5 Top Fall Activities in the Triangle
By Kali Whitaker
As the leaves turn and college sports kick into gear, we love what the Triangle offers this time of year. If you’re looking for the best ways to celebrate the season with family and friends, here are some of the things we are looking forward to.
Triangle Oktoberfest – Oct 6-7 – Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre
From polka bands to the Stein Hoist competition, this event brings a taste of Germany to the Triangle and is sure to delight festival goers of all age. Admission for children 16 and under is free, and don’t worry – beer is regulated and confined to 21+ only zones. The venue will feature numerous local and regional food vendors serving your favorite German treats, so grab your lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy a slice of Bavaria in Cary!
Hill Ridge Farms – Ongoing – Youngsville
Hill Ridge Farms is a fun, family-friendly adventure only minutes north of Raleigh, in Youngsville. Create wonderful memories picking out the perfect pumpkin or enjoying a hay ride. The farm also features educational activities such as observing the farm animal corral and panning for gem stones. With admission just $8 and under per person, this is a great way to get out of the house without breaking the bank!
World Beer Festival – Oct. 14 – Durham
Reserved for the 21+ crowd, the World Beer Festival is a must for beer lovers. Hosted by All About Beer Magazine, which is published right here in Durham, the festival is THE place to learn about “beer appreciation and beer quality.” Hosted at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the event features 250+ types of beer as well as local food vendors and bands. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door.
A Tasteful Affair – Nov 5 – Chapel Hill, Blue Zone at UNC’s Kenan Stadium
*Shameless Plug Alert – I am on the event committee for this one.
Calling all foodies! Enjoy delicious samples from more than two dozen of the area’s best restaurants, catering companies, beverage purveyors and food trucks. Winners of the 27th Annual A Tasteful Affair Food & Beverage Competition will be announced by our celebrity judges during the event. Past judges have included Phil Ford, David Glenn, and Alexander Julian. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill.
College Football – Ongoing
Regardless of which shade of blue or red you chose to wear, we can all agree that college football is more than just the appetizer for college basketball season. Triangle game day is a time-honored tradition in its own right. Whether you are cheering on the Heels, the Wolfpack, Blue Devils, or Eagles, you need the right tailgating food – here are our advisors’ favorite tailgate recipes:
Rusty – Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Pie
Chris – Seven Layer Bean Dip
Dave – Velveeta Spicy Sausage Dip
With no shortage of fall activities in the Triangle, we couldn’t fit everything into one blog post. Our honorable mentions are: the iconic NC State Fair, the International Festival of Raleigh, and Chapel Hill’s Festifall. We can’t wait to see you out and about!