Raleigh Magazine

McWally’s One-Year Anniversary Celebration
2026-08-22 11:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | McWally’s, 1475 N Judd Pkwy NE, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, United States
The party starts now — McWally’s is turning one, and Triangle-area families and fun seekers are invited to celebrate! On Saturday, August 22, McWally’s will mark its first anniversary with an all-day celebration packed with entertainment, giveaways, special menu items and family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Guests can spend the day enjoying the 42,000-square-foot facility’s signature attractions, including bowling, laser tag, the arcade and Valo Arena — the world’s first mixed-reality playground — while taking part in a full lineup of anniversary festivities. No advance tickets are required; simply stop by, purchase a play card or bowling lane, and join the celebration.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy special entertainment and interactive experiences, including:
Face Painting: 12–2 p.m.
Caricature Artist: 3–6 p.m.
Magician: 4–7 p.m.
Live Music: 7–9 p.m.
As a special thank-you to the community for an incredible first year, the first 25 guests through the doors when McWally’s opens at 11 a.m. will receive a free $10 arcade card.
The celebration also features a lineup of limited-time, anniversary-inspired food and beverage specials, available throughout the month of August:
Birthday Butter Cake — $10
Blue Raspberry Lemonade — $5
Blue Margarita — $10
Anniversary Slider Trio — $12
Churro Dirty Soda — $5
Churro Bites — $8
In addition to the anniversary festivities, guests can take advantage of McWally’s ongoing value promotions. Now through September 4, early-day visitors can enjoy $5 bowling Monday through Thursday before 3 p.m. and the popular Play Your Way Pass, available Monday through Friday before 3 p.m.
The customizable Play Your Way Pass lets guests build their own entertainment experience at a discounted price. Guests can choose any two activities for $15, any three activities for $20, or all four activities for just $25. Available attractions include one laser tag game, one Valo Arena game, a $15 game card for redemption games, and one hour of video arcade play on non-redemption games. To round out the experience, guests guests can refuel between the fun with lunch combos starting at $10, making it easy to enjoy great food alongside a day of fun and entertainment.
Located at 1475 N. Judd Pkwy. NE in Fuquay-Varina, McWally’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit mcwallys.com and follow @McWallysFun on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Vintage Market at Wolf & Porter
2026-08-23 14:00 - 19:00 | Wolfe & Porter, 905 W Morgan St., Raleigh, NC, 27603, United States
Raleigh’s Wolfe & Porter hosts a monthly Vintage Market on Sunday afternoons. Next market is on August 23rd, 2-7pm. Enjoy a cocktail while shopping for vintage clothing, housewares and gifts. Regular vendors include Scarlet Oaks, Fetching Vintage, Saige Kennedy Finds, Smut Stacks, and Viola Lee Vintage.
Wolfe & Porter is located at 905 W. Morgan St., Raleigh. Info: wolfeandporter.com/events

Sips for Snips: Drinks, Dinner, and a Mission That Matters
2026-08-23 16:00 - 19:00 | High Park Bar & Grill, 625 E. Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27608-2635, United States
Join Animal Aid Alliance of NC for an unforgettable casual evening of drinks, dinner, music, and a silent auction — all supporting a lifesaving mission for animals in our community.
North Carolina continues to face one of the highest rates of shelter euthanasia in the nation.
Funds raised through Sips for Snips will help support low-cost spay and neuter services for
underserved communities, reducing pet overpopulation and helping more animals find safe,
loving homes.
Enjoy a fun evening with fellow animal lovers, bid on exciting auction items, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of cats and dogs throughout our community.
Tickets are $55 per person which includes dinner, drinks, music, and access to our silent auction while helping fund
vital spay and neuter services.
Purchase tickets: https://givebutter.com/c/AAASipsforSnipsAnnualBenefit
Every ticket purchased helps create lasting change — one animal at a time.

4th Global Summit on Nursing Education and Healthcare
2026-08-24 08:00 - 2026-08-25 17:00 | NC
The 4th Global Summit on Nursing Education and Healthcare 2026 will be held on August 24–25, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, under the theme “Innovations in Nursing Education: Transforming Healthcare Worldwide.”
Hosted by Intelli Meetings, this premier event invites nurses, healthcare professionals, researchers, and academics from around the world to connect and collaborate.
With over 300 international delegates, the summit will feature keynote speeches, oral and poster presentations, and engaging panel discussions.
The program will focus on advancing nursing education, practice, and global healthcare innovation.

History at High Noon: Operation Bumblebee
2026-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | NC
Join the North Carolina Museum of History as we kick off the latest installment of History at High Noon by hearing about Operation Bumblebee. On a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina stand seven concrete towers, a lonely testament to a top secret project. In the late 1940s, US Navy secret experiments created a new type of propulsion that revolutionized how we protected our Navy ships. Additionally, these barrier-breaking discoveries enabled jets’ flights into the supersonic reaches of outer space. This is the incredible story of Operation Bumblebee.

The Midweek Program: "Ginkgos!" with Evan Villani
2026-08-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Online (Zoom)
What’s functionally immortal, the last of its kind, and glows a brilliant gold every autumn? If you guessed “a phoenix” … What? Those don’t exist. But you know what does? That’s right, Ginkgos!
Join Evan for this episode of Midweek as he explores a species of tree so extraordinary you’d swear half the things we have to say about it are made up. Evan will cover the surprising natural history of ginkgos, from their ancient origins to their remarkable journey around the globe, revealing why they remain one of the most fascinating trees you can grow. And if paleobotany and evolutionary phylogeny aren’t your thing, Evan will also share tips for growing happy, healthy ginkgos while spotlighting a few of the arboretum’s coolest cultivars.

Mahjong and Mingle
2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Fenton, 21 Fenton Mainstreet, Cary, NC, 27511, United States
Join Mahjong with Elizabeth for an evening of fun, learning, and tiles!
Beginner Lesson – $40 No experience? No problem! Elizabeth will provide everything you need to learn and play.
Open Play – $20 Already know the basics? Bring your 2026 NMJL card and join a table!

MAYBERRY MODERNISM TALK
2026-08-27 18:00 - 20:00 | The Grand Lodge, 2921 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
NCModernist’s George Smart shares the story of Modernist architecture in North Carolina in the entertaining and informative talk “Mayberry Modernism” from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 27. The talk will be held at the NC Masonic Grand Lodge, 2921 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. Tickets cost $14.95 per person and includes refreshments and light bites. Proceeds benefit the Grand Lodge building fund. Details and tickets: https://www.ncmodernist.org/masonic.htm

Neon Nights: Silent Disco
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC, 27502, United States
Experience Apex’s first Glow-in-the-Dark Silent Disco, where music, movement, and neon vibes create an unforgettable night! Guests will receive wireless headphones and can switch between multiple playlists channels, choosing their own soundtrack as they dance surrounded by friends, family and glowing decor. Drinks and light snacks will be provided. Every participant should register. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
Sensory Notice: This event includes black lights, flashlight disco lights, and glow effects. Although headphone volume is individually controlled, the lighting may be overstimulating for some participants with sensory sensitivities. Participants are welcome to take breaks as needed and quiet areas downstairs will be available.

Silent Disco: Neon Nights
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

Cherry On Top at Bitter Social
2026-08-28 21:00 - 2026-08-29 01:00 | Bitter Social, 104 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
This is a celebration of the months we call summer and to celebrate our fellow friends birthdays Cris’Andrea and Kayla!! Come out and have a good time!
21+, tix $18 at the door, Doors open at 8pm, DJs start at 9pm.
Early Bird: $7 , General: $11 , Last Minute Tickets: $15
Link : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cherry-on-top-summer-send-off-party-tickets-1994872113191?aff=oddtdtcreator
Centro food available to order until 9:30pm–look for the QR code on the bar at Bitter Social!

Intro to Gardening in the South
2026-08-29 09:00 - 12:00 | JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606, United States
Are you new to the Raleigh area or just starting your gardening journey?
Join us for Intro to Gardening in the South, a valuable morning lecture series designed to help new gardeners thrive in North Carolina’s unique climate!
Gardening in Raleigh, NC, and the surrounding Southeastern U.S. presents both challenges and opportunities. With our hot summers, diverse soil types, and unique pest problems, gardening here requires a bit of local knowledge.
This event will provide you with practical, expert advice on how to start a garden that flourishes in our growing conditions, while also offering insights that apply to gardeners across the Southeast.

The GRL Market
2026-08-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC, 27511, United States
Join us for The GRL Market at Waverly Place Cary for an afternoon of shopping, community, and connection with women-owned brands. Browse curated local vendors, discover unique finds, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in one of Cary’s favorite shopping destinations.

NC Vintage Bazaar X
2026-08-29 12:00 - 18:00 | Jim Graham Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607, United States
North Carolina’s largest vintage clothing event is back for our 10th and biggest event yet! We’re taking over the 100,000 square foot Jim Graham Building at the State Fairgrounds for a two day vintage extravaganza on August 29 & 30! It’ll be packed with 100 vintage vendors per day from across the country (200+ for the weekend), bringing you all the best secondhand clothing and accessories! Plus, with music, food trucks, games, and other special surprises, you’re sure to have a blast! If you wanna shop thousands of vintage t-shirts, jackets, sweaters, pants, blouses, records, jewelry, dresses, bags and everything in between, this is THE vintage event you don’t wanna miss!

Sufi Roots and Rhythm: Diali Cissokho Trio
2026-08-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, United States
Sufi Roots & Rhythms is a musical adventure at Boxyard RTP. From groove-based Sufi and Hindustani to Sengalese Kora, you’ll discover new sounds by artists living right here in North Carolina. Featuriing The Diali Cissokho Trio, who bring together three internationally acclaimed musicians whose work blends deep cultural roots with emotional resonance. You won’t want to miss this!

Sanctuary: Soulful House Music at Bitter Social
2026-08-29 19:00 - 23:00 | Bitter Social, 104 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Join us for a night of soulful house music at Bitter Social!
@djstacykidd, @djdarkcyde, @cutabovedj, @djmessymarv, cutabovedj.com
• Cover Charge: door is $25
• Link to limited advance tickets: https://square.link/u/IERfCeQQ
Centro food available to order until 9:30pm. Look for the QR code on the bar at Bitter Social.
Doors open at 7.
7-11pm.
21+

End Of Summer Prom Night at Wolfe & Porter
2026-08-29 19:00 - 2026-08-30 00:00 | Wolfe & Porter, 905 W Morgan St., Raleigh, NC, 27603, United States
Join Wolfe & Porter for a grown-up prom night under the stars from 7 p.m. to midnight Aug. 29. Dress in what you’ve always wanted to wear to prom. Portraits will be taken to add to the community board, and printed photos will be available for purchase. Enjoy throwback hits, cocktails, good company and zero high school drama. A percentage of beer sales will be donated to The Prom Shoppe at Apex UMC. All are welcome.

The Boared to Death Showcase
2026-08-29 19:30 - 22:30 | Cannonball Music Hall, 2304 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27604, United States
Boared to Death Records Showcase
One night. One label. A stacked lineup of bands keeping the local scene loud.
Boared to Death Records is taking over Cannonball for an evening showcasing some of the artists helping shape the independent music scene. Expect a mix of punk, indie, alternative, and everything in between from bands that know how to put on a show.
Alcantara
Oort Patrol
tenderqueer
Manic Third Planet
Whether you’re already a fan of the label or just looking to discover your next favorite band, this is the perfect night to dive in.
Come early, grab a drink, and support local music.
Doors: 7:30p
Music: 8:00p
Tickets: 12 adv / 15 dos

Cocktails & Cuisine Class: Bourbon for Beginners
2026-08-30 14:00 - 15:30 | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, 9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27603, United States
Grab your friends and join us on Sunday, August 30, from 2–3:30 PM for our next Cocktails & Cuisine Class: Bourbon for Beginners at The Willard Rooftop.
Whether you’re new to bourbon or already a fan, this interactive class will explore the history behind some of bourbon’s most iconic cocktails while our bartenders guide you through crafting three timeless favorites. Along the way, you’ll enjoy seasonal bites from Chef Eryn Reagan paired with house-made bitters and rooftop views of downtown Raleigh.
Tickets: $55 per person | Limited seats available
Come for the bourbon, stay for the views, and leave with a few new cocktail tricks up your sleeve.
Learn to make cocktails like:
🥃 Boulevardier – Bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth
🥃 Paper Plane – Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice
🥃 Gold Rush – Bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup

Pizza & Pints Special
2026-09-01 | Il Falò, 3931 Macaw St, Raleigh, NC, 27617, United States
Il Falò’s Pizza & Pints special returns this fall: your choice of any wood-fired pizza and any draft beer for just $24.
Catch the game, enjoy wood-fired pizza, and sip drinks with friends. Located in the heart of Brier Creek, we’re an easy stop whether you’re close by or just passing through RDU. No reservations needed. Walk in and let your server know you’re here for Pizza & Pints.
Special available September 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027. Daily, 11am to 10pm.

NCMODERNIST MOVIE SERIES at The Rialto
2026-09-01 19:00 - 21:00 | The Rialto Theater, 1620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
The NCModernist Movie series continues Sept. 1 at The Rialto with a screening of “Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool.” Arthur Elrod was Palm Springs’ most glamorous interior designer, and his playground was architect John Lautner’s concrete-and-glass masterpiece — immortalized in the James Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever.” This film reveals how Elrod fused desert modernism with Hollywood theatricality, creating spaces so bold even Bond villains coveted them. All shows begin at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost $20.90. The Rialto is located at 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. Info: therialto.com/event/arthur-elrod-desert-cool/the-rialto-theatre/

NCMODERNIST MOVIE SERIES at The Rialto
2026-09-01 19:00 - 2027-05-05 21:00 | The Rialto Theater, 1620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
The NCModernist Annual Architecture Movie Series continues, featuring documentaries at The Rialto, where the films are screened on the first Tuesday of the month from September to May.
Sept. 1: “Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool”
Oct. 6: “The House: Six Points of Departure”
Nov. 3: “The Harvard Five”
Dec. 1: ” Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines”
Jan. 5: “Sitting Still”
Feb. 2: “Palm Springs Weekend” and Martini Night!
March 2: “Lewerentz Divine Darkness”
April 6: “Becoming Modern Part One”
May 5: “Herb Green: Continuum”
All shows begin at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost $20.90. Info: https://ncmodernist.org/movies
Moviegoers can buy a pass to see the entire movie series for $151.50 plus fees, which equals a 20 percent discount. Buy here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/k/26791992/ncmodernist-season-ticket-package-raleigh-the-rialto

Sunset Music Series
2026-09-02 17:30 - 20:30 | Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC, 27511, United States
Throughout the month of September, join us for Live Music Wednesdays in the Waverly Place Park, 5:30pm-8:30pm. You’ll be treated to a variety of popular, local bands playing a variety of genres. Make a date night of it or connect with friends and family. Bring a blanket and/or portable chairs to sit in the Park. Plan a late dinner at one of our restaurants or to stay after visiting one of our Waverly Place merchants.
9/2 – Police & Thieves
9/9 – The Ray Band
9/16 – The Band of Oz
9/23 – North Tower
9/30 – 8 Track Minds
Theses concerts will be hosted light drizzle or shine. In the event of severe weather and cancelation/reschedule, we’ll provide an update via this site and our social media profiles.
NOTE: Wine and beer will be available for purchase on-site. Coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted.

Gallery 20 Grand Relaunch Celebration
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | NC
Gallery 20, formerly Glenwood Fine Art, is reintroducing itself to Raleigh! Join them for a Grand Relaunch Celebration on First Friday, September 4, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. You’re invited to check out the art, meet the new artists, and enjoy light refreshments.
Image Caption: Gallery Founder and Director Eileen Hendren (right) and Artistic and Marketing Director Julia Einstein (left) are working together to relaunch Gallery 20 as a destination for artists and art lovers in downtown Raleigh.
About Gallery 20: An art gallery and working artist studio founded and directed by artist Eileen Hendren. Located in the historic Carter Building in downtown Raleigh it represents a community of accomplished artists working in painting, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and mixed media. Through exhibitions, creative events, Gallery 20 offers a welcoming place to discover original art, connect with artists, and experience creativity in action.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
and Saturday: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Gallery 20
20 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27603

Raleigh Fringe
2026-09-10 18:00 - 22:00 | Theatre Raleigh Arts Center, 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC, 27616, United States
The Raleigh Fringe (September 10-12 at Theatre Raleigh Arts Center) is an annual open-source, multi-disciplinary performing arts festival that elevates and celebrates everything weirdly wonderful about Raleigh
This year’s event will feature: 12 ticketed shows in our primary lineup, street performers/buskers throughout the lobby and outside, community events like a Prop Swap, Fringe on Film, and more.

Lions, Tigers & Beer
2026-09-11 17:00 - 21:00 | Animal Park at the Conservators Center, 676 E. Hughes Mill Road, Burlington, NC, 27217, United States
Our eagerly awaited—and wildly delicious—dining experience brings you the rare chance to spend an entire evening at the Animal Park, complete with sunset serenades from our residents. You’ll experience a premium Twilight Tour of the Park, and then sample a menu inspired by our lions, tigers, wolves, binturongs, and other resident species. Talk with the talented culinary partners and craft beverage providers in our community who have artfully produced these pairings exclusively for this event, including Angus Barn, The Nomad, Dingo Dog Brewing Company, Trophy Brewing, and more. Explore the silent auction and raffle offerings, and enjoy live music by Kevin Holdson while sampling delicious food and beverages. Just by attending, you’ll be supporting specialized care for our animals—who you’ll be able to meet face-to-face—as well as our mission to educate the public about the amazing species that share our planet. Adults 21+ only.

Altis™ at Serenity Lifestyle Showcase
2026-09-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Altis at Serenity 90 Serene Xing Fuquay Varina, NC 27526, 90 Serene Xing, Fuquay Varina, NC, 27526, United States
The Altis™ at Serenity Lifestyle Showcase is a free event open to anyone interested in learning more about the active adult lifestyle and invites guests to experience modern 55+ community living.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy model home and amenity tours, local vendors, live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Guests will have the opportunity to tour seven model homes and the community’s resort-style amenity center while enjoying entertainment from acoustic duo Stolen Goods, live caricatures by Tooney Ty Caricature, and food from BUOY Bowls, Off the Hog and Mr. Puebla Tacos.
Local organizations and businesses will also be on-site to showcase the connections, resources and experiences that make the Fuquay-Varina community unique.

Ivy Sublime presents: Prelude to a Strip (at the Raleigh Fringe Festival)
2026-09-12 21:00 - 22:00 | De Ann S. Jones Theatre at Theatre Raleigh Arts Center, 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC, 27616, United States
Part of the Raleigh Fringe Festival, September 10-12, 2026 at Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
Prelude to a Strip: A Burlesque & Cabaret show presented by Ivy Sublime!
Back and barer than ever! Ivy Sublime returns to the stage with a sensational cast of beguiling beauties and breathtaking acts in a one of a kind burlesque show. Indulge in a decadent evening of sultry performances, raunchy humor, neo-noir suspense, and unforgettable variety entertainment that will leave you thoroughly titillated and teased. Ivy invites you to escape into her whimsical world of modern cabaret with all-star entertainers sure to delight and charm audiences as they bare it all in Prelude to a Strip!

Fenton Art Festival
2026-09-13 11:00 - 17:00 | Fenton, 21 Fenton Mainstreet, Cary, NC, 27511, United States
The Fenton Art Festival is a fine arts festival returns!
Shop for original art in oils, watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, sculpture and more, directly from more than 50 fine artists.
Enjoy workshops, demonstrations, and opportunities to make public art in one of the Triangle’s premier destinations.
Interested in being an exhibitor at the festival? Applications open in March. Apply here.
Want to sponsor this event? Click here.

Soulful Sounds in Raleigh
2026-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Royal Banquet, 3801 Hillsborough St #109, Raleigh, NC, 27607, United States
RALEIGH, A DIFFERENT KIND OF NIGHT OUT IS COMING TO TOWN!
For people who crave something beyond the usual dinner-and-drinks routine, step into the candlelit world of Soulful Sounds, a Harlem Renaissance-inspired evening of music, laughter, connection, and vintage glamour.
Featuring the Music & Comedy of Acute Inflections, this couple from NYC has entertained more than 50,000 guests across the U.S. and abroad at their sold-out shows. Their unique sound blends the timeless elegance of Billie Holiday with the soulful spirit of Erykah Badu, creating an experience that feels both classic and refreshingly original.
Whether you arrive in Gatsby-inspired glamour or your own personal style, you’ll be surrounded by people who appreciate soulful vibes, meaningful moments, and a chance to step outside the ordinary.
As seen on HBO and Amazon, and backed by more than 1,000 five-star reviews, Soulful Sounds has become a favorite among audiences who believe a night out should feel special.
And as a cute gesture, there will be complimentary wine and snacks to enjoy throughout the show!
Located at the edge of downtown Raleigh in the historic Royal Bakery building, The Royal Banquet blends beautifully restored brick architecture with elegant Old World charm for a truly memorable evening.
Tickets are selling quickly for this intimate one-night-only experience on Sunday, September 13th. Reserve your seats and join us for an unforgettable evening!
Planning a birthday celebration, church outing, or night out with friends? Groups of 8+ enjoy a healthy discount! Just call us at 212.729.8372 before you purchase, and we’ll hook you up.
* Your purchase helps support the Renaissance Youth Center, a South Bronx-based charity that empowers inner-city youth through music education, after-school programs, and tutoring. *
