23 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, May 19–25
Weekend plans, found. From galas and festivals to markets and concerts, there’s a lot of fun-filled events happening in Raleigh this weekend—and beyond.
5/19–22
Giselle
Ethereal spirits rise from the graves to dance at night in this iconic mesmerizing, well, “en pointe” telling by Carolina Ballet to close its season. carolinaballet.com
5/19
Arts on the Hill
Feast your eyes on the Triangle’s top talent—from filmmakers to writers to poets—via Raleigh Film and Arts Festival’s Play on Words series at Dix Park. dorotheadixpark.org
5/19
Dress for Success Fashion Show
Raleigh’s very own version of NYFW is taking place at Brier Creek Country Club this Thursday, where models will walk the runway in spring fashions from local boutiques like Bailey’s, Charlotte’s, and Stella and Dot. While they strut their stuff, enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres—and leave with a swag bag filled with over $200 in jewelry, beauty products and gift cards (!). trianglenc.dressforsuccess.org
5/19
Vinyl Night
Just for the record, Raleigh Night Market is hosting a Vinyl Night experience in City Market featuring an outdoor listening lounge with DJs, music-inspired vendors, beer and more. raleighnightmarket.com
5/19–21
Sylvan Esso
Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn will headline their biggest hometown performances to date over three nights at the Historic Durham Athletic Park—with special performances by Yo La Tengo, Gus Dapperton, and Vagabon, to name a few—and you’re not gonna wanna miss “the greatest show on dirt.” sylvanesso.com/ballpark
5/20
Grow and Bloom Gala
“Bloom where you are planted,” and take part in CORRAL Riding Academy’s unforgettable spring fundraiser. CORRAL alumni will return to the farm to share their journeys of growth while guests partake in a cocktail and dinner social hour, a live action, and more. corralriding.org
5/20
Old Crow Medicine Show
“And I’m a-hopin’ for Raleigh, I can see my baby tonight…” Get your best “Wagon Wheel” singalong on as Boone-discovered, Nashville-based NC faves Old Crow Medicine Show bring their Grammy winning ensemble to the NCMA for the return of its outdoor concert series. ncartmuseum.org
5/20–22
Got to Be NC Festival
You know it’s got to be an NC festival when there’s a barbecue buffet, antique tractors, local food vendors, livestock, rides, games and so on—plus a Carolina Pig Jig on May 21. It’s a pretty pig deal. gottobencfestival.com
5/21
Adult Prom 2
Get your promposal—and formal getup—ready. We prom-ise you’ll have a good time at this “night to remember.” And this time, the alcohol is legal—and readily available. Do it up! cityofraleighmuseum.org
5/21
Crafty’s 9th Anniversary Party
Oh, hoppy day! Crafty Beer, Wine & Spirits is celebrating its ninth anniversary with free—yep, free!—samples of beer and wine for 20-plus breweries and wineries, plus live music and tacos from Mr. Puebla Tacos food truck. Pour on the party! craftybeerwinespirits.com
5/21
Girls’ Night Out
Grab your gals and punch cancer in the mouth for this inaugural GNO concert featuring KT Tunstall, Judith Hill, Jeanne Jolly, Haley Johnsen and Rodes—with proceeds to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. boothamphitheatre.com
5/21
FRESH Sounds Concert Series
Chart-topping national artist and award-winning actor Yolanda Rabun is visiting Raleigh to serve up an “intimate vibe” through her inventiveness and vocal power—NTM exceptional energy. artspacenc.org
5/21
Raleigh Film and Arts Festival Encore
Encore! This local film and arts festival staged at Cary’s new Lotus Cinemas fetes award-winning Carolinian filmmakers, animations, short films, feature length films, among others, and honors Raleigh Film and Art Festival’s 10-year anny. Pass the popcorn! raleighfilmandartfestival.com
5/21
Speed Dating
3, 2… you might just meet the one. Singles gather at Halcyon for a sophisticated approach to speed dating. Next! speedraleighdating.com
5/21
The Taste of Raleigh
Get a forkful of Raleigh’s best food trucks, personal chefs, bakeries, caterers and more during the biggest outdoor tasting event in NC—plus live music from local bands. Fork yeah! thetasteofraleigh.com
5/21
Umami Drag Brunch
We like the way they roll… sip on mimosas while you cheer on your local queens over sushi brunch + a drag show. umami-nc.com
5/21
Victory Ride
Get stoked and take a victory ride for a cause. Proceeds go toward funding science and research for cancer, and the ride celebrates the survivors and those lost from cancer—because the fight against cancer isn’t a solo ride. thevictoryride.org
5/21–22
Artsplosure
Raleigh’s longest-running free street art & music fest returns to DTR for this two-day artsplosion of ~175 countrywide artists, live music, large-scale installations, Kidsplosure (for the minis!) and more. artsplosure.org
5/22
John Mulaney
The Emmy Award-winning SNL alum (and recent Five Timers clubber!) brings his From Scratch tour to town for a can’t-miss night of comedy. pncarena.com
5/22
LYLVC
NC-based hard rock band LYLVC (pronounced “lilac”) takes the stage at The Pour House following their debut single and accompanying video “Perfect Drug.” Rock on! thepourhousemusichall.com
5/22, monthly
Whole Hog Holler
Hogs to make you holler and beer to make you bounce. Grab a plate of BBQ and a cold beer (or a glass of wine or a cocktail) and enjoy this foot-stompin’ evening that’ll put the “fun” in “Sunday Funday.” samjonesbbq.com
5/24
The Lumineers
Ho, hey, The Lumineers are coming to Raleigh (with Caamp) as part of their BRIGHTSIDE World Tour! livenation.com
5/24
Women’s Leadership Conference
Calling all girl bosses! Join Raleigh Chamber for this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference to connect with successful women in business and hear keynote speaker Rebecca Ryan. #GirlPower. raleighchamber.org
