Raleigh's 5th Annual International Wine & Beer Oktoberfest

Raleigh's 5th Annual International Wine & Beer Oktoberfest takes over City Plaza on Saturday, October 17, from 12 PM to 8 PM. It's the fifth year for the event, which frames itself as an Oktoberfest edition of the city's International Wine & Beer Festival. The organizers pitch it as a way to "travel the world without leaving downtown Raleigh," and that's pretty much the whole point: you can sample international wines and beers from a variety of countries all in one spot.

Beyond the drinks, there's a People's Choice Award where you get to vote for your favorite wine and beer of the day, and international food vendors will be set up around the plaza. Live music runs throughout the afternoon, so you can hang out with a glass in hand and listen while you wander between the different pours. If you're into costumes, there's a contest at 3 PM that pulls from a few different themes: Halloween, Oktoberfest, and international inspiration, so you can lean into any one of those or mix them together. The whole thing is put on by NC Vibes - Event Planning and Management.

Admission is free, though you'll pay for your food, tastings, and drinks separately. You'll find it at City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, open from 12 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, October 17.