by Raleigh Magazine | Aug 2, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
Through 8/13
The Prom
What do you get when you combine small town prom drama with quirky Broadway stars? A spectacular show. Grab a seat at Theatre Raleigh to relive the high school glory days and see how a town unexpectedly comes together. Keep calm and prom on! theatreraleigh.com
8/3
Holler Choir
We have a crossroads to thank for these roots musicians coming together. And may the common thread run on and through NC State’s Centennial Campus. Play on! thatstation.net
8/3
Jazz in the Square
Ya like jazz? Settle down in Moore Square for a live performance from Shrub(b) feat. food trucks and smooth tunes. Perf summer evening plans? Found. downtownraleigh.org
8/3
Parlor Pizza Night
Wanna pizza this? Grab a slice of fresh Neapolitan-style pizza compliments of chef Alejandro Contreras of Tepuy Pizza. And don’t miss the Italian-inspired cocktails, Italian wine list and local beers. Cheers! @heightshouseparlor
8/4
Eric Church & Cody Jinks
“Oh, Carolina, ya keep callin’ me home.” … The country legend brings his love letter to his home state to the Creek for a can’t-miss show after another “record year.” walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
8/4
The Rocket Man Show
It’s flamboyant, it’s fun-loving, it’s got feeling—it’s an Elton John tribute show! Don’t miss the recreated magic of our fave 1970s piano fiend/rock ’n’ roll icon storming around the stage at DPAC. Hold us closer! dpacnc.com
8/4
Sir Walter Miler
Lace up your sneaks for a race and a special lager (!) by Sir Walter Running and Blackbird Brewery at Meredith College for the 10th year running. @sirwaltermiler
8/4–5
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
Brew it. Taste it. Sip it. Pork it. … And get piggy with it at Koka Booth via 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons, globs of BBQ & bluegrass galore—plus allll the fixins & local vendors. Talk about a smoke show. cary.beerandbourbon.com
8/5
Drawing Meditation Workshop
Art 🤝 self-care. Learn how art and intuition combine via exercises created to engage the mind and “meditative mark-making.” Let’s get arted! ncartmuseum.org
8/5
Slightly Stoopid and Sublime
The ultimate sublime night of reggae rock awaits—and is sure to leave you feeling “on top of the world.” concerts.livenation.com
8/5–6
NC Pet Expo
What’s up dog? Ap-paws all around for this two-day expo at the NC State Fairgrounds where all your furry, feathered and scaly needs are under one woof—from finding your next best friend to pawsome pet costume contests, demos and more, NTM the two-day Carolina DockDogs event. Bonus: donations are split among participating rescues. ncpetexpo.com
8/6
Barbie Brunch & Mixology
Hi, Barbie (!). Grab your gals and your pals for a pinked out brunch + two DIY cocktails. Good Kenergy, indeed! eventbrite.com
8/6
Snoop Dogg
The Dogg is in the house (!). Raise the hypothetical roof at Walnut Creek with a rapper and actor who knows how to drop it like it’s hot. … Bitch, please. livenation.com
8/8
Trophy Trail Club, monthly
Gear up for group biking around town—starting at Trophy Maywood and venturing to NCSU’s Centennial Campus trails or the nearby greenway. Ride on! trophybrewing.com
8/9
History at High Noon: Hidden Beneath Their Waves
Sink below the surface for waves of intel lurking within NC’s recreational lakes—from ghost towns and sunken plane crashes to graves and other historic lore. Ready to dive in? ncmuseumofhistory.org
by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 12, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
7/13
Label Our Lager
Raleigh Mag and Crank Arm Brewing are teaming up for Hops for Hope—and we need your help naming our custom collab beer! Join us from 5 to 8pm at Crank Arm to choose your fave name. Cheers to charity! @raleighmagazine
7/13
Juke Joint Celebration
Channel Taylor Swift and “shake it off” at this “music-and-story-soaked symposium exploring the history, significance and timeless outlaw appeal of juke joint.” Ready to get jumpin’? cityofraleighmuseum.org
7/13
Nick MacDaniels of Big Something
Something big is brewing—aka bops and bangers of the pop, funk and improvisation persuasion at NC State’s Centennial Campus. Buckle up for one heck of a musical journey! thatstation.net
7/13
Trees of the Prairie Ridge Arboretum
Care for a promenade into the prairie? Learn all about roughly 10 types of trees at this nature play day. Alexa, play “Let it Grow,” from The Lorax stat. naturalsciences.org
7/13–15
Durham’s Oyster Fest
Aww, shucks! Get clammy with NC oysters (plus, cocktails and live tunes) on The Durham rooftop for the second year running. Sea you there? thedurham.com
7/15
Cumulus: a day party at House of Art
Keep your head in the clouds during a six-hourlong day party highlighting DJs spinning deep electronic dance bops. Go on, bop to it! between2clouds.com
7/15
Stitching and Embroidery Workshop
Bad bitches get stitches. Amp up your embroidery expertise with Aliyah Bonnette—and create a sketchbook cover sure to slay. We’re on pins and needles! ncartmuseum.org
7/16
Mojo Brookzz
Uh oh… there’s a Thawt in My House. Find this video skit sensation, impersonator and, ahem, Sugardaddy, breaking out the sillies onstage. goodnightscomedy.com
7/16
Rooftop Jazz Brunch With Andia’s
“’Cause I’m on top of the world…” Enjoy sweet views and three courses of sweet treats complements of Andia’s Ice Cream atop The Willard. Belly up for the bites, stay for the views! thewillardraleigh.com
7/16
Young the Giant
If you need “something to believe in,” let it be a fun-filled night crooin’ to tunes that will def get your body moving. redhatamphitheater.com
7/18–23
Carolina Mudcats vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Take us out to the ball game (!). See the Mudcats take on the Cannon Ballers for a slew of matchups that are sure to hit home. Batter up! milb.com
7/18
BBQ & Bourbon Event
Grab your barbe-boo and come hungry for a three-meat BBQ buffet, plus a guided tasting of a slew of bourbons: Blanton’s, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, 1792 Small Batch and Stagg Jr. Ready to go hog wild? samjonesbbq.com
7/18
Soul Journey
Bop over to the Bodega for strummin’, swayin’ and sippin’ on the patio—aka a summer night well spent! brooksidebodega.com
7/19
Parlor Pizza Night
Wanna pizza this? Grab a slice of fresh Neapolitan style pizza compliments of chef Alejandro Contreras of Tepuy Pizza. And don’t miss the Italian-inspired cocktails, Italian wine list and local beers. Cheers, indeed! @heightshouseparlor
7/19
Spin Doctors with Adam Pitts
If you’re lookin’ for little miss can’t be wrong or even two princes to kneel before you, find ’em on Fayetteville Street while you rock out for this final installment of Live After Five version 2.0. … What’cha gonna do to get into another one of these rock ’n’ roll songs? downtownraleigh.org
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 28, 2023 | Do, June 2023
6/29
Blake Christiana (of Yarn)
Have an, ahem, ball and spin a new tune with this soulful singer-songwriter who uses music to reflect on his emotions, scars and circumstances. thatstation.net
6/29
Conlon Family Skatepark Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Roll on over to DTR’s urban skatepark, officially opening to the public following a ribbon-cutting at 10am (!). Alley-oop! skateraleigh.com
6/30
Comedy at Nickelpoint Brewing Co.
Catch some comedic gold at Nickelpoint Brewing with a loaded lineup of local standup stars (Drew Harrison, Spencer Bland, Jordan Centry and Victoria Quiett). Let’s get laughing! nickelpointbrewing.com
6/30
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour
Trix are for kids… and so are tunes (!). And we can’t stop, won’t stop jammin’ out at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. Rock on—with the kiddos! walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
6/30
Omari Dillard
Get strung along by a soul violinist (plus a live band!) summoning soothing sultry sounds and renditions of a slew of R&B classics. Bows up and out! martinmariettacenter.com
6/30–7/1
Goats and Glory
Let’s get #goated. Get down with your baa-d self at Spring Haven Farm for live tunes, food truck fare, games (ax throwing, archery, shooting and more!). Plus, mix and mingle with baby goats and other farm animals. Hey, whatever floats your goat. springhaven.farm
7/1–31
Scavenger Hunt
But for real, where’s Waldo? Quail Ridge Books and Shop Local Raleigh are teaming up for a summer scav all month long. Pursue local small shops for Waldo, with the winner taking home bragging rights and a prize. Sleuthing skills: on. quailridgebooks.com
7/1, Saturdays
Midtown Farmers Market
How spud-tacular! Find this proud-to-be “producers-only” farmers market touting local, sustainable and family-farmed foods. Keepin’ it fresh, indeed. visitnorthhills.com
7/1
Cornhusk Critters
It’s corn (!)… huskin’. Drop by the NC Museum of History to create your own cornhusk doll or critter. Let’s get shuckin’! ncmuseumofhistory.org
7/1
NC Courage vs. Houston Dash
Nab your tix to see our fave fearless females kick some balls—er, butt—out on the pitch. Let’s go lionesses! nccourage.com
7/1
Patriotic Pet Parade
Grab your furry friend for a good old-fashioned patriotic (and pawsome!) parade and costume contest with categories like most patriotic, most creative, best owner and pet twinning ’fit, and cutest. How pup-fect. theraleighmarket.com
7/1
The Taste of Raleigh
Craving the perfect bite? Turn those taste buds on high alert via some of the best Raleigh’s food scene has to offer—from food trucks and caterers to personal chefs and bakeries. Bon appetit! thetasteofraleigh.com
7/2
Don Toliver
Pack your cardigans (iykyk) for this rapper’s Love Sick tour stop in the City of Oaks. redhatamphitheater.com
7/4
Barenaked Ladies
If I had a million dollars, we wouldn’t have to eat Kraft dinner—but we would! … We’d just eat more. So, buy yourself a green dress (but not a real green dress—that’s cruel) and rock out for “The Last Summer on Earth” because it (hasn’t) all been done. redhatamphitheater.com
7/4
Dix Park Fireworks
Happy birthday, America! Nosh on a lineup of food truck fare and watch the fireworks for a summer night sure to go out with a bang (!). dixpark.org
7/4
Independence Day Celebration
“Cause baby you’re a firework…” Celebrate the good ’ol USA with tunes from the North Carolina Symphony and Cary Town Band out on the lawn. #Merica. boothamphitheatre.com
7/4–9
Carolina Mudcats vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Let’s play ball! Hit your week outta the park with a game of baseball sure to knock your socks off. milb.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 14, 2023 | Do, June 2023
6/15
Ally J
Just beat it! Channel your inner old soul and vibe to Ally J’s sultry and expressive R&B via Music on the Lawn at Heights House. heightshousenc.com
6/15
Lore
“Part smooth sailing, part careening chaos.” Change your tune and dive into the anarchic blues-grunge combo of Nashville-based duo Laura Reed and Laur Joamets via That Station’s Artist Notes at NC State’s Centennial Campus. Rock on! thatstation.net
6/15
Spaces for Queer Joy
Thursday—but make it gay and make it spark joy. Pop over to CAM Raleigh for this panel discussion with local DJs and event producers to chat the cruciality of having queer nightlife spaces for the LBGTQ+ community in Raleigh. camraleigh.org
6/16
Dierks Bentley: Gravel & Gold Tour
If you’re “a little found, a little don’t know where I am,” come a little closer to the road to gravel & gold as the country crooner kicks up some dirt at the Creek. walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
6/16
NiiTO x Johnathan Scales Fourchestra
Populate the “paper town” via the hometown stop of NiiTO’s 11-show tour. Let’s jam! thepourhousemusichall.com
6/16
Sacred Soul and Bluegrass Revue – Pinecone
Now that’s finger pickin’ good! Settle in for an evening evoking rural downhome NC tunes—think bluegrass, string band, quartet gospel and soulful rhythms reminiscent of Black churches across Eastern North Carolina. martinmariettacenter.com
6/16
The Token Straight Friend Ally Party
There’s always that one friend… Show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies via this Green Monkey Pride party. “Isn’t it time we celebrated our ally friends?!” greenmonkeyraleigh.com
6/16–17
The Southeastern Plant Symposium and Rare Plant Auction
One of the nation’s largest gatherings of plant lovers and experts is returning to Raleigh for two days of unbeleafable horticulture education and fellowship. You grow, girls (and boys)! jcra.ncsu.edu
6/16–18
Nate Jackson
Let the “laff tracks” commence. Join global comedy performer and Washington state native as he brings the sillies to the Goodnights stage. goodnightscomedy.com
Opens 6/17
Spiders: Fear to Fascination
Clear out the cobwebs! We’re giving eight thumbs up for the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ immersive and entertaining spider exhibition descending onto the scene this week. naturalsciences.org
6/17
Cumulus: A Day Party
Have your head in the clouds? Then float on over and cumulonim-bust a move at this daytime dance party feat. electronic dance tunes. between2clouds.com
6/17
Father’s Day Market
Need a last-minute gift for dad? Roll up to this Father’s Day market filled with the most dad-esque items (think bourbon, candles, outdoor apparel and more). Alexa, put the Home Depot theme song on blast. olderaleighdistillery.com
6/17
Official Pride Bar Crawl
Color the town via this crawl through some of Raleigh’s best bars and nightclubs—plus cheers with discounted rainbow-themed drinks and dance the night away to local DJs. Better shake what your mama gave ya! eventbrite.com
6/17
Pride Market and Drag Show
All are welcome at Hartwell’s Pride market benefiting the LGBT Center of Raleigh that promises to be bigger and better than last year’s event thanks to 20+ local vendors, food trucks and more. We’re def coming out! hartwellraleigh.com
6/17
Raleigh Retro Gamers Summer Expo
Got game? Get outta control via this DTR expo feat. a slew of gaming vendors, live music, food trucks and more. Let’s play! raleighretrogamers.com
6/17
Rebelution Good Vibes Summer Tour 2023
“Fade away” into the good vibes that are sure to be in order from one of the most popular reggae rock music bands in the country. Feeling alright, indeed! redhatamphitheater.com
6/17–18
Goathouse Refuge Art Show
Feline fine! Help connect cats with loving families and join the local Pittsboro animal shelter for a two day art show featuring local painters, sculptures, jewelers and more. goathouserefuge.org
6/18
GAG Yacht Club Tea Dance
If you like big decks and you cannot lie, get down with your bad self at Johnson Street Yacht Club’s second tea dance—a long-held gay tradition originating in 1966 in New York’s Fire Island Pines at the now-famous Blue Whale bar—of the summer. Who’s got the tea? @jsyachtclub
6/18
Luau Party
Crank it up, y’all! … And crack open a cold one in a fun Hawaiian costume for a luau lounge party that’s sure to tropic like it’s hot. crankarmbrewing.com
6/18
Soul Food: The R&B Picnic
Grub on food that’s “good for the soul” (essentially, mouthwatering Southern fare) amid vibey aesthetics and smooth R&B sounds. Sounds like a perf picnic, indeed! boothamphitheatre.com
6/18
Summer Solstice Mala Event
It’s hot girl summer… and what better way to flex the occasion than an outdoor yoga sesh celebrating the official start of the hot season. To boot, there’s a live DJ and a complimentary blue beauty spritz included. Oh, let the mat-ness begin! doseyogaraleigh.com
6/20
Mad for Madtoms
Cat(fish) got your tongue? Meet the Carolina Madtom, a federally endangered tiny catfish native to NC and exclusively found in the Neuse River Basin. Just keep swimming! naturalsciences.org
6/20
Moose Tracks 10,000 Scoops Challenge
Want the scoop? Moose Tracks is amping up the cool factor in the City of Oaks via 10,000 free (!) scoops of ice cream in DTR benefiting The Salvation Army of Wake County. How sweet! moosetracks.com
6/21
History at High Noon: Fifteen Hurricanes That Changed the Carolinas
Calling all storm chasers! Kick off hurricane season via some cloudy history with author and hurricane historian Jay Barnes. Ready to be rocked like a hurricane? ncmuseumofhistory.org
6/21
Live After 5
Get groovin’ for the third installment of DRA’s spring concert series feat. a handful of local performers, including Hard Tuck, Kate Rhudy, Joseph Terell, Chessa Rich and King Akira. See you after 5! downtownraleigh.org
6/21
Make Music Raleigh
Let’s make some sweet music. Roll up to streets, sidewalks and parks across the city for a samplin’ of sounds feat. Instrument Zoo, a preview of Raleigh’s Anniversary of Hip-Hop Music Celebration, World of Bluegrass festival and more. Play on! makemusicday.org
6/21
Summer Solstice Yoga
Breathe in, breathe out. Take advantage of the longest day of the year (aka the first day of summer!) with a sunrise yoga sesh at Flowers Field. dixpark.org
6/21–7/1
National Women’s Theatre Festival
There’s no need to feel upstaged. Grab a seat for this annual festival’s 8th season (!) feat. performances, workshops, community convos and other happenings all focused on females and other marginalized gender artists. The show must go on! womenstheatrefestival.com
