22 Things to Do in Raleigh Sept. 5–11
Through 9/15
All Smiles
Say cheese! RLT’s first Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) production engages little ones through music, movement and drawing in an effort to showcase how all smiles are unique. raleighlittletheatre.org
Through 9/29
Amazing Pollinators
Oh, honey! Buzz on by NCMNS for a game-based survival adventure diving into the importance of pollinators and the critical work they do for people and the planet. How sweet. naturalsciences.org
Through 9/30
Pickleball Pop-Up
Pickleball is kind of a big dill. Put the *paddle* to the metal at these free first-come, first-served pop-up courts in City Plaza. downtownraleigh.org
9/5
Late Afternoon With the Greater Raleigh Chamber
Grab a seat for the Greater Raleigh Chamber’s Annual Meeting to learn what the chamber has been up to this year—and be sure to stick around for a chat on Triangle restaurants with Scott Crawford and RM’s own Gina Stephens (!). raleighchamber.org
9/5–7
Hopscotch Music Festival
Make plans to play hooky from work. From can’t-miss day parties to concerts feat. Faye Webster, St. Vincent and MJ Lenderman at City Plaza and Moore Square to late-night sets and afterparties, DTR’s annual three-day jam sesh never disappoints. Hop to it! hopscotchmusicfest.com
9/6
Boyz II Men
These boys are officially men now. Join the nee-1985 vocal powerhouse group as they “make love to you” through music. livenation.com
9/6
Justin Moore
Ralz said gimme some ~Moore~ and this country crooner is answering with twangy harmonies and reflective lyrics. Maybe heaven isn’t so far away. redhatamphitheater.com
9/6
Martin Lawrence
Y’all already know what it is! The comedic genius is bringing the real talk on everything from family to culture during his first comedy tour since 2016. pncarena.com
9/6–8
D.L. Hughley
The popular comedian, author and radio show host is sharing his “advice for white people” and other satirical comedy to gain some giggles. improv.com
9/6–8
Karlous Miller
Wild out for this firefighter turned funny man’s stop in the City of Oaks—if you can handle the heat. goodnightscomedy.com
9/6–8
Nina Simone
Summer blues? Don’t know her. Jazz artist Yolanda Rabun stars as NC native and Civil Rights Movement hero Nina Simone in this one-woman “No Fear and Blues Long Gone” show combining music and details from her life. martinmariettacenter.com
9/7–8
NC Gourd Arts & Crafts Fest
Oh, my gourd! Let the anticipation for fall begin with exhibits, raffles, classes and free crafts—plus gourds, art, supplies, merch and more. ncgourdsociety.org
9/8
Rock Your World
Get ready to rock on, Raleigh! BYO lawn chair and post up for a full day of live music, military tributes, raffles, a silent auction, and food and bevs to benefit the Hope for Haiti Foundation and U.S. Veterans Corp. hopeforhaitifoundation.com
9/10
Cocktails & Confections
For a sweet night out, taste your way through three mini cocktails by Parlor Manager & Operations Director Will Bryant paired with chocolatey treats from Escazú. heightshousenc.com
9/10
Goth Babe
Grab your “weekend friends” and head to Red Hat for a show that’s anything but somber. redhatamphitheater.com
9/10
Hans Zimmer
Compose yourself via the extraordinary sounds of one of the film industry’s most prolific composers, with a résumé boasting Interstellar, Dune and Inception. pncarena.com
9/10–22
Bull Durham, A New Musical
If you build it—they will come. Prop up for this new musical bringing the Academy Award-winning classic back home (fun fact: Scenes from the OG film were shot at Mitch’s Tavern). theatreraleigh.com
9/11
9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance
Honor and remember those lost on Sept. 11 by turning tragedy into healing through a day of packaging food for those in need and crafting helpful items for sheltered pets. activategood.org
9/11
Cigarettes After Sex
Nothing’s gonna hurt you, baby. … Pack tissues for your tears and a lighter to wave along to the sad and soulful tunes of the ethereal pop foursome. pncarena.com
9/11
Omar Apollo
Longing is an art form and this up-and-coming singer-songwriter has mastered it through catchy guitar riffs backdropping visceral ballads. All gas, no brake(lights). redhatamphitheater.com
9/11
Whiskey or Bourbon?
Fun fact: All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Get schooled on brown liquor by delving into the secrets of production, aging and distillation, and tasting your way through rare and award-winning selects. vitishouse.com
9/11–12
Evening of Hope + Igniting Hope
Kick off two days of Foundation of Hope’s back-to-back events at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn with a fireside chat by Dennis Quaid (!), then enjoy a festive night of dinner and dancing to Soul Psychedelique. walkforhope.com