Creedmoor Music Festival

The annual Creedmoor Music Festival is set for 8:30- a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20. It showcases local and regional bands, and offers children's activities, crafts and fair-type treats. Last year, it drew roughly 10,000 people. (919-528-3332 or cityofcreedmoor.org)

Fun stops in Creedmoor include El Corral (great service) and Raleigh Cake Pops (who can resist cake on a stick?). Cedar Creek Gallery is off the beaten path, but don't let that stop you. This exceptional gallery on pleasing grounds sells work by more than 200 craftspeople, including on-site potters and glass blowers.

Butner's offerings include unique military and institutional history. Check out BBQ Barn and mark your 2015 calendar for Butner's entertaining Chicken Pickin (crafts, food, vintage car show, music and more) traditionally held each June (919-575-3032 or butnernc.org).