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 is a solid line up of fun events including dueling dinosaurs, garden tours, and the top annual event Brewgaloo, Spring Daze Festival.
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.
Check below for more ideas & don’t miss the ongoing events below as we’re updating them each week as well:
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
- Raleigh Founded has a One Week of Coworking special for just $5! Read why we love being members of Raleigh Founded.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
- Gatsby’s Prohibition Party Step into Great Gatsby’s Roaring Twenties to join a journey back in time, where you’ll have the chance to dance alongside Daisy Buchanan, listen to firsthand accounts from Nick Carraway, and even meet the enigmatic Jay Gatsby himself. Crafted cocktails will match each of the stories you’re told in this immersive experience. 6pm & 9pm Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
- Jazz Jam Session is on at the Umbrella Dry Bar in Downtown Raleigh. Join Gregg Gelb on sax and two other players on bass and drums. The trio will ask players in the audience if they want to join the band for a tune or two. 7-9pm
- Art2Wear is a showcase of students’ wearable art and technology performed in Stewart Theater. It’s one of the largest student-run productions of its kind in the Southeast. 7pm $30
Thursday, April 25, 2024
- Gatsby’s Prohibition Party is on again tonight at the Theatre Raleigh Arts Center 6 & 8pm
- Midtown Beach Music Series is on in the Midtown Commons area with The Catalinas. 6-9pm $5
- Bring your blankets and chairs to the Heights House’s Music on the Lawn from 5-8 pm to enjoy live music from Counterclockwise String Band, drinks from the parlor, food trucks, lawn games, family friendly activities and more!
Friday, April 26, 2024
- The party of the year is back! Brewgaloo’s The Friday Night Block Party on Fayetteville St will feature all-you-can-sample 3 oz pours. Tickets are $45. 6-10pm
- Gatsby’s Prohibition Party is on again tonight 6pm, 8pm & 10pm
- NEEDTOBREATHE: THE CAVES WORLD TOUR, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, 7:30pm
- Celebrate Earth Day with Mordecai Historic Park‘s Annual Heirloom Plant Sale 8:30am – 2pm
Saturday, April 27, 2024
- The Saturday Street Festival for Brewgaloo is FREE to enter, and drinks are available for purchase in 3 oz samples (2 tickets) or by the pint (5 tickets). Drink tickets will be sold in bundles of 15 or 25. See our guide to Brewgaloo here. 2-10pm
- One of our favorite events of the year for it’s beautiful location is the Spring Daze Arts And Crafts Festival at Bond Lake in Cary. Come celebrate local artisans with live music, food trucks, and more. 9am-5pm FREE
- Celebrate Earth Day with Mordecai Historic Park‘s Annual Heirloom Plant Sale 8:30am – 2pm
- Time for Historic Oakwood 34th Annual Garden Tour where you can tour this historic neighborhood and see the gardens of participating homes. $25
- The free Second Annual Adult Recess Festival is on at Fletcher Park! 3-7pm. Enjoy games, arts and crafts, food trucks, and shop with local businesses while making new friends. Inflatables, kickball, flag football, limbo, tug-o-war, Double Dutch, musical chairs, and more
- Theatre Raleigh Arts Center is hosting the Gatsby’s Prohibition Party again tonight 4pm, 6pm, 7 8pm
- The Postal Service & Death Cab For Cutie: Give Up & Transatlanticism, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
- North Carolina Courage vs. Seattle Reign FC, WakeMed Soccer Park, 7pm
- The annual JC Raulston Blooms and Plant sale is on. This day is packed with garden and nature activities, shopping, and outdoor fun. Includes education displays, demonstrations, food trucks and NC Howling Cow ice cream (one of our favorite ice creams in Raleigh). 10am – 3pm $5 for non-members at the JC Raulston Arboretum
- Shop & Play Saturdays is on at Phillip Farms in Cary
- Grand Opening of the Dueling Dinosaurs at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Tickets are not required on this day only. This immersive and interactive exhibition is of a fossil that contains the skeletons of two extinct animals— a tyrannosaur and a Triceratops. It’s free, but expected to be busy, so admission is first come first served. 10am – 5pm
- Chavis Health and Wellness Day This free, family-friendly event at John Chavis Memorial Park will feature mental health exhibits, physical fitness classes, wellness information, food trucks with free $15 food vouchers while supplies last, and more! 10am – 3pm
- Music at the Museum Fest is back at the NC Museum of Art. Come listen to five NC-rooted artists and celebrate the musical diversity from country to hip hop. 4:30 – 11pm $10 at the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park
- The monthly CaryLive concert series starts at Downtown Cary Park with former American Idol, Alejandro Aranda 7:30pm-9:30pm
Sun, April 28, 2024
- Historic Oakwood 34th Annual Garden Tour is happening again today. Tour this historic neighborhood and see the gardens of participating homes. $25
- Gatsby’s Prohibition Party will be on at 2pm, 4pm today at the Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
- MaiBikefest 2024 is on at Crank Arm Brewery A welcome to Spring party with music, food, and of course beeer, including plenty of the Spring signature, I Want To Ride MaiBike, a traditional style Maibock on tap. 12pm -6pm FREE
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!
Plan Ahead: Events to Book in Advance so You don’t miss out!
- 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)
- 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.
RALEIGH VENUE GUIDES:
Ongoing Weekly Events in Raleigh, March 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.
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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!
