It promises to be a busy (and culturally enriching) weekend at the State Fairgrounds. The Greek Festival expands to the Jim Graham Building for the 33rd annual event, the Budweiser Clydesdales are starring in the Hunt Horse Complex and two Independence Day celebrations will be held. Plus, this is one of only three weekends of the Flea Market left before they have to move out for the N.C. State Fair, so don’t delay if you’re on the lookout for antique furniture or collectibles.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are making appearances at the N.C. State Championship Horse Show through Saturday. The horse show starts at 6 p.m. each evening, with the Clydesdale team performing around 7:30. Admission is $8 and children under 12 are free. The show is a charity event sponsored by the Raleigh Host Lions Club.
The 33rd Annual Greek Festival is spreading out in the Jim Graham Building. Authentic Greek food and homemade Greek pastries will be for sale. There’s also a marketplace, plus live music and Greek dance groups will perform throughout the day. Hours are Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Satuday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students ages 13 to 19 and senior citizens, and free for children 12 and under.
The Supercar Autocross Ride & Drive Experience returns to the fairgrounds. Drive 2 laps around the autocross course in a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Student driver registration required. Family and friends free admission.
Celebrate the Independence Day of El Salvador at this free event Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. in the Holshouser Building featuring cultural food, dances, games and more. At 7 p.m., Marito Rivera and his band from El Salvador will perform. The concert is $30. Sponsored by Casa El Salvador.
The Old North State Antique Gun & Military Collector Show will take place in the Scott Building Saturday and Sunday. Antique guns, U.S. and foreign military arms and memorabilia will be exhibited, bought, sold and traded. Also includes relics, books, uniforms and insignias. Show hours are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $1 for children 6 -12 and free for children age 6 and under.
Raleigh Aquarium Society presents the Annual Fall Carolina Aquarium Auction, featuring a wide variety of fish, plants and hardware items on Sunday in the Martin Building. Preview and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Auction starts at 11 a.m.
On Sunday, the Grandstand will host the Mexican Independence Day celebration, Festival Fiestas Patrias featuring a Mexican Rodeo, and live music all day. Festival takes place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adult admission is $20 (or $10 if you get there before 1 p.m.), children age 12 and under are free.