September is nearly here, which means cooler weather, live music, and plenty of fun in the 919. We've got the top events for this upcoming month to get you in the Autumnal spirit.

Festivals

African American Cultural Festival, Fayetteville Street | Saturday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 1 | In addition to an eclectic lineup of live R&B, jazz, hip hop, and gospel, shop handmade wares + traditional crafts.

Hopscotch, downtown Raleigh | Sept. 5-7 | Raleigh’s indie music fest is back with established artists and newcomers alike, including St. Vincent and Snail Mail.

Beyond Film Festival, The Cary Theater | Sept. 5-8 | Watch independent films from local + international filmmakers on the big screen.

Friday the 13th: "Freaky Friday," Moore Square | Friday, Sept. 13 | Something freaky is happening downtown on the 13th. Watch "Freaky Friday," enjoy live music, and grab bites from a local food truck while celebrating this superstitious holiday.

Carolina Daze, Red Hat Amphitheater | Saturday, Sept. 14 | This festival encourages young North Carolinians to be engaged in elections while providing a place to jam out. Catch headliners Janelle Monáe and Tierra Whack.

La Fiesta Del Pueblo, Fayetteville Street | Sunday, Sept. 15 | La Fiesta is back for its 30th year as the Triangle's largest Latin American cultural festival.

Raleigh Fringe Festival, Theatre Raleigh | Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22 | This festival is home to all things off-the-beaten-path, quirky, and fun. Don't miss puppet shows, clown acts, immersive theater, and more all in the name of art.

Band Together, Red Hat Amphitheater | Saturday, Sept. 21 | Proceeds from this charity concert go toward providing mental healthcare to all. The nonprofit has a $1 million goal and will feature Black Pumas and Cory Wong headlining.

IBMA Bluegrass Live!, downtown Raleigh | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | The largest bluegrass fest in the world will have its last event in Raleigh before moving to Chattanooga. Expect plenty of banjo pluckin' and good eats throughout downtown.

Asia Fest, Koka Booth Amphitheatre | Saturday, Sept. 28 | Watch dragon boat races + cultural performances and try a bite from 30+ food vendors.

In 2021, Band Together NC raised over $1 million for the United Way Covid Recovery Fund. | Photo by Rich Levine/Bramblebrook Images

Arts and Music

Boyz II Men, Coastal Credit Union Music Park | Friday, Sept. 6 | See these ballad-singers perform songs like "I'll Make Love to You" and "End of the Road" live from Raleigh.

"Something Rotten," Raleigh Little Theatre | Through Sunday, Sept. 15 | See this musical comedy set in the 1590s following two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of The Bard himself.

Hans Zimmer, PNC Arena | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | From "The Lion King" to "Dune," watch the musical master perform his most well-known and award-winning scores.

"Bull Durham," Duke University, Reynolds Industries Theater | Tuesday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Based on the hit movie, this play adds a musical twist to the story of love, baseball, and Durham.

Hootie and the Blowfish, Coastal Credit Union Music Park | Friday, Sept. 13 | Watch Darius Rucker and his band perform hits like "Only Wanna Be With You" — and maybe a "Wagon Wheel" cover, no promises.

Jelly Roll, PNC Arena | Friday, Sept. 20 | This rising country + hip hop star will perform "Son of a Sinner," the winner of three CMT awards, and more hits.

More local events

WINnovation, The Umstead Hotel | Friday, Sept. 13 | This event celebrates innovative women in the Triangle + beyond. Register to network and brush shoulders with Raleigh's most inspiring women and participate in strategic workshops.

Fall for Orchids Show, JC Raulston Arboretum | Friday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Browse breath-taking orchids and learn more about growing your own beautiful flowers.

UX Y'all Conference, Marbles Kids Museum | Thursday, Sept. 19-Friday, Sept. 20 | Join user experience professionals to share ideas, learn more, and connect with industry leaders.

ITA Women's All-American Championships, Cary Tennis Park | Saturday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 29 | The best women's tennis players from the NCAA Division I will converge in Cary.