by Raleigh Magazine | Oct 21, 2026 | Do, October 2026
Through 1/10
Ancient Nubia
Before the pharaohs stole the show, Nubia was making history. Travel back thousands of years to discover the art, artifacts and extraordinary legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful ancient civilizations. ncartmuseum.org
10/22
Freeman Vines Film and Talk
If those guitars could talk… they would tell you to string together film, conversation and history via the Gregg Museum’s screening and discussion exploring the NC artist and guitar maker’s handmade instruments. gregg.arts.ncsu.edu
10/22
Outdoor Movie Night
Working 9 to 5? Clock out and kick back as Gateway Plaza screens the Dolly Parton classic under the stars—with pizza, popcorn and drinks from Fiction Kitchen. @gatewayplazaraleigh
10/22
Outdoor Movie Series
Twelve kids and one dad make for a whole lot of chaos. Village District brings Cheaper by the Dozen to the big screen for a nostalgic movie night. shopvillagedistrict.com
10/22
Thriller Thursdays
Double, double, toil and trouble mwahahaha! Binge Practical Magic and The Craft on the big screen they deserve, plus bewitching cocktails and bites from Centro that will leave you feeling magical. bittersocialraleigh.com
10/23
Boos & Booze
Find your new ~boo~ at Sir Walter Coffee’s Halloween-themed singles night—complete with wickedly good cocktails and thrilling conversations. @sirwaltercoffee
10/23
Breaking Benjamin
The early aughts called… crank up the hard-rock hits that defined an eyeliner-heavy, angst-filled era. Rock on! livenation.com
10/23
Kooky Spooky Halloween Party
Calling all little monsters—and their grown-up ghouls. Marbles gets kooky-spooky with mad-scientist experiments, creepy crafts and a fa-boo-lous costume parade. marbleskidsmuseum.org
10/23
Tales of Woe
No sunshine and rainbows here. The museum uncovers the science behind your darkest fears with interactive science stations, music, games, local entertainment and special activities. naturalsciences.org
10/23
Steve Lacy
Oh, yeah? Woozy guitar riffs and effortlessly cool sounds will have you seeing “dark red.” redhatamphitheater.com
10/23–24
The Music of John Williams
May the orchestra be with you. Launch yourself into another galaxy with Williams’ legendary scores from Star Wars, E.T. and more—no Millennium Falcon required. ncsymphony.org
10/23–25
Ron Fuches
A warm hug and a masterful roast sesh roll into one joyful yet disarming stand-up. goodnightscomedy.com
10/24
Delta Rae
There’s no place like home. Durham-born Delta Rae returns to its NC roots for a night at The Ritz, bringing home the band’s signature harmonies and Southern folk-rock sound. livenation.com
10/24
Making Strides of the Triangle
Think pink and walk with purpose. Join the American Cancer Society at Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a 5k uniting survivors, supporters and families in the fight against breast cancer. secure.acsevents.org
10/24
Person Street Block Party
Ain’t no party like a Person Street party. Celebrate and remember the queen (Dolly Parton) with a stacked lineup of music, art, food, dancing, a pop-up market and more. @edgeofurge
10/24–25
Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival
You ~butter~ believe it. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival serves up a weekend of Southern comfort—all benefiting SECU Family House. secufh.org
10/24–25
Raleigh Greek Festival
Opa! Greece is closer than ever as the signature Greek fest returns home to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with traditional music, dancing and a weekend-long celebration of Greek culture. raleighgreekfestival.com
10/25
Day of the Dead Festival
Knock ’em dead. City Plaza bursts with color for Día de los Muertos, honoring Mexican and Latin American heritage through altars, music, Aztec dancers and the Catrina parade. revistalatinanc.com
10/25
NC Vintage Market
Old is new and new is so old. Give your wardrobe a little secondhand love while browsing vintage clothing, jewelry, decor and one-of-a-kind treasures at Haven Farm in Knightdale. @ncvintagemarket
10/25
Ooky Spooky Cocktail Class
Witch, please. Sip your way through three spell-binding cocktails—an extra Bloody Mary to a Ghosted S’mores Martini—paired with seasonal bites and skyline news. thewillardraleigh.com
10/25
Vince Staples
When sparks fly, take to The Ritz for signature West Coast cool vibes made for anything but sitting still. livenation.com
10/27
Canes vs. Bruins
It’s Bear-hunting season. lenovocenter.com
10/27
MRA Real Estate Forum
What’s next for Midtown? Get the inside scoop on Raleigh’s changing skyline as local real estate leaders unpack neighborhood developments, housing trends and projects shaping the city’s future. midtownraleighalliance.org
10/28
History at High Noon
Losing your head is one thing. Spending eternity looking for it? That’s just bad luck. Uncover the chilling legend of the Maco Light and its headless railroad conductor during this virtual dive into one of North Carolina’s spookist ghost stories. ncmuseumofhistory.org
by Raleigh Magazine | Oct 13, 2026 | Do, September 2026
10/15
Jeremy Short
He’s got both the fiery looks and Appalachian space funk on lock as the blues guitarist hailing from the hills of Eastern Kentucky takes to the stage at the Pour House. pourhouseraleigh.com
10/15
Talk Smutty To Me
Don’t turn the page on a steamy Thursday night. Bitter Social and Blackbird Books hand over the mic to present brief selections of sexy published works. bittersocialraleigh.com
10/15
Thriller Thursdays
Spooky szn is in full swing at Bitter Social, where Jennifer’s Body and Lisa Frankenstein hit the big screen, complete with specialty cocktails and bites from Centro. Hell is a teenage girl, indeed.
bittersocialraleigh.com
10/15
Ty Myers
From TikTok to the stage, Myers is joined by Brent Cobb and Benny G to serve up a night of bluesy old-soul country. boothamphitheatre.com
10/15–18
Singin’ in the Rain Sr.
What a wonderful feeling! Tap your toes and sing along to the splashy adaptation of the Hollywood classic at Raleigh Little Theatre. dancingmanproductions.com
10/15–25
NC State Fair
Come one, come all for exhilarating rides, fried food galore, shopping, competitions, and various activities and entertainment. Nothing could be finer! ncagr.gov
10/16
Avery Anna
Pouring heartbreak, family drama and those all-too-well-growing pains into her music, Anna hits The Ritz with brutally honest tracks. livenation.com
10/16–17
I Have A Dream Pop Fest
Shoegaze OGs The Veldt—lead by Raleigh native twin brothers Daniel and Danny Chavis—bring two nights of high distortion and psychedelic rock to Neptunes Parlor. visitraleigh.com
10/16–17
Rhapsody in Blue
Jazz hands meet classical fingers. Pianist Clayton Stephenson tickles the ivories at Meymandi Concert Hall, playing through George Gershwin’s iconic composition. ncsymphony.org
10/16 & 18
Carmen
Red flags have never looked—or sounded—this good. NC Opera turns up the heat at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium with Bizet’s famously fiery score. ncopera.org
10/17
Diwali Festival
Spot captivating cultural performances, paint mandalas and diyas, get down to a live DJ, and sample assorted food truck cuisine as Morrisville’s annual Diwali Festival lights up. eventvesta.com
10/17
Harvest Fest
A bountiful harvest is found at LC Brier Creek’s fall fest, ringing in PSL season with hot cocoa and apple cider, games and inflatables, local vendors and live bluegrass courtesy of The Sweet Peas. eventbrite.com
10/17
International Wine & Beer Festival
Pinkies up! Sip, taste and celebrate the world via wines from over 15 global wineries + beer from 10 countries at City Plaza—best followed by chowing down on international fare and groovin’ to live music. internationalwineandbeerfestival.com
10/17
LOVE. DEATH. OR ROBOTS
Usher in Halloween by dressing as love, death or robots at Bitter Social. You bring your best costume—they provide three DJs, drag queens and more. @thewhyparty
10/17
Pop-Up Raleigh
Shop small at Trophy on Maywood, where vintage finds, handmade goods, local art and more turn a Saturday shopping spree into a local love letter. popupraleigh.com
10/17
Tepuy Roadshow
Tepuy Donuts is hitting the road for a pop-up at Float Spa in an effort to raise funds for a new doughnut trailer. Come for the doughnuts (natch), coffee and cold brew, and savory danishes—stay for the chance to win free treats. @tepuydonuts
10/17
Time Warp
It’s just a jump to the left… and a trip to the City of Raleigh Museum, which transports attendees back to the ’70s with DJs, dancing, food, drinks, raffles and groovy swag. zeffy.com
10/17
Triangle Roast Battle
Gear up to withstand awkward moments, unbearable funny roasts and everything in between as the best comics in town throw down—and are judged by none other than Mayor Janet Cowell. @triangleroastbattle
10/17–18
NC Home Show
Make your house a home at the Raleigh Convention Center with expert advice; exclusive deals; and resources in home improvement, landscaping and design services. homeshowsnc-rc.com
10/18
Beatniks Third Annual Day Party
Beatniks is turning the big three—and throwing a much-needed day party outfitted with free bevs, live music, vintage pop-ups, and raffles on raffles. Don’t be a square! @beatniksshop
10/18
Oktrophyfest
Trophy is raising the steins. Go full German with the Little German Band, accordion tunes, pretzels, German cuisine and plenty of Prostbier Kölsch. humanitix.com/oktrophyfest
10/18
Waylon Wyatt
Old soul meets new country via twangy storytelling at The Ritz—proving you don’t need to live decades to sing like you have. livenation.com
10/19
Oyster Affair Dinner
Oyster season is here—and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a four-course meal at St. Roch featuring the best of our local waters. @strochraleigh
10/20
Hamlet
To be, or not to be… Mark your calendars for Wildflower Stage Co.’s first production—or 90 minutes of orchestrated chaos—at Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company. @wildflowerstageco
10/21
Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds
Forecast: blue skies and dark clouds. Sturgill Simpson scoots into Oak City, bringing his genre-bending country laced with rock and blues for a psychedelic experience. lenovocenter.com
10/21
The Woman’s Club of Raleigh Annual Gala
Follow the yellow brick road to celebrate the club’s legacy of service via its annual gala, which raises funds to continue its community impact for generations to come. womansclubofraleigh.org
10/21–11/8
Dracula
Sink your teeth into Theatre Raleigh’s Comedy of Terrors, during which Bram Stoker’s bloodsucker gets a ridiculous makeover. … And the stakes have never been higher. theatreraleigh.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Aug 26, 2026 | Do, July/August 2026
8/27
Jazz in the Square
Ya like jazz? Then come out to Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s sixth season of the free concert series at Moore Square, with this week’s performance by Jasmine J. Best & The Jazz Xperiment providing the tunes and good vibes. @downtownraleighalliance
8/27
Raleigh Stroll Club
You know hot girl walks—now enter Hot Dad Walk. The Raleigh Stroll Club is hosting a special dad club edition at Gussie’s, a no-kids evening full of burgers, brews and brotherhood. @raleighstrollclub
8/28
Billy and the Jets
Two icons—one stage. Follow the yellow brick road to Lincoln Theatre where “Piano Man” meets “Rocket Man” for a flashy crossover tribute. lincolntheatre.com
8/28
Dog Days of Summer
Show Cheeni RTP some much-needed support during the slowest season of the year with a community market featuring local vendors, tasting bites from area chefs, drinks and more. resy.com
8/28
Movies on the Bloc
“Fist my bump.” Bring a chair or blanket to 321 Coffee for a night of sci-fi, stars and bad alien one-liners via Project Hail Mary. @drink321coffee
8/28
Pizza-Making Class
Friday night pizza party, anyone?! Join Veloce for hands-on pizza making, bruschetta and charcuterie, and beer and wine. @veloce_italian_market
8/28–30
Usama Siddiquee
Watch on as the Funny AF finalist releases his high-energy rapid-fire remarks for three nights at Goodnights. Expect to hear about life, love, religion—and how to get the boot on America’s Got Talent. goodnightscomedy.com
8/28–9/20
Hairspray
Tracy Turnblad bends the boards in this family-friendly musical where an overnight rise to fame helps the sudden celeb spark change almost as big as her hair. raleighlittletheatre.com
8/29
The Annelle Staal Trio
Up-and-coming empress Annelle Staal takes the stage as part of Botanical’s Garden Grooves jazz series to present a distinct, elevated indie dance/concept house sound featuring dueling drum machines, expert guitar work and silky vocals. @annellestaal
8/29
Chance the Rapper
He’s got the city doing front flips at Red Hat Amp. Wish a happy 10th birthday to Chance’s iconic album Coloring Book as the rapper celebrates the pivotal culture moment on an anniversary tour. livenation.com
8/29
End Of Summer Prom Night
Dress to impress to relive the best night of your life—or the occasion you never got to experience—sans the high school drama. Throwback hits, cocktails and portraits seal the deal, with a percentage of beer sales donated to The Prom Shoppe at Apex UMC. wolfeandporter.com
8/29
The GRL Market
Who run the world? Grls! Women-owned brands take over Waverly Place in Cary for a stint of shopping community and girly fun. Beyoncé would be proud. waverlycary.com
8/29
Intro to Gardening in the South
Start—or continue–your Southern gardening journey with a morning lecture guiding you through the state’s hot summers, diverse soil types and unique pest problems. jcra.ncsu.edu
8/29
Teen Vendor Market
House of Many Porches Market hosts a band of aspiring artisans, small business owners and teen creatives—all set to sell you your next favorite thing. dixpark.org
8/29–30
NC Vintage Bazaar
What’s old is new again! Shop vintage clothes, DVDs, music, jewelry and more from resellers hailing from across the Southeast at North Carolina’s largest vintage event. ncvintagebazaar.com
8/30
Cocktails & Cuisine
Pinkies up! The Willard’s next interactive cocktail class dives into bourbon for beginners: Explore the history behind some of bourbon’s most iconic cocktails while pros guide you through crafting three timeless favorites. thewillardraleigh.com
8/30
Kindled for Good
Built on the idea that “a shared meal can do more than feed people,” Landon Estate chef/owner Blake Gotliffe’s new culinary series welcomes Crawford Hospitality chefs Conor Delaney, Aaron Salita and Suzanne Downs for a collaborative dinner centered around live fire and summer at its peak–with proceeds benefiting the Autism Society of North Carolina. eventbrite.com
8/31
Kehlani
“Nights like this” shouldn’t be missed. Pull up to Walnut Creek to see the two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B powerhouse belt it out on stage. livenation.com
8/31–9/6
Veolia Pickleball National Championships
This is kind of a big ~dill~. Kicking off the 2026–27 PPA Tour season, the weeklong celebration at Cary Tennis Park will feature pro pickleballers going head to head—in addition to live music, entertainment, fan-friendly activations, pro-led camps and clinics, and more. tixr.com
9/1
NCModernist Movie Series
Barren never looked so beautiful. Desert modernism meets Hollywood theatricality during the documentary screening of Desert Cool, featuring Palm Springs designer Arthur Elrod. therialto.com
9/1
Perception vs. Palate
Think you know your grapes? Read between the vines on a blind wine date to discover your personal preferences—without worrying if they’re posh enough. Pinkies up! vitishouse.com
9/2
Kash’d Out
Good karma is in store at the Florida-based reggae-rock band’s Raleigh tour stop—with bonus sounds from RDGLDGRN. pourhouseraleigh.com
9/2
NCRLA Chef Showdown
Fork over the finale. The state’s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists and distilleries come together for a night of flavorful competition at Bay 7, where guests get to sip and snack their way through the finalists’ offerings to help crown the People’s Choice Awards. portal.ncrla.org
by Raleigh Magazine | Aug 18, 2026 | Do, July/August 2026
8/20
Jazz in the Square
Ya like jazz? Then come out to Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s sixth season of the free concert series at Moore Square, kicking back off with the Butler Knowles quartet. @downtownraleighalliance
8/20
Night at the Museum
It’s a night at the museum—with Ben Stiller, Mongols and a live T-Rex skeleton, natch. Bring the fam and your craft supplies to the NC Museum of History for a viewing of the iconic comedy. eventbrite.com
8/20
Sips for Snips
Paws up for a good cause. Join SAFE Haven for Cats at the Salty Turtle Beer Company in Raleigh for a purr-fect day of craft brews and kitty love. Each beer sold helps fund spay and neuter surgeries, keeping cats healthy. safehavenforcats.org
8/20
Talk Smutty to Me
Steamy poetry and prose readings make for a sultry evening at Bitter Social. bittersocialraleigh.com
8/20
Thirst4Architecture
NCModernist’s monthly happy hour gathers modernist fans at the new Raleigh Building Product Showroom of Fitch Lumber and Hardware. Enter “FITCH” on the form to snag a spot. docs.google.com
8/21
After Dark: Nocturnal Insect Walk
The JCRA gardens are totally buggin’. Head to the garden after dark for a look into the world of nocturnal insects with insight from local entomologist Bill Reynolds. calendar.ncsu.edu
8/21
Design Within Reach Ribbon Cutting
Bringing authentic modern design to North Hills is major furniture retailer DWR, which is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Janet Cowell, Kane Realty’s Stacey Buescher and DWR Raleigh GM Rick Grogan. dwr.com
8/21
Jordan Davis
Next thing you know, the “Buy Dirt” dude is bringing his smash-hit singles and smooth storytelling to the stage on his Ain’t Enough Road Tour with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Vincent Mason. redhatamphitheater.com
8/21
Sir Walter Coffee Summer Series Part 3
Pop over to Sir Walter to celebrate the last days of summer with freshly shucked oysters from Mera Brothers, tunes from DJ Akira, an exclusive cocktail menu and all-around good vibes. @sirwaltercoffee
8/21
Wicked: For Good
Ain’t no rest for the wicked! Pregame the big screen with food trucks and local on-theme entertainment in Moore Square. Pink or green, good or evil—but popular either way. raleighnc.gov
8/22
Jack Johnson
Catch this wave—the surfer turned songwriter is flipping Walnut Creek upside down via his mellow summer sound and ~curious~ vibes. livenation.com
8/22
Kirby Derby
Less stallion, more soapbox. Roll on over to Harvey Hill for a time-honored tradition full of gravity racing and pinecar competitions—plus other off-road activities. kdd.gamil.com
8/22
Night Nation Run
Neon’s never looked so good. This half fun run, half moshpit is America’s first running music fest—and you’ve made the guestlist. From black lights to bubble zones, it’s hard to keep the fun and fitness separate. boothamphitheatre.com
8/22
Packapalooza
We were raised by the wolves… pack it in for NC State’s signature palooza and all-day block party capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week on Hillsborough Street. Red and white never looked so good. packapalooza.ncsu.edu
8/22
Summer Celebration 2026
Summer isn’t over yet. Artspace is going full-blown summer via a youth art exhibition, hands-on art making activities and demonstrations—plus, free snow cones and popcorn. eventbrite.com
8/23
Love Never Fails
Less doomscrolling, more dancing. Music, movement and community collide at this feel-good gathering built around genuine connection. Phones down, vibes up! bittersocialraleigh.com
8/24–25
Around the Moon and Pack Again
After becoming the first woman to leave low Earth orbit and travel to and around the moon, NASA astronaut and NC State alumna Christina Hammock Koch is returning to campus for a homecoming celebration that’s sure to be out of this world. ncsu.edu
8/25
Conversation Convos
Here’s something to howl about: Watch long-lost footage of wild wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park while learning about the pack recovery happening behind the scenes. marbleskidsmuseum.org
8/25
Jaws Movie Night
*Dun, dun, dun, dun*… Catch your fave shark movie on the big screen at The Optimist’s Brookside Drive location—complete with themed drinks and popcorn. @theoptimistraleigh
8/26
History at High Noon
Operation Bumblebee is a go. Virtual lunchtime lectures are back with Lorraine Makey, manager of Missiles and More Museum, filling in Raleigh on the top-secret U.S. Navy biz. Brace for impact. eventbrite.com
8/26
Mahjong and Mingle
A mahjong and yap sesh? Say less. Beginner lessons and open play are taking The Backyard at Fenton. fentonnc.com
8/26
Tomato Dinner
It’s what you’ve been waiting for all summer long… Tomato season is at its peak, and Brodeto is giving it the spotlight treatment in dishes like crudo, stracciatella and wagyu coulotte. exploretock.com
by Sophia Gugliemini | Apr 20, 2026 | April 2026, Do
Planet Earth called—and it’s tired of your excuses. Stand up for what you stand on via these local Earth Week events. Here’s to Mother Nature—and a packed itinerary!
Sound Rivers x Raleigh Brewing Celebration
April 22
Raise a glass to clean waterways. Raleigh Brewing partners with Sound Rivers for an easygoing Earth Day kickback—local pints, good company and a chance to support NC’s water. raleighbrewing.com
Science on the Carolina Coast
April 23
Movie night goes green at NCMNS’ screening of original films from PBS North Carolina focused on the Carolina coastline—followed by refreshments and a panel discussion—offering a thoughtful way to connect with the region’s natural environment. naturalsciences.org
NC State Earth Day Cleanup
April 24
You’ve heard it before: Leave no trace. Put it to practice at NC State’s hands-on Earth Month cleanup of Lake Raleigh. Immerse yourself in nature, for nature—and tote your closed-toe shoes. calendar.ncsu.edu
Raleigh Earth Day
April 24
Here’s proof that sustainability can still steal the spotlight. The annual Trashion Show—part of the City of Raleigh’s Earth Week celebration—is bringing the hottest sustainable style to Dix Park, plus live performances, local vendors and hands-on activities. dixpark.org
Heirloom Plant Sale
April 24–25
Go green—and grow green—via Mordecai Historic Park’s annual plant sale. Leafy selects have been intentionally grown to be sold to the community and pave a sustainable (and affordable) path for locals to kick-start their spring garden. raleighnc.gov
