Local calendar
60 upcoming events near Raleigh. Each card links back to the source, so you can check the details before you go.
Source linked
Community & civic
Raleigh, NC
For eleven days each October the State Fairgrounds west of downtown host rides, livestock shows, concerts, and famous fried fair food. It draws roughly a million visitors and is a true regional tradition.
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Classes & arts
Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC
Blue Jay Point County Park
Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...
Food festivals
12 to 8 p.m.
City Plaza, 400 Block Fayetteville St · Raleigh, NC
City Plaza, 400 Block Fayetteville St
You can sample one of the state's top-ranked selections of global wines and craft beers at this free downtown festival.
Markets
Daytime
NC fairgrounds area, Raleigh · Raleigh, NC
NC fairgrounds area, Raleigh
You can shop a curated indoor-outdoor vintage and artisan market that runs well beyond a typical flea market.
Pickleball & rec
Daytime sessions
Millbrook Exchange Community Center Gym · Raleigh, NC
Millbrook Exchange Community Center Gym
You can play indoor pickleball at sessions set aside for senior open play through the Raleigh Parks pickleball calendar.
Outdoors & nature
Varies
Lake Johnson Park · Raleigh, NC
Lake Johnson Park
You can explore Lake Johnson by kayak or stand-up paddleboard and learn paddling basics and the lake's natural history.
Food festivals
Daytime
City Plaza, downtown Raleigh · Raleigh, NC
City Plaza, downtown Raleigh
You can sample food trucks, craft vendors, and performances representing regions around the world at this Raleigh Parks festival.
Community & civic
Evening
Downtown Raleigh galleries and shops · Raleigh, NC
Downtown Raleigh galleries and shops
You can wander downtown galleries, live music, and shops on the first Friday of every month to see the city's creative side.
Food festivals
Daytime
City Plaza, downtown Raleigh · Raleigh, NC
City Plaza, downtown Raleigh
You can travel the world through 120-plus international food and dessert vendors, two music stages, and cultural dance performances downtown.
Tastings
Evening
Westgate Wine Bar · Raleigh, NC
Westgate Wine Bar
You can meet winemaker Chelsea Goldschmidt and sample her vineyard's wines at Westgate Wine Bar.
Lifelong learning
Varies
Wake County Public Libraries · Raleigh, NC
Wake County Public Libraries
You can swap reading recommendations and discover new titles with fellow readers at this free library club.
Dance & fitness
2 to 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum · Raleigh, NC
City of Raleigh Museum
You can take a free, all-levels yoga session surrounded by museum exhibits one Sunday each month.
Community & civic
5 to 9 p.m.
Raleigh, NC
On the first Friday of each month, downtown galleries, studios, and shops stay open late for a free art walk with new exhibits and street activity from 5 to 9 p.m. It is an easy way to meet artists and neighbors.
Music & concerts
Raleigh, NC
This downtown outdoor amphitheater runs a full spring and summer 2026 season with national acts, from Sting to rock and alternative shows. Seats are close and the city skyline frames the stage.
Community & civic
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Raleigh Brewing Co., 3709 Neil St · Raleigh, NC
Raleigh Brewing Co., 3709 Neil St
You can test your knowledge at free trivia every Thursday night at Raleigh Brewing.
Outdoors & nature
During garden hours
JC Raulston Arboretum · Raleigh, NC
JC Raulston Arboretum
You can stroll a self-guided story walk through the gardens any day the arboretum is open, free to the public.
Community & civic
Evening
Downtown Raleigh · Raleigh, NC
Downtown Raleigh
You can shop local vendors, grab food-truck fare, and watch a free outdoor movie on the first Friday each month.
Music & concerts
Evening
Midtown Park, North Hills · Raleigh, NC
Midtown Park, North Hills
You can hear longtime beach-music band Band of Oz on this Thursday night in the series at Midtown Park.
Markets
12 to 5 p.m.
Trophy on Maywood, 656 Maywood Ave · Raleigh, NC
Trophy on Maywood, 656 Maywood Ave
You can browse local art and vintage finds at this free monthly pop-up market at Trophy on Maywood.
Lifelong learning
10:30 a.m.
Wake County Public Libraries · Raleigh, NC
Wake County Public Libraries
You can join fellow readers to discuss the month's novel at this free morning book club.
Dance & fitness
2 p.m.
Wake County Public Library · Raleigh, NC
Wake County Public Library
You can practice guided breathwork and meditation to clear your head, free through the county library.
Music & concerts
6:30 p.m.
Red Hat Amphitheater · Raleigh, NC
Red Hat Amphitheater
You can catch alt-rock acts Young the Giant and Cold War Kids at this downtown open-air amphitheater.
Community & civic
All day
Playway and Moore Square, downtown · Raleigh, NC
Playway and Moore Square, downtown
You can celebrate freedom with free performers, artists, and storytimes at Moore Square and the Marbles Playway.
Outdoors & nature
Daytime
Lake Johnson Park · Raleigh, NC
Lake Johnson Park
You can hike and kayak with this active 55-plus social group at Lake Johnson Park.
Tastings
Evening
Mecca Wine Distributors, One Glenwood Ave · Raleigh, NC
Mecca Wine Distributors, One Glenwood Ave
You can sip through a boutique Napa Valley vineyard's lineup at this guided tasting in Glenwood South.
Outdoors & nature
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lake Wheeler Park · Raleigh, NC
Lake Wheeler Park
You can take a guided nature hike around Lake Wheeler Park led by Raleigh Parks staff.
Music & concerts
Evening
Red Hat Amphitheater · Raleigh, NC
Red Hat Amphitheater
You can see folk icon Bob Dylan joined by Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughan at this downtown show.
Lifelong learning
Evening
NC Museum of Natural Sciences · Raleigh, NC
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
You can put your science smarts to the test at the museum's recurring trivia nights downtown.
Community & civic
Evening
Fortnight Brewing · Raleigh, NC
Fortnight Brewing
You can join weekly Tuesday trivia at Fortnight Brewing as part of the area's regular brewery event lineup.
Music & concerts
7:30 p.m.
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek · Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
You can see indie favorites Death Cab for Cutie on their world tour stop at Walnut Creek.
Music & concerts
7:30 p.m.
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek · Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
You can see the Dave Matthews Band live at Walnut Creek on a Friday night in early June.
Senior programs
Daytime, varies
Five Points Center for Active Adults and other sites · Raleigh, NC
Five Points Center for Active Adults and other sites
You can join exercise and wellness, languages, dance and music, cards and games, sports, and art programs designed for adults 50 and better.
Tastings
5:30 p.m.
The Raleigh Wine Shop · Raleigh, NC
The Raleigh Wine Shop
You can drop in for a free guided tasting and bar takeover featuring a rotating producer at this neighborhood wine shop.
Classes & arts
Varies
Pullen Arts Center · Raleigh, NC
Pullen Arts Center
You can sign up for short hands-on pottery workshops exploring color and technique that welcome all skill levels.
Tastings
Evening
Westgate Wine Bar · Raleigh, NC
Westgate Wine Bar
You can taste your way through New Zealand wines at this guided tasting hosted by Westgate Wine.
Dance & fitness
7 to 9 p.m.
Pullen Park Community Center · Raleigh, NC
Pullen Park Community Center
You can join a welcoming ballroom social dance for all levels most Wednesday evenings, with a modest admission.
Tastings
7:30 p.m.
One Glenwood, Glenwood South · Raleigh, NC
One Glenwood, Glenwood South
You can pair gourmet popcorn with wine at this playful evening tasting in the Glenwood South district.
Dance & fitness
7 to 10 p.m.
Transfer Co. Food Hall · Raleigh, NC
Transfer Co. Food Hall
You can learn ballroom and line dancing with instructor Lexi in a lively food-hall setting.
Classes & arts
Varies by class
Pullen Arts Center, 105 Pullen Rd · Raleigh, NC
Pullen Arts Center, 105 Pullen Rd
You can take studio classes in pottery, bookmaking, drawing, jewelry, painting, and printmaking for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Music & concerts
6 p.m.
Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St · Raleigh, NC
Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St
You can hear the NC Symphony play Motown and beyond at an outdoor concert in Moore Square downtown.
Dance & fitness
Daytime
Shalom Raleigh (Raleigh-Cary JCC) · Raleigh, NC
Shalom Raleigh (Raleigh-Cary JCC)
You can try a high-energy, low-impact line dancing class built specifically for active older adults.
Classes & arts
Starts 11 a.m.
NC Museum of Art · Raleigh, NC
NC Museum of Art
You can join a docent each weekend morning to spend 30 minutes closely engaging with about three works of art.
Pickleball & rec
Morning to midday
Raleigh Parks community centers · Raleigh, NC
Raleigh Parks community centers
You can drop in for public pickleball open play on scheduled Saturdays across the summer through the city registration system.
Classes & arts
1:30 p.m.
Unhinged Coffee & Co., Knightdale · Raleigh, NC
Unhinged Coffee & Co., Knightdale
You can paint your own pottery piece over coffee at this relaxed paint-and-sip style session just outside Raleigh.
Music & concerts
7 p.m.
Red Hat Amphitheater · Raleigh, NC
Red Hat Amphitheater
You can hear rising Americana voice Sam Barber with Taylon Wyatt and Wild Horses downtown.
Outdoors & nature
Varies
Trails around Raleigh and the Triangle · Raleigh, NC
Trails around Raleigh and the Triangle
You can join central NC's largest outdoor adventure group for frequent hikes and outings open to all members.
Markets
Mon. to Sat. 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Raleigh, NC
Unlike a weekend-only market, the State Farmers Market is open every day of the year off I-40 at Exit 297. Mornings have the best produce selection, and there are sit-down restaurants on site.
Music & concerts
8 p.m.
Lenovo Center · Raleigh, NC
Lenovo Center
You can see regional Mexican star Carin Leon at the downtown arena formerly known as PNC Arena.
Music & concerts
Evening
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek · Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
You can sing along to a triple bill of Train, Barenaked Ladies, and Matt Nathanson under the summer sky.
Music & concerts
7 p.m.
Lenovo Center · Raleigh, NC
Lenovo Center
You can catch contemporary Christian artist Forrest Frank at the Lenovo Center arena.
Music & concerts
7 p.m.
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek · Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
You can catch this big outdoor amphitheater concert kicking off the early-June run at Walnut Creek.
Dance & fitness
12 to 6 p.m.
Raleigh, NC
This free Latino cultural festival fills downtown with music, dance, food, and vendors for one big Sunday. It is one of the largest celebrations of Latino culture in the state.
Music & concerts
Evening
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek · Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
You can hear classic Southern rock from The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers on this co-headlining tour stop.
