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20 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Sept. 3–9

In Do, September 2026 by Raleigh MagazineLeave a Comment

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Through 9/20
Hairspray
Tracy Turnblad bends the boards in this family-friendly musical where an overnight rise to fame helps the sudden celeb spark change almost as big as her hair. raleighlittletheatre.com

9/3
Science Trivia
It’s survival of the fittest—and serious bragging rights are on the line. After the museum closes, put your knowledge of sci-fi, pop culture and scientific discoveries to the test. naturalsciences.org

9/4
Bryson Tiller
Get in your feels at the Creek with a hip-hop-meets-R&B blend straight from the soul of the Kentucky-born, Grammy-nominated artist—alongside Ty Dolla $ign. livenation.com

9/4
First Friday Market & Movie
Dinner and a show? Say less. Moore Square monthly series delivers big-screen energy with local vendors, food trucks, live tunes and a free screening of Remember the Titans. Left side, strong side! raleighnc.gov

9/4
Gallery 20 Relaunch
Gallery glow-up 🤝 First Friday. DTR’s Glenwood Fine Art is entering a new chapter as Gallery 20. Frame your Friday accordingly by experiencing the artist-owned, artist-led gallery in person. gallery20glenwood.com

9/4
Mostley Crue
Kickstart your heart and cue the headbanging. The Motley Crue tribute band is putting (heavy) metal to the pedal alongside Alice in Chains tribute Sickman. Rock on! lincolntheatre.com

9/4
Redbud New Headquarters Grand Opening Party
Redbud has a new home. Be a part of the literary nonprofit’s next chapter at its new downtown spot with wine, bites and readings from a lineup of local authors. redbudwriting.org

9/4–6
Tony Baker
“Skibbity Paps” incoming from the LA-based stand-up comic, actor and viral voiceover king that’s been making the internet laugh for more than a decade. goodnightscomedy.com

9/5
The Annelle Staal Trio
Up-and-coming songstress Annelle Staal turns it up at Watts & Ward to present a distinct, elevated indie dance/concept house sound featuring dueling drum machines, expert guitar work and silky vocals. @annellestaal

9/5
Raleigh Princess Day
The Raleigh Convention Center is rolling out the royal treatment for a meet-and-greet with your fave princesses. Expect singing, dancing and games that bring all your kiddos’ fairy-tales to life. … If the shoe fits! visitraleigh.com

9/5–6
African American Cultural Festival
History, heritage and community collide in DTR during Raleigh’s 17th annual celebration of African American culture, featuring local and national talent, art, dancing, vendors, and traditional dishes. aacfestival.org

9/5–6
Game and Geek Expo
Ready, player one? Level up at this video game fair packing the Convention Center with nostalgic and modern games, cosplay, panels, exhibits, music-themed activities, and more, all courtesy of the Raleigh Retro Gamers Team. gameandgeekexpo.com

9/6
Bark to School
Class is in session—and these pups are majoring in play. Hope Animal Rescue heads ~bark~ to school at Ajja, topped off with adoptable dogs, photo ops, seasonal cocktails and local vendors. @hopeanimalrescue

9/6
Empire of the Sun

The Australian electronic music duo unleashes its Ask That God: Afterlife North American Tour on the Creek, dropping dreamy synths, soaring singalongs, and trending tunes like “Walking on a Dream” and “We Are the People.” livenation.com

9/6
First Sunday Potluck
Get (pot)lucky at Wolfe & Porter’s monthly family meal—just don’t forget to BYO fave dish to share. wolfeandporter.com

9/8
Evening Garden Stroll
Go touch grass—literally—after hours at JC Raulston Arboretum. Take a leisurely stroll in their gardens, complete a free yoga class or embark on a guided tour with a master gardener ready to answer your burning plant questions. jcra.ncsu.edu

9/9
Hayley Williams
No misery business here. The queen of pop-rock takes her solo act to Walnut Creek for a night that’s sure to be a riot. livenation.com

9/9
Hopscotch Kickoff Party
It’ll be a hump day to remember as Slim’s kicks off this year’s Hopscotch Music Fest with a stacked music lineup, including Brizzl, Dude Called Jack and Sigourney’s Beaver. @slims_tagrams

9/9
Sunset Music Series
Get ready: Golden hour is gearing up. Soak up the last bit of summer as The Ray Band takes the Waverly Place stage for a free outdoor concert with drinks and good vibes. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair!  waverlycary.com

9/9
Sylvan Esso Roadtrip
Roadtrip rule #1: End on a high note—aka in your hometown. Durham duo Sylvan Esso brings its five-city electropop trek home to Psychic Hotline Mailroom.  @psychichotline

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