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
Fan demand is real.In an era when fans are logging days in the virtual ticket queue and taking the battle up before Congress (hey, Scam Nation), burning vacay time to jump the pond for “more affordable” concert tickets, or straight “Taylor-gating” days before shows and scalping tickets, the concert-obsessed are reinforcing everything you ever learned about supply and demand. Case in point: Many hot tickets are selling out mere moments after going live—from live music to fests and beyond—and acts from P!nk to Raleigh-bred sardonic genius David Sedaris are adding dates to their local tours to meet the demand. The takeaway? Life’s short—buy the tickets. … And since, clearly, you are, here are the 2024 hottest events and fests worth spending your time and money on that promise to light up your calendar, life and feed with good vibes and great mems.
2023 Cocktail Classic (photo by Albright Studio)
Food + Bev Events
Beach Music & Brews Bash BRB, we’re on beach time. Transport to the tropics via the sunny shores of Raleigh’s go-to beer garden-slash-neighborhood hangout’s boozy shindig. Soak in the summer rays while sipping on themed-drinks and enjoying jivey sounds from Miss Mini & The Sandman Band. Ahh, paradise. June 1, tapyardraleigh.com
Raleigh International Food Festival Savor a ream of global flavors and jet about City Plaza to sample a smattering of 50+ food trucks and dessert carts repping countries across the world—plus, dance the day away with nonstop outdoor performances. Bon appétit! June 1, visitraleigh.com
Food Truck Rodeo It’s sure to be the Wild West on Fayetteville Street as a herd of food truck vendors ride into DTR to flaunt mouthwatering fare and bevs galore. Let’s roll. June 29, shoplocalraleigh.org
The Cocktail Classic All good stories start with cocktails—and that is def the case for The Cocktail Classic. The event of the year, Raleigh Magazine’s second annual sipping soiree is back and leveling up—giving you the exclusive op to sip ’tails concocted by our 10 Bartender of the Year noms in tandem with top-tier liquor labels. Consider this your sign to join us for this year’s spectacular event. Pro tip: Sign up for our newsletter for early bird ticket opps. Nov. 16, cocktailclassicraleigh.com
Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto leading the North Carolina Symphony (photo courtesy of NC Symphony)
Live Music & Concerts
Beat It!
Live After 5 A monthly post-work block party Downtown? Say less. DRA’s free concert series is back—and this year, it’s for the girls. So on (fourth) Wednesdays, we gather our best gals (and guys!) and rendezvous at City Plaza for a hip and happenin’ celebration feting women in music via a curated four-concert series in partnership with Deep South Entertainment. Expect live tunes from a mix of cover bands and original artists, local vendors, and food trucks—and, yes, it’s Sip n’ Stroll friendly (cheers to that!). Hey, everybody loves a comeback story! April 24, May 29, June 26, July 31, downtownraleigh.org
Rialto Live Music The theater isn’t only for movies. Grab your popcorn and ~relish~ in more live music at The Rialto via a duo of throwback artists ready to take you back to your postgrunge era a la The Verve Pipe (May 3) or embrace the feeling of being “a stranger on the bus” with Joan Osborne (Sept. 14). therialto.com
UNC Health Summerfest Looks like the mirror in the sky has its answer—and love is this alfresco symphonic series. Gather under the stars for masterful rock, pop and classical NC Symphony arrangements, including a program feting Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones and more—NTM high-flying collabs with Cirque de la Symphonie. Out of sight, indeed. May 25–July 13, ncsymphony.org
RM REVEAL Opera in the Park Turns out pitches can sway the vibe. Hitting all the high notes this summer, take in operatic faves under the stars beneath the baton of a special guest conductor at NCMA’s Museum Park—or, if you close your eyes, an Italian coliseum. Sept. 12, Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater, ncopera.org
RM REVEALFlorencia En El Amazonas Say hola to NC Opera’s inaugural Spanish-sung opera! Inspired by author Gabriel Garcia Márquez, the melodic journey takes you by steamboat through the Amazon River with renowned opera singer Florencia Grimaldi as she seeks her long-lost beau—while navigating not just the worlds of love and yearning, but storms, a cholera outbreak and more. Will she persevere? Jan. 31, Feb. 2; ncopera.org
Playthrough Console yourselves: NC’s largest gaming convention is respawning for yet another bustling event pressing play on tournaments, cosplaying, free-to-play games and more. Sounds out of control! March 15–16, playthroughgc.com
Dreamville Festival J. Cole’s *dreamy* two-day fest returns to Dix Park to send attendees heads in the clouds—in the best way possible. Join peeps from across the globe to bop back and forth between the Rise and Shine stages for performances from both big names (hey, Nicki Minaj!) and up-and-comers—plus enjoy local food trucks, muralists, artisans and more. Don’t sleep on it (!). April 6–7, dreamvillefest.com
Out! Raleigh Pride Paint the town rainbow and get loud and proud for Raleigh’s fave pride fest benefiting the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Let us be perfectly queer—there’s no better way to show your pride than this dozen-year-running inclusive + fam-friendly fest feat. live entertainment, artists and vendors, beer garden, food, KidsZone, and more. And stay tuned for parties and drag shows throughout Pride Month. After all, there’s no such thing as being extra in June! June 22, outraleighpride.org
Outlaw Music Festival Calling all outlaws…“be groovy or leave, man” as legends Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson & Family, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and more headline Coastal Credit Union Music Park for “the biggest and best [fest] yet,” according to Nelson. “The life I love is making music with my friends…” Well played, Willie—and we’re here for it. June 23, blackbirdpresents.com
GalaxyCon The Bat Signal is calling. Step into a galaxy of fun and fandom upon entering into another dimension—er, The Raleigh Convention Center—for a four-day fest flaunting more than your average Comic-Con, from meet-and-greets to cosplay competitions. To infinity and beyond! July 25–28, galaxycon.com
African American Cultural Festival Back for its 15th iteration, this one-of-a-kind soiree showcases the beauty of African American culture via sounds spanning gospel to jazz, locally and nationally made creations, artisanal fare, and friendly faces. Aug. 31–Sept. 1, aacfestival.org
Hopscotch Music Festival Make plans to play hooky from work. From can’t-miss day parties to concerts at City Plaza and Moore Square stages to late-night sets and afterparties, DTR’s annual three-day jam sesh never disappoints. Rock on! Sept. 5–7, hopscotchmusicfest.com
BugFest Say hello to all the creepy crawlies at a totally buggin’ daylong insect extravaganza guaranteed to weave quite the web—and it appeals to more than just the arach-kids. How fly. Sept. 14, naturalsciences.org
IBMA Bluegrass Live! I guess that’s why they call it the blues, indeed. We wish we were pulling your strings, but it’s the end of an era as the world’s largest free urban bluegrass fest in the world takes stage for its finalRaleigh run (RIP) across a stretch of five blocks and six stages on Fayetteville Street—with bluegrass legends and rising artists taking to the Red Hat Amphitheater main stage each night to boot. We’ll miss you IBMA—and we would ~pick~ you all over again Sept. 29–30, worldofbluegrass.org
Giving Back
Feeling philanthropic? Tell Siri, Alexa, Cortana—or whatever virtual Geoffrey you fancy—to add these do-good do’s to your cal.
*Stuff* yourself with Italian eats + drinks for a good cause.
Each ticket provides a turkey to a family in need.
Snazz up your ’fit by donning your finest turkey hat.
Raleigh Carols
December
Fayetteville Street
Jingle all the way as caroling teams battle it out acapella-style (it’s giving a Pitch Perfect riff off)—plus ring in the season with festive food trucks, holiday kiosks and an appearance from Santa Claus.
Wake Tech Community College Foundation
Take it from Buddy: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
UNC Health Championship
Sports
Game On!
Stanley Cup Playoffs Bunch of Jerks 🤝 chaos coordinators. Icing their goal to “cause chaos” this season, the Canes are coming off five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a preseason consensus pick to win the Stanley Cup among sportsbooks. Take warning: This is our year. Say it with us: #LetsGoCanes!
Panthers vs. Kansas City Are you ready for it? Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs descend on Charlotte to take on the Panthers for what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup—whether you’re in it for the football (Keep Pounding!) or the eye candy (see Panthers new coach and potential Swiftie spotting).
PPA Tour North Carolina Cup Relish the pros and amateurs alike as they take the pickleball court for the first time—or sign up to take the court yourself with 1,000+ of your would-be besties at Cary Tennis Park. Hot tip: Stay out of the kitchen—or dill with the consequences. April 2–7, ppatour.com
Diamond Days Take me out to… the City of Raleigh Museum to celebrate local baseball history—from great teams to players to parks. And don’t forget to load up on Cracker Jacks for fun events like autograph days, a party to watch the MLB All-Star Game, and a re-creation of an old-timey baseball game. Let’s hear it for America’s pastime! Opening April 25, cityofraleighmuseum.org
UNC Health Championship Post up for the par-tee of the year at this annual fancentric tourney teeing up four days of feel-good fun as part of the Korn Ferry Tour at the Donald Ross-designed Raleigh Country Club to benefit NC Health and community partners. May 30–June 2, unchealthchampionship.com
Ball Out Football is life—especially with not one but two winner-take-all $1 mill prizes on the line for the Men’s second-year now-48-team tourney + the inaugural Women’s eight-teamer headlined by Heather O’ Reilly’s U.S. Women as part of the expanded World Cup-style tourney at WakeMed Soccer Park June 5–10. And you better ~believe~ they’ll be kicking some grass.
Duke’s Mayo Classic It promises to be a packed house in Charlotte Sept. 7 as State and Tennessee fight out “which conference is better” on the field in this dynamic regional matchup between two preseason conference titans with uberpassionate fan bases… and “volunteer” to send those Vols back to “home sweet home Rocky Top” with an L. #ACC
U.S. Masters Disc Golf Championships Risk it or disc it for the debut of the PDGA Tim Selinske championships in Cary showcasing 400+ players over the age of 40 throwing out more than just their backs. It’s sure to be a good time—par none. Sept. 18–22, pdga.com
Comedy
Laugh It Up
Raleigh Comedy Festival: 30 comics. 3 nights. Endless laughs. “Y’all come laugh now” as local comedians Spencer Bland and Jordan Scott Huggins bring the Triangle’s first and only comedy fest to DTR to spotlight the city’s silliest—and no doubt leave audiences in stitches. Oct. 24–26, raleighcomedyfestival.com
Plus headliners we can’t wait to laugh at…
David Sedaris | April 8; Nov. 2 @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Zoltan Kaszas | Oct. 17–19 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
Feast Wilmington
Travel
5 Events WorthHitting the Road For
Feast Wilmington Taste, sip, celebrate! Bring your appetite and wear your stretchy pants for Wilm’s second-annual food and drink festival showcasing the area’s top culinary and mixology talent over three days and four unique events—think a chef + brewery pairing experience, elevated brunch affair, and pier party with live music to boot. We’re serious about those stretchy pants… March 29–30, 2025, feastwilmington.com
Lovin’ Life Music Fest Forget stick season. You’ll be loving spring—and life—indeed at Charlotte’s inaugural three-day multigenre fest featuring a star-studded lineup of 40+ renowned artists, including Noah Kahan, Stevie Nicks, Post Malone, Mt. Joy, Young the Giant, The Avett Brothers and many more (really, what’s not to love?!). When you’re not jamming, enjoy free activities and F&B and retail vendors. May 3–5, lovinlifemusicfest.com
Good Moon Wear your sunglasses at night for Durham-based electronic pop duo Sylvan Esso’s inaugural two-night music festival. As the sun sets and the moon rises, Sylvan Esso, Fleet Foxes, Hippo Campus, Dehd, Reyna Tropical and Truth Club will take stage at Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a vibey music-filled evening, followed by afterparties feat. DJ sets. A good (moon) night, indeed! May 31–June 1, goodmoonnc.com
Dinner in the Meadow Say “yes, chefs” as the region’s finest food talent whips up delectable dishes using ingredients sourced from local farms and artisans, with Franklin County’s Meadow Lane Farm serving as a gorgeous backdrop for feasting. Bonus: The annual farm-to-table dinner benefits the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, which aims to champion and nurture small farms in NC. We’ll eat to that! Sept. 15, dinnerinthemeadow.org
NC Holiday Flotilla We’ll all float on okay. … Snag a primo viewpoint on the docks as decked-out vessels show off over-the-top holiday lights and decor through the Banks Channel via Wrightsville Beach’s festive nighttime boat parade—then vote for your fave by text and enjoy a stunning fireworks show. Think of it like snow on the beach (*wink wink*). Nov. 30, ncholidayflotilla.org
DTR Tree Lighting
Tried + True
Stamp your Raleighite card with these recurring can’t-miss calendar items. Let’s run it back!
Art in Bloom Yet again rising to the occasion is a blooming oasis of flora—and fundraising—worth fawning over. March 19–23, ncartmuseum.org
Artsplosure It’s always an artsplosion at this vast culture and creativity mecca amping up all kinds of artisan pieces. May 18–19, artsplosure.org
DRA Tree Lighting Holidays are pine indeed when oohing and aahing at DTR’s sparkling tree, noshing on food-truck fare and snapping shots with Santa. November, downtownraleigh.org
Krispy Kreme Challenge Pro tip: ~Doughnut~ throw up. Do consume a dozen hot ones and race to the finish during this hourlong 5-miler. February, krispykremechallenge.com
Got to Be NC Festival Homegrown is hot—and the op to bag a smattering of locally made/grown products is sure to keep you feeling rooted. May 17–19, gottobenc.com
Dix Park Fireworks + Sunflowers Feelin’ sparks? America’s bday stays bangin’ in the open air at Dix with fireworks + food truck fare. And keep July vibes on high as the sunflowers bloom for summertime petal season in the park. dixpark.org
NC State Fair Deep-fried everything combined with high-flying rides is always a good idea at NC’s most massive annual event. Oct. 17–27, ncstatefair.org
Chinese Lantern Festival It might get dark early—but the 40+ lit Chinese lantern displays + performances keep the glow on each winter. Mid-November–early January, boothamphitheatre.com
80th Raleigh Christmas Parade Holidaze stay in step with the 80th iteration of DTR’s festive procession—the most massive parade spanning DC and Atlanta. Nov. 23, grma.org
The Christmas Carol The ghost of Christmas future says the show will continue to go on via this classic holiday tale told with a twist. December, theatreinthepark.com
The Nutcracker Get cracking at another magical rendition merging a classic tale—with a few fresh twists. Go nuts! Dec. 12–24, carolinaballet.com
First Night Raleigh Drop that Downtown acorn like it’s hot, er—like it’s 2025—to the backdrop of fireworks and fun once the clock strikes midnight. Dec. 31, firstnightraleigh.com
Illuminate Let’s get frosted! Head into the holidays via this year’s installment of Illuminate Art Walk, lighting up the DTR streets via large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. It promises to be #lit. Winter, downtownraleigh.org
Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker (photo by Armes Photography)
Arts, Theatre & Exhibits
Alice in Wonderland “We’re all mad here.” … Play your cards right by grinning big and heading down the rabbit hole for an experience through the looking glass with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts—and all the Wonderland crew. Hats—and heads?—off! March 13–30, carolinaballet.com
Jane Eyre Pro female before there was feminism (aka protofeminism), this best of the Brontë sisters (hey, Charlotte!) classic brings its five-Tony legacy and timeless tale of love, loss and morality. May 29–June 9, theatreraleigh.com
Mamma Mia Here we go again! Unleash your inner dancing queen and tag along with Sophie as she tries to reveal who her real father is in this emotional yet feel-good musical based on ABBA’s smash hits that promises to be the time of your life. July 30–Aug. 4, dpacnc.com
Jekyll & Hyde If you thought your ex-best friend was two-faced… buckle up. Come to grips with the duality of humanity via the original dark side story following a man truly split (personality) between good and evil—set to live music and fresh composition. It’s sure to be straight barres. Oct. 17–Nov. 3, carolinaballet.com
Cinderella We’re ready for the ball—where’s our carriage? Making midnights popular before their T Swift prime (“At tea time, everybody agrees”), Raleigh Little Theatre’s classic staging is back with our fave fairy tale moment. If the shoe fits… Dec. 6–22, raleighlittletheatre.org
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. Starting June 15, naturalsciences.org
Kinky Boots These boots were made for saving the family business! Follow protagonist Charlie Price as he embarks upon a journey to revive his dad’s struggling shoe biz—while finding an unlikely ally/entertainer who happens to be in search of some fab new footwear. Ready for some sole searching? June 7–23, raleighlittletheatre.org
Akeelah and the Bee Let us spell it out for you: Nab a seat for some inspiration via the story of a young girl creating a bit of buzz in her community as she utilizes her knack for spelling to compete at the National Spelling Bee. Yes, queen! Feb. 7–23, raleighlittletheatre.org
Grand Horizons The golden years can be filled with many things—even divorce! When two seniors elect to split after 50 years of being hitched, their grown-up kids don’t want to take no for an answer. Ah, gotta love family! May 17–June 1, honestpinttheatre.org
Bull Durham, A New Musical Fun fact: Scenes from the Academy Award-winning Kevin Costner- and Susan Sarandon-starring film were shot in Raleigh at Mitch’s Tavern. Now bringing the baseball classic back home is this “new musical” based on the MGM film; the Bulls (natch); and America’s two fave pastimes, baseball and love. It’s all about that base… Sept. 10–22, theatreraleigh.com
The 39 Steps I spy a silly parody show with ridiculous personalities and a quickly moving plot sure to keep you on the edge of your seat—and who doesn’t love a classic whodunit? Sleuths at the ready! October, theatreinthepark.com
Dueling Dinosaurs Cue the Jurassic Park theme song and stomp over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for the long-awaited exhibit opening April 27. Channel your inner Ross and go way back in time—think 67 million years ago—for a roaring good time digging into the mysteries of the tyrannosaur and triceratops. And that’s the tea (rex)… duelingdinosaurs.org
Journey to Space Prepare for blast off! Childhood goals met via this interactive exhibit allowing you to (finally) live out your Neil Armstrong dreams by hypothetically traveling to, living and working in space—including facing the challenges of astronauts, engineers and scientists. It promises to be out of this world. Nov. 2–April 27, naturalsciences.org
Good Mythical Tour with Rhett & Link The ultimate dynamic duo, these bodacious Buies Creek-bred besties rose to acclaim for simply being chaotic and sampling snacks online—thus providing a new dream career for teenage boys all over. Now, the two are going beyond the web views for their first-ever tour. May the mythical mayhem begin! June 7, martinmariettacenter.com
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
