Fall is in the air and besides pumpkin-flavored everything, I always look forward to the great fall festivals around North Carolina. Some of my favorites are the unique local cultural festivals in Cary, NC at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre that give us a way to celebrate the richness and diversity of different cultures and arts.

Besides making for great weekend entertainment, I love that cultural festivals promote intercultural dialogue and appreciation for the whole family.

It’s important to our family that we learn about the values, beliefs and cultural identities of the neighbors we share our community with. Cultural festivals are a fun way to do just that!

Here are 4 Unique Fall Cultural Festivals taking place at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC:

Asia Fest

September 28th, 11:00am

Asian Focus and the Town of Cary bring the 6th Annual Asia Fest to Koka Booth!
. Asia Fest celebrates Asian culture, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history. Move to the beat of the drums! Participate in a team-building race or cheer on your favorite team during a full day of outdoor fun. A practice with coaching and equipment provided are included for each team registration.

Approximately 10,000 visitors come to the Asia Fest (aka the Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival) every year to experience nearly 100 exhibits and activities such as dragon boat races, cultural displays, games, health screenings, and stage performances. The festival also features a wide collection of ethnic foods and delicacies, where you can sample unique street food by local chefs.

Ticket Info:

•Advance tickets $5

•Day of, $8

•Senior discounts are available.

•Children 12 and under are free.

Tacos N’ Taps

October 5th, 12pm-5pm

Grab your sombrero! This all you care to taste Beer and Tequila Festival offers up some of the Coast’s Best Tacos and Mexican Food (Food is Ala Carte for Beer Tasting session). You’ll also enjoy  great live music, boutiques, margaritas, piñata punching, contests, lawn activities and games and many other surprises.

Grab your souvenir glass and experience over 80+ craft beers, mezcals, and tequilas. Ciders and wines are thrown in as well…just for the gringos.

VIP Super Super Muy Muy Taco Session: Noon – 5pm
General Admission: 1pm – 5pm

Ticket Info:

•Adult Tickets starting at $25 for Beer Tasting and $45 for VIP session.

•Kids 12 and under are free.

•Photo ID required.

Cary Diwali

October 12th, 10:30am

Hum Sub, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India brings you a day-long immersive experience in all things Indian – from music and dance to food and shopping. Savor the best in Indian food from carefully selected restaurants, enjoy the latest in crafts, fashion, jewelry and home decor and experience an amazing fireworks display at the end of the show.

The Cary Diwali performance brings class acts from some of the Triangle’s best-loved schools of music and dance. Don’t miss the evening show that will be anchored by Mahalakshmi Iyer, singer of the 2008 Oscar winning song “Jai Ho.” Her performance will be preceded by the second edition of the hugely popular university dance competition (with teams from UNC, Duke and NCSU) and our very own town celebrities’ show!

This year’s theme is Sur Sahitya – a confluence of art, music, and literature. In the Exhibition area, a carefully curated collection will provide a snapshot of India’s rich literary traditions. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with sumptuous Indian food and adrenaline-pumping entertainment

Ticket Info:

•Admission is Free!

•Parking is $5.00.

Triangle Oktoberfest

October 18th 5-10pm, October 19th Noon-9pm

The Apex Sunrise and Cary MacGregor Rotary Clubs have partnered together in collaboration with the Town of Cary to host the 6th Annual Triangle Oktoberfest. This event is the largest and most authentic German festival in North Carolina to celebrate German culture in the Triangle and to support charitable organizations in our community and abroad.

Live entertainment will showcase The Polka Brothers, Wiener Dog Races, and a kid-friendly Kinder Platz with inflatables and face painting. Masskrugstemmen (Stein Hoist) and Hammerschlagen (Hammer-Striking) competitions, and several new things for this year including the USVC Rappelling Team, the Beer Tasting Awards, and the Miss (and Mr.) Oktoberfest contest.

Enjoy over 40 traditional Beers along with a host of seasonal Oktoberfest beers and local craft brews plus food from Capital Club 16, Annelore’s German Bakery, and other local vendors.

Ticket Info:

•Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: $15.00

•Saturday Noon to 9:00 PM: $20.00 after 5:00 PM: $15.00.

•Seniors (60+) and military (with ID) receive a $5 discount.

•Beer Samplers: $25.00 for unlimited 5-ounce tastings.

•All beer, wine, and brats must be purchased with tickets for $6.

•Bring cash only for parking ($5).

•Ages 16 & under are free.

•Photo ID required.

Have fun!

xoxo,

tamara

PS-Which festival is your favorite? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Lights, Camera, Family is a blended life blog featuring local Triangle and NC spotlights, adventures and travels and some insights on parenting thrown in. Be sure to subscribe and receive encouragement, exclusive content, blog updates and a backstage pass to special offers.