Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Raleigh-Durham Airport, NC

Pipe and drum bands, colorful floats, horses, kilts, kids and adults waving An Bhratach Náisiúnta!...

Pipe and drum bands, colorful floats, horses, kilts, kids and adults waving An Bhratach Náisiúnta! Well, laddie, it must be time for Raleigh's annual St. Pat's celebration. After a parade through downtown, folks gather at Moore Square to take part in the festival. Highlights include live Irish music, traditional dance performances, jewelry and souvenir vendors, and plenty of booths selling grub and stout.

Hours: Sat, Mar 16, 2013: Noon

Great for families, this award-winning, one-day festival presents crafts from various regions of the country. Children's...

Great for families, this award-winning, one-day festival presents crafts from various regions of the country. Children's activities, refreshments and live entertainment add to the fun. Held in downtown Cary.

Hours: Sat, Aug 25, 2012: 9am - 5pm

If you're all about muscle cars and mint rides dating from as far back as the 30s and 40s, make plans to attend the...

If you're all about muscle cars and mint rides dating from as far back as the 30s and 40s, make plans to attend the Raleigh Classic Car Auction, to be held on the State Fairgrounds in the Jim Graham Building. NB For most John Q. Publics, it's fun just to watch, but if you plan to get in on the bidding, you must register to do so before the event.

Hours: Fri, Jun 22, 2012: 10am - 6pm Sat, Jun 23, 2012: 10am - 6pm

Held in October, this 10-day event features live entertainment, livestock, music, arts and crafts. Among the highlights...

Held in October, this 10-day event features live entertainment, livestock, music, arts and crafts. Among the highlights are the action-packed demolition derby and BMX stunt show. Children of all ages enjoy watching the magic show and visiting historic craft booths in the "Village of Yesteryear." Each night, activities draw to a close with fireworks. Rides cost 2-6 tickets each.

Hours: Thu, Oct 11, 2012 Fri, Oct 12, 2012 Sat, Oct 13, 2012 Sun, Oct 14, 2012 Mon, Oct 15, 2012 Tue, Oct 16, 2012 Wed, Oct 17, 2012 Thu, Oct 18, 2012 Fri, Oct 19, 2012 Sat, Oct 20, 2012 Sun, Oct 21, 2012

Held for two days during the middle of December, this tour may be your only chance during the entire year to take a look...

Held for two days during the middle of December, this tour may be your only chance during the entire year to take a look inside some of Raleigh's most beautiful and historic homes. Homeowners invite you in to view festive holiday decorations and period furnishings and to share with you the history of their homes. This tour is not to be missed!

Hours: December 2012

This annual alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration presents more than 100 performing artists and arts groups in...

This annual alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration presents more than 100 performing artists and arts groups in downtown Raleigh and features an afternoon Children's Celebration at the state Museums of History and Natural Sciences, followed by the People's Procession, evening performances in 35 inside venues and on outdoor stages, and ends with fireworks and the descent of the Raleigh acorn at Midnight.

Hours: Mon, Dec 31, 2012

Raleigh's International Festival allows you to dabble in the musical, culinary and artistic contributions of cultures...

Raleigh's International Festival allows you to dabble in the musical, culinary and artistic contributions of cultures worldwide. In the Village Square, you might encounter anything from Turkish dancers to tae kwan doe to Korean percussion. The world bazaar offers a selection of unusual souvenirs, and most patrons won't want to leave without stopping by the Biergarten!

Hours: Fri, Sep 28, 2012: 4:30pm - 10:30pm Sat, Sep 29, 2012: 10am - 10pm Sun, Sep 30, 2012: 11am - 7pm

This spectacular downtown event features jazz and blues musicians as well as 150 juried art exhibits that feature over...

This spectacular downtown event features jazz and blues musicians as well as 150 juried art exhibits that feature over 200 artists. The event is held annually the third weekend in May.

Hours: Sat, May 18, 2013 Sun, May 19, 2013

Theatre In The Park first performed its musical, based on the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," in 1974. The...

Theatre In The Park first performed its musical, based on the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," in 1974. The production has toured in England and France and draws 30,000 attendees each year. Well-known stars such as Rita Glynn and Terrence Mann have appeared in former performances.

Hours: December 2012

This tournament, held annually in August, honors former NCSU basketball coach Jim Valvano. Valvano's family started the...

This tournament, held annually in August, honors former NCSU basketball coach Jim Valvano. Valvano's family started the event in 1994 with the purpose of raising money for the \\\"V\\\" Foundation, a cancer research organization. Former participants have included such superstars as Michael Jordan and Kevin Costner. The Junior Golf Classic takes place in July (at Raleigh's Brier Creek Country Club) and pairs kids 6-17 with national and local celebrities for the weekend.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Aug 24, 2012 Sat, Aug 25, 2012 Sun, Aug 26, 2012