This month, enjoy the kickoff of fall festival and music season, community fundraisers and unique art gallery exhibitions.
by Addie Ladner
Hop to It!
If you’ve yet to make a weekend out Hopscotch, our homegrown indie music fest, this year — its 15th — is the one to commit to. There’s something for everyone: reliable rockers My Morning Jacket and Superchunk, forward-thinking rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and Cavalier, cult classics like Sparks and Unwound, and budding stars like Crumb and Geese. In addition to the main stages at Moore Square and One City Plaza, the festival includes shows at club venues like Slim’s, Lincoln Theatre and The Pour House. That’s where you can hear artists like techno pop duo Kumo 99 or North Carolina’s own Americana darling, Fust ($181 for 3-day general admission; Sept. 4 – 6, downtown Raleigh; hopscotchmusicfest.com). Even if you don’t get a wristband, you can still get a taste of festival energy at the mostly free day parties, where emerging musicians show off their talents at local restaurants and bars. A few to consider: Sipsman’s Record Fair at Transfer Co. (Sept. 6; 12 – 5 p.m.; 500 E. Davie Street; transfercofoodhall.com), The Longleaf Lounge’s day party (Sept. 6; 1 – 5 p.m.; 300 N. Dawson Street; thelongleafhotel.com/lounge) or The Bend Bar’s day party (Sept. 5; 853 W. Morgan Street; trophybrewing.com/bend-bar). After you kick off the music with these festivities, here are some other things to check out this month around town.
See (biān) / (bǐàn) at Artspace
Known as hú-tu, artist duo huiyin zhou and Laura Dudu are also the founders of the Chinese Artists and Organizers Collective, a group that supports the Chinese diaspora through art and community programs. Their current installation, (biān) / (bǐàn), explores these two words, which share the same syllables in Chinese but differ in tone and meaning. Through media including photos, collage and writing, the two explore their heritage, friendship, memory and the question of what it means to be an immigrant in this country. “Now more than ever, we must make space for immigrant voices in our cultural institutions. This exhibition is a testament to the strength and complexity of immigrant experiences,” says Artspace president and CEO Carly Jones. “Laura and huiyin invite us to see migration not as a statistic or headline, but as a deeply human story.” Throughout the month, participate in events related to the exhibition such as a Text & Image Workshop
Sept. 1 – 28 | Various times (Sept. 20; 1- 4 p.m.) and an artist talk and closing reception (Sept. 27; 4 – 7 p.m.). Free; 201 E. Davie Street; artspacenc.org
Sample Fancy vs. Frugal Wines at Westgate
When it comes to wine, does a higher price always mean higher quality? Westgate Wine Store has a class that invites you to reconsider that association and learn how to select the perfect bottle for your tastes. The class starts with a blind taste test. “We’ve tasted one of our top-selling $25 cabernets blind against wines like an $80 Caymus or a $85 Silver Oak, and often, more people liked the cabernet,” says Kayla Oelhafen, co-owner of Westgate Wine. “Some people like to guess which is ‘fancy’ and which is ‘frugal,’ but what we really want them to focus on is how to discern the nuances and flavor profiles they’re attracted to.” Light bites will be available to purchase before or after the tasting.
Sept. 4 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.; From $18; 6405 Westgate Road, #111; westgatewinestore.com
See New and Surprising Work by Gallery C Artists
Downtown art house Gallery C, which also serves as an agent for artists, has curated an exhibition celebrating its in-house talent. Gallery owner Charlene Newsome has selected two dozen eye-catching, unique pieces from seven artists in her stable, including landscape and figure painter Al Gury, vibrant still-life Cuban artist Ana Guzman, mixed-media practitioner Chuck Rose and process-oriented designer Davis Choun.
Sept. 4 – 30 | Various times; Free; 540 N. Blount Street; galleryc.net
See Sierra Ferrell at Red Hat
Grammy-winning folk Americana artist Sierra Ferrell is making a stop at Red Hat Amphitheater on her Shoot for the Moon Tour. Expect to hear her latest single, “A Lesson in Leavin’” along with her tracks from her most recent album, Trail of Flowers, and earlier songs like “In Dreams” and “Made Like That.” Greenville, South Carolina, country artist Nikki Lane will be opening the show.
Sept. 10 | 8 p.m.; From $43; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com
Check out the new Bend Bar
Raleigh’s homegrown brewers behind the Trophy Brewing brand add the Bend Bar and a new State of Beer to their suite of communal spots on W. Morgan Street. We took a field trip in our September issue.
Experience Carolina Ballet’s Raymonda Variations
Carolina Ballet is kicking off its 2025/2026 season with the classic and elegant ballet Raymonda Variations. Originally conceptualized by the famed choreographer George Balanchine, the plotless ballet has two principal dancers, a man and a woman, and a troop of 12 women dancing with finesse to scores by Russian composer Alexander Glazunov.
Sept. 11 – 28 | Various times; From $38; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com
Head to Mad Libs LIVE! at Raleigh Little Theatre
The audience decides the direction of this interactive family musical. In Mad Libs LIVE!, a group of teens are contestants on the popular television show Teen Superstars. Before hitting the stage on live TV, however, the teens find out their songs are missing words in the verses and chorus. It will be up to the crowd to help fill in the blanks and determine the songs they sing on television!
Sept. 12 – 28 | Various times; From $20; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org
Run the Sola Hot Mini 5K
One of Raleigh’s beloved charity races is hosted by North Raleigh’s Sola Coffee Cafe. Held in honor of late owner Jeanne Luther, who passed from ALS, it attracts more than 1,000 runners and walkers to start at the coffee shop and weave through adjacent neighborhoods. To date, the race has generated almost $800,000 to aid the ALS community since it was started 12 years ago through donations to organizations like the Duke ALS Clinic, ALS TDI, Project ALS and NC ALS Association NC chapter. From $25; 7705 Lead Mine Road; solahotmini5k.com
Get to Know Alt Country Duo Blue Cactus
Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez, who are scheduled to play at Hopscotch 2025 this month, have evolved their take on country music. Catch them at a local show soon and learn about their story and sound here.
Join City Leaders at the Raleigh Hall of Fame Brunch Reception
Join the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum in celebrating and awarding individuals and organizations who’ve had a significant impact on our community this past year at the Raleigh Hall of Fame Brunch and Reception. Part fundraiser, part awards ceremony, the event will feature brunch fare from Empire Eats, bloody marys and mimosas, with talks from civic leaders. Proceeds from the event go towards the continued work of the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, which supports the museum’s education, exhibits and community programming.
Sept. 13 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.$50; 220 Fayetteville Street; cityofraleighmuseum.org
Explore the Abundant Wildlife at Shelley Lake
With its diversity of wildlife — including a heron rookery and nesting bald eagles — this park inspires legions of avid fans. We’ve got the scoop and details on accessing it right here.
Support the Arts at Coffee & Culture
Hear from the movers and shakers responsible for the Triangle’s cultural arts offerings at United Arts Council’s Coffee & Culture event. Held at Marbles Kids Museum’s Venture Hall, the morning includes performances by Enloe High School’s a cappella choir, breakfast and pastries from Pineapple Sol, remarks from arts leaders and the presentation of the United Arts Champion Award.
Sept. 16 | 8 – 9:30 a.m.; From $35; 201 E. Hargett Street; unitedarts.org
Support Diaper Train at Bottoms Up!
.In 2024, nearly 20,000 babies and toddlers received free diapers thanks to the dedicated work of the nonprofit Diaper Train. At Bottoms Up!, its annual fundraiser, learn about the essential work they are doing while enjoying North Carolina barbecue, live music, games and more. All the proceeds from the event go toward supporting families in our community.
Sept. 19 | 7 p.m; $75; 1812 Tillery Place; diapertrain.org
Plant and Plan Your Fall Garden!
September arrives with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, bringing a sense of excitement, if for no reason other than that it is bearable to be outside again! As I continue to harvest an abundance of figs, tomatoes and eggplant, I am thankful for our long growing season. Fall is my favorite season — until spring comes around — and I want to enjoy every minute of it, writes Helen Yoest when sharing her September garden tips.
Enjoy A Night of Romantasy
Immerse yourself in an evening of literature and fantasy at this transportive fundraising gala for the Redbud Writing Project, which offers free community writing classes for underrepresented or marginalized groups in the Triangle. Themed Romantasy (inspired by the genre that includes the wildly popular “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas), the event encourages you to grab your best period costume, fairy hair or crown for a night of readings, throne photo ops, themed food and drinks by Spread NC. Also enjoy a silent auction, which includes some stellar items like a flower arranging class, a night out with a literary agent, a group wine dinner at Coletta and a stay at The Umstead Hotel & Spa.
Sept. 19 | 7 p.m.; From $60; 3915 Beryl Road; redbudwriting.org
Take the Kids to BugFest
It’s time for the largest celebration of arthropods in the United States! This year, the MVP is the krill, a shrimp-like crustacean found in marine habitats that’s best known for being the food source for ocean mammals like whales and seals. Throughout the day, see tons of insect demonstrations, enjoy hands-on activities, hear from vendors aiding our environment, sample some bugs at Cafe Insecta and more!
Sept. 20 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Free; 11 W. Jones Street; naturalsciences.org
Taste the Globe at Raleigh’s International Festival
Travel the globe for a day at this free one-day international shopping and eating celebration at the NC State Fairgrounds. Enjoy live performances from dancing to singing, sample a range of different dishes — from sweet Italian gelato to spicy Jamaican jerk chicken — and peruse the bazaar, where you’ll find vendors selling jewelry, art, clothing, housewares, pantry items and more from all over the world.
Sept. 20 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Free; 4285 Trinity Road; theinternationalfestival.org
Head to NCMA for the End Paper Book Fair
Contrary to the title, End Paper is actually an art book fair — and a chance to celebrate all things paper — at the North Carolina Museum of Art. From books to zines to stationery to art prints, shop new and timeless paper products, participate in workshops and more at this niche festival.
Sept 20 – 21 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org
See What We Leave Behind at Theatre Raleigh
This captivating one-woman show at Theatre Raleigh is sure to pull on your heartstrings. Husband-and-wife pair Jenny Giering and Sean Barry wrote this semi-autobiographical tale about a musical composer who receives a startling cancer diagnosis. What We Leave Behind explores how terminal illness affects those around us and poses questions about how to make the most of our time on earth and leave our mark once it’s over. Artistic director Eric Woodall is looking forward to showing off this new honest and emotional body of work. “It’s a stunning new musical and we are incredibly proud to have Broadway star Jessica Phillips — known for her powerful performances in Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal and Redwood — bringing the role of Jenny to life.”
Sept. 24 – Oct. 5 |Various times; From $33; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com
Fall Into Gardening with Brie Arthur
Local horticulturist and foodscape pioneer Brie Arthur is leading a fall home-gardening workshop in the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Learn how to make a seed tray and sow seeds, plus glean tips on a range of topics from watering, soil conditioning, seed handling and more to set yourself up for a bountiful backyard.
Sept. 26 | 1 – 3:30 p.m. $50; 4415 Beryl Road; jcra.ncsu.edu
This article originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.
