Enchanting Evenings: Raleigh’s Candlelight Concerts Illuminate Date Nights

There’s nothing quite like watching a string quartet play beneath the gentle glow of candlelight.

The illuminating sight is both romantic and enchanting, and something you can witness right here in Raleigh with Candlelight Concerts by Fever.

You’ll be able to enjoy some of the most talented musicians in the city while basking in the glow of flickering candlelight, which is both a multi-sensory musical experience and a unique thing to do.

Held in some of Raleigh’s most picturesque venues, these concerts offer an immersive musical experience, making them the perfect setting for a memorable date night. It’s a great way to disconnect from the outside world and make time for each other.

In this guide, I’ll sharing everything you need to know about attending a Raleigh Candlelight Concert, from what they are to some of the upcoming concerts that you won’t want to miss.

And this is not something unique to Raleigh either – they have Fever Candlelight Concerts in 100 cities around the world (some of these photos are from other cities), so look out for them when you’re traveling also.

About Candlelight Concerts by Fever

Candlelight Concerts are a delightful fusion of live classical music and the warm, flickering glow of candlelight – it’s one of Raleigh’s best kept hidden secrets for how to spend a magical evening..

A Candlelight Concert is a new concert experience where you can watch some of the best local musicians performing masterpieces by renowned composers, or modern musical legends creating an intimate and magical atmosphere.

The venues change, but it could be at The Rialto, The Historic Wakefield Barn, or Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel, depending on the dates. Although the venue changes, the experience is the same – watch a string quartet surrounded by hundreds of flickering, glowing candles.

What I love most about the candlelight concerts is that the string quartet performs timeless classics from artists we love and adore in our modern world. There’s nothing wrong than hearing the legendary works of Mozart, or Beethoven, but it’s so normal with a string quartet or orchestra.

While you can choose to watch classical performances such as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, you can also watch a string quarter version of Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Queen, or Abba – whatever the genre, the experience is unmatched.

What makes these concerts unique and the prefect date night experience, is you get to hear your current favorite songs in a different way – through the uplifting sounds of a violine, viola and cello.

Local string quartet, Lyricosa String Quartet are the artists for the candlelight concerts in Raleigh. For the evening program, they generally play around 13 of the artist’s most popular and iconic songs – the duration of the show is about an hour. We got a bonus song at our Taylor Swift tribute after the audience’s standing ovation!

There are usually two shows for each candlelight concert around 6:30om and 8:30/9pm.

See all upcoming candlelight shows in Raleigh.

Note: The candles are fake! Obviously, the risk is pretty high to have hundreds of real candles lit AND can you imagine being the candle lighter? While nothing beats the soft flickering glow of real candles, the fake ones still provide that perfect romantic ambiance you’re hoping for.

Our Candlelight Concert Experience

Candlelight Concerts are not just the perfect date night for lovers either – a perfect date night in Raleigh can be with your child, a parent, or a best friend.

I took my eldest daughter, Kalyra, to the Tribute to Taylor Swift Candlelight Concert in the historic Merrimom-Wynne House. We had a wonderful evening together, and when it was over my teen turned to me broadly grinning and said, “That was really good.”

Especially since we got to hear some of her favorites: All Too Well and Enchanted. (For me it was Lover and Lavender Haze.) You heard it Raleigh, if a teen approves, you know you it’s something special!

What I loved about our evening was the diversity of people attending from couples on a date night, to groups of girlfriends, and whole families.

With the absence of words, I loved being able to tune into the musicality of each piece. I walked away from the concert saying to Kalyra, listening to the music tonight only further proved the musical genius of Taylor Swift.

That’s a different kind of soul stirring for Lover, I Will Fix You, Next to Me, All apologies, Hello and Love of my Life. That sentence alone will let music lovers know the kind of artists the string quartet plays tribute to.

Things to know before you go

• You purchase tickets for a particular seating zone at each venue, but not a particular seat. Seats are first-come, first-served basis.
• Age requirement: all guests must be 8 years old or older to attend. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• It is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the show, so you can claim your perfect seat. However, doors open 60 minutes before the performance starts.
• All Raleigh venues have bars that serve drinks and snack, so arrive with plenty of time to get your drinks before the concert.
• The quartet plays for 60 minutes without any breaks.

Don’t be late as they say they won’t let you in, due to respect for the artists and those already seated listening.

As it’s not a rock concert, but a more intimate, could-hear-a-pin-drop experience, latecomers will disturb and distract.

When you purchase your tickets, you will see a suggested set list, which was followed on our evening. The quartet will play sets of two to three songs.

Before each set, one of the members will stand and tell you a little information about each song coming in the next set, which I really appreciated. Photos and videos are not allowed during the performance until the last set.

As a content creator, it’s rare I can completely shut off to an experience and just enjoy it without looking through my phone camera. So I LOVED this rule and happily followed it.

For the last set, they will let you know it’s recording time – and yes, everyone whipped out their phones, because of COURSE, you want to capture a bit of Tay Tay under candlelight.

They also invited us all to sing to the final set songs. Don’t ever try and stop a Swfitie from singing Shake It Off! From all the smiling faces, you could tell this was the perfect way to end a magical evening! (You can see more on my reel here) The audience all stood for an ovation at the end with completely delighted faces.

Candlight Tickets

Depending on the venue, there may be different leveled tickets you can purchase form standing room to front row. For the Merrimom-Wynne House venue that we experienced, seats wrapped around a slightly elevated stage. As the venue is quite small, all seats had pretty good views.

For the other venues, I think it’s more stage at the front with seats in rows facing the stage, so better seats will be at the front. If this is your ultimate date night experience, then front row seat will only enhance the experience.

Candlelight Concerts in Raleigh Dates

The dates for 2026 Candlelight Concerts in Raleigh are as follows:

• HISTORIC WAKEFIELD BARN
  • Jan 23: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
  • Jan 23: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
  • Jan 24: Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
  • Jan 24: Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
  • fEB 20: Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
  • Feb 20: Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
  • March 5: Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
  • March 13: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
  • March 20: Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
  • March 20: Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
  • April 17: Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
  • April 17: Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
  • April 24: Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
  • May 8: Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
  • May 8 Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
  • May 15: Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
  • May 22: Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
  • June 12: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
  • June 12: Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
• THE RIALTO
  • Feb 27: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
  • Feb 27: Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
  • Feb 28: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
  • Feb 28: Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
  • March 28: Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
  • March 28: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Get your tickets for Raleigh Candlelight concerts here.

Where are Candlelight Concerts in Raleigh held?

Another reason, these candlelight concerts are a great date night experience in Raleigh as they are held in iconic and stunning venues across the city.

I’ve always wanted to experience the beauty of the historic Merrimom-Wynne house in Historic Oakwood, so was thrilled to attend our Taylor Swift tribute at this venue.

The series rotates through different venues, each chosen to enhance the overall experience, allowing attendees to enjoy the diverse architectural and acoustic qualities of each space.

All awe-inspiring locations in Raleigh are accessible and ADA compliant.

Merrimom-Wynne House, Historic Oakwood

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Merrimon-Wynne House (@merrimonwynne)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Merrimom-Wynne House exudes Southern charm and elegance.

It has undergone extensive renovations and restorations to maintain the integrity of its 1876 original character.

It’s a blend of Italianate and Eastlake architectural styles with distinctive features such as a wraparound porch, high ceilings, large windows and intricate detailing.

The candlelight concerts are held in the carriage house, which boasts grande chandeliers, exposed beams and rolling glass doors that open to the pergola and lawn. (They were closed for our concert, due to weather and probably for better ambiance)

The Historic Wakefield Barn, Wake Forest

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Historic Wakefield Barn (@historicwakefieldbarn)

Perched on 11.5 acres, this century-old three-story dairy barn exudes a timeless charm, featuring towering silos that add to its grandeur.

With dramatic arched ceilings, whitewashed shiplap, and meticulously restored stable spaces, the Wakefield Barn offers a historic splendor that is both rustic and elegant.

The barn sets the stage for candlelight concerts, creating an enchanting ambiance that complements the rich history of this magnificent space.

The candlelight concerts are held in the Main Hall on the second floor of the barn.

All Saints Chapel, Historic Oakwood

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by All Saints Chapel (@allsaints1875)

Leave behind the city skyscrapers to Step into the world of 1875, at the historic All Saints Chapel in Historic Oakwood.

It’s already romantic with its original heart pine wood beams and floorboards and light coming from the 19th Century-stained glass windows.

It’s a unique and elegant venue for the candlelight concerts.

Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, Boylan Heights

Part of Dorothea Dix Park, the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel is a midcentury modern chapel built in 1955.

The beautiful building has been decorated with wood elements, a rose stained-glass window, and terrazzo floors, which provide the perfect acoustics.

It was also renovated in 2020 by the Dix Park Conservancy, and features modern fixtures whilst also retaining its historic charm.

The Rialto, Five Points

Most famous for being a movie theatre, The Rialto doesn’t just host movies.

This historic movie theater opened in 1936 as a grocery store, but was turned into a movie theater in April 1942.

It was turned into a movie theater and concert venue in the 1990s.

The venue can seat 550 people.

FAQs about Candlelight Concerts in Raleigh

How to make a night of it

Don’t make it just a one-and-done date night experience.

Extend it by doing something extra either before or after your show (depending on the time).

We have a few options for each venue location ranging from the more intimate dinner or cocktail experience to something a little more casual.

Dining in Historic Oakwood

If attending a candlelight concert at the Merrimom-Wynne House, Rialto Theatre, or All Saints Chapel, consider the following ideas for adding in extra romance (or just good times)

• Cocktails at William and Co – we love the intimate feel of this cozy neighborhood bar and their fantastic cocktails. Even better is their hidden cocktail bar behind the curtain – La Veladora! I think they make the best cocktails in the city, especially for mezcal lovers like me!
• Dinner at Jolie or Crawford and Son – French rooftop romance or a casual-yet-elegant neighborhood eatery. Either way, you have a James Beard recognized chef taking care of you!
• Oakwood Pizza Box: If attending the candlelight concert with your family, pop into Oakwood Pizza for a yummy casual family dinner.
• Standard Beer & Food, Pelagic Beer and Wine, or Gringo a Go Go are great options for a more casual date experience for newly-dating couples or a group of friends.

Click here for more ideas in our guide to North Person St

Dining in Wake Forest

If attending a candlelight concert at Wakefield Barn, your closest area to enjoy dinner and/or a drink will be Wake Forest.

• Unwined on White is the spot for glass of boutique wine and a rooftop patio with views of White St.
• Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum is a local’s favorite for date night with a European flair.
• Over the Falls for casual pub grub style food that’s delicious and healthy in size. Perfect for families or groups of friends.

Find more ideas in our guide to downtown Wake Forest

The romance is alive with Candlelight Concerts

So, if you’re looking to kindle the flames of passion and create a truly unforgettable date night experience, look no further than the magical melodies of candlelight concerts in Raleigh.

Allow yourself to be swept away by the music, the ambiance, and the undeniable romance of these captivating performances.

The relaxed atmosphere that lets you focus on each other while you the sweet melodies of some of your favorite modern artists.