African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County

Where: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

When: Saturday, Sunday, Sept 2, 3

The downtown Raleigh festival will have art, music, theater and dance along with all sorts of crafts, merchants and food vendors. The two-day event features local, regional and national performers, and interactive art projects.

Hopscotch Music Festival

Where: Venues throughout Downtown Raleigh

When: Thursday – Saturday, Sept 7 – Sept 9

Started in 2010, Hopscotch is Raleigh’s premier music festival. It brings together a mix of local acts and big-name artists from around the globe. Hopscotch covers a wide range of genres, venues and downtown Raleigh itself. There will also be plenty of art exhibitions and day parties.

Hog Day

Where: Downtown Hillsborough

When: Friday, Saturday, Sept 15, 16

Hog Day, as you might imagine, involves a lot of NC BBQ. The event centers around a BBQ cook-off put on by the Orange County Optimist Club and raises funds for youth programs. There will also be a car show, crafts for sale, local food vendors and more.

BugFest

Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh

When: Saturday, Sept 16, 10 am – 7 pm

According to the Museum’s site : “Each year more than 30,000 visitors come to BugFest to experience over 100 exhibits, crafts, games and activities. We provide the opportunity for you to interact with entomologists and other scientists so you can continue learning about the fascinating world of bugs. We also feature Café Insecta, where the brave can sample buggy dishes prepared by local chefs. The best part is, it’s all free!”

Asia Fest

Where: Koka Booth Ampitheatre, Cary

When: Saturday, Sept 16, 10 am – 5 pm

Asia Fest is put on by Asian Focus, an organization that helps immigrants adjust to their now home with a range of services. The festival is a celebration of several Asian cultures and includes a boat race, live performances, delicious street food, crafts, games and more.

CenterFest

Where: Downtown Durham

When: Saturday, Sept 16, 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday, Sept 17, 11 am – 5 pm

“As Durham’s signature arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from near and far, and fills multiple stages with music, dance, and more from local performers.” CenterFest has been going since 1974 and brings a little something for everyone. Beyond all sorts of art and artists there will be food vendors, a kids’ zone and booths set up by nonprofits and the government service sector.

La Fiesta Del Pueblo

Where: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

When: Sunday, Sept 17, 12 – 6 pm

La Fiesta del Pueblo is a daylong celebration of Latin American food, music, art and culture on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The festival is put on by El Pueblo, an organization that aims to facilitate community and bridge-building in North Carolina through advocacy, education, communication and empowerment.

World of Bluegrass

Where: Downtown Raleigh

When:  Tuesday, Sept 26 – Saturday, Sept 30

With over 200,000 attending, World of Bluegrass is the Triangle’s biggest free festival (with some paid events). Billed as the “largest urban bluegrass festival in the world,” the official festival of the International Bluegrass Music Association returns to Raleigh bringing with it food, crafts, dancing, bluegrass and plenty more.