🌳Fall Festivals, Ghost Walks & Oktoberfest Cheer

Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors! Fall has officially arrived, and our towns are buzzing with festivals, music, and seasonal fun. From ghost walks to Oktoberfests, BBQ & Bands in Rolesville, and even a week-long outdoor scavenger hunt for the kids, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside and soak it all in.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

Let's get to it.

— Dave & Egle

Take a Child Outside (TACO) Week: Unlocking the Arboretum
Wednesday, September 24 – Tuesday, September 30 | Self-guided, daily | JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh | Free

Founded by the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and inspired by Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv, TACO Week is all about connecting kids with the outdoors. This year’s highlight is a self-guided “Unlocking the Arboretum” scavenger hunt at JC Raulston Arboretum, starting from the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center. It’s free, flexible, and a fun way to get your family exploring nature together.
naturalsciences.org

Spirits of Wake Forest Ghost Walk
Thursday, September 25 | 6:30 & 8 PM | Downtown Wake Forest, Town Hall | $20

A walking tour of downtown’s most haunted corners, where guides weave eerie stories with local history. Perfect for families with older kids (8+) or a fun fall night out with friends. Tickets sell out fast, so book early.
More Info Here

Midtown Music Festival
Saturday, September 27 | 4–10 PM | Midtown Park, Raleigh | Free

A full day of live music from local and regional acts, plus food trucks, vendors, and beverage tents. Acts include Outrun The Weekend, Van Meter, Loud Music Company, and DJ eCUSSIONIST. Family-friendly with plenty of room to dance, eat, and relax.
visitnorthhills.com/events/midtown-music-fest

Rolesville BBQ & Bands Festival
Saturday, September 27 | 12–6 PM | Redford Place Park, Rolesville | Free

One of Rolesville’s biggest annual events, this festival combines BBQ competitions with all-day live music. Add in food trucks, a kids’ zone, vendors, and a beer garden, and you’ve got a full afternoon of fun. Bring chairs, an appetite, and the whole family.
BBQ & Bands Festival

Oktoberfest in Downtown Wake Forest
Saturday, September 27 | 12–11 PM | White Street Brewing & Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest | Free entry

Two breweries, two parties: White Street releases German-style beers while Blackbird hosts music, stein-holding contests, and kids’ activities. Think bratwurst, pretzels, and plenty of beer garden cheer. Lederhosen optional.
WhiteStreetBrewing | BlackbirdBeer

Mental Wellness Fair
Saturday, September 27 | 1–4 PM | Renaissance Centre, Wake Forest | Free

Over 30 organizations and vendors gather to share mental health resources with the community. Expect expert talks and a special panel featuring the parents of PGA golfer Grayson Murray. A meaningful, family-friendly afternoon dedicated to wellness.
Mental Wellness Fair

Wake Forest CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, September 28 | 2–5 PM | Wake Forest Historical Museum | Free

Join families, churches, and community groups walking to raise funds against hunger. The scenic route begins at the Historical Museum and winds through Main Street. Register or donate on-site — it’s exercise with heart.
CROP Hunger Walk

WWE Monday Night Raw Live
Monday, September 29 | 6:30 PM | PNC Arena (Lenovo Center), Raleigh | $20+

A spectacle of athleticism and entertainment featuring WWE’s biggest stars. Expect pyrotechnics, over-the-top drama, and a roaring crowd. Great for wrestling fans or anyone curious about this high-energy mix of sport and theater.
lenovocenter.com

🎉THE GOOD PUP IS NOW OPEN IN WAKE FOREST 🎉

Check them out on Instagram here

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

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

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

Used Book Consignment Sale | Winebrary | 4 PM

Date Night: 2 for 1 project | AR Workshop Raleigh | 6 PM Tickets

Fall Mountain Paint & Sip | The Makery WF | 7-9 PM Tickets

Create and Sip: Hand-Built Ghost Tea Light Holder |  The Makery WF | 7-9 PM Tickets

Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival | Raleigh Convention Center | 2 PM-11 PM

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

Kids Art Club: Pumpkin & Unicorn Pottery Painting | The Makery WF | 10-11AM Tickets

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

Oktoberfest | Burnt Barrel | 11 AM

Rolesville BBQ & Bands | Redford Place Park | 12-6 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

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

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

Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival | Raleigh Convention Center | 11 AM-11 PM

🏈NC State football will be facing Virginia Tech at home at 7 PM. Watch on CW

🏈Duke Football at Syracuse

Yoga by Serenity Farms | Zinchouse | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Register

Read Local: Audrey Perrott | Wake Forest Community Library | 2:30 PM

Oktoberfest | Zinchouse | All Day with LIVE music playing 2-5 PM

Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival | Raleigh Convention Center | 11 AM-8 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: Letter W | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

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

Teen Boardmasters | Northeast Regional Library | 5:30-6:30 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 | Northeats 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 Bling 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

The Art of Wine: A Tasting Experience | Zinchouse | 7-8:30 PM

The Magic of Innovation | Zinchouse | 7-8 PM Tickets

_{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.

Monica Kennedy | Zinchouse | 6:30-9:30 PM
Grace Stephenson | Blackbird Brewery | 6-9 PM
Codey Pollard | Yacht Club Beverage House | 6-9 PM
Katy Kohut & Ethan Jahn | Broadsides and Brews | 7-10 PM

Ashley Robinson | ZincHouse | 4-7 PM
Magic Piper’s Band | Carolina Ale House WF | 7-10 PM
Live Music | Tonic WF | 7-10 PM
RAAD O.G. | ZincHouse | 7-10 PM
Crossroadz | Bud’s Tavern | 8 PM
An Evening with Kristy Lee | The Listening Room WF | 7:30 PM ($)
A Tribute to Adele - Candlelight Concert | Historic Wakefield Barn | 9 PM ($)
The Stone Age Romeo’s | Real McCoys | 9-12 PM

The Embers | Bud’s Tavern | 12-4 PM
Chris Overstreet | ZincHouse | 4-7 PM
Just Jim | Fortnight Brewing WF | 6-9 PM
Adam Lee Decker | Blackbird Brewery | 6-9 PM
Live Music | Compass Rose Brewery | 7-9 PM
The Phoebes | ZincHouse | 7-10 PM
Wake Moody Band | Carolina Ale House WF | 7-10 PM
Live Music | Tonic WF | 7-10 PM
Live Music | Wakefield Tavern | 7-10 PM
Local Hero’s w/ Josh D | Saints and Scholars Pub | 7-11 PM
Neon Nights | Bud’s Tavern | 8-11 PM
Live Music | Main Street Tavern | 8 PM
Real Rowdy | Real McCoys | 9-12 PM
DJ IGKnight | HomeSlice Tavern | 9 PM-1 AM

Live Music | Bud’s Tavern | TBD
The Little German Band | ZincHouse | 2-5 PM
Live Music | Yacht Club Beverage House | 3-6 PM

Kerry Long | ZincHouse | 6:30-9:30 PM

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with a friend who brings their own lawn chair to every outdoor concert.

See you around town!
TheWYReNewsletter.com

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