🌳Fairs, Bashes & Boo-tiques: Your Week Is Packed with Fall Fun

Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors! We’re rolling into peak fall fun—candy buckets, corn dogs, and costumes galore. Whether you’re trick-or-treating downtown, shopping a pop-up market, sipping international wines, or embracing your inner zombie (we won't judge), there's plenty to do this week.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

Let's get to it.

— Dave & Egle

Peek-A-Boo! GIANT Trolls are starting to adorn Dix Park — part of the largest collection in North America — and they’ve dropped clues to help you find them!

While some are still coming to life with the help of local volunteers, these towering creations are the work of internationally renowned recycled artist Thomas Dambo from Denmark, built entirely from reclaimed wood, pallets, and natural materials.

With over 150 trolls around the world, this is your chance to experience these whimsical masterpieces up close. Full completion by the end of October.

🗺️ Start your troll hunt at: https://www.dixparkconservancy.org/art/dambo-trolls

🎢 NC State Fair Opens
Oct 16–26 | NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh

It’s back! The State Fair kicks off Thursday and runs for 11 full days of rides, games, wild snacks, and people-watching. They’ve added 88 new food items this year (fried chicken feet, bacon mac & cheese cones… it’s a lot). New shows, new rides, same fair magic. Gates open at noon.

🛍️ Bites & Boutiques Pop-Up
5-8 PM | Hope + Vine, Wake Forest

Shop boutique fashion from Baily's Rolling Boutique, gourmet bites from The Grazing Goat Charcuterie Cart, and nail flair with Dana Smith & Color Street. Explore handmade jewelry, apparel, and gifts by Hope + Vine, created to inspire hope and empower young women aging out of foster care.

This local fall shopping event combines food, fashion, and community. Gather friends for a cozy evening of fall shopping, charcuterie, and artisan goods right here in Wake County!

🎃 Haunted Forest at Panic Point
7 PM | Youngsville

If you’re up for a good scare, Panic Point is where it’s at. This haunted trail through the woods includes a corn maze, spooky hayride, and more. Not for little kids, but great for teens or date night. They’ve been doing this for 15 years and know how to bring the creepy. Friday nights usually sell out, so grab tickets online early.
https://raleighhauntedhouse.com/

👻 Downtown Wake Forest Halloween Bash
10 AM–1 PM | South Brooks St.

Downtown turns into a Halloween playground for the morning. Inflatables, carnival games, costumes, and trick-or-treating at all your favorite local shops. If your kids are 12 or under, this is a must-do. Lots of food trucks, too, so come hungry.

🪴 Autumn Art & Plant Festival
10 AM–4 PM | Wake Forest Historical Museum

After Boo Bash, head a few blocks up to Main Street for this fall market. There’ll be live music from 11 to 2, over two dozen craft vendors, fall plants for sale, a classic car show, and even Lumpy’s Ice Cream. It’s free to walk around and a fun way to spend a fall afternoon.

🍷 International Wine & Beer Festival
12–8 PM | City Plaza, Raleigh

Uncork your senses! Make your way to the FREE Raleigh International Wine & Beer Festival this Saturday, October 18, from 12–8 pm at City Plaza (400 Fayetteville Street).

Voted #5 best wine festivals in North Carolina, indulge in a day filled with exquisite wines, delightful food pairings, and live entertainment from global countries. And don’t miss the Halloween Costume Contest at 3 pm with prizes.

🧟‍♂️ Raleigh Zombie Walk
7 PM | Moore Square

The annual Raleigh Zombie Walk is back this Saturday at Moore Square (201 S Blount St). This FREE family-friendly event invites any walking dead to roam the streets of downtown Raleigh together.

🧟‍ 7:00 PM — Zombie Storytime for Kids
🧟‍ 7:15 PM — Thriller Performance by Danceformation Inc.
🧟‍ 7:30 PM — Raleigh Zombie Walk invasion begins!

Dress as the undead, summon your zombie crew, and join the horde for a frightfully fun night!

💬 Community Builders Mixer
6–8 PM | Lowes Foods, Wake Forest

This one’s for anyone looking to make local connections. It’s a free mixer for professionals, business owners, and neighbors. Drop in, grab a drink from the Beer Den, and chat with some new faces. No pressure, just a good excuse to get out and talk to other grownups.

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Baby Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 11:15 AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-5 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM

Open Paint Studio | The Makery WF | 1-3 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Craft It | Northeast Regional Library | 2:30 PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM

K-5th Adventures: Fairy Houses | Wake Forest Community Library | 4:30 PM

K-2nd Adventures | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

Ladies Night | Painted Tree, Raleigh | 6-9 PM

The Gnome Knows Trivia | Norse Brewery | 6:30 PM

Spirits of Wake Forest walking tour | 301 Brooks St. | 6:30 PM and 8 PM Tickets

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-11:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park Cc | 8 AM-4 PM

Storytime & Crafts | Joyner Park Cc | 10:15-11 AM

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Spirits of Wake Forest walking tour | 301 Brooks St. | 6:30 PM and 8 PM

🎶An Evening with the Onyx Club Boys | WF Listening Room | 7:30 PM

🎶Dirty Remnantz | Korner Pocket Sports Bar | 8 PM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Kids Club | The Makery WF | 10 AM

Goodies for Goblins | Downtown WF | 10 AM-1 PM This is a Trick-or-Treat event in Downtown.

Halloween Boo Bash | Downtown WF | 10 AM-1 PM

Tricks & Treats | Saving Grace Supply Co. | 10 AM-3 PM
Foster puppy snuggles, scavenger hunt, pup & people snacks

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

ABC Craft & Learn: Kindergarten Readiness Program | Youngsville Library | 10:30 AM

Family Storytime: Farm Animals | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

Fall Fest | Workspace Provision Co. Youngsville | 11 AM-2 PM

International Wine & Beer Festival | City Plaza | 12-8 PM

Open Play Basketball (17 and younger) | Joyner Park CC | 1-3:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 2 PM & 3 PM

STEAM Free Play | Youngsville Library | 2-3 PM

Personalized Crossword Pop-up | Page 158 Books | 2 PM

The Spicy Pages Bookshop pop-up | Blackbird Brewery | 2 PM

ABC Craft & Learn | Wake Forest Community Library | 2:30 PM

Book Club (3rd-5th grades) | Northeast Regional Library | 3-4 PM

The Macabre Market | Unwined on White | 6 PM

Spirits of Wake Forest walking tour | 301 Brooks St. | 6:30 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, and 8:30 PM Tickets

🏈Duke Football will be playing at home against Georgia Tech at Noon

Raleigh Zombie Walk | Moore Square | 7 PM

🎶FTB & Real McCoy’s Dance Night | Real McCoy’s | 9 PM

Support Our Local Farmers | Burnt Barrel | 4 PM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-9:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Baby Story Time | Wake Forest Community Library | 9:30 AM

Family Storytime | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

STEM for Teens | Northeast Regional Library | 5:30 PM 

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Story Time | Youngsville Library | 10:30 AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-5 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM

K-5th Adventures: Fiber Optic Fun | Wake Forest Community Library | 3:30 PM

STEAM K-5th Adventures | Youngsville library | 4 PM

3rd-5th Adventures | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

Teen Program: BYOB Bring Your Own Book | Wake Forest Community Library | 6:30 PM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-9:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Art Exhibit: It’s Not Easy Being Green | Wake Forest Community Library | 9 AM-9 PM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Toddler Storytime | Wake Forest Community Library | 9:30 AM

Family Storytime | Northeats Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Storytime: Letter W | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

Baby Story Time | Northeast Regional Library | 11:15 AM

_{This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.}

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Forecast captured on the Wednesday before this newsletter edition. The weather around here changes fast, so double‑check closer to the day before finalizing plans.

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with someone who has already eaten all the good chocolate that was supposed to be for Halloween.

See you around town!
TheWYReNewsletter.com

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