If you’re searching for the top fall things to do in Raleigh, NC, look no further. There are so many exciting events happening in Raleigh, you’ll stay busy all season long. From hayrides and haunted houses, to wine and beer festivals, the City of Oaks does not disappoint in Autumn.
Here are our top 12 fall things to do in Raleigh:
Phillips Farm | Weekends September 17 – October 30, 2022
6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary
As one of the top fall things to do in Raleigh, NC, Phillips Farm is fun for all ages. This local farm fun park features a corn maze, wagon ride, cow train and sunflower field.
If you’re interested in something a little spookier, check out their Haunted Farm attraction opening September 23, 2022. With four horrifying haunted attractions, you’re sure to have nightmares for weeks to come.
Hours for Phillips Farm fall fun vary by day and activity. View their website for more information.
Farmers Fall Festival in Downtown Cary | September 24, 2022
3028 Winfred Dell Ln, Cary, NC | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located at the historic Ivey-Ellington House, the Farmers Fall Festival in nearby Cary will feature live music, a pie eating contest, locally-made sustainable crafts, food trucks and an expansive beer garden. Be sure to look out for a visit from Santa in the Children’s Village! This family-friendly fall festival near Raleigh is free to attend.
Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo | September 25, 2022
Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Noon – 6 p.m.
If you’re hungry for a top fall event in Raleigh, the Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo will satisfy your appetite. With more than a half mile of mouthwatering bites spanning 10 city blocks, this free-to-attend food truck festival hosts more than 40 vendors. Grab the family and come hungry to this local community event.
If you’re still hungry, check out the Top Ten Restaurants in Raleigh.
IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC | September 30, 2022, October 1, 2022
Red Hat Amphitheater, Fayetteville St. and Raleigh Convention Center | All day
Music lovers unite at the largest urban bluegrass event in the world. Dance to the music at this two-day fall festival in downtown Raleigh. Guests will enjoy eight stages of free music, a dance tent, a barbecue cook-off, vendors and more. This year’s festival features IBMA and GRAMMY award-winners, emerging acts, and exciting collaborations.
Triangle Oktoberfest | September 30, 2022, October 1, 2022
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC | Friday 5 – 10 p.m. Saturday Noon- 8:30 p.m.
The Town of Cary will host its 8th Annual Triangle Rotary Oktoberfest – An authentic German festival for all ages. This top fall event near Raleigh will include live music, Wiener Dog Races, kid-friendly inflatables and face painting, MassKrugstemmen (Stein Hoist), Schlagen-Hammer (Hammer-Striking) competitions and more. Ticket prices vary and proceeds will benefit Meg’s Smile Foundation.
Need more beer to fill your stein? Browse our favorite Raleigh breweries.
Carolina Hurricanes Opening Night | October 12, 2022 – Ongoing
Score a seat and get your gear ready – hockey is back! The Carolina Hurricanes will open the regular season against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PNC Arena, where fans can cheer them on through fall. Guests can order from more than 50 food and beverage outlets with choices from grab-and-go to casual to fine dining before the storm surge.
2022 NC State Fair | October 13 – 23, 2022
1025 Blue Ridge Rd Raleigh | Open Daily
As the largest annual event held in North Carolina, the NC State Fair draws one million people through its gates each fall. The exciting fair hosts blue ribbon competitions for both horses and livestock, special event days, and of course, rides and games for kids of all sizes. Take a ride on the cliff hanger or get into the spirit of fall inside the haunted mansion. This exciting fall activity in Raleigh is not one you’ll want to miss. View the fair website for daily hours and prices.
NC Wine Festival | October 15, 2022
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC | Noon – 5 p.m.
Calling all wine connoisseurs – The North Carolina Wine Festival is returning to bring you local wines, artisans, music, food and more. This annual event is one of the top fall things to do in Raleigh with unlimited samples of wine. It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.
Looking to sip your way through more fall fun? Check out the Best Wineries in Raleigh, NC.
Falling for Local | October 15, 2022
The Big Field at Dix Park, 101 Blair Drive Raleigh, NC | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
As one of the largest fall festivals in Raleigh, Falling for Local returns for 2022 and will exceed expectations. With live music and entertainment, Triangle-area craft beer and cider on tap, food trucks, local vendors and a kids zone, this family-friendly event has something for everyone. Falling for Local is free to attend, but registration is appreciated.
Marbles Kooky Spooky Halloween Party | October 28, 2022
201 East Hargett Street Raleigh | 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Marbles Kids Museum is hosting a Kooky Spooky Halloween Party that you won’t want to miss! Kids can come dressed in costume to experience the magic of Marbles after dark. This family-friendly Halloween spooktacular will feature a Mad Scientist Lab, Monster Mash Dance Party and more. Tickets are $16 per person for members and $20 per person for non-members. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult over the age of 18.
Magic and Mischief: A Wizard’s Market | November 19, 2022
Fred Fletcher Park 820 Clay Street Raleigh, NC | 1 – 6 p.m.
Abracadabra! Popping up in a cloaked location each year, A Wizard’s Market caters to magic lovers of all ages. Witches and wizards will encounter mysterious characters, create magical crafts, and practice spells with professors. Enjoy live music, food and drink and spellbinding stage performances throughout the day. The family-friendly event is free to attend, but registration is appreciated.
78th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade | November 19, 2022
Downtown Raleigh | 9:30 a.m. – Noon
The 78th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade will kick off the 2022 holiday season with more than 100 entries including bands, floats, super-sized balloons and more. Locals and visitors alike can attend this free mile-long parade in Downtown Raleigh, the largest between Atlanta and Washington, or watch comfortably from home on ABC11.
A Top Hotel Near Raleigh’s Best Fall Events
StateView Hotel’s convenient location makes it easy to attend fall festivals near Raleigh, NC. With comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant and amenities included with your stay, we’re the perfect home base after an Autumn day of exploring. Book your stay today.