1. Step right up! The Carolina Circus Festival returns to downtown Cary for the sixth time to promote the culture of circus and support mental health within the movement community. The nonprofit fest, sponsored by Cary Magazine, features diverse performances from ground acrobatics to aerial displays, fire, and LED shows, all reflecting a Magic and Mystery theme. Hands-on workshops give attendees a chance to pick up circus-related skills. Saturday, September 13, 3:30–9:30 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. Free admission. carolinacircusfestival.com
2. Celebrate Italian culture, music, and heritage (and food!) at Festa Italiana! The annual event attracts 15,000 attendees with 60 vendors and food trucks, plus live music all day. The Zona Bambini (children’s zone) offers games, story times, crafts, face painting, and more, while the Galbani Culinary Stage showcases cooking demos packed with expert tips. Saturday, September 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hunter Street & Town Hall Campus, Apex. Free admission. festanc.org
3. One of the most diverse towns in North Carolina is right under your nose. The Morrisville International Festival celebrates that diversity through food, music, dance, art, and fun. Shop artisan vendors on International Alley, try foods from culinary traditions around the world, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Saturday, September 20, 4–7 p.m. Cedar Fork Community Center. Free admission.
4. Triangle Oktoberfest is the largest and most authentic German festival in North Carolina, showcasing traditional Bavarian food and more than 50 beers, plus live music by the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band. Enjoy wiener dog races, family fun of all kinds in the Kinder Platz zone, a stein hoisting competition, and more. Friday, October 3, 5–10 p.m., and Saturday, October 4, noon to 8 p.m. $20 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. triangleoktoberfest.org
5. Lovers Rosalind and Orlando are forced into exile and become entangled in a beguiling game of love, comedy, and mistaken identity in Shakespeare’s classic As You Like It. Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents an abridged 70-minute version that makes the perfect opportunity for a picnic. Sunday, October 5, 3 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. Free admission.
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