a welcoming space for newer stand-up comedians to present their distinct voices. In the 4-S format, the set moves quickly with seven to eight different styles of comedy, offering a compact sampler of up and coming talent. Expect plenty of laughs and the chance to discover a new favorite approach to comedy.

This family friendly comedy night features local stand-up performers sharing personal stories, unique perspectives on everyday life, and quirky observations. Afterward, the stage resets for Live Bad Jokes, a playful challenge where one comedian delivers jokes to the others, aiming to make someone laugh so they can switch places and avoid receiving points. The live version incorporates a bit of water, so there is a splash zone during this segment.

Lenovo Center in Raleigh hosts beabadoobee for a concert that highlights her indie rock style, gentle vocals, and a nostalgic live feel. The show brings her hazy, melodic guitar pop to a larger stage, creating space for the melodies, layers, and heartfelt songwriting at the core of her music. Expect bright, glistening guitars, vocals that are delicate yet strong, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps the experience personal even in a big room. Tickets are available.