Bluegrass Reigns in Raleigh in October

Enjoy a jam-packed weekend of picking, singing and dancing during PNC presents Wide Open Bluegrass (10/2-3), the weekend event that is part of International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass in Raleigh. The massive StreetFest is both free and open to the public with all-day performances and jam sessions for those keen on picking. Ticketed events include shows on the Main Stage at Red Hat Amphitheater featuring Sam Bush Band (10/3), Infamous Stringdusters (10/3), The Wailin' Jennys (10/3) and more. Check out this rundown of "can't-miss" happenings slated for the event. You can also find picking beyond Fayetteville St. Follow the music to hear The Reckless Brothers at Irregardless Café (10/1), The Hackensaw Boys at Lincoln Theatre (10/2), Ron Block with Sierra Hull at Church of the Apostles (10/4), Salute to Bluegrass (9/28-10/2) at RDU Airport and Beer & Banjos Music Series (every Tues.) at Tir na nOg. Can't miss: N.C.'s own Eric Church as he headlines a two-day, extraordinary lineup of artists including Modest Mouse, Sheryl Crow, The Roots, Willie Nelson, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Chris Stapleton during American Roots Music & Arts Festival (10/17-18) at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre :: All Music Maniac events

Football Season in Raleigh

With the change in the weather comes football season in Raleigh. Kick off the fall season by cheering on the North Carolina State University Wolfpack in games against Louisville (10/3) and Clemson (10/31) at Carter-Finley Stadium. Also, head over to the George Williams Athletic Complex to support the Saint Augustine's University Falcons in games with Livingstone College (10/10) and Winston-Salem State University (10/17). Can't miss: Catch the end of the Carolina RailHawks's soccer season with home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary against Jacksonville Armada (10/10), FC Edmonton (10/14) and Indy Eleven (10/30) :: All Adrenaline Junkie events

Escape to an Artful Oasis

Attracting nearly one million visitors yearly, making it the state's largest annual event, the N.C. State Fair (10/15-25) is an 11-day fair featuring agricultural events and displays, amusing midways, scrumptious treats and nationally-acclaimed musical performances. The fair is also a gem for Creative Geniuses, who can escape to an artful oasis at the Flower & Garden Show, experience N.C. heritage with performances ranging from old-time bluegrass music to high-energy clogging at the Folk Festival and take in even more arts and cultural happenings. Can't miss: The IBMA Bluegrass Film Festival (9/29-10/3) will present screenings of two feature films and seven festival films. Each screening includes a post-screening Q&A session with the filmmaker or representative :: All Creative Genius events

Foodie Celebrations

Join the festivities during Triangle Oktoberfest (10/3-4) at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. This family-focused event will feature a live German band, kids' zone, traditional Bavarian fare and, of course, plenty of authentic German beer and German-style beer brewed locally! Don't miss this event's unique features such as wiener dog races, stein hoist contests, a tuba and yodeling contest and Fräulein beer challenge. Check out Casktoberfest (10/1) at Big Boss Brewing Company to celebrate two significant beer events in one: National Cask Ale Week and Oktoberfest. Can't miss: Triangle Vegfest (10/17) at Moore Square and City Market in downtown Raleigh. Celebrate the vegetarian lifestyle with a variety of local food and vendors, food demos, live music, yoga and tai chi demonstrations and expert speakers :: All Foodie events

Kick Off the Fall with Enriching Events

Explore cultures from around the world at the 30th International Festival of Raleigh (10/9-11) at the Raleigh Convention Center. Enjoy a variety of cultures' traditional performances on the main stage, learn how to cook some of your favorite culinary dishes with cooking demonstrations, enjoy the cultural exhibitions and shop the world bazaars. There will also be a kids' corner full of activities to keep even the youngest attendee entertained. Can't miss: Precious Memories: 40 Years Inside Bluegrass (through 10/3) at the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum). This bluegrass-themed photo exhibition by Becky Johnson features 25 photos and bluegrass memorabilia from the past 40 years :: All Lifelong Learner events