We're officially into the "-ember" months and that means pumpkin drinks, apple picking and fall events.
Here's a look at some of the top happenings around North Carolina this weekend.
Carowinds is starting spooky season on Friday (the 13th, of course) with haunted houses, mazes, "scare zones," roaming monsters and live performances.
"Hungry hordes of zombies and bloodthirsty vampires lie in wait, ready to turn unsuspecting guests into their next macabre feast. Their sinister screams echo throughout the park, an inescapable chorus of terror," SCarowinds organizers posted.
Carowinds recommends only those age 13 and older attend. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close at midnight.
The park has a "Tricks and Treats" events kicking off Saturday, Sept. 14, for younger kids and for those who prefer more family-friendly activities. The event has rides, pumpkin decorating, a parade and a Halloween costume contest. Kids are encouraged to bring something to hold their candy in if they want to participate in the "trick or treat trail." The event is 12-6 p.m.
Tickets vary in price and are free for those who hold certain season passes.
The park is at 14523 Carowinds Blvd. in Charlotte.
Sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as you follow the yellow brick road through the Land of Oz. You'll get to meet characters like Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, Glinda and others. It's an immersive experience and there is a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes!
There will be live performances and food and beverage vendors, gift shops and face painting. Guests also have the option to take a chairlift up to Oz and the Over the Rainbow Overlook.
Autumn at Oz is open two more weekends this year, Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 20-22.
General admission is $60 and children age 2 and under are free.
The park is at 1009 Beech Mountain Parkway in Beech Mountain.
Ready for funnel cakes and carnival rides? The N.C. Mountain State Fair is underway in Fletcher, N.C., with more than 30 rides, fair food and entertainment.
Advance admission tickets start at $5.
The Mountain Music Festival is also going on at the fair. Click here for the lineup.
Gates open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with the fair closing at midnight Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.
The event address is 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher.
Keep your eyes to the sky in Burlington! Hot air balloons will be up and off at the Balloon Festival in Alamance County.
The event will also feature a car show, food and craft vendors, a 5K race and live entertainment.
The festival is happening Sept. 13-15 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Cedarock Park, 4242 R Dean Coleman Road in Burlington.
CAROLINA DAZE Music & Arts Festival
If music is your thing, CAROLINA DAZE Music & Arts Festival is kicking off at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh Saturday. Organizers said the concerts are meant to be a reflection of North Carolina.
Saturday's lineup includes Janelle Monae, Tierra Wack, Moses Sumney, Lute, Helado Negro and Elora Dash. Tickets start at $25 for general admission.
Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 3:45 p.m. The Red Hat Amphitheater is at 500 S. McDowell St. in Raleigh.
If you missed out on Pride celebrations during June, Pride month, there is a festival happening this weekend in the Outer Banks.
Pridefest is going on Saturday and Sunday at Roanoke Island Festival Park in downtown Manteo.
The festival, inclusive for all LGBTQ supporters, will include bands, drag performances, entertainers, local restaurants, adult beverages and vendors.
The event kicked off Friday and will wrap up Sunday, with the main event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. A drag brunch is set for 11 a.m. Sunday.
The brunch is $60, but many of the other events are free.
Minor League Baseball's regular season is coming to a close, but games are happening this weekend for teams across the state.
It'll be the last regular season games this week for the Durham Bulls, the Charlotte Knights, the Kannapolis Cannonballers and North Carolina's seven other teams.
Check your local team site to see whether there are any home games!
