Looking for fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend? This weekly update, hand crafted by us, will help you plan for memorable moments with your friends, family, or even just by yourself.
We update this post every Tuesday to share the weekly events in Raleigh this weekend and until the following Monday. We try to cover a wide range of interests and will include suggestions on things to do that aren’t event based, like visiting a museum, or taking a hike!
Our weekly list offers a variety of options, including events, festivals, concerts, activities for both kids and adults, sports and seasonal events. We have something for everyone!
And if the event is good enough, we’ll also share fun activities in the surrounding areas including Durham, Chapel Hill and our close municipalities like Cary and Wake Forest.
Fun Events in Raleigh this weekend
It’s strawberry picking season! Head to one of these 14 strawberry farms in the Wake County area (with a couple in neighboring county farms)
This week in Raleigh there are lots of fun events from live music, markets, ballet performances, and the springtime opening of the Juniper Level Botanic Gardens (our guide with photos). It’s also Cinco de Mayo, May the Fourth, and National Bike Month (here are some favorite bike trails).
We do our best to check information for each event is current. But please do your due diligence before visiting each event to check it’s not sold out, been cancelled, details changed, and of course, always check current prices.
Featured: Chatham Rabbits in the Sanctuary
- Where: Ridge Road Baptist Church Sanctuary at The Ridge
- When: May 4, 2024; Doors open 5:30pm / Music starts 7:30pm
- Cost: $25
The Chatham Rabbits have added a special stop on their 2024 Tour to play in the elegant sanctuary venue of Ridge Road Baptist Church.
This musical duo draws inspiration from a tapestry of North Carolina traditions with an uplifting blend of Americana, folk, and bluegrass music.
This performance will mark the launch of The Ridge, an exciting new community endeavor presented by Ridge Road Baptist Church. This new event space welcomes diverse groups to join together as neighbors to enjoy concerts, plays, dance performances, festivals and more!
This promises to be an unforgettable evening of music in an intimate setting.
Check below for more ideas & don’t miss the ongoing events below as we’re updating them each week as well:
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
- First Round: NY Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes – Rd 1 7:30pm PNC Arena
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
- Raleigh Night Market features over 100 local artisans, bakers, vintage sellers, and more! 10+ food trucks, live entertainment, games, and even a bier garden! Moore Square and City Market 5pm-9pm
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Taylor Swift Merrimon-Wynne House
Thursday, May 2, 2024
- Midtown Beach Music Series is on in the Midtown Commons area with Blackwater Band. 6-9pm $5
- Queens of the Stone Age – The End is Nero, Red Hat Amphitheater
- North Carolina Symphony – Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
- Jake & Johanna (of the Soul Psychedelique Orchestra) will be performing at Downtown Cary Park for their live at lunch. 11:30am-1:30pm FREEE
Friday, May 3, 2024
- Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Open Day Enjoy the springtime blossoms at this hidden Raleigh garden gem. 8am – 5pm FREE 9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
- First Friday. Time to celebrate local artisans again in Downtown Raleigh. We have a complete guide to First Friday in Raleigh including the new events for the month. There’ll be a Star Wars themed movie night in Moore Square.
- Bands, Bites, & Boats in Bond Lake Cary. Head down from 5:30-7:30pm for sunset tunes from My Cousin Skinny, food from Bites & goldenKdog, and brews from Fortnight Brewing. Bring your lawn chairs (and BYO if you’d prefer)
- Holly Springs International Food Festival FREE cultural performances, food, and beverages from more than 12 countries. 5-9pm
- North Carolina Symphony – Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
- National Bike Month kicks off at Pullen Park with a family friendly Bike Bonanza event Music, bicycle advocates, safety checks, a bike decoration station, AAA of the Carolinas and a photo booth 5-7pm
Saturday, May 4, 2024
- Chatham Rabbits at the Sanctuary Come see this musical duo who draws inspiration from a tapestry of North Carolina traditions with an uplifting blend of Americana, folk, and bluegrass music. Get tickets here. 5:30 doors open $25.
- The Cary Ballet’s SpringWorks Production ……. See Who Cares? and Alice in Wonderland from one of the area’s best ballet companies. (Read more here) 1 & 6pm … Get Tickets
- Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Open Day again. Don’t miss this rare weekend to see these gorgeous Raleigh gardens gem. 8am – 5pm FREE 9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Time to celebrate the Peak of Good Living at the annual Apex Peak-fest festival. There is live music all day, artisan stores, entertainment for the kids, food and much more! 9am-5pm on Salem Street in Downtown Apex.
- Meet in the Street is on in Downtown Wake Forest. This premier arts & crafts, music and food festival will include more than 100 artisan booths featuring handmade items for sale, dozens of food trucks, live music throughout the day, a children’s village filled with activities for kids, and more. 10am-4pm Here’s our guide to Downtown Wake Forest if you want to do some exploring while there!
- First Round: NY Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes – Rd 1, PNC (may not be on if Canes win on Tues!)
- North Carolina FC vs. Rhode Island FC, WakeMed Soccer Park 7pm
- North Carolina Symphony – Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
- May the 4th Be with You celebration in Downtown Cary Park will have a range of activities including cosplay, jedi training, and a silent disco from 4-10pm
- John Chavis Memorial Park also has a May the Fourth celebration with crafts, activities and themed snacks. Wear your favorite galaxy-approved costume and join in on crafts, activities, and themed snacks. 11am-2pm FREE
- The Market at NCMA is on from 11:00am-4:00pm
- Gladwell Orthodontics Carnival is having a day of fun and smiles with exciting games, delicious treats, and awesome prizes. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the team and learn more about orthodontic care in a relaxed setting. Our daughter is a patient of Gladwell, and we love them 2824 Rogers Road #STE 200 Wake Forest, NC 27587 11am -3pm. They currently have a May Match offer – up to $1000 off your invasalign treatment. Tell them This is Raleigh sent you for free teeth whitening as well!
Sun, May 5, 2024
- Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Open Day Last chance until summer to see the rare and exotic plants at these gardens. 8am – 5pm FREE 9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
- The Golden Gals Live: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
- Kathy Griffin: My Life On The PTSD-List, Carolina Theatre, Durham
- Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Tacos, Latin beats, margaritas, and tequila tastings! Head to crank Arm Brewery to celebrate from noon to 5pm
Plan Ahead: Events to Book in Advance so You don’t miss out!
- Longleaf Film Festival is coming up next weekend at the NC Museum of History. It’s FREE!
- US Open Cup – North Carolina FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, WakeMed Soccer Park
- Disney Presents The Lion King (Touring), May 15- 30, 2024 at DPAC
- Don’t forget Mother’s Day – here are some ideas to help you plan!
Plan ahead with our April 2024 events, May events for 2024, things to do in Spring guide and our recommended festivals in Raleigh for 2024.
Here are some ideas for spring destinations from Raleigh if you’re planning to travel over the next couple of months. And we have our Spring bucket list for Raleigh post with a podcast episode.
Don’t forget to use the search bar on this site to find LOTS of ideas from things to do in Raleigh, and places to eat and drink, or even some getaway ideas!
RALEIGH VENUE GUIDES:
Ongoing Weekly Events in Raleigh, May 2024
- The amazing Dinos Alive Immersive Experience starts today and runs until April 7. Travel back to the Jurassic in a thematic park full of realistic dinosaurs—see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat! Pleasant Valley Promenade, $20.90+
- Dueling Dinosaurs Exhibition is at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences until Sept 1st. See the skeletons of two extinct animals— a tyrannosaur and a Triceratops. Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm Reserve your FREE tickets.
- Shop & Play Saturdays is on at Phillips Farms in Cary on Saturdays until May 18. Enoy the weekly farmer’s market, and delicious local BBQ, ice cream, donuts, and more. And/or play in the family fun park. Your kids will be entertained for hours (you may be too!) 10am – 3pm.
- Yates Mill Historic Mill Tours are back until November on most Saturdays at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and on most Sundays at 2 and 3 p.m.: $5 for adults; $4 for Seniors (ages 60 & over); $3 for Children (ages 7–16) see our guide to Historic Yates Mill here.
- FREE Yoga in the Park, Mondays, 5:30pm; Flowers Field, Dorothea Dix Park Registration Ages 12+
- Wellness Wednesdays is on at the grass lawn at Midtown Park North Hills, 6-7pm. The 12-week Spring season offers a wide variety of fun, fitness concepts taught by popular fitness partners. $5
- Kids many love the Science Conversations with Museum educators and scientists at the NC Museum of History. Every First and Third Thursday of the month. 10:30 & 1:30
- On Thursday Evenings, ComedyWorx brings to the stage some of the most original, diverse, and hilarious comedy shows in the Triangle. Check out at ComedyWorx.com to see what’s on this week!
- Beer and Banjos is a free bluegrass music showcase, every Tuesday at 6:30pm at the Raleigh Times upstairs bar! Acts change each week.
- Open Mic at Goodnights every Tuesdays at 7:30pm. It’s your time to funny shine!
- Open Mics at Gizmo Brewery is on every Sunday from 3-6pm. Sit outside in the sun and enjoy the local talent on the outdoor stage with a cold brew.
- Jazz night at Transfer Co Food Hall every Thursday from 7:30pm to 10:30pm in The Ballroom. This event is FREE for all ages!
- Wednesday Wine and Weeds at Raleigh City Farm is one of my favorite volunteering opportunities in Raleigh. Get your hands dirty in our Pollinator and Food Gardens while sipping wine and other tasty beverages compliments of Sweet Peas Urban Gardens!
- Midtown Farmers’ Market at North Hills is on every Saturday in The Commons starting at 10am. See a guide to North Hill’s here.
- Raleigh Drum Circle and Hoop Jam is on every Wednesday at Method Road Community Park,
- Holly Springs Farmers Market are on every Saturday 9:00-Noon at the Holly Springs Cultural Center
- Cary Downtown Farmer’s Market is on Saturdays, 9am – 12pm at 200 E Chatham Street
- Downtown Rolesville Market is on Saturdays 9am – 1:30pm along Main St.
- Busker Series: Enjoy performances from local buskers at Moore Square each Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday from 11am – 1 pm outside of Square Burger
- North Hills has their pop-up music series. with a total of twenty acoustic local artists popping up to entertain as you shop, eat and play. See schedule here.
- Pop-Up Music in The Hollow every Thursday evening 5-7pm through June (Smoky Hollows District)
Have an event you want to submit? Here are our guidelines for event submission.
If you find this helpful, please share with your friends. You can subscribe to our free email community and get a free PDF download of our top festivals and events for 2024 (great for planning your epic year)! All email members get this weekly update sent every Tuesday/Wednesday! Let us bring the good news to you!
Raleigh Tours to Consider
- African American History Walking Tour, Fris & Sat @11am $20 Learn about the history of the segregated business district and cultural hub for the Black community, known as Black Main Street.
- If you like walking tours, this Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls walking tour may be a hit for couples who love to get their SPOOK on. Uncover the lurking ghosts and spirits of Raleigh on a guided paranormal walking tour. Stand as close as you dare to the Heck-Andrews House and listen to chilling tales of this city’s dark history.
- Raleigh Ghost Walk is at Dorothea Dix Park every Sunday evening at 8pm. From stories of lingering spirits haunting the grounds of North Carolina’s oldest insane asylum, to the charred bodies of orphans stuck in a fire, to reports of a vanishing body hanging from one of NC State’s best-known landmarks. $10
- Free 50-minute tour of the People’s Collection at the NC Museum of Art. Every Thursday and Saturday at 1pm
- Tour the Joel Lane House Weds- Fri weekly; 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm & Sat 1 pm, 2 pm, & 3 pm.$4-$8 Explore the beginnings of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, and the United States—from the colonial era, through the Revolutionary War, into the first years of a new nation at the oldest house in Raleigh.
- Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: This walking tour takes you between some of Raleigh’s historic downtown sites, including the Heck-Andrews House, Christ Church, Haywood Hall, and much, much more.
- Raleigh African American History Tour: The tour will take you between various historic sites created by or important to Raleigh’s African American community. has produced educators, engineers, political leaders, medical scientists, military officers, and much more.
- Burgers, Brews & Views Bike tour in Johnston County with Triangle Adventures. Mention ThisIsRaleigh for a 10% discount.
Enjoy these gardens for a stroll
Spring is a sensory explosion! Time to soak up those colors and smells at the following Triangle gardens and parks.
- Sarah P Duke Gardens in Durham are stunning! Don’t miss the tulip garden.
- JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State
- The Raleigh Rose garden
- Here are five more lovely gardens in Raleigh
- Dorothea Dix Park has lots of spots for picnics … views included.
- Juniper Level Botanic Gardens
Want to go for a hike?
Any day is a good day for a hike. Below are a few of our favorite trails in Raleigh. All of these are great for kids too:
- FOR LAKE VIEWS: The easy 3-mile paved loop around Lake Johnson
- FOR A FOREST IMMERSION: Loblolly Trail, Umstead State Park
- FOR UNIQUENESS: Hemlock Bluffs in Cary
- ART, NATURE & CITY: Enjoy this ultimate combo on the 6-mile one way Art to Heart bike trail
- FOR A LONGER UMSTEAD HIKE: Company Mill Trail in Umstead State Park
If these ideas don’t warm up your heart, choose one from this list of 25 trails in Raleigh to suit all levels and styles and here is our guide to Umstead State Park.
Rain in the forecast? Try these indoor activities
Don’t despair, if there is rain in the air, there’s plenty of activities in Raleigh this weekend you can do indoors:
- RALEIGH’S BEST ATTRACTION: We think the free NC Museum of Art is Raleigh’s best foot forward. If the sun peaks out head to their fantastic sculpture park for some outdoor fun!
- NC’S MOST POPULAR MUSEUM: The free North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is perfect for a rainy day for all ages. Learn more about the world we live in through fun exhibitions and interactive displays.
- FOR SPORTS LOVERS: The NC Sports Hall of Fame celebrates excellence in athletics and commemorates and memorializes exceptional accomplishments in sports. It’s located on the third floor of the NC Museum of History. Here is a list of our favorite sports bars in Raleigh, if you want to catch a game with other sports lovers on the weekend!
- FOR KIDS: You can’t go past Marbles Kids Museum for younger kids. Defy Gravity, Urban Air, and are two fun indoor amusement zones. You also can’t go past the movies, and bowling (check out King’s in North Hills) Here’s a full list of things to do with kids in Raleigh and a list of things to do in Raleigh with teens.
- WANT MORE? Here are some of Raleigh’s best art galleries and museums.
Looking for places to eat in Raleigh this weekend?
- BRUNCH. It’s the weekend, of course you want a long lingering brunch with peeps you love. Check out these memorable Raleigh brunch spots. We recently experienced the new brunch at Gringo a Go Go and highly recommend.
- BREAKFAST: If you want to be more traditional, here are some of our favorite breakfast places in Raleigh.
- Looking for a date night restaurant? We love Crawford & Son, Second Empire Tavern, Las Ramblas. See more date ideas here.
- LUNCH: Here’s where you can find some of the best sandwiches in Raleigh
- MORNING COFFEES have never tasted so good at these Raleigh coffee shops the locals love! Don’t miss our very favorite Fount Coffee & Kitchen.
- DRINKS: Want a view with that cocktail? Try these rooftop bars with a view. We love these Wine Bars in the Raleigh area and here are some breweries in Raleigh.
- BURGERS: We love Burger Village on Glenwood Ave for their gourmet, exotic grass-fed burgers and organic food!
Feel like a day trip?
Who wouldn’t? Vacations don’t always have to involve a plane trip and overnight stay. They can be refreshing adventures just a short car ride away. If you’re looking for getaways from Raleigh this weekend, consider these:
- JOHNSTON COUNTY: At only 20-40 minutes’ drive away, you’ll find a unique cultural escape in Johnston County. It’s not all farmland fun. There are vineyards, fantastic restaurants, and classy whiskey bars. Check out our date day experience in Joco and fun day out with kids, and a day in Pine Level and Princeton. And don’t miss our 15 fun day trips from Raleigh.
- SMALL CITY BREAK: Full of art, culture, food, and local experiences, Durham is always a fun day trip from Raleigh. Here are some ideas on things to do in Durham. We also love the Pinehurst area!
What about a Spring Getaway
It’s an incredible time to travel! Here are some ideas.
- Spring destination ideas from Raleigh
- Guide To Visiting Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC: Things To Do & Tips!
- Sun, Sand + Seclusion: 9 Top Outer Banks Beaches To Set Foot On!
- 7 Fun Theme Parks & Amusement Parks Near Raleigh, NC!
- Tiny Home Stay At River And Twine (Unique Getaway From Raleigh)
- 18 Fun Things To Do On Ocracoke Island (OBX At Its Best)
Visiting Raleigh this weekend for an Event?
If you’re visit Raleigh from out of town for any weekly events, here are our recommendations for accommodation in downtown Raleigh.
- Residence inn Downtown Raleigh – fantastic location and big suites
- StateView Hotel – hidden away in a forest on NC State’s Campus
- Check out 10 of our short-term rental favorites
If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some itinerary guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:
There you have it, all the cool things to do in Raleigh NC this weekend. Leave us a comment below if you have any events this weekend in Raleigh we should know about?
Tell us what you’re doing this weekend in Raleigh? Anything we missed or can include next week for you!
