The Triangle Entertainment Guide Thursday October 16th Edition
The Triangle is buzzing this Thursday with exciting events for every mood — from fairs and festivals to art, music, and community happenings. Whether you’re exploring Raleigh’s creative scene, Durham’s nightlife, or Chapel Hill’s charm, this guide has you covered for October 16, 2025.
🎡 Festivals & Fairs
North Carolina State Fair
📍 NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
⏰ All Day | 💲 $5–$13
The NC State Fair continues with rides, local food, livestock shows, and nightly concerts. Celebrate everything Carolina with family fun and fried favorites!
Primetime with the Pack: NC State Students Night
📍 NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
⏰ All Day | 💲 $8–$13
NC State students get in for just $8! Show your Wolfpack pride and experience Raleigh’s biggest fall tradition.
🕯️ Cultural & Art Experiences
Día de los Muertos Ofrenda
📍 Duke University Chapel
⏰ All Day | 💲 FREE
Visit this stunning ofrenda honoring Día de los Muertos, celebrating life, memory, and cultural heritage.
Sculpture in the Garden
📍 North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE ($5 suggested donation)
Enjoy an outdoor art experience surrounded by native plants and breathtaking sculptures from local artists.
Artist Talk with Claire Alexandre
📍 Gregg Museum of Art & Design, Raleigh
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Meet artist Claire Alexandre and hear about her creative process and latest exhibit at NC State’s Gregg Museum.
PlayMakers: Free Performance of King James
📍 Motorco Music Hall, Durham
⏰ 8:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Catch this thought-provoking production exploring friendship, fandom, and basketball’s cultural legacy.
🎶 Live Music & Performances
Live at Lunch: Jake + Johanna (Soul Psychedelique Orchestra)
📍 Downtown Cary Park
⏰ 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Bring your lunch and enjoy live tunes in Cary’s beautiful new park setting.
Free Peaceful Forest Japanese Drumming Performance
📍 Holton Career and Resource Center, Durham
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Experience the energy of Japanese taiko drumming in a serene outdoor setting.
Live Music on the Rooftop
📍 Westin Raleigh-Durham
⏰ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Sip a cocktail and unwind with skyline views and live music on the Westin’s rooftop.
Kevin Flinn at Bearded Bee Brewing Company
📍 Wendell
⏰ 6:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Enjoy acoustic music with craft brews at Wendell’s favorite local hangout.
Crossroads Plaza Fall Music Series: Alex Lawhon
📍 Cary
⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Kick back and relax with an evening of live local music under the stars.
Jazz Jam Open Mic
📍 Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary
⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Bring your instrument and join the jam, or simply enjoy Cary’s best late-night jazz session.
🍻 Social & Nightlife
Vinyl Nights
📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Groove to vinyl classics and sip your favorite craft brews.
No-Carve Pumpkin Night
📍 Ment Beverage Co., Durham
⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | 💲 $11 (includes drink)
Get creative this spooky season with a pumpkin decorating session — no mess required!
Beer and Banjos Durham
📍 Old Mill Farm, Durham
⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
A local favorite! Enjoy live Americana and bluegrass music alongside craft brews.
Karaoke with JV Jams
📍 Red Moose Brewing, Pittsboro
⏰ 7:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Grab the mic and sing your heart out at this lively Pittsboro brewery.
Free Comedy Show
📍 Sneaky Penguin Brewing Co., Raleigh
⏰ 7:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Laugh the night away with local comedians and fresh craft beer.
🎮 Games, Community & Connection
Game Night at The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop
📍 Garner
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Level Up and Sip
📍 Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
📍 Durham
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Air Hockey Tournament
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Love games? The Triangle’s got you covered tonight with friendly competitions and plenty of fun.
👥 Community & Education
Free Food Giveaway – Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC
📍 Central Carolina Community College, Sanford
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | 💲 FREE
Help fight hunger or pick up free groceries through this local outreach.
Get Tech Help with a Raleigh Digital Ambassador
📍 Marsh Creek Community Center, Raleigh
⏰ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Learn how to use your smartphone, laptop, or tablet more effectively with free one-on-one help.
Open Mic Night at Pluck Farm
📍 Steel String Brewery, Mebane
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
Sing, strum, or share your poetry at this outdoor community event.
Raleigh Uke Jam
📍 Church of the Nativity, Raleigh
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
A night of ukulele strumming and community connection open to all levels!
👻 Haunted & Halloween Fun
Spirits of Wake Forest: Ghost Walks
📍 Downtown Wake Forest
⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | 💲 $20
Take a lantern-lit journey through Wake Forest’s haunted past — multiple tour times available.
🧠 Science & Curiosity
Incredible Science
📍 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
⏰ 1:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
A perfect stop for families and science lovers — enjoy hands-on experiments and interactive fun.
🌆 Plan Your Triangle Thursday
From the NC State Fair to live jazz, ghost tours, art talks, and open mics, the Triangle is alive with creative energy this Thursday. Grab your friends, plan your route, and make the most of your fall day out in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Triangle at DoRaleigh.com
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