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!
Power can go to your head. … Embark on a thrilling tale following themes of nationalism, war and power, and courage via a Shakespearean masterpiece sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. theatreinthepark.com
6/21 Groove N Glide
Happy National Skate Day to all who celebrate! Roll (or skate!) into the weekend to the tune of R&B and old-school classics—plus local vendors, food trucks and yard games. @sk8raleigh
6/21–22 Akaash Singh
Fast becoming a household name, this funnyman is bringing a can’t-miss set and hilarious hot takes to the City of Oaks. Ready to wild out? goodnightscomedy.com
6/21–22 Corey Holcomb
Are you the victim of a “hostile takeover?” Read: In a happy relationship? Grab your seats for some sound advice (?) straight from the stage of this comic who keeps the animated facials coming. improv.com
6/21–23 The Raleigh Money Expo
Dolla, dolla bills, y’all! The 50th edition of the state’s largest coin, currency and stamp show will tout 100 dealers and 175+ tables of goods—plus rare coins and currency exhibits, presentations from experts, a Kid’s Zone, raffle and more. ncstatefair.org
6/22 The Soul Picnic
Feel it in your soul by grooving along to Grammy-nominated artist Musiq Soulchild and The Legendary Chuck Brown Band at NC’s “largest outdoor day party” in celebration of Black Music Month. soulpicnicnc.com
Calling all outlaws… “be groovy or leave, man” as legends Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson & Family, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and more headline Walnut Creek for “the biggest and best [fest] yet,” according to Nelson. Yeehaw! livenation.com
6/24 Future Islands
Prepare for the thrill of guitarless and sleek ballads from these synthpop NCers. … You won’t want to “say goodbye.” martinmariettacenter.com
6/25 BBQ & Bourbon Dinner
A three-meat buffet and guided tasting of five bourbons? Say less. Talk bourbon and eat your way through a plethora of smoked meats at this Southern ’cue sampling. samjonesbbq.com
6/26 A Family Reunion at Jaguar Bolera After-Party
It’s a family affair! Jaguar Bolera‘s Manny Barella is hosting a Top Chef reunion Season 21 with cheftestants Barella, Savannah Miller, Dan Jacobs, Soo Ahn and Kevin D’Andrea—and you’re invited (!!). While the five-course dinner is sold out, tickets for the after-party with the crew—complete with games, karaoke, light bites, drinks and more—are still available. You don’t wanna miss it! jaguarbolera.com
6/26 Red Hot Chili Peppers
The California Kings are back with a little funk punk “blood, sugar, sex, magik” at the Creek. livenation.com
6/26 Slow Drinks x Kingfisher
Sit and sip with James Beard Award-winning author and beverage consultant Danny Childs as he takes over the bar at Kingfisher to showcase his foraged and fermented concoctions. We’ll drink to that! kingfisherdurham.com
6/26, monthly Live After 5
A monthly post-work block party Downtown? Say less. DRA’s free concert series is back—and on (fourth) Wednesdays, we rendezvous at City Plaza for a hip and happenin’ celebration feteing women in music via a curated four-concert series in partnership with Deep South Entertainment. downtownraleigh.org
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!
A day without laughter is a day wasted—so get your giggles in at The Rialto with Raleigh’s finest stand-up comics and a drink in hand. There’s nothing cooler than comedy! etix.com
9/28 Jonas Brothers
“I just wanna play my music…” The Jo Bros are slated to burn it up at PNC (and quite possibly the year 3000—tbd). Either way, be sure to don your rEd DrEsSeS for the occasion! pncarena.com
9/28–10/1 La Veladora Anniversary Weekender
Let’s get this party started (!). La Veladora (the cozy mezcal cave/listening room in the back of William & Company) is celebrating its one-year anniversary with 15 DJs, drag artists, a live percussionist, tacos and tamales, and other special treats throughout the weekend. And, naturally, it’s gonna be a vibe. @willcobar
9/29 12th Annual Raleigh Blues Festival
There’s no need to be blue(s). Embrace raw lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment in the form of musical melodies that tell a tale via myriad talents, including King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, Lebrado, Theodis Ealey and J-Wonn. martinmariettacenter.com
9/29 ’70s Night Disco Party
Don your dancing shoes and bell-bottoms because Olde Raleigh Distillery is blowing the dust off its disco ball (!). Shake your groove thang into a night of drinks and disco so you can really become the ~dancing queen~. olderaleighdistillery.com
9/29 NC State vs. Louisville
Cardinal red is about to meet Raleigh red in a bloodbath under the lights at Carter-Finley. Go Pack! gopack.com
9/29 NC State Football Watch Party
Think and do—game day edition. Belly up to TheMixx and watch the Wolfpack eat bird for dinner with a drink in hand. bottlemixx.com
9/29–30 Intensity Rooftop Summer Sendoff
Go out with a bang this summer via a two-night romp of live music, food, drinks and dancing at Unscripted Durham’s outdoor rooftop. No summertime sadness here! eventbrite.com
9/30 Roshambo Autumn Artisan Market
The best part of fall? The cute decorations, of course. Stock up on decor, art, jewelry and accessories made by local artisans while being serenaded by live music at Transfer Co.’s autumn pop-up. facebook.com
9/30 Dram & Draught Second Anniversary
Dram roll please… Dram & Draught’s Durham location is turning two! Turn up at the daylong celebration feat. giveaways, live music and drinks. Cheers! dramanddraught.com
9/30 Gov’t Mule
Make like a river and Zen out to instrumental journeys and lyrics loaded with meaning and thoughts about life. May the endless parade march on… boothamphitheatre.com
9/30 Oktoberfest
It’s time to grab your lederhosen and braid your hair for a day of German food, fall brews, live music and the eighth annual wiener dog race (!). Guten tag, indeed. lafayettevillageraleigh.com
9/30 Old Dominion
Bad vibes? None found here. This country music crew has nabbed acclaim as ACM Group of the Year and CMA Vocal Group of the Year—making a night spent swaying to their songs and sounds a no-brainer. pncarena.com
9/30 Over the Edge
Feeling brave? Special Olympics North Carolina is once again taking its fundraiser to new heights. Watch participants bravely scamper down a Raleigh skyscraper in support of those with intellectual disabilities. sonc.net
9/30 Triangle Barkitecture
Put your paws together for furry friends and fundraising in Fenton via this pet design/architecture event benefiting Triangle Beagle Rescue and Friends of Wake County Animal Center. Can we get an oh, howlyeah?! aiatriangle.org
9/30 RaleighWRLD Festival
Raleigh, meet WRLD. Live music, food trucks and shopping collide in this all-ages summerfest where makers meet creators via curated events to promote connection and community at Dix Park’s Flowers Field. raleighwrld.com
9/30–10/1 Triangle Parade of Homes
Swap HGTV inspo for real-life inspo at this free annual self-guided tour of the area’s newest homes on the market—so you can find anything from your next floor plan to decor ideas. And so the parade begins! triangleparade.com
10/1 Skate and See
“They see me rolling…” Witness the transformation of the Conlon Family Skatepark via the unveiling of newly added art and features to take your shred to the next level. And don’t forget to grab bites, brews and merch from a lineup of local vendors after your skate sesh! skateraleigh.com
Ready to wine down? Sample five wine selects from Copper Cane’s portfolio along with a perfectly paired five-course menu prepared by The Willard’s chef Kyle Teears. Sip, sip, hooray! thewillardraleigh.com
10/3 Sayer McShane
Sayer what? Belly up for brews at blues at Brookside Bodega’s weekly music series. Rock on! brooksidebodega.com
10/4 Russell Howard
“Laughter is the lubricant that makes life livable.” Laugh along with this English comedian and television personality as he brings the funnies to Raleigh via his cheeky and charming wit. carolinatheatre.org
Through 7/23 Agave Festival and Summer Open Garden
Succa for botany? Juniper Level Botanic Garden is hosting its first festival honoring agave, aka the “plant of life,” complete with over 80 different species of the plant (!). jlbg.org
Ya like jazz? Then listen up for this 10-time Grammy-winning a cappella group taking the stage sans background sound, obv. And don’t miss singin’ icon Chrisette Michele starting the night off strong. ncartmuseum.org
7/20–23 Paragon Barbie Party
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! See the highly anticipated movie in style and channel your fashion Barbie—or “Kenergy”—with a fab themed ’fit for games, prizes, photos and more. Let’s get dolled up! @paragon_theaters
7/21 2023 Women’s World Cup Live Viewing
Kick back at Moore Square to watch the U.S. Women’s soccer team take on Vietnam in their first match of the World Cup while playing knockerball, human foosball and your own game of soccer. Plus, check out other local watch parties here. Score! raleighnc.gov
7/21 CJ Monet
Think of musician CJ Monet’s live recording sesh at House of Art like a live version of Tiny Desk Concerts or Sofar Sounds. Listen up! @houseofartnc
7/21 Nickel Creek
“That’s all folks!” … For vibes feat. folk/root sounds: pull up. Penny—er, nickel for your thoughts? ncartmuseum.org
7/22 Dog Daze of Summer Market
It’s the dog days of summer… so mark your cal and head to the yard for a pop-up market and sweat sesh with Burn Boot Camp—followed by mimosas (!)—plus a special adoption event in partnership with Freedom Rescue Ride. Ready to go all paws in? tapyardraleigh.com
Ready to relive the most magical night of your life? Strut your stuff in your wildest prom ’fit and don best dancing shoes to get jiggy with it at this all-day retro experience celebrating Killjoy’s third anny. @killyjoycocktail
7/22 Lisette Glowdowski
Spoil yourself with a night of melodies admiring the way you are—written and performed by the award-winning lyricist, composer and actress. theatreraleigh.com
7/22 Barbie Pink Party & Fashion Show
Pink-ies up! Celebrate the release of the iconic doll’s new film with a day at the Dreamhouse. Come dressed as your favorite Barbie (the possibilities are endless) for a chance to win. “This is the best day ever!” fentonnc.com
7/22 Peach Road Party
A moment for the mural (!). Welcome new public art by Akira Dudley to Peach Road Park while enjoying food vendors, musical ensembles, painting and games. raleighnc.gov
7/23 Dominic Fike
Feel like the “king of everything” by joining the singer, songwriter and actor (this one’s for you, Euphoria fans!) for upbeat alt tunes and new tunes from his latest album. What could possibly go wrong? (IYKYK.) redhatamphitheater.com
7/23 Horses for Hope Fundraiser
What’s sweeter than supporting a good cause? Roll up to Geluna Gelato for scoops in support of Horses for Hope of Raleigh—a nonprofit org with a mission to provide therapeutic horse riding lessons for kids/adults with disabilities. gelunagelato.com
7/23 The Smoking Bull – A Fundraiser for Randy Lewis
A plethora of F&B folks from across the state are coming together to raise money for one of the last dairy farmers in the area following his literal run-in with a bull in May. Show your support to the Ran-Lew Dairy legend while chowing down on eats from the likes of Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood, Tie Whittaker of Buttermilk Boutique and more. craftenfood.com
7/25 Candles & Corks
Lighten up with Usu Company Candles at its hands-on candle making workshop. Make scents of the step-by-step process,followed with wine and snacks. It’s gonna be lit! usucompany.com
7/25–30 Mary Poppins
Craving a spoonful of sugar? For plans that are “practically perfect in every way,” float on over to North Carolina Theatre’s magical musical —with returning star Kara Lindsay as Mary Poppins a la NCT’s Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s fame . How super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious! martinmariettacenter.com
7/26 Black Power Rangers Comedy Tour
A group of sharp, insightful, Black comedians from the South are coming together at Watts & Ward to blend pop culture and social commentary for a night of hilarity. willsmaxwell.com
