The Best Events in Raleigh in July 2026: Summer Fun has Begun!

Summer is really happening now! Big Raleigh events and festivals are much quieter in July, but live music, theatre, and concerts are in huge demand!

People are flocking to cool down at our nearby lakes, and a little further to our NC beaches, and the sunflowers are getting ready to bloom! The World Cup soccer continues and culminates with the final on July 19 at 3pm. Here are places to watch the World Cup Soccer in Raleigh.

This month we have plenty of fireworks, festivals, and outdoor movies! Down below we’re sharing what we think are some of the best events in Raleigh for July. 

Please tell us in the comments at the bottom what you are doing this month in Raleigh? It’s helpful for the readers coming after you to discover more cool things to do in Raleigh and the Triangle area!

And don’t forget to get prepared for beyond July by checking out our annual list of festivals and events in Raleigh guide. We also share our top picks for things to do in Raleigh this weekend, every Tuesday. If you’re looking for a place to cool down, check out this post on places to swim near Raleigh!

Sunflower Fields

I cannot believe it’s been a year already! It feels like yesterday that Savannah and I were twirling around the sunflower fields in Dorothea Dix Park. Be ready for those giant yellow orbs following the sun. Dorothea Dix is predicting an early July bloom!

Here is our guide to where you can see the sunflowers in Raleigh 

Week 1:  JULY 1 – 5, 2026

First Friday, July 3, 2026

• Where: Downtown Raleigh (various locations)
• Time:

Looking for events in Raleigh this weekend? First Friday is a great way to get to know the culture of downtown Raleigh.

It is celebrated on the first Friday of each month at locations throughout downtown. Art galleries and studios are open late with rotating exhibits and artist talks. First Friday is FREE and open to all. I am sure this month will have a July 4th theme! The movie in Moore Square will be Hamilton!

Our guide to First Friday with events for this month. First Friday is one of our monthly date nights. See more date ideas for Raleigh here.

July 4th Events in The Triangle

Instead of listing out all the events here for Independence Weekend, I have written an entire post outlining some things to do for July 4th in Raleigh. Click that link to find everything from lake chillaxing to baseball, hot dogs and fireworks. The major events are listed below.

North Carolina Freedom Fest at the State Capitol, July 4, 2026

• Where: NC State Capitol
• When: 10:00am – 4:00pm
• Website: america250.nc.gov/FreedomFest

The NC State Capitol hosts a free, fun-filled family event that offers musical performances and several hands-on activities for children to enjoy. It will start right after the parade, so you can attend both events.

The event will include a ceremony, which will have a reading from the Declaration of Independence, a wreath laying at the George Washington monument by the Sons of the American Revolution, an outdoor naturalization ceremony for new citizens, and a performance by the Raleigh Concert Band. The band will perform from 11:30am – 12:00pm before the ceremony begins on the east grounds.

Fireworks celebration at Dorothea Dix Park July 4, 2026

• Where: Dorothea Dix Park
• When: 6pm
• Website: raleighnc.gov/raleigh-250

This year, the City of Raleigh will hold their annual fireworks display at Dorothea Dix Park. Enjoy music, activities, food, and the main event, fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  There’ll be DJ and live music, craft stations, lawn games, food and beverage vendors (no alcohol permitted)

There is no public parking available at Dix Park for this event, but there are free shuttles from Moore Square starting at 5:30pm. There is limited free parking at NC State Centennial Campus and then you walk to the Big Field. Bus routes 11 & 21 will take you to the park. Or there is rideshare or biking in! Here’s a guide to riding the bus in Ralegh.

Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks, July 4, 2026

• Where: Koka Booth Amphitheater
• When:  3:30pm
• Website: www.boothamphitheatre.com

The very popular Town of Cary’s family-friendly fireworks-focused celebration on July 4th includes an acoustic performance by Emma Rae and Story Charlemagne, as well as the North Carolina Symphony.

Doors open at 3:30pm, but at 7:30pm, the North Carolina Symphony will take the stage and then the fireworks over Symphony Lake at 9:30pm. Food vendors will also be outside the gate, but you can bring your own picnic with you. Check our guide to Koka Booth Amphitheater.

Hair in Concert, July 4, 2026

• Where: Fred Fletcher Park
• Time: 3 – 8pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Enjoy a free, family-friendly Independence Day celebration featuring music, poetry, art, and community connection at Hair in Concert & Spoken Word. Featured Spoken Word Artists: Dasan Ahanu, Kamile Sabali, Ajani Kambon. Musical pieces from “Hair” the musical, accompanied by narratives highlighting the positive efforts being made in our community on various social issues.

Don’t miss these other Independence Day celebrations and ideas for enjoying July 4th.

Sporting Events and Concerts this week

• July 1 – 5: Durham Bulls vs. Gwinnett Stripers, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• July 1: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs. Holly Springs Salamanders, Namaco Park
• July 2 & 4: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs. Greenville Yard Gnomes, Namaco Park
• July 2: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Forest City Owls, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 3: Carolina Theater Company: Zombies, Martin Marietta Center
• July 3: Rockstar DSP Live – Euphoria 2026, Martin Marietta Center
• July 4: Holly Springs Salamanders vs.  Asheboro Zookeepers, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 4: North Carolina Courage vs. Seattle Reign (our link gives you a discount!)
• July 5: Madison Beer: the locket tour, Red Hat Amphitheater
• July 5: An Evening With Harry Connick Jr., DPAC
• July 5: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Morehead City Marlins, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 5: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs. Peninsula Pilots, Namaco Park

Week 2: July 6 – 12, 2026

Soccer Square Fan Fest at Moore Square, July 6, 2026

As long as the USA are still in the World Cup, Moore Square will host a watch party at their Fan Fest. We know for sure they are playing this game tonight against Belgium so wear your red, white, and blue and cheer them on. If they progress, this will be the Fan Fest Moore Square schedule. 8pm kickoff

• Friday, July 10 | 3 p.m. – Quarterfinals
• Tuesday, July 14 | 3 p.m. – Semifinals
• Sunday, July 19 | 3 p.m. – World Cup Final

Bands, Bites, & Boats, July 10, 2026

• Where: Bond Park, Cary
• Time: 6-8pm
• Cost: Free

Every monthm Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. What a great sunset experience to kick off the weekend.

• Band: Garland Mason
• Bites: Ty’s All Natural | Safari Eatz
• Brews: Bond Brothers Beer Company

Friday Night on White, July 10, 2026

• Where: White Street, Wake Forest, 6-9pm
• Website: wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events

This summer monthly event is back with Love Tribe performing live. Bring your chairs and blankets, grab some food from the food trucks, and a beer form the tent. You can even dine at one of the restaurants or wander through the downtown stores.

We’ve attended Friday Night on White and can concur that this is a really fun community event. I was quite surprised at how many people were there having fun with friends.

Read our guide to Downtown Wake Forest and if you’re thinking of living here, here are 5 Wake Forest Neighborhoods to consider.

Raleigh’s All-American Summer Festival July 11, 2026

• Where: Fayetteville St
• Time: 11am – 7pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

A fun-filled, high-energy summer celebration, culture, and carnival-style fun. Featuring Adam Lee Decker Band, carnival games and prizes, live music, contests and kids zone

Bastille Day Celebration, Jul 11, 2026

• Where: Lafayette Village
• Time: 4pm – 10pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

This special evening transforms Lafayette Village into a lively European escape, filled with music, wine, shopping, and community.
Stroll through the Village and enjoy signature French Wine Tasting Walk, discover unique treasures from local vendors, enjoy live music throughout the evening, and experience the relaxed elegance of a summer night in Paris.

You are invited to wear Red, White, and Blue in honor of Bastille Day and the shared spirit of French and American celebration. Why not continue the celebration this week by visiting one of these French restaurants in Raleigh.

Kiki’s Comedy Showcase: Sunsets & Standup, July 11, 2026

• .Where: Downtown Cary Park
• Time: 7pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Settle in for an evening of sharp wit featuring a curated lineup of three hilarious comedians. Whether you’re a stand-up superfan or just looking for a cool escape, this showcase delivers the perfect summer vibe in a stunning park setting. I saw a Kiki Showcase at Goodnight’s Comedy Club, and it was fun.

Sporting Events and Concerts this week

• July 9: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs. Tri-City Chili Peppers Namaco Park
• July 10: The Pretty Reckless: Dear God Tour, The Ritz
• July 10: NE-YO & AKON: Nights Like This Tour 2026, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• July 10: North Carolina Symphony – Sidecar Social Club, Koka Booth Amphitheater
• July 10: Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour 2026, DPAC
• July 11: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs. Yorktown Coconuts Namaco Park
• July 11: Gladys Knight, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
• July 11: Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings, Historic Wakefield Barn
• July 11: Paul Simon, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• July 11: An Evening with Wilco, DPAC
• July 11: North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit Enjoy a tailgate at Fenton three hours before kickoff
• July 11: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Morehead City Marlins, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 12: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Peninsula Pilots, North Main Athletic Complex

Week 3: July 13 – 19, 2026

Summer Sidewalk Sale North Hills, July 16 – 19, 2026

• Where: North Hills
• Time: 10am – 6pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Time to cash in on some deals! The annual Summer Sidewalk Sale at North Hills is back! You can get up to 75% off your favorite designer brands more – plus, enter to win a $500 shopping spree! Store hours vary location to location.

Our beginners guide to North Hills will help you understand the different sections of Midtown and what you can find. Plan for lunch at one of our favorite North Hills restaurants during your shopping spree!

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week, July 16 – 26, 2026

• Where: various restaurants downtown
• When:
• Website

With over 85% of downtown restaurants locally owned and independent, this is your chance to explore the culinary heart of the city while supporting home-grown businesses that make our food scene truly special. Expect special lunch and dinner pre-fixe menus and deals. We love taking advantage of restaurant week to explore a new restaurant or return to a favorite. Not many details have been announced yet – we’ll update once we know. In the meantime, have a look at some of our favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants for inspiration.

Men’s Rugby, USA vs. Spain, July 18, 2026

• Where: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
• Time: 7:30pm – 10pm
• Cost: $80+
• Tickets

The USA Men’s Eagles are scheduled to play Spain in a World Rugby Nations Cup match, the first time international rugby has been hosted at WakeMed Soccer Park since 2015.

World Cup Soccer Final

Who are we going to see in the final of the world’s game? Whoever it is, it’s sure to be a fun evening cheering and celebrating. If you’re team is not in it, choose on to support for the love of football and global community. There will be various watch parties – we’ll keep you informed. Subscribe to our email so you don’t miss it. Here are the best places to watch soccer in Raleigh. And we know for sure that Moore Square will have a watch party, as well as a watch party for all US games while they remain in it!

Sporting Events and Concerts this week

• July 14: The Princess Concert, Martin Marietta Center
• July 14 – 19: The Notebook (Touring), DPAC
• July 15: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Zebulon Devil Dogz, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 16: The Marvelous Miss Gender starring BOSCO, Martin Marietta Center
• July 16: TRAIN – Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• July 17: LINDSEY STIRLING – DUALITY UNTAMED TOUR, Red Hat Amphitheater
• July 17: Phish, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• July 17: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs Martinsville Mustangs Namaco Park
• July 17: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Asheboro Zookeepers, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 17 – 19: Durham Bulls vs. Charlotte Knights, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• July 18: Tangled Vows, Martin Marietta Center
• July 18: Bossman Dlow – Motion Party Tour, The Ritz
• July 18: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, The Rialto
• July 18: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA The Rialto
• July 19: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs Peninsula Pilots Namaco Park
• July 19: Vishal-Sheykhar – The Superhit Tour, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Week 4 July 20 – 26, 2026

Hillsborough St Makers & Music, July 24, 2026

• Where: Compiegne Park (106 Chamberlain St, Raleigh, NC 27607)
• When: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Gather your friends and family this summer for a monthly outdoor community gathering event in the Hillsborough St District. Each month will feature live music performances, local markets, and family friendly activities. Plus, you’re right near Hillsborough St restaurants and eateries for food and drink.

Live After Five, July 23, 2026

• Where: Seaboard Station
• Time: 5-8pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Downtown Raleigh’s monthly summer block party is back. This month its Elora Dash Local Downtown Raleigh breweries and food trucks will provide beer, wine, signature drinks and food. There’ll be vendors, including vintage gear!

Galaxy Con, Raleigh, July 23-26, 2026

• Where: Raleigh Convention Center 
• Time: 2.00pm – 12.00am Thursday, 10.00am – 2.00am Friday and Saturday, 10.00am – 8.00pm Sunday
• Cost: From $45 for adults $20 for children
• Website: GalaxyCon.com

Where are the fandoms from across the galaxies? Do you love pop culture, gaming, fantasy, comic books and more? You will want to devote four days this year at GalaxyCon Raleigh to celebrate your other-Universe adventures. 

At one of the biggest events in Raleigh, you’ll be joined by celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and other fans dressed in their best costumes. 

Need accommodation? Check out these downtown Raleigh hotels or AIRBNBs in Raleigh.

46th Crape Myrtle Festival Grand Gala presents A Royal Affair: The Queens Reveal Gala, July 25, 2026

• Where: Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown
• Time: 7pm – 10pm
• Cost: $50 – $80
• Website

Join CMF in grand celebration as we raise funds to help our community. The CMF Grand Gala is held on the last Saturday of July in the oppressive heat of summer when the Crape Myrtles bloom.

Need a room at the Tempo? Click here! There’s also the Homewood Suites next door.

The Taste of Soul NC Finale July 26, 2026

• Where City Plaza
• Time: 1pm -8pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

The Taste of Soul NC Finale will feature local Food, Desserts, Merchandise Vendors, kids activities, DJ, Live Performances, axe throwing, basketball games, a mini car show and more.

The Bubble Festival, July 26, 2026

• Where: Moore Square
• Time: 11am – 4pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Come out for bubbles galore, face painting, live music, food trucks & fun for all ages! 

Sporting Events and Concerts this week

• July 20: Tori Amos: In Times of Dragons Tour, DPAC
• July 22: Death Cab for Cutie: I Built You A Tower World Tour, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• July 23: Guns N’ Roses: World Tour 2026, Carter Finley Stadium
• July 23: Buju Banton & Stephen Marley: Roots and Rhymes Tour, Red Hat Amphitheater
• July 23: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Peninsula Pilots, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 24: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Yorktown Coconuts, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 24: Elmiene – Sounds for Someone Tour, The Ritz
• July 24: Ella Langley, Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park
• July 25: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Morehead City Marlins, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 25: Carolina Ballet Presents The Summer Intensive, Martin Marietta Center
• July 25: CaryLIVE! The Suitcase Junket, Downtown Cary Park
• July 25: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs.Tri-City Chili Peppers Namaco Park
• July 25: North Carolina Courage vs. Utah Royals
• July 25: Noah Kahan: The Great Divide Tour, Carter Finley Stadium
• July 25: Matt Maeson: Watch My Step Tour, The Ritz
• July 25: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer, The Rialto
• July 25: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons, The Rialto
• July 26: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Greenville Yard Gnomes, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 26: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs.Wilmington Sharks Namaco Park

Week 5 July 27- 31, 2026

Beer, Bourbon And BBQ Festival, July 31 – Aug 1, 2026

• Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• Time: Fri 6pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-6pm (VIP), 2pm-6pm (general)
• Cost: $55 – $79
• Tickets 

Unbuckle those belts for two days of Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! Your admission buys you a souvenir sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.

Apart from the overindulging you can shop for merch, play giant Jenga and cornhole, and dance to rock, blues, and bluegrass music. All held within one of our favorite venues in Wake County, Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Sporting Events and Concerts this week

• July 28 – Aug 2: Durham Bulls vs. Gwinnett Stripers, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• July 28: Bob Dylan, Red Hat Amphitheater
• July 29: O.A.R. Three Decades Tour, Red Hat Amphitheater
• July 29: TOTO + Christopher Cross + The Romantics, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• July 29: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs Holly Springs Salamanders Namaco Park
• July 30: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Zebulon Devil Dogz, North Main Athletic Complex
• July 31: Zebulon Devil Dogz vs Morehead City Marlins Namaco Park
• July 31: Passion Pit – The Pretty Penny Tour, The Ritz

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!

Visiting Raleigh 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
• Casso Hotel – for its uniquely Raleigh boutique feel and AMAZING restaurant (hidden gem!)
• Check out 10 of our short-term rental favorites
• Here are more Airbnb rentals in Raleigh

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:

• 24 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh
• 48 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh NC
• 22 of our favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants
• 14 best coffee shops in Raleigh