Life is too short for FOMO—so grab the tickets and file the memories. From hot concerts and epic fests to arts, theater, comedy and beyond, Raleigh’s lineup is stacked. Here, our bucket list worth clearing your cal for.
Linkin Park courtesy of Lenovo Center
Halsey courtesy of Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
The Black Keys courtesy of Red Hat Amphitheater
Tyler the Creator courtesy of Lenovo Center
Goo Goo Dolls courtesy of Red Hat Amphiteater
Jason Aldean courtesy of Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Mt. Joy courtesy of Koka Booth Amphitheater
The Lumineers courtesy of Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Mr. Worldwide, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone and more head to Queen City to throw some love in your life. Charlotte, lovinlifemusicfest.com
Iron Blossom Music Festival
Sept. 20–21
High spirits blossom at this indie music fest featuring the likes of Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Richmond, ironblossomfestival.com
NC Holiday Flotilla
Nov. 28–30
Float on alright at the annual boat-decorating competition and parade kicking off the holiday season. Wrightsville Beach, ncholidayflotilla.org
Feast Wilmington
March 2026
Feed your need and consider this fest your passport to all the food and bevs that give Wilmy its foodie credentials. Wilmington, feastwilmington.com
Nikki Glaser Courtesy of Martin Marietta
Craig Robinson courtesy of Raleigh Improv
Shane Gillis courtesy of Live Nation
Godfrey courtesy of Raleigh Improv
Randy Feltface by Dylan Woodley courtesy of Goodnights Comedy Club
Comedy
Nikki Glaser, April 12–13 @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
*Quietly* cheer on your fave pro golfers as they vie for the top title at one of the finest country clubs in the U.S. Cue the golf clap! Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, pgachampionship.com
The Soccer Tournament
June 4–9
Kick it for a shot at $1 mill with locals, legends and professionals at the “most exciting and highest stakes” 7 vs. 7 soccer tourney in the world. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, tst7v7.com
City of Oaks Marathon
Nov. 2
Put your body’s endurance to the test on this 26.2-mile run from North Raleigh to DTR—or opt to hold a snarky poster and line the course to cheer on the overachievers. Both are winners in our book! Raleigh, cityofoaksmarathon.com
Panthers vs. Bills
Fall, date TBD
Are you ready for it? This year’s T. Swift and company losers—er, the AFC runners-up Buffalo Bills—look to get stampeded in Charlotte by a Panthers team on the glowup finding new life under coach Dave Canales and now-hot QB “the Carolina Reaper” Bryce Young. Keep Pounding! Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, panthers.com
Swan Lake courtesy of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Tee up for a better tomorrow while catching future PGA pros in action, indulging in top-tier hospitality and making a real impact—all from the best seat on the green at Raleigh Country Club. unchealthchampionship.com
Summer Salute
May 31
No beach? No problem. Get your shag on at North Ridge Country Club by swaying to live beach music, running it back at the Pink Flamingo Casino and partying for Transitions LifeCare—good vibes guaranteed. northstatebank.com
Rock Your World
Sept. 7
Party hard—give back harder. Crank up the volume at this adrenaline-fueled fest serving live music, sky-high thrills and nonstop energy that promise to, ahem, rock your world as you hop and bop to Band of Brothers and the Rae Radick Band, throw your hats for a military tribute, and sample sips and snacks in support of the Hope for Haiti Foundation and more. hopeforhaitifoundation.com
Evening of Hope &Igniting Hope
Sept. 10 & 11
Double the impact as hope takes center stage across two powerhouse nights of purpose hosted by Foundation of Hope at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn to fuel critical mental health research and support for those battling mental illness. Glam up for a gala and inspiring keynote, then shift gears for a more laid-back evening of dinner, drinks and dancing. walkforhope.com
MightyGivebackConcert
Expected September
Nothing’s mightier than music with a mission. Dip your feet into this philosophy by uplifting local nonprofits—and dancing hard—with a high-energy lineup of live music at Red Hat Amp.bandtogethernc.org
Hops for Hope
Sept. 13
The only thing better than cracking open a cold one? Cracking open a cold one for a cause. Compassion meets craft beer at the 10th annual brew-tiful fundraising fest landing in North Hills’ Midtown Park to fund life-changing medical flights for children and families in need. We’ll drink to that—with plenty of brews to pick from.childrensflightofhope.org
Over the Edge
Sept. 27
Got guts? Prove it by taking the plunge from 19 stories up and rappelling down DTR’s Pendo building to benefit Special Olympics NC. Besides serving serious bragging rights, the drop mirrors the everyday adversities individuals with disabilities encounter while raising funds to make them feel a little lighter. sonc.net
Holt BrothersFoundationFunkraiser
Nov. 2
Dance, drink and party for the children? Twist our arm. Uptown funk is gonna give it to you via sips, snacks, music and a memorabilia auction at this annual fundraiser at Angus Barn uplifting NFL football stars Terrence and Torry Holt’s mission to support children of cancer patients. holtbrothersfoundation.org
Turkey Ball
Expected November
Gobble till you wobble for good. A ticket to this ambient annual alfresco gala poolside at Mulino means a holiday turkey for a family in need. mulinoraleigh.com
Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Dec. 6
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, so lift your voices high and battle it out at Moore Square for the caroling crown while bolstering local education through the Wake Tech Community College Foundation.figgypuddingnc.org
Jingle Ball
Expected December
Mix, mingle and jingle all the way at Marbles Kids Museum to bring Christmas to life for local tots in need via thousands of toys and toy program funding in Wake County. And be sure to be nice—Kris Kringle may make an appearance… capitalcityclauses.org
Photo by Shepard Barnes, courtesy of Live After 5
Photo by Keenan Hairston, courtesy of Out! Raleigh
Courtesy of NC State Fair
Courtesy of Raleigh Christmas Parade
Art in Bloom courtesy of Visit Raleigh
Tried & True
Midtown Beach Music
Thursdays April–June
Tropical oasis: found. Don your Hawaiian shirts, leis and carefree attitudes for Midtown’s lineup of sunny tunes paired with food trucks, sips and all-around good vibes. visitnorthhills.com
Artsplosure
May 17–18
It’s always an explosion of creativity and color at this art mecca serving up a curated lineup of ~175 visual artists from across the country spotlighting ceramics, glass, jewelry, metal, painting and photography. artsplosure.org
Live After 5
May 21, June 18, July 23, Aug. 20
A post-work DTR block party? Say less. DRA’s free summer concert series is back with a spotlight on NC-grown artists. Expect drinks and dancing backdropped by cover bands, original artists, vendors and food trucks all rooted in the Tarheel State. downtownraleigh.org
Out! Raleigh
June 20–21
Local flavors, vibrant entertainment and all the rainbow energy ignite Fayetteville Street to celebrate and support the community and LGBT Center of Raleigh. On Friday, leave the kids behind for a night of adults-only fun. #Boots lgbtcenterofraleigh.com
NC State Fair
Oct. 16–26
Feast your eyes, ears and stomachs on food, artisan goods, games and more at the state’s fave fest. Pro tip: Wait at least 30 minutes after housing a turkey leg or order of fried Oreos to spike your adrenaline on a ride. ncagr.gov
DRA Tree Lighting
November
And Raleigh said, “Let there be light!” Get lit for the holiday event you’ve been pining (!) for by oohing and aahing at the sparkling tree while sipping and snacking on food truck fare and drink vendors. Rockefeller Center, who? downtownraleigh.org
Raleigh Christmas Parade
Nov. 22
Ring in the holidays with parading pageantry and excitement as floats, marching bands, dancers and giant balloons grace—and float over—the DTR streets. And you better watch out (till the end) because Santa Claus is coming to town.grma.org
A Christmas Carol
December
The ghost of Christmas future says laughter and good humor is coming to the Cap City via Theatre in the Park’s annual showcase of good tidings and cheer with a twist. theatreinthepark.com
Krispy Kreme Challenge
February 2026
Pound a dozen doughnuts (or 2,400 calories) in the middle of a 5-mile jaunt and run it back in under an hour, all in the name of charity for the UNC Children’s Hospital. Take it from us—if you want to avoid running through partially digested doughnuts, stay ahead of the crowd. krispykremechallenge.com
Art in Bloom
March 2026
NCMA’s annual petal power is back as florists from across the state and beyond interpret works from the People’s Collection into bold and blooming masterpieces. Okay, bloomers! ncartmuseum.org
Now that daylight saving time has ended, here’s where to hang after dark.
Hello darkness our old friend. … Daylight saving time has officially ended, aka when we “fall back”—and count the days till we spring forward again (that’s Sunday, March 9—mark your cals).
So, while we pine for the day our gov sees the light—literally—and passes the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent (BYE, 5pm sunsets—forever), we’re trying to find ways to look on the bright side. Here, a handful of hangs to counter the winter blues—no daylight required.
Cause Chaos Vibes? Unmatched. Get rowdy this hockey season with fellow Caniacs at a high-energy and goal-heavy Hurricanes games. We’re the fastest-growing NHL franchise for a reason!
The Ritz Prince said it best: music is indeed healing, so hit up a concert at The Ritz to chase those winter blues away with the likes of Girl in Red (Nov. 27), Finneas (Feb. 16), Foster the People (Feb. 27) and more.
Pickleball Get your paddles and mood up while you hit some balls under the stars (0r lights) at Pin Point, Method Community Park, or North Hills Park. After all, endorphins make you happy!
Daylight doesn’t go underground anyway. Spend a night or two at Goodnights Comedy chuckling at the sillies of stand-up comics bringing tons of talent from all over the country into an intimate setting. Cozy and comical? Count us in.
Trivia If your brain functions better at night, find a lineup of trivia challenges all over town—from adult trivia (*wink, wink*) at Flying Saucer to oodles of other bars and restos offering weekly trivia nights. Think Raleigh Beer Garden (Wendesdays) and My Way Tavern (Tuesdays).
Wine Night Wine all you want this winter with your pals or your boo at such sophisticated and sleek spots as Vita Vite or Barcelona Wine Bar. Sips after sundown? Yes, please!
Movies Movies are so back. Cozy up for a drive-in movie after dark and under the stars at Triangle Cinemas or Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre. Or take the film-watching fun inside with bites and brews at Alamo Drafthouse. Either way, pass the popcorn!
Game Night Got game? Bring your competitive spirit to Boxcar for a night of arcade classics (a round of Pac-Man, anyone?), Skee Ball, air hockey and more. Level up, indeed!
No partner? No problem. Gift yourself these local experiences and goodies for V-Day.
Get ready to treat yo’self this Valentine’s Day. Boo’d up or not, nothing feels better than receiving some TLC from the person who understands you best. Here, a handful of ways to celebrate yourself this V-Day—because in this modern-day fairy tale, Cinderella doesn’t need a prince to have a ball. Amen!
A Massage at The NOW Massage Knead a release? Now is the perfect time. This rejuvenation haven offers a serene sanctuary ideal for peak relaxation with a variety of massages and enhancements on the menu. So if a soothing self-care date is up your alley, this will be sure to rub you the right way (!).
Solo Wine + Charcuterie Date at Vita Vite Nothing says self-love like a little wine-and-dine alone time. Cozy up over sips and snacks—aka the perfect pairing for some well-deserved R&R. And don’t forget to ~canvass~ the gallery of local art and other goods for an additional gift to take home.
Wine Class at Vitis House Vinophiles, this one’s for you! If you’re looking to unbottle facts about Spain’s delicious wine culture, look no further. Get lost in the wide world of romantic reds via the Feb. 9 class, or have chef-owner Doreen Colondres guide you through smelling and tasting like a true somm via a Sensory 101 course Feb. 16.
Concert Outing Keep your beats up this lovestruck season by taking yourself out for a laugh or dance sesh. LANY will be crooning at The Ritz Feb. 13 and 14, while Lincoln Theatre has three different shows from Feb. 9 to 11.
Comedy Show Like laughing more than singing? Indulge yourself in some quality entertainment by attending shows at Goodnights Comedy Club or Raleigh Improv. What is the day of love without a little laughter?! Go for “couples therapy” at Goodnights Feb. 13, or chuckle along to comedian, actor and writer Drew Morgan’s “constant state of existential crisis” Feb. 14 at Improv.
Take Yourself on a Personal Shopping Spree Ball on a budget this V-Day at some of your favorite local shops by setting a limit for yourself and going on a spending spree (Deco and Edge of Urge are two of our faves). After all, there’s nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix!
Gift Yourself Flowers and Chocolates As Miley Cyrus says, you can buy yourself flowers (#preach). Let your self-love reach full bloom via a floral arrangement from Fallon’s Flowers. And if you have a sweet tooth, Videri Chocolate Factory or Escazú Chocolates promise to curb your craving. Videri even offers self-guided tours to see where the delicious magic happens. It’s giving Willy Wonka…
Grab a Takeout Pizza The ultimate form of self-care? Pizza, obviously. Grab a pie from Oakwood Pizza Box, Trophy Brewing & Pizza, Lilly’s Pizza or any of your other fave local spots, and chow down on your couch while bingeing movies and TV shows. Ah, it doesn’t get much better than this!
How to brighten your winter blues now that daylight saving time is over
We know, we know… nobody likes a 5pm sunset. Now that daylight saving time is over (*patiently waits for the Sunshine Protection Act to pass*), many Raleighites might feel tempted to hunker down at home during those extra hours of darkness. But let’s look on the bright side—the sun setting before dinnertime doesn’t have to put a damper on your fun. Here, five fab ways to spend your winter evenings out and about in the city, no daylight required.
Comedy Show Good news: Daylight doesn’t go underground anyway. Spend a night or two at Goodnights Comedy chuckling at the sillies of stand-up comics bringing tons of talent from all over into an intimate setting. Sounds cozy and comical, no?
Trivia If your brain functions better at night, find a lineup of trivia challenges all over town—from adult trivia (*wink, wink*) at Flying Saucer to oodles of other bars and restos offering weekly trivia nights. Think Raleigh Beer Garden, Brookside Bodega and My Way Tavern, to name a few.
Wine Night Wine all you want this winter with the pals or your boo at such sophisticated and sleek spots as Vita Vite or Barcelona Wine Bar. Sips after sundown? Yes, please!
Game Night Got game? Bring your competitive spirit to Boxcar for a night of arcade classics (a round of Pac-Man, anyone?), Skee Ball, air hockey and more. Level up, indeed!
The “Packman” David Koechner is bringing the funnies to Goodnights pop-up this weekend.
Who has two thumbs and is a comedy legend?! None other than David Koechner (of The Office, Anchorman, SNL and The Goldbergs fame—NTM 120 other movies and TV shows)! Now, the actor, writer, producer and comedian extraordinaire is bringing his hilarity to Goodnights pop-up in the Village District Dec. 1–3—and each performance is sure to be a whammy (IYKYK).
Everyone’s fave traveling salesman (aka Todd Packer) will also be hosting a trivia event on Saturday—looking at you The Office superfans—with behind-the-scenes stories and tidbits from the show (frankly, we want to know if he and Steve Carell are BFFs in real life too). Raleigh Magazine got the exclusive chance to chat (and share a laugh!) with Koechner ahead of his shows, and we can attest that he’s no doubt gonna make you howl with laughter. Here’s what he had to say…
The City of Oaks is excited to have you! When’s the last time you visited Raleigh?
I’ve been to Raleigh several times. It’s been a couple years since I’ve been. … I’m excited to check up and see how Raleigh is doing, ya know? I love performing all over the country, and so I’m privileged when people show up and we all get to have a fun time. Plus, there’s a couple people in Raleigh who’ve reached out who I haven’t seen in years, so I’m looking forward to seeing them too.
What sort of sillies can people expect at your shows?
Fireworks?! It’s a comedy show—it’s all planned, but there’s room for improvisation in every show. I would say that no two shows are 100% alike; there is always something fresh and new in each one. And I’ll check into Raleigh happenings and see what’s going on and throw that into my set if there’s something funny that strikes me.
And how do you prep for your performances?
I wake up in the morning… and that’s it.
Give us a sneak on The Office trivia show?
It’s a matinee show on Saturday. I come out as Todd Packer and do a bunch of lines from The Office. It’s a trivia show, but I also tell stories from the show and stories from my career, how I came to be on The Office, and my relationships with Steve Carell and Kate Flannery since I’ve known those guys since the ’80s.
Catch us up on your current projects.
I continue to recur on The Goldbergs,and I just finished shooting an independent project. It’s a really intense drama, which is gonna be fantastic. It’ll come out next year. I also just completed filming for Half Baked 2, which was a riot. And I’m almost done touring for the year. … I’ll have these Raleigh shows and one more stop in Kansas City.
You’ve been in the biz for a while now–any characters/projects stick out to you?
I love working, so every one is a favorite—and it’s also up to fans if they have a favorite. There are so many that I’ve been very fortunate to have played. Obviously the big ones are fun, but there’s a little movie called Cheap Thrills, and—write this down—this is not for children. It’s a dark twisted thriller with comedic undertones, but it’s a great little movie. Also, it is Christmastime now, so we all must watch Krampus. I love Krampus—I’d never heard about that legend until I did the movie, and I love that more and more people discover it every year.
Humor me here… do you have a favorite kind of comedy?
The funny kind. There’s subtle comedy, there’s broad comedy, there’s relationship comedy, silly comedy, gag comedy… and you get better every time you do it. It’s muscle memory; it’s mental gymnastics; it’s timing; it’s everything—and it’ll never be perfect. I don’t think there’s such a thing as a perfect set. I do stand-up; I do improv; I do plays, movies, TV shows, voiceovers and cartoons—I do all kinds of stuff. I’m blessed that I get to have this career.
*Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
