It’s fall y’all. The long, hot days of summer are officially behind us and now it’s time for crunchy leaves, foggy mornings, and the musky-sweet smell of autumn air.
As the oak trees that line our streets start turning shades of orange, you’re probably wondering how you can embrace the season of change when you’re spending time in Downtown Raleigh. So, we compiled this guide of things to eat, buy, and try that celebrate this enchanting time of year and support local businesses at the same time.
Now raise your PSLs, and let’s cheers to the end of triple-digit temperatures and the start of cozy nights, festive food & drinks, exciting events, artsy outings, and Halloween/Thanksgiving celebrations.
Does your Downtown Raleigh business offer fall-exclusive specials, merchandise, or events? Email xennasmith@downtownraleigh.org to be included in this guide.
Fall Finds
Explore more shopping in Downtown Raleigh
Casa Imperial Finery
Refresh your space with handcrafted home and garden furnishings celebrating the rich artistry of Mexican culture.
Crude Bitters & The Bittery
Add a bit of spice to your dinner parties with festive cocktails using earthy, seasonal bitters.
DECO
Pick up everything you need to give your space that snug, autumn ambiance such as candle or themed décor.
Edge of Urge
Spooky season is upon us and Edge of Urge is ready with all the kitschy Halloween gifts, accessories, and apparel you could dream of.
Munjo Munjo
Find Halloween-themed art, comics, and cozy sweatshirts made by local artists all under one roof.
The Museum Shop
Discover seasonal treasures at the NC History Museum Gift Shop’s temporary Glenwood Ave storefront, including glass-blown pumpkins by local artist Lisa Oakley.
Noire Nail Bar
Treat yourself to a fresh set of autumnal nails.
Pallbearer Vintage
A leather jacket, boots, and vintage jeans are classic staples that can round-out your fall wardrobe.
Parcero Studio
Prepare for colder weather with hand-crocheted knit-wear, or pick up supplies to make scarves and sweaters of your own.
So & So Books
Admit it, there's nothing better than cozying up with a good read on a chilly day.
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
These coffee shops are brewing up spicetacular drink specials ranging from matcha to cold brew, but a pumpkin spice latte is always a classic choice.
321 Coffee
Turmeric Latte
42 & Lawrence
Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Bike Library
Spiced Mocha Latte
Birdie's Barroom & Kitchen
Pumpkin Affogato
Blackbird Books & Coffee
Bananas Foster Matcha
The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery
Apple Crumble Latte
The Morning Times Cafe
Brown Butter Pecan Cappuccino
Oma’s Café & Wine Bar
Apple Chai-der
Sir Walter Coffee
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cold Brew
Bites & Brews
Explore more dining and nightlife
10th & Terrace
Soak in those rooftop views and try 10th & Terrace's Cocktail of the Month: the Midnight Oracle.
Bittersweet
Downtown's dessert and cocktail lounge is now serving their fall menu of smoky, spiced, herbal, and witchy libations.
Boatman Spirits Co.
The mixology at Boatman Spirits Co. is on point with creative ingredient combinations and a seasonal selection of spirits distilled in-house.
Dram & Draught
Known for their inventive cocktails, Dram & Draught's seasonal menu is packed with warm, nutty, and chocolatey flavors that evoke autumn with each sip.
Heirloom Brewshop
What a better way to start your day than with a mochi waffle. DYK? You can enjoy mochi waffles even if you’re gluten sensitive
The Hippo Wine Bar
Have a Hallo-wine sampling with your friends at this downtown wine shop.
Littlest Tea Room
Warm up with a hand-brewed, artisan teas in a hidden speakTEAsy tucked behind a bookshelf in downtown's smallest retail shop.
The Merchant
If you’re looking for a high-end, fall cocktail experience, The Merchant's new menu features creative concoctions like the Ghost-ini or Spiced Solstice.
Pelagic Beer and Wine
Take your love for pumpkin spice lattes to the next level with pumpkin-flavored craft beers.
Raleigh Raw Juice Bar and Cafe
Their limited-time fall soup menu will have you feeling toasty and nourished.
Sugar Euphoria
This neighborhood dessert shop is releasing new and seasonal cupcake flavors every week of October from Butter Beer to Pumpkin Biscoff.
Tasty Beverage Co.
Grab a pack (or two) of craft, autumnal brews for football Sundays.
Wonderland Kitchen & Cocktails
This downtown spot goes all out for Halloween with festive décor, food, and specialty cocktails to match.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Head over to Wye Hill for great skyline views and satisfying bites from their seasonal fall food and drink menu.
Fall Festivities
Spooky Hollow First Friday | Smoky Hollow
Friday, October 3rd
Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival | Fayetteville Street
Friday, October 3rd – Saturday, October 4th
13th Annual Raleigh Film and Art Festival | William Peace University
Friday, October 3rd – Sunday, October 5th
Curtain Call from Beyond: Theatre Haunts & History | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, October 6th – Monday, October 27th
Living History in the Park | Moore Square
Autumn Restore with Live Ukulele, Guitar, and Singing Bowls | Current Wellness
Saturday, October 11th
Monstera Mash | Copperline Plant Co.
Sunday, October 12th
Haunted Hartwell | Hartwell
Sunday, October 12th
Modern Calligraphy & Pumpkin Lettering for Beginners | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Wednesday, October 15th
Sip N' Stroll Ghost Tour | Raleigh Walking Tours
Thursday, October 16th
Raleigh Zombie Walk | Moore Square
Saturday, October 18th
Fall Vintage Market | Wolfe & Porter
Marbles Kooky Spooky Halloween Party | Marbles Kids Museum
Friday, October 24th
Adult Nights: Zombie Prom | NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Friday, October 24th
Family Fun Concert: Halloween Spooktacular | NC Symphony
Saturday, October 25th
Day of the Dead 5k & Street Festival | Centro
Saturday, October 25th
Day of the Dead with Revista Latina 2025 | City Plaza
Sunday, October 26th
Fall Sip & Paint | Wonderland Kitchen & Cocktails
Tuesday, October 28th
Fall African American History Walking Tours | Pope House Museum
Saturdays through November
Thanksgiving Menu Pre-Orders
Coming soon! Restaurants/bakeries can submit their specials to xennasmith@downtownraleigh.org.