Whether you're interested in hearing live music or going on a scenic run, North Carolina has plenty of fun to offer this weekend.
Here's a look at some of the top happenings around North Carolina:
Celebrate the sea at Ocean Fest in Surf City, N.C. with oysters and live music.
Ocean Fest is holding an "oysterpalooza" Friday, Sept. 20. The event will have local oysters, beer and wine and live music.
Saurday, Sept. 21, Ocean Fest will hold a Benefit Music Festival, described as an all-day music festival that will have a vintage surf contest, eco-exhibitors, a vendor zone, beer, wine and local food.
Tickets start at $25. Proceeds from the festival go toward protecting marine environments.
Friday's event is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Satruday's even is from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The festival will be held at Soundside Park, located at 517 Roland Ave.
There will be more than cocktails and fires at the Whiskey, Wine and Fire Festival in Cary, North Carolina this Saturday, Sept. 21. Ticketed as a "foodie celebration," the event will feature whiskey bars, wines and cocktails, music, tented food stations, food trucks, restaurants and fire pits.
Each guest will receive a souvenir glass to enjoy whiskey and wine tastings.
"Relax around the fire gardens and enjoy an inspired take on fire-kissed BBQ, specialty grilling, and drink pairings," event organizers said.
There will also be live music. The event is rain or shine.
Tickets are available online for 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. and start at $69. The event ends at 9 p.m.
If you prefer java, Charlotte Motor Speedway is hosting a cars and coffee event at the speedway in Concord. Plus, it's free!
Cars and Coffee happens on the third Saturday of each month.
"The Fan Zone will be transformed as car owners and enthusiasts gather to celebrate their shared passion for cars and showcase their prized classics, customs and hot rods," event organizers said.
The event is happening from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The next cars and coffee event is happening Oct. 19.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway is located at 5555 Concord Parkway S.
Run 3.1 miles while enjoying scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Blowing Rock, N.C. The 19th Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K is happening Saturday at 8 a.m. Runners, or walkers, will climb up Wonderland Trail Road.
"Run the 3.1 miles as fast as you can knowing that sticky buns, coffee, and even beer await as you cross the finish line," event organizers said. Bistro Roca Restaurant is providing snacks after the race.
Those who prefer to walk a portion of the 5K can opt for a 1-mile run/walk at 9 a.m. There is also a virtual option.
Tickets are $20 for the 1-mile run, and $30 for the 5K and virtual race. Racers can register here.
Proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Conservancy, which works to protect land and water resources in northwest North Carolina.
Gear up for a multi-day music festival in downtown Sanford, N.C. that celebrates indie musical artists all around. Carolina Indie Fest is happening around Hugger Mugger Brewing on Sept 20 and 21.
Food trucks, craft vendors and beer from Hugger Mugger Brewing will be available.
Friday's lineup includes falllift, Effing & Blinding, Old Heavy Hands and the Cliff Wheeler Band. Saturday's lineup features Woodward, Deaf Andrews, Skylar Gudasz, Suburban Key Party and Bombadil.
The event is free to attend! Seats are available or guests can bring a lawn chair.
The festival address is 229 Wicker Street.
Carowinds started spooky season last Friday (the 13th, of course) with haunted houses, mazes, "scare zones," roaming monsters and live performances. The park is gearing up for another weekend of screams.
Scarowinds is happening at 6 p.m. Sept. 20-21. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close at midnight.
"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.
The park has a "Tricks and Treats" events happening Saturday, Sept. 21-22 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.
Carowinds is also holding an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oktoberfest will offer authentic German food, beverages, music and familfriendlyly entertainment, park organizers said.
Tickets for the events vary in price and are free for those who hold certain season passes.
The park is located 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.
This is the last weekend of the year that Autumn at Oz is open, 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.