Best Things to Do in Raleigh this Weekend + (Nov 2 – Nov 8, 2026)

What a fun Halloween weekend we had celebrating at a friend’s party and then running Centro’s 5K Day of the Dead. You must put that in your calendar for next year! The good life in Raleigh continues this week. Don’t forget the very important election day on Tuesday. I voted early and was thrilled to be able to exercise my right to vote.

I returned home this week from an amazing trip to Morocco with a group of 12 women. I’m sharing that trip over on our travel channels. (Instagram | Blog) I’m very happy to be home and reconnecting to life in Raleigh.

Saturday, Nov 7 is the big day this week. NC State hosts Duke at Carter-Finley Stadium for Military Appreciation at 12:30pm, the Taste of China Festival fills Downtown Cary Park, the Fall Arts Fair takes over Fred Fletcher Park (we love this one), and the Carolina Hurricanes host the Chicago Blackhawks at Lenovo Center at 8pm.

Thursday brings the Indigo Girls to the Martin Marietta Center, the same night Moonlight in the Garden starts with a preview night at the JC Raulston Arboretum. First Friday Raleigh brings a free screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox to Moore Square, and Sunday closes with the Cash Money and No Limit Tour at Lenovo Center.

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

• Moonlight in the Garden An after-dark evening at the JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd. Thursday is Preview Night (beer and wine are served that night only), then it runs Friday and Saturday. It returns Nov 13 to 14 and Nov 20 to 21. Ticketed.
• 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, with matinee and evening shows on Saturday.
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Tom Stoppard’s comedy about the two minor characters from Hamlet at Raleigh Little Theatre, through Nov 8. Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm, from $30 to $33.

Ghost tours, exhibitions, and games

• 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.
• 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.
• Kid Quest in Raleigh A self-guided scavenger hunt for families with kids ages 4 to 8, starting at 520 Ashe Ave. Play any day, about 60 minutes, from $8. For bigger kids and grown-ups, try Dorothy’s Quest: The Trials of Oz from Nash Square or or Raleigh’s Secret Society from East Hargett St.
• Pumpkin season is wrapping up: Find your patch, corn maze and hayride in our guide to pumpkin patches near Raleigh.
• 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).
• 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, Nov 2, 2026

• Stop Making Sense The Talking Heads concert film on the big screen at The Rialto, 1620 Glenwood Ave. Doors 6:30pm, show 7pm, $11.
• NC State v Campbell, men’s basketball, Lenovo Center, 7:30pm.
• Movements, The Ritz.

Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026

• The Harvard Five A documentary on the five architects who helped launch modern design in America after World War II, with a live conversation with the producer, at The Rialto. Doors 6:15pm, show 7pm, $20.90.
• Motionless In White, Lenovo Center.

Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026

• Danielle L. Jensen: Author Event, Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center, 7pm.
• Saosin, 20 Years of Self-Titled, The Ritz.

Thursday, Nov 5, 2026

• Public Library Pop-Up at Dix Park A library pop-up at Gipson Play Plaza in Dorothea Dix Park. 10am to noon.
• Where do I vote again? A documentary look at how early voting in North Carolina affects different communities, at The Rialto. Doors 6:15pm, show 7pm, $16.50.
• Indigo Girls with special guest Lucy Wainwright Roche, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 7pm.
• Ashley Cooke, The Baby Blues Tour, The Ritz.
• The Garcia Project, Lincoln Theatre, doors 7:30pm, show 8:30pm.
• Waiting to Exhale in Concert, DPAC, Durham, 7:30pm.
• Joe List, Goodnights Comedy Club, 7:30pm (Friday at 7pm and 9:15pm, Saturday at 7pm and 9:30pm). Blair Socci is in Room 861 at 8pm (Friday at 7:30pm and 9:45pm, Saturday at 7:30pm and 10pm).

Friday, Nov 6, 2026

• First Friday Raleigh Downtown’s monthly art and late-night crawl, from 5pm. Highlights include the 10th annual Día de los Muertos at the City of Raleigh Museum, the opening of Small Works / BIG Treasures at Gallery 20 and a free improv jam at Leela Improv Theatre. Our First Friday guide has every venue.
• First Friday Market and Movie Night: Fantastic Mr. Fox Market and food trucks at Moore Square from 5pm to 9pm, live music at 5:30pm and Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox on the big screen at 6:30pm. FREE.
• First Friday Meets BBQ, Blues & Brews Fuquay-Varina warms up for Saturday’s festival with First Friday from 5pm to 9pm and a chicken wing competition from 6pm to 7:45pm in the Varina Parking Lot, 801 Durham St. The Brewquay Prowler runs rides between the downtowns for $15.
• 21Marbles A grown-ups-only night at Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett St, 21 and up with ID. 6:30pm, $18 in advance or $20 at the door.
• Drum Circle at Dix Park Stone Houses Visitor Center in Dorothea Dix Park, 5:30pm to 7pm. Registration is required and space is limited.
• NC State v ETSU, men’s basketball, Lenovo Center, 7pm.
• Little Big Town with Waylon Payne, DPAC, Durham, 7:30pm.
• North Carolina Symphony: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Meymandi Concert Hall, 8pm (also Saturday at 8pm).
• Nightrain (Guns N’ Roses tribute) with DAZR, Lincoln Theatre, doors 7pm, show 8pm.
• Madeon presents Victory Live, The Ritz.
• Skate the Square at Fenton opens tonight until Feb 7. I saw them setting it up yesterday!
• Movie night Minions at Downtown Cary Park 7:30pm – 10pm

Saturday, Nov 7, 2026 (Halloween)

• Fall Arts Fair Around 60 tents of work by artists from the Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers, with hands-on art activities, live music, a children’s craft area and food trucks at Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St. Dogs are welcome. 10am to 4pm, FREE.
• Taste of China Festival The sixth annual Chinese food and culture festival at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, with food, traditional performances and cultural exhibits. 11am to 5pm, FREE.
• Rawleigh Oyster Fest: Smoke & Shuck at Raleigh Iron Works. Five oyster chefs, four pit masters, and six NC oyster farms shucking all day, plus local beer, wine, and spirits, live music, and some surprises. 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd. Early entrance opens at 1pm, an hour before general admission, and it runs until 5pm.
• Grateful Harvest Festival Wake County Parks hosts the first harvest festival at Beech Bluff County Park, in Willow Spring, with live music, storytelling, old-time arts, crafts and games, a food drive and food trucks. 11am to 2:30pm.
• Love Raleigh Festival & Market and Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Fest A Friendsgiving-themed holiday kickoff in Moore Square, 201 S Blount St, with local vendors and makers, food and drinks, live music, family activities and a veterans tribute. 10am to 6pm.
• BBQ, Blues & Brews The 11th year of the Fuquay-Varina festival, with BBQ judging and tasting, live blues, craft beverages and a vendor market in the Varina Parking Lot, 801 Durham St. 12pm to 4pm, rain or shine. Leave the pets at home.
• Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables A one-hour family show that introduces little ones to storytelling through dance, at The Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex. 2pm and 4pm, $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students.
• Midtown Farmers’ Market in the North Hills Commons. Mini market with produce, seafood, meats, and baked goods. Food scraps drop-off/Composting will be available every Saturday at the Winter Market.
• NC State vs Duke, Military Appreciation, Carter-Finley Stadium, 12:30pm.
• The Old Ceremony A short documentary about the Chapel Hill band, then a live set, at The Rialto. Doors 6:30pm, show 7:30pm, $27.50.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs Chicago Blackhawks, Lenovo Center, 8pm.
• Brincos Dieras, El Desmadre Continúa Tour, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 8pm.
• Jorge Luis Chacin, Fletcher Opera Theater, 8pm.
• Judah & The Lion, The Ritz.
• An evening with Mountain Grass Unit, Lincoln Theatre, doors 7:30pm, show 8:30pm.

Sunday, Nov 8, 2026

• Theater on the Greenway: The Many Adventures of Peter Rabbit An interactive puppetry show for kids, about 40 minutes, on the Rocky Branch Greenway at The Grove in Dorothea Dix Park. 2pm to 4pm. It moves to the Stone Houses Visitor Center if the weather is bad.
• Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park Gipson Play Plaza, 2pm to 4pm.
• North Carolina Master Chorale: America 250, Meymandi Concert Hall, 3pm.
• Reality Ministries Talent Show at DPAC in Durham. FREE, with tickets at the door.
• The Record Company with Glass Kinsmen, Lincoln Theatre, doors 6pm, show 7pm.
• Yebba, The Ritz.
• Cash Money + No Limit Tour with Master P, Birdman and Juvenile, Lenovo Center, doors 7pm, show 8pm.
• Jerry Wayne Longmire at 4pm and La’trez Anderson at 7pm, 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.

• Nov 13 to 14 and 20 to 21: Moonlight in the Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum
• 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!