Raleigh Local News Roundup From Last Week

Civic & Government Updates

Raleigh operates under a Council-Manager form of government, and starting in 2026, City Council and mayoral elections will move to staggered four-year terms. This means only part of the council will be up for election every two years. Make sure you:

• Check your voting district
• Register to vote

You can also get involved in shaping Raleigh’s 2027 fiscal year budget by attending in-person and virtual listening sessions from Oct. 1-16. Register at least three days in advance to receive free childcare and interpretation services.

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Fall Festivals & Seasonal Fun in the Triangle

Autumn in the Triangle means weekends packed with festivals:

• Orange County Fall Festivals: Almost every weekend through November. See the lineup
• Hillsborough Street Trick or Treat: Sunday, Oct. 19
• Green Road Holiday Vendor Fair: Saturday, Nov. 22 (vendors wanted!)
• Whirligig Festival Day Trip: Saturday, Nov. 1 — celebrate Vollis Simpson’s iconic metal art in Wilson

Looking for family-friendly fun? Hillsborough Street’s Trick or Treat event is safe, sweet, and only slightly spooky.

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Entertainment & Experiences

• Experience Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” premiere and A Showgirl release party in Raleigh Oct. 3-5
• Monty Python fans: John Cleese’s 50th Anniversary Tour + Holy Grail screening at the Carolina Theatre on Oct. 1
• Carolina Ballet: Offering five free kids’ ballet classes plus the chance to watch a live rehearsal
• Outdoor Adventures: Travel + Leisure named Chimney Rock State Park the best in North Carolina — or explore Raleigh Parks for trails and fall beauty

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Local Business & Development

• Fujifilm Holly Springs: $3.2B biopharma facility now open, employing 1,400 by 2031. View jobs
• Morrisville Town Center: Groundbreaking on a future community hub
• Downtown Raleigh: First liquor store in 40 years now open on Salisbury Street
• Bitter Social: New Bittersweet concept opens Oct. 2
• Nanny Goat: Preeti Waas’s upscale bodega expands to a second Durham location next month

Tip: Free downtown parking for two hours in select decks makes exploring easier than ever.

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Food & Drink Highlights

• Sam Jones BBQ: Nominated for Best Carolina-Style Barbecue by USA Today — vote here
• Fiction Kitchen: Plant-based Sunday brunch returns this October with Southern favorites and rainbow mimosas
• Southern Living: Named multiple NC barbecue spots in its “Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South,” including Sam Jones BBQ

Plan a foodie getaway with A Foodie’s Guide to Winston-Salem.

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Community & Giving Back

• Hunger Action Month: Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC is seeking 30 new monthly donors with donations matched through September
• Wolfpack Blood Drive: Donate Sept. 29-Oct. 3 and receive $40 TBC rewards
• Munching Goats at Dix Park: Visit before they wrap up their foliage-clearing work

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Quick Local Highlights

• Persimmon seeds supposedly predict winter: fork = mild, spoon = snowy
• Spotted lanternflies are now in NC — kill them to protect local plants
• 42,100 farms in NC — support them at Raleigh farmers markets
• $8,912: Average cost for a 7-night Walt Disney World trip for a family of four

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From festivals and foodie favorites to civic engagement and community projects, Raleigh is full of reasons to explore and get involved this fall. Which of these events are you planning to check out first?

#BudgetListeningSessions #CityOfRaleigh #FiscalYear2027 #News #RaleighBudget #RaleighCityGovernment #RaleighCommunityEngagement #RaleighEvents #RaleighNewsNotes #RaleighResidents

Help Shape the City of Raleigh’s FY2027 Budget

Raleigh residents, your voice matters! The City of Raleigh Budget and Management Services team is inviting community members to share their input as we prepare the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Your feedback helps guide how city funds are prioritized, ensuring that the budget reflects what matters most to residents.

Why Your Feedback Matters

Resident participation is essential in creating a budget that works for everyone. Whether you care about parks, public safety, transportation, housing, or community programs, this is your chance to weigh in and help shape Raleigh’s future.

Listening Sessions: October 1 – October 16

Throughout October, the City will host a series of listening sessions—both in-person and virtual—where you can share your thoughts directly with staff.

Virtual Session

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 15

🕕 6:00–7:30 p.m.

📍 Zoom (link will be sent the day before)

👉 [Register here]

In-Person Sessions Register Here

Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Chavis Community Center, 6–7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 2 – Green Road Community Center, 6–7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Abbotts Creek Community Center, 6–7:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 13 – Jaycee Park Community Center, 6–7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Laurel Hills Community Center, 6–7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16 – “Budget and Brews” at State of Beer, 6–7:30 p.m. (includes free pizza!)

💡 Please attend only one session to allow space for all voices.

Special Features

Free childcare (available at in-person sessions, except Budget and Brews) Free interpretation services for any language at in-person and virtual sessions Email reminders for those who register in advance

Special partnership sessions will also be held with the Raleigh Teen Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Wake County to ensure youth and families are part of the conversation.

Online Survey: Oct. 1 – Nov. 30

Can’t make it to a session? No problem—an online budget survey will be available starting October 1 through November 30. Stay tuned for the survey link to share your feedback anytime. Online Survey

Your participation ensures Raleigh’s FY2027 budget reflects the needs and priorities of the community. Don’t miss this chance to be heard! Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Raleigh at DoRaleigh.com

Questions?

📞 Call: 919-996-4270

📧 Email: budget@raleighnc.gov

#BudgetListeningSessions #events #FiscalYear2027 #News #RaleighBudget #RaleighCityGovernment #RaleighCommunityEngagement #RaleighEvents #RaleighResidents