Best Things to Do in Raleigh This Weekend + (Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2026)

Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and the whole week builds up to it. There are trunk-or-treats in Raleigh, Cary and Morrisville on Thursday, Witches Night Out in downtown Apex and a free skate night at Dix Park on Friday, and the Hurricanes are home three times, against Boston, Columbus and Winnipeg.

Halloween itself starts early with the Day of the Dead 5K and Street Festival downtown, Boos & Brews at the Midtown Farmers’ Market and HollyFest at Bass Lake, then NC State’s Homecoming game at Carter-Finley. Sunday is the City of Oaks Marathon, the last chance to see Carolina Ballet’s Dracula, and the end of daylight saving time, so you get an extra hour of sleep.

We update this post every Monday with the week’s events in Raleigh. We cover a wide range of interests and add ideas that aren’t event based, like a museum visit or a hike. We check the details for every event, but please do your own due diligence before you go. Make sure it hasn’t sold out, been cancelled or changed, and check current prices.

P.S. Please share this post with your Raleigh friends to help them plan their week too! Sign up for our email newsletter here.

Skip to What’s Happening today in Raleigh

It’s possible you landed here on a Friday or Saturday, and so what happened on Monday is of no concern to you! if you just want to know what is happening today in Raleigh, then click the links below to jump down to the today in Raleigh you are most interested in!

• Today in Raleigh on a Monday
• Today in Raleigh Tuesday
• Today in Raleigh on a Wednesday
• Today in Raleigh Thursday
• Today in Raleigh on a Friday
• Today in Raleigh on Saturday
• Today in Raleigh on Sunday

Happening all week in Raleigh

Big events

These run every day (or most days) of this week, so we’ve listed them once instead of repeating them under each day.

• Carolina Ballet’s Dracula The final weekend of the world premiere ballet in the Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center. Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, and the closing show on Sunday at 2pm.
• Mrs. Doubtfire The Broadway musical plays DPAC in Durham, Friday Oct 30 to Sunday Nov 1, with tickets from $50.
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors Theatre Raleigh turns Bram Stoker’s classic into a fast, silly comedy at the De Ann S. Jones Theatre, 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd. Wednesday to Sunday through Nov 8.
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Tom Stoppard’s comedy about the two minor characters from Hamlet at Raleigh Little Theatre, through Nov 8.
• Halloween movies at The Rialto The Rialto on Glenwood Ave finishes its month of horror classics. This week: The Thing on Monday, Halloween on Wednesday, The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, and Hocus Pocus and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Halloween.
• Oakwood Halloween House The famous zombies and skeletons at 504 Oakwood Ave go up in the week before Halloween. It’s our Halloween tradition to visit every year. Go a few days early if you want to avoid the Halloween night crowds.

Ghost tours, exhibitions, and games

• Curtain Call from Beyond: Theatre Haunts and History Tours A 50-minute guided walk through the backstage corridors of the Martin Marietta Center, with ghost lore, theatre stories and a drink in The Lounge. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Ages 12 and up. $42. Last tours Monday to Thursday, through Oct 29.
• Spirits of Wake Forest Ghost Tours A lantern-lit walk through historic downtown Wake Forest, about an hour and 15 minutes. Starts outside Wake Forest Town Hall. Final tours Thursday and Friday at 6:30pm and 8pm. $20.
• Haunted Forest Panic Point Five haunted attractions and a half-mile trail through the woods in Youngsville, about an hour from Raleigh. 2808 Cedar Creek Rd. Open Thursday Oct 29 and Friday to Sunday, with the season ending Nov 1. Prices change by night, and popular nights sell out, so book ahead.
• Rust, Rebels & Ruins Ghost Tour One of our favorite ghost tours in downtown Raleigh. A lantern-led walk past eight historic spots, starting at the NC State Capitol. From $26.
• Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour A guided ghost walk through downtown Raleigh.
• Sip & Stroll Raleigh Ghost Tour About 1 hour 10 minutes through downtown’s haunted spots. Starts at Exchange Place, next to the Poyner YMCA. Pay what you wish, usually $15 to $20 per adult.
• Spirits and Spirits Haunted Cocktail Rydables Tour Glide around downtown on a plush Rydable, sipping cocktails and hearing Raleigh’s eerie legends. About 2 hours, meets at 400 Fayetteville St. $95.
• Witch, Please! Halloween Pop-Up at Wye Hill A witch has taken over the Wye Hill taproom. Potion-style cocktails, witchy food specials and candlelight, plus Tarot Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 201 S Boylan Ave. Reserve a table, or walk in to the bar. Last day Nov 1.
• Ghosts of Raleigh: Explore the Haunted Past! A self-guided outdoor ghost hunt using your phone as a detector, across haunted downtown spots.
• Raleigh Murder Mystery: Solve the Case! A self-guided outdoor game, this one a whodunit downtown. There’s a Cary version too: Detective Mystery Game: Infiltrate a Secret Society in Cary.
• Raleigh Murder Mystery 2: Crime on Date Night A newer self-guided detective game built for two, starting from Exchange Plaza downtown. Start any day, any time (evenings are best).
• Pumpkin season is wrapping up: Find your patch, corn maze and hayride in our guide to pumpkin patches near Raleigh.
• Click! Photography Festival Exhibition An outdoor photography exhibition in Dorothea Dix Park, near Umstead Dr and S Boylan Ave, through Oct 30.
• Día de Muertos Ofrenda at Duke Chapel A Day of the Dead altar by Texas artist Ricky Armendariz inside Duke University Chapel in Durham, where you can add a photo or written tribute to someone you’ve lost. 10am to 8pm daily through Nov 5. FREE.

What’s happening this week in Raleigh

Monday, Oct 26, 2026

• Downtown Cary Park Diwali Celebration The Festival of Lights on the Great Lawn, with performances by Ishana Dance Co, Dhol Tasha and Leela Dance Co and music from DJ Rang. Bring chairs or a blanket. 6:30pm to 8pm, FREE.

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026

• North Hills Kids: Mini Monster Mash A Halloween morning for little ones at The Commons, North Hills, so bring them in costume. 9:30am to 11am.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins, Lenovo Center, 8pm.
• Victoria Monét: Frequency Of Love Tour, Red Hat Amphitheater.
• EsDeeKid, The Ritz.
• Beck, DPAC, Durham.

Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026

• Chaos Choir: Dark A SEEK Raleigh performance of voices, masks, ghost lore and Edgar Allan Poe at Fred Fletcher Park, marking the turn into the dark half of the year. 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday, FREE with registration.
• Halloween at The Rialto The horror classic on the big screen in Five Points.
• Grace Helbig & Mamrie Hart, Goodnights Comedy Club.

Thursday, Oct 29, 2026

• Cary Police Department Trunk or Treat Pre-Halloween trick-or-treating along Park Street at Downtown Cary Park, hosted by the Cary Police Department’s downtown team. 5:30pm to 7:30pm, FREE.
• Boo Bash Morrisville A free evening of Halloween fun, treats from local businesses, food trucks and a sensory station at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Pkwy. 6pm to 8pm.
• Lions Park Trunk-Or-Treat Music, crafts, decorated trunks and treats, with the city’s Rec’d Out mobile recreation unit. 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Live at Lunch: Mysti Mayhem at Downtown Cary Park, 11:30am to 1:30pm, FREE.
• Clayton Fear Farm A bonus Thursday night of haunted houses and the haunted hayride at 1620 Loop Rd in Clayton, 7pm to 9pm. $25. Also Friday and Saturday 7pm to 10pm.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets, Lenovo Center, 7pm.

Friday, Oct 30, 2026

• Witches Night Out Broomsticks and pointy hats on Salem Street, as downtown Apex shops stay open late with witchy experiences and promotions. Grab your girlfriends. 5pm to 9pm.
• Skate Night at Dix Park Roller skating at The Chapel in Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, with all-ages rolls from 5pm to 6:15pm and 6:45pm to 8pm and an 18+ roll from 8:30pm to 10pm. FREE, with registration. Bring skates or rent a pair for $10.
• Kick or Treat the Trail Trick-or-treat stations and games with the Neuse River Futbol Alliance at Knightdale Station Park. 6pm to 8pm.
• One Tribe Drum Circle and Fire Show The season’s last Final Friday drum circle at the Old Library Site, 310 S Academy St, Cary, with fire spinning from 8pm. Borrow a drum or bring your own. 7pm to 8:30pm, FREE.
• Fall Festival at Biltmore Hills The Raleigh Police Advisory Board’s fall festival at Biltmore Hills Community Center, 2615 Fitzgerald Dr, with the Raleigh Fire Department along. 5pm to 7pm.
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Rialto The Rialto’s annual Halloween screening, with the traditional costume contest before the show. Doors 11:15pm, show 11:55pm, $11.
• Raleigh Official Halloween Pub Crawl Costumes on for a bar crawl through downtown Raleigh, 21 and up. Also Halloween night.
• Did Somebody Say DRAG-ula? A late-night Halloween drag show in Theatre Raleigh’s Cabaret Theatre. 10:30pm, 18 and up.
• Phillips Haunted Farm Three scare houses and a haunted wagon ride at Phillips Farms in Cary, Friday and Saturday 8pm to 11pm. $35 at the gate.
• Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE, The Ritz.
• Piece of Time: American Maiden Tribute with Skavinjir, Lincoln Theatre.
• James Murray, Goodnights Comedy Club (also Saturday).
• Raleighoke at Neptunes Join a special Halloween karaoke with a live band! Costumes encouraged! 7pm

Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 (Halloween)

• Day of the Dead 5K and Street Festival Centro’s annual run through downtown and Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a street festival on Wilmington St with a costume contest, face painting and an altar for offerings to loved ones. The race raises money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake and Johnston Counties. The street festival is FREE, and race entry is from $45.
• Trick or Treat in North Hills. Dress up in your best costume and visit your favorite shops and restaurants for Halloween treats! Start your morning at Boos & Brews at the farmers market then head out to trick-or-treat. Participating retailers will have a sign on their door. 10:00 AM 6:00 PM.
• Boos & Brews at the Midtown Farmers’ Market The market’s Halloween edition and the last Saturday of the outdoor season at The Commons, North Hills. 8am to noon.
• HollyFest Holly Springs’ big community day at Jefferson L. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake, 2401 Grigsby Ave, with entertainment, food vendors, local businesses and kids’ activities. 10am to 4pm, FREE.
• North Carolina Symphony: Halloween at Hogwarts Wizarding World music for young witches and wizards, so come in costume. Meymandi Concert Hall, 11am and 2pm.
• Trunk-or-Treat and Pumpkin Parlor Trunk-or-treat in the parking lot, then pumpkin seed science, pumpkin pounding and a pumpkin beauty parlor inside the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center, 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 3pm to 6pm, FREE, registration through RecLink.
• Dave and Boo-ster’s at Dave & Buster’s Cary A family Boo Bash with a pancake breakfast, costume contest and game play from 10am to 1pm, then an adults-only Moonlight Mixer from 7pm to 10pm.
• Raleigh Symphony Orchestra: Fairy Tales and Tutus A Halloween matinee of fairy tale music with a costume parade for kids and grown-ups, at Jones Auditorium, Meredith College. 3pm.
• Trick or Treat the Trail Trick-or-treat around White Deer Park’s one-mile loop trail in Garner, 2400 Aversboro Rd. 3pm to 5:30pm, FREE.
• NC State vs California, Carter-Finley Stadium (Homecoming).
• Clara La San, The Ritz.
• Jackson Dean with KC Bruner, Lincoln Theatre, 8pm.
• On The Border: Ultimate Eagles Tribute, Bowstring Brewyard, 7pm.

Sunday, Nov 1, 2026

Daylight saving time ends at 2am, so set your clocks back an hour.

• Martin Marietta City of Oaks Marathon Raleigh’s hometown marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K, with the full marathon starting at 7am. If you’re cheering instead of running, the Dix Park stretch is the one to stand on.
• Carolina Ballet’s Dracula closes with a 2pm matinee at Martin Marietta Center.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs Winnipeg Jets, Lenovo Center, 1pm.
• North Carolina Courage vs Denver Summit FC, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary.
• Sammy Rae & The Friends, The Ritz.
• 404Blac: Back for Tha First Time, Goodnights Comedy Club.

BEST OF FALL: It is the season for FUN! Our guides will help you plan an epic Fall season in Raleigh: BEST Raleigh Fall Festivals & Events (2026 Guide), Things to Do in Raleigh in the Fall (See, Eat, Explore, Play), Guide to The NC State Fair, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall farms, Halloween events, How To Enjoy Fall Season In North Hills, Raleigh in 2026, Sip Into Raleigh’s Must-Try Fall Drinks for 2026,

Plan in Advance

Here we like to share things events coming soon in Raleigh to help you book a ticket before they sell out. Or to make sure you get it in your calendar.

• Oct 27: Victoria Monét at Red Hat Amphitheater
• Oct 31: NC State vs California Homecoming at Carter-Finley Stadium
• Oct 31: North Carolina Symphony: Halloween at Hogwarts at Meymandi Concert Hall
• Oct 31: Halloween in Raleigh Trunk-or-treats, haunted farms and parties in our Halloween events guide
• Nov 5 to 7: Moonlight in the Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum (more dates Nov 13-14 and 20-21)
• Nov 14: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at The Rialto See our guide to Candlelight concerts in Raleigh
• Nov 21 to Jan 10: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, open daily 6pm to 10pm except Christmas Day, tickets on sale

Common Questions about Events in Raleigh for the week

RALEIGH VENUE GUIDES

• A Guide to the Lenovo Center: Home of the Hurricanes, Wolfpack Basketball (men’s), Big-Name concerts and more.
• A Guide to WakeMed Soccer Park: Home to North Carolina FC and NC Courage
• Guide To Reynolds Coliseum (NC State University’s Iconic Venue: Home to Wolfpack Women’s Basketball
• Guide To Carter-Finley Stadium: Home Of NC State Football
• A Guide to Candlelight concerts in Raleigh
• The North Carolina Museum of Art guide
• A guide to the Lincoln Theatre (indoor venue)
• A guide to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. (outdoor venue)
• A guide to Red Hat Amphitheater (outdoor venue)
• A guide to Coastal Credit Union Music Park (outdoor venue)
• A guide to the Ritz (indoor venue)

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RALEIGH TOURS TO CONSIDER

• If you like walking tours, this Rust, Rebels, & Ruins 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. See our review of this fun ghost tour in Raleigh.
• Oakwood and N. Blount Architecture & History Tour: Explore the historic streets of Oakwood and North Blount, featuring many of Raleigh’s most breathtaking historic homes.
• Tour the Joel Lane House Weds-Fri weekly; 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm & Sat 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm. $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.
• Ghosts, Mysteries and History ebike tour along the Art to Heart trail.
• Raleigh Rydables Tour: Landmarks, Legends & Hidden Gems: Explore Raleigh’s landmarks and vibrant districts on a guided Rydable tour. Discover hidden gems, learn about the city’s history, and stop for photos at iconic landmarks.
• Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh – Grab your friends and dive into Raleigh’s vibrant scene with our two-hour pedal-powered pub adventure! Bring your own drinks Fri – Sun various times.

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ENJOY THESE GARDENS FOR A STROLL

Time to soak up those colors and smells at the following Triangle gardens and parks.

• Sarah P Duke Gardens in Durham are stunning!
• JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State
• The Raleigh Rose garden
• Here are more lovely gardens in Raleigh
• Dorothea Dix Park has lots of spots for picnics … views included.
• Juniper Level Botanic Gardens
• WRAL Azalea Gardens

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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 top trails in Raleigh to suit all levels and styles and here is our guide to Umstead State Park.

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RAIN IN THE FORECAST?

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 (currently closed for renovations). 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 and things to do in Raleigh on a rainy day.

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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. Press Coffee & Crepes is our favorite!
• 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, Peregrine, Brodeto & Figulina See more date ideas in Raleigh here.
• LUNCH: Here’s where you can find some of the best sandwiches in Raleigh. And 40+ lunch spots in Raleigh.
• MORNING COFFEES have never tasted so good at these downtown Raleigh coffee shops, coffee shops worth driving to, and laptop friendly cafes. 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 and Raleigh cocktail bars 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. More burger joints in Raleigh here.

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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 a day in Pine Level and Princeton and a day trip from Raleigh to Selma
• 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 have ideas on things to do in Chapel Hill. We also love the Pinehurst area! And if you’re going to Greensboro for a concert, we have ideas on other things to do.
• FOR THE KIDS: They will love learning about birds at Sylvan Heights Bird Park or sliding down waterslides at Wet & Wild or these theme parks near Raleigh
• BEACH & WATER: Enjoy this day trip to Wrightsville Beach or these other places to swim in Raleigh

And don’t miss our fun day trips from Raleigh.

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WHAT ABOUT A FALL GETAWAY?

Fall is a great time to plan a road trip. The mountains are obviously prime leaf peeping territory and beautiful this time of year. As for the coast, the big crowds and heat of summer have left but the temperatures are still pleasant in the 70s. Here are some fall getaway ideas for your planning.

• Boone is a fantastic getaway and only three hours from Raleigh
• Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains are also only three hours from Raleigh
• Everybody loves a visit to Asheville and their outdoor adventures during the fall. Here is our guide to downtown Asheville. Don’t miss the Biltmore Estate, especially their seasonal surprises. We love our stay there at the Biltmore Inn. Here are more places to stay in Asheville.
• Manteo and Roanoke island is cozy in the Fall and the beach is not too distracting.
• Head to Danville Virginia for a fun weekend getaway
• Uplevel your staycation at Umstead Hotel & Spa, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, and an hour away at Pinehurst Resort
• 9 Best getaways from Raleigh in the Fall season
• Here is a list of day trip ideas from Raleigh

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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
• Casso Hotel – for its uniquely Raleigh boutique feel and AMAZING restaurant (hidden gem!)
• Best Downtown Raleigh hotels and hotels near Lenovo Center.
• You may like these upscale hotels near Raleigh including the 5-Star Umstead Hotel & Spa.
• Check out 10 of our Airbnb rental favorites and see more Raleigh Airbnb rentals here.

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
• 2 Day sophisticated itinerary for Raleigh (great with friends)
• Getting around Raleigh

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CLOSING

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!