What’s Happening Around the Triangle in September
By JANICE LEWINE
African American Cultural Festival
September 1
Downtown Raleigh
Take part in a unique celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, food and community. All ages can explore creative offerings of some of North Carolina’s most talented local, regional and national artists. Enjoy kids activities, a marketplace and musical performances on the Main Stage.
https://www.aacfestival.org
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
September 1–2
Kerr-Scott Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds
4825 Trinity Road, Raleigh
Shop for estate, classic, handcrafted and fashion jewelry made from a variety of metals, as well as a vast array of crystals, minerals and fossils. Visit the website for hours.
https://www.treasuresoftheearth.com
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza
September 2, 3–4 p.m.
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest
See the Guinness Book of World Records-holder and master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer as he takes bubbles to the max. Mixing comedy, music and interactive bubble magic, Jeff engages and delights audiences of all ages in this sensory-friendly extravaganza. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.wakeforestrencen.org/event/jeff-boyers-big-bubble-bonanza-0
“Clue”
September 3–8
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham
Six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/clue-2024
All Smiles: Theatre for the Very Young
September 4–15
Raleigh Little Theatre
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
Designed for ages 2–5, this delightful show utilizes music and movement to demonstrate how all smiles are unique. A sensory-friendly performance takes place September 14 at 10 a.m. Purchase tickets online.
https://raleighlittletheatre.org/shows/all-smiles
Hopscotch Music Festival
September 5–7
Downtown Raleigh
Groove to your favorite bands at the main stages at City Plaza and Moore Square, and find new gems at participating clubs in downtown Raleigh in this three-day festival. Purchase music passes online.
https://hopscotchmusicfest.com
9/11 Tower Climb Event Benefitting Tunnel to Towers Foundation
September 7, 8 a.m.
150 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
This landmark event, organized by Butler Elite Training Company, aims to honor the heroes of September 11, 2001, while raising funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the heroic efforts of first responders who ascended the World Trade Center towers on that fateful day. The event is open to individuals of all fitness levels, with options to climb individually or as part of a team. Register online.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Raleigh/TunnelToTowersClimbRaleighNC
Art of Fashion Runway Show
September 7, 7 p.m.
CAM Raleigh
409 W. Martin Street, Raleigh
Boundary-pushing designers showcase their sartorial collections for the first time in this inaugural fashion show. Additionally, several student designers from North Carolina State’s College of Design will present cutting-edge looks that represent the pinnacle of their studies. More than 50 personalities will walk the runway, including CAM artists, aspiring models and local influencers. Purchase tickets online.
https://camraleigh.org/art-of-fashion
“Bearly a Concert”
September 7, noon–6 p.m.
Phillips Farms of Cary
6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary
Black Bear Alliance, Phillips Farm, Band Together and United Way of the Greater Triangle present this fall festival featuring rides and activities, a corn maze, live music and more. Purchase tickets online.
https://phillipsfarmsofcary.com
North Carolina Gourd Arts & Crafts Festival
September 7–8, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Holshouser Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds
4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh
Celebrate all things gourd at this annual festival featuring gourd craft creations, classes, raffles, a make-and-take craft for kids and vendors selling gourds and crafting supplies. $5 per person; free admission for ages 12 and younger.
https://ncgourdsociety.org/2024-festival/festival-overview
Peak City Fitness Festival
September 8, 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Town Hall Campus
73 Hunter Street, Apex
Celebrate fitness and wellness at this exercise and healthy living fair. Learn from wellness-based businesses and healthy food vendors about their products and services. The event features live music and organized exercise sessions with gyms and instructors, a food truck rodeo, and local health and wellness vendors.
https://www.apexnc.org/1807/Peak-City-Fitness-Festival
“Bull Durham, A New Musical”
September 10–22
Duke University, Reynolds Industries Theater
125 Science Drive, Durham
Based on the classic MGM film, this musical tells the story of three lives brought together by America’s two favorite pastimes: baseball and love. Purchase tickets online.
https://theatreraleigh.com/bull-durham
Activate Good’s 9/11 Day of Service Remembrance Event
September 11
Various locations in Raleigh and Durham
Volunteer your time at any of the 40 events hosted by nonprofit organizations across the Triangle. There is a volunteer opportunity for every interest, age, and ability. Register online.
https://activategood.org/9-11-service-remembrance/
“Scotch Symphony and The Creatures of Prometheus”
September 12–29
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
Step into the mystical Scottish Highlands with George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, a tribute to the era of Romantic Ballet. Paired with this movement through time, Ted Seymour’s The Creatures of Prometheus highlights the beauty of the arts as a foundation for a peaceful and just society. Beethoven’s only composition for ballet is an allegory revealing the ideals of the Enlightenment. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.carolinaballet.com/scotch-symphony
Hillsborough Hog Day
September 13, 6–10 p.m.; September 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
1 Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
A tradition since 1983, Hillsborough Hog Day features a barbecue cook-off, craft vendors, kids area, car show and the Pigs on Parade art project.
https://www.hogday.org
Fall for Orchids
September 13–15
JC Raulston Arboretum
4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh
Browse orchids for sale and learn more about growing your own beautiful flowers. Admission is free.
http://triangleorchidsociety.org/2024-triangle-orchid-societyfall-for-orchids-8th-annual-aos-show/
Bugfest
September 14, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh
Take part in exhibits and activities that celebrate the order Lepidoptera, which is comprised of butterflies and moths. Interact with entomologists and other scientists to celebrate the diversity of these winged insects.
https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/bugfest/
Carolina Circus Festival: “Dreamland”
September 14, 3:30–9:30 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
327 S. Academy Street, Cary
Take the family for an arts market offering goods from local artists and food trucks, kids crafts, games and workshops. Circus performances throughout the event will include ground and aerial acrobatics, as well as LED and fire shows.
https://carolinacircusfestival.com/
Live at Boxyard
September 14, noon–4 p.m.
900 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park
Watch artists bring their creations to life and pull in the crowd to become a part of the creative process. Sharpen your skills by crafting leather goods with Sunhouse Goods or tap into your artistic side in a moss frame workshop with 1 Blossom 2 Bloom (additional fee applies). Enjoy live screen printing with Super G and take-home custom memorabilia. Admission is free.
https://boxyard.rtp.org/events/live-at-boxyard-2024/?occurrence=2024-09-14
La Fiesta del Pueblo
September 15, noon–6 p.m.
Downtown Raleigh
This celebration of Latin American culture, featuring live music and dance performances, artisanal vendors, food trucks, educational booths, and activities for the whole family. Admission is free.
https://elpueblo.org/fiesta
“Something Rotten”
Through September 15
Raleigh Little Theatre
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical but soon realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Purchase tickets online.
https://raleighlittletheatre.org/shows/something-rotten/
Triangle Veg Fest
September 15, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Durham Central Park
501 Foster Street, Durham
Discover the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Enjoy vegan food trucks, a family fun zone, free face painting, contests, vendors and more.
https://vegfestexpos.com/triangle-vegfest-137/
“Laurie Berkner Live: The Greatest Hits Solo Tour”
September 15, 3 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
Sing and dance with Laurie Berkner as she performs her most well-known songs, including “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Rocketship Run” and newer hits. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/laurie-berkner
Melissa Etheridge & Jewel
September 17, 6:30 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
Melissa Etheridge & Jewel will take the stage to raise funds to end the opioid crisis by funding new research on transformative plant medicines and innovative therapies that address the root causes of opioid use disorder. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/melissa-etheridge-jewel
“Cinderella”
September 20–21, 7:30 p.m.; September 22, 2 p.m.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W. Ballentine Street, Holly Springs
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Adapted for the stage, the storybook classic charms with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/
Raleigh Fringe Festival
September 20–22
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh
The Raleigh Fringe Festival marks its debut with an exhilarating array of performances that promise to captivate and inspire audiences. This year’s lineup celebrates creativity and diversity, showcasing a wide range of theatrical expressions and thought-provoking narratives. Visit the website for the lineup of performances.
https://theatreraleigh.com/raleigh-fringe-festival
Band Together
September 21
Red Hat Amphitheatre
500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh
Proceeds from this charity concert go toward providing mental healthcare to all. The nonprofit has a $1 million goal and will feature Black Pumas and Cory Wong headlining. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.bandtogethernc.org/
CenterFest Arts Festival
September 21, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; September 22, 11–5 p.m.
Downtown Durham
Durham’s signature fine arts festival showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. CenterFest features musicians, dancers and unique street performers to provide continuous entertainment. Kids will have a blast at the Creative Kids Zone. Food vendors and Durham’s nonprofit and government services sector round out the event. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate.
https://durhamarts.org/centerfest
Festa Italiana
September 21, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Town Hall Campus
73 Hunter Street, Apex
Celebrate Italian culture with live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, street vendors, food trucks and a kids zone.
https://www.apexnc.org/1978/Festa-Italiana
Raleigh Tamale Festival
September 21, 2–6 p.m.
Moore Square
201 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
Enjoy a day of community, celebration and tamales!
https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/events/raleigh-tamale-festival
“Symphony Fantastique”
September 21–22, 8 p.m.
Meymandi Concert Hall
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
The North Carolina Symphony performs Hector Berlioz’s self-portrait in which an artist develops a self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.ncsymphony.org/events/621/symphonie-fantastique/
Benson Mule Days
September 22–27
Downtown Benson
In a heartfelt tribute to the hardworking mules that have served the community for generations, these animals take center stage for four days during the legendary Benson Mule Days. Over 70 years strong, the event attracts nearly 30,000 people with rodeos, mule competitions, dazzling arts and crafts, mouthwatering food vendors, lively dances and thrilling carnival rides. Admission is free.
https://bensonmuledays.com/
IBMA World of Bluegrass
Downtown Raleigh
September 24–28
Thousands of attendees fill the streets of Raleigh to enjoy the best of bluegrass music, food & beverage, arts and crafts, family fun, and more. Purchase tickets online.
https://worldofbluegrass.org/
“The Addams Family: A New Musical”
September 27–October 6
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary
A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.caryplayers.org/theaddamsfamily
The International Festival
September 27–29
Jim Graham Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds
1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh
Cultural performances, traditional cuisine, live music and a naturalization ceremony highlight this celebration of the Triangle’s diverse ethnic groups.
https://theinternationalfestival.org/
Jollof Festival Durham
September 28, 2–7 p.m.
424 Salem Street, Durham
Get ready to indulge in the best Jollof rice dishes from various vendors, enjoy live performances, and participate in fun activities. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-durham-tickets-923987891657
“Earth and Sky: A Great Gathering For All Beings”
Through September 29
The Forest Theatre
123 S. Boundary Street, Chapel Hill
Paperhand Puppet Intervention presents its 24th annual pageant showcasing fantastical creatures and animals of all shapes and sizes. Family-friendly performances are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. with a 6:20 p.m. preshow, and also on Labor Day. See the schedule for matinees. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.paperhandpuppet.org
Fridays on the Front Porch
Fridays through October 25, 5–8 p.m.
The Carolina Inn
211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill
Start off your weekend with one of Chapel Hill’s favorite gatherings. Sip on crafted cocktails and North Carolina beers, enjoy live music and nibble on cuisine from a weekly food truck lineup.
https://www.destinationhotels.com/carolina-inn/chapel-hill-event-calendar/fridays-on-the-porch
Joel Lane Museum House Tours
Tours take place weekly Wednesday–Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.; Saturday 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
160 S. Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh
Explore the beginnings of Raleigh, Wake County and North Carolina from the Colonial era through the Revolutionary War with costumed docents, who tell compelling stories about the first years of a new nation. Admission is free.
http://www.joellane.org
