Fall: the official season for pumpkins, apples, bonfires, boots and sweaters, and of course, Halloween. While the weather may still feel like summer here in the Triangle, there’s still plenty of seasonal events for the whole family going on this month. Check out our list of fall and Halloween activities going on in Durham and the surrounding Triangle this month.
Chow down on some fried food at The North Carolina State Fair, October 11-21, hours and prices vary
Every October, the State Fair rolls into town with its guns blazing and Ferris Wheel spinning: the lights, the rides, the games, the food, and the abnormally huge vegetables. So bring out your favorite fall sweater from the back of the closet and come get caught up in the energetic environment at the fairgrounds (and don’t forget to come on an empty stomach—Krispy Kreme burger, anyone?)
North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Take a ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express, weekends in October, 10am-4pm, $15
All aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express! A miniature train ride to Durham’s Museum of Life and Science’s own pumpkin patch is the perfect fall afternoon outing for kids (and adults) of all ages. Climb aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express and take the fast track to hay mazes, carnival games, and of course, the honorable quest for the perfect pumpkin. The Pumpkin Patch Express leaves the museum every half hour from 10am-4pm on weekends in October.
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704
Go back in time at Duke Homestead’s Halloween Phantasmagoria, October 26, 6:30-9 pm, $10 in advance, $15 at door
A magical night of Halloween and history, the Halloween Phantasmagoria at Duke Homestead combines 19th century spiritualism with Halloween fun. Guests are invited to explore the Homestead grounds, encountering Victorian era awe, mystery, and maybe even the supernatural? This is a self-guided tour, so bring comfortable walking shoes and a flashlight. This event is appropriate for all ages—no intentional scares or haunts.
2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, North Carolina 27705
Munch on an apple fritter at Monuts Donuts
Nothing screams fall louder than a fresh apple fritter. After a morning of hunting for the perfect pumpkin or frolicking through the leaves, stop by Monuts Donuts for a homemade apple fritter. These fritters are flaky, gooey and made with all local apples. If I don’t have your full attention yet: try these fritters with a warm apple cider or a chai latte.
1002 9th St, Durham, NC 27705
Sip on a warm Harvest Latte at Cocoa Cinnamon
Move over PSL, there’s a new fall latte in town. The Harvest Latte from Durham’s own Cocoa Cinnamon will give you all the cozy fall feels. Made with house-made pumpkin seed and cinnamon syrup, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg, Cocoa Cinnamon’s Harvest Latte is everything we love about fall, all in a mug.
420 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701
See horror movies at the Carolina Theater, all October, $9-12
Whether you’re a horror movie connoisseur or a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat, Halloween movies are one of the best things about fall. All month long, The Carolina Theater is fueling fright by showing classic horror and Halloween films. Favorites like Hocus Pocus, Pet Cemetery, John Carpenter’s iconic Halloween, and others all lead up to The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball on Halloween night. This completely interactive event will have you shivering with antici…pation as you watch (or participate in) one of the greatest cult classics of all time.
309 West Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701
Pick some fresh vegetables at the State Farmers Market, 5am-6pm, everyday
Apples, pumpkins, and squash—oh my! Root vegetables are in season during autumn, and that means it’s time for apple turnovers. butternut squash soup, and the quintessential pumpkin pie. Stop by the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh (or the more local Durham Farmer’s Market) to purchase all your vegetables this fall. Besides getting the freshest vegetables available, you’ll also be supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint.
1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Durham Farmer’s Market, Wednesdays 3-6pm, Saturdays 8am-12pm
501 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701
Whether your fall is filled with leaves and lattes, or haunts or horrors, Durham has plenty of activities to offer. Just a short drive from the Bull City and the surrounding Triangle, a new living community is taking shape. 751 South will offer new single family homes, townhomes, parks, and a convenient amenity center with family friendly activities and comforts. For more information on living at 751 South, fill out a contact form here.