As your local Realtors, we're bringing you an in-depth preview of the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, returning October 3–4, 2025, downtown Raleigh.
The 2025 North Carolina State Fair returns to Raleigh from October 16–26, 2025, bringing eleven days of rides, food, music, and family fun to the NC State Fairgrounds. Known as one of the largest and most beloved fall events in the Southeast, the fair attracts visitors with nearly 100 carnival rides, nightly fireworks, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and endless food options from deep-fried favorites to local craft beverages. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for annual traditions, this guide covers everything you need to know about tickets, discounts, rides, food highlights, parking, and insider tips to make the most of your visit to the NC State Fair in Raleigh.
This September, downtown Raleigh will once again transform into a massive celebration of sound and community. The Hopscotch Music Festival is returning for its 15th anniversary from September 4 through September 6, 2025. Known as one of the most dynamic and adventurous music festivals in the country, Hopscotch brings together dozens of venues, hundreds of performances, and thousands of fans right in the heart of North Carolina.
The African American Cultural Festival 2025 in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the Triangle’s most anticipated events. This free family-friendly festival happens during Labor Day weekend, August 31–September 1, 2025, along the 400 block of Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. It’s Raleigh’s premier cultural festival, celebrating African American heritage through art, music, dance, food, and community.
If you’re looking for unique, family-friendly events in Raleigh this summer, make plans to attend the 2025 Kirby Derby on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Dorothea Dix Park. This offbeat Raleigh tradition is known for its wild soapbox races, creative costumes, and quirky community spirit.
Looking for exciting things to do in Cary, NC this summer? Mark your calendar for the 49th Annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, happening Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day. This beloved event transforms Downtown Cary into a vibrant showcase of local talent, featuring more than 250 artists, four stages of live entertainment, and over 25 food and beverage vendors.
Get ready for the vibrant energy of Caribbean carnival in Raleigh—the 12th annual CaribMask Carnival returns on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12 PM to 8 PM in downtown Raleigh, with a full weekend of related events August 14–17, 2025.
Looking for something exciting to do in Raleigh this July? Mark your calendar for Friday, July 12, 2025, because Raleigh’s Summer Beats Festival is bringing the energy, entertainment, and local flavor straight to City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh. From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., this all-day outdoor celebration is the perfect excuse to explore everything the heart of Raleigh has to offer.
Get ready for the hottest summer event in Cary, North Carolina. The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for two epic days on August 1 and 2, 2025. With a special VIP session kicking off Friday from 6 to 10 PM and the main event on Saturday from 12 to 6 PM, this festival is Cary’s favorite weekend celebration of craft beer, fine bourbon, and mouthwatering barbecue. It's the perfect blend of Southern hospitality and foodie culture.
Get ready, Raleigh. One of the largest and most exciting pop culture conventions in the Southeast is returning to the Raleigh Convention Center this summer. GalaxyCon Raleigh 2025 runs from Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you're into comic books, anime, sci-fi, cosplay, gaming, or celebrity panels, this is the place where fantasy becomes reality and the fandom feels like home.
If you’re looking for one of the most vibrant, high-energy events in Raleigh, you can’t miss Packapalooza™. This annual street festival is more than just a kickoff to the NC State University academic year — it’s a massive celebration of community, spirit, and all things Wolfpack. Drawing tens of thousands to Hillsborough Street each August, Packapalooza™ is a must-experience tradition whether you’re a student, alum, proud parent, or simply someone who loves the electric atmosphere of big city festivals.
Get ready to experience one of the summer’s most energetic events in the Triangle! Raleigh Shop & Rock returns to the heart of downtown Raleigh on Friday, August 1, 2025, bringing live music, incredible food, local vendors, and community celebration to Raleigh City Plaza and Davie Street from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day in the Triangle? EnoFest—also known as the Festival for the Eno—is a two-day celebration of music, arts, food, and nature that takes place July 4–5, 2025, at West Point on the Eno in Durham. This family-friendly event draws thousands each year and offers a perfect mix of culture and community—just minutes from homes for sale in Durham and Wake County.
Looking for the best 4th of July celebrations in Wake Forest and the surrounding Raleigh area? We’ve got you covered! From family-friendly parades to dazzling fireworks shows, there are plenty of local events across Wake County and the Triangle that bring the community together. Whether you're searching for homes for sale near me or just love discovering great neighborhoods, these events are a fantastic way to explore our area.
Looking for free, family-friendly things to do in Raleigh NC this summer? The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is bringing its beloved summer movie series to Moore Square while its on-site amphitheater is under renovation—and the lineup is packed with recent hits perfect for all ages. Whether you're a local or exploring homes for sale near Raleigh, these outdoor movie nights are a great way to enjoy the city and connect with the community.
Durham Bulls vs. Memphis, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham
HAUSER: The Rebel Is Back, Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh
Hannibal Buress, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
Delicious Skate Shop Downtown Jam, Moore Square, Raleigh
Discover Dance: Swing Session, Downtown Cary Park, Cary
Play It Forward – Activate Good's 20th Anniversary Celebration, Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh
United We Dance, The Ritz, Raleigh
Flow, Soul, Vibe & Rage: An Immersive Art & Music Experience, Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary
Final Friday Drum Circle & Fire Show with One Tribe, Cary Art Loop, Cary
Can't Feel My Face 2010s Party, Motorco, Durham
Ballet Hispánico, Page Auditorium at Duke University, Durham
JJ Williamson, Raleigh Improv, Cary
Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra Summer Concert, Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, Fuquay-Varina
2025 NASCAR Regional Season - Acorn City 160, Wake County Speedway, Raleigh
AN EVENING WITH ABBY BRYANT (FULL BAND SHOW), The Wake Forest Listening Room, Wake Forest
Art and Blooms at the JCRA, JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Cary Art Loop Final Friday Reception, Cary Gallery of Artists, Cary
Collaging 4 Queer Liberation, Blackbird Books & Coffee, Raleigh
Flower Tasting, Haven Farm, Knightdale
Live at The Portal HQ: Spazi, Wilmot, and The Wallabies, The Portal, Raleigh
Lorde's Virgin Album Release & Electro Pop Rave, KINGS, Raleigh
On The Border - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
Sophia with The Band Solstice, Weekend Friends, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh
Starlet Fever: A Burlesque Tribute to Old Hollywood (21+), Whitaker & Atlantic, Raleigh
The Orlando Parker Jr Band, Berkeley Cafe, Raleigh
The Snozzberries / The Kind Thieves, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh
UNLEASHED | Pup & Pet Play Takeover, The Wicked Witch, Raleigh
The Godfather, The Rialto Theatre, Raleigh
WeeseFest, Slim's Dive Bar, Raleigh
Treetops Fest | Acoustic Music Fest!, Southern Village, Chapel Hill
Last Fridays Live on the Lawn | Live Performance Series, Old Orange County Courthouse, Hillsborough
Cellos and Mermaids: Honey Magpie Celebrates Ten Years of Fairy Tale Folk, Cat's Cradle, Carrboro
Killer Queen Kitchen Takeover with A Hungry Chef, Killer Queen Wine Bar, Durham
NCCU Alumni Weekend, NCCU, Durham
MysteryRealm Film Series, Carolina Theatre, Durham
Nate Smith Trio Featuring Charlie Hunter & Ciara Moser, Missy Lane's Assembly Hall, Durham
LGBTQ Center of Durham Benefit Show at Roadrunner, Roadrunner at Kingfisher, Durham
Single Speed Dating @Crank Arm, Crank Arm Brewing Durham, Durham
Pride Silent Disco, Hi-Wire Brewing, Durham
Gregory Santa Croce and Science Fiction, Sharp Nine Gallery, Durham
ROOM 861 AT GOODNIGHTS: LACE LARRABEE, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
Honey Magpie, Cat's Cradle Back Room, Carrboro
BrickUniverse 2025 Imagine Tour, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh
Rocket League Championship Series 2025, Lenovo Center, Raleigh
Saturday Free Skate - Skate Moore Square, Moore Square, Raleigh
Kansas & 38 Special With The Outlaws, Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh
Pedro Fernandez: Ave Fenix Tour 2025, Memorial Auditorium at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
CaryLIVE! Featuring Dustbowl Revival, Downtown Cary Park, Cary
From Classical to Broadway, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Durham Bulls vs. Memphis, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham
Hannibal Buress at Goodnights Comedy Club, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
The Festival: Fuquay-Varina Pride Celebration 2025, The Mason Jar Lager Company, Fuquay-Varina
Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo, Fayetteville St., Raleigh
Ballet Hispánico Children’s Matinee, Page Auditorium at Duke University, Durham
Kpop Club Night, The Ritz, Raleigh
Lift Every Voice: Community-Wide Sing Along, NCMA, The Night Rider, Raleigh
Shrek Rave, Motorco Music Hall, Durham
Rhythm & Reels "Shrek" Movie Night, Apex Nature Park, Apex
Dive-In Movie - Moana 2, Holding Park Aquatic Center, Wake Forest
"Stuff Inside My Head" - Staged Reading, Southeast Regional Library, Garner
Art and Blooms at the JCRA, JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Big Gay Glow Party, Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh
BOOM Club presents: Colloboh with Rodent (Modular Synths/Cosmic Realms), The Pinhook, Durham
Burning Coal Presents WAIT TIL YOU SEE THIS: Ride The Cyclone, Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh
ROOM 861 AT GOODNIGHTS: LACE LARRABEE, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
Forgive Us, Gustavito, Burning Coal Theatre Stage, Raleigh
Goth Night | June, The Wicked Witch, Raleigh
Hamlet, Theatre In The Park, Raleigh
Hank Sinatra with Los Dudes, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh
Hike with a Naturalist, Historic Yates Mill County Park, Raleigh
JJ Williamson, Raleigh Improv, Cary
Orthodox A Door Left Open Release Tour, KINGS, Raleigh
Outliar & Gross Reality & Children of the Reptile & Hayvyn, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
Rainbow in the Dark Fest, Chapel of Bones, Raleigh
TR In Concert: Drew Gehling, Theatre Raleigh, Raleigh
The PrideWorx Show, ComedyWorx, Raleigh
WeeseFest, Slim's Dive Bar, Raleigh
American Dance Festival Performance Season, Various Locations, Durham
NCCU Alumni Weekend, NCCU, Durham
Bull City Flea Vintage Clothing Market, Bull City Flea, Durham
Pop-up Record Show, Beer Durham, Durham
Mallarme Music FREE Family Concert: SPACEPANTS, Durham County Main Library, Durham
Carolina Flyers Ultimate Disc vs. Austin Sol, Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham
Lois Deloatch "Songs of Hope, Joy & Resistance", Sharp Nine Gallery, Durham
Latin Dance Party, The Fruit, Durham
Renaissance Disko: Prideful Class, Rubies on Five Points, Durham
Queer Arts Film Festival | Kiki (2016), Orange County Public Library, Carrboro
Kelsey Waldon, Cat's Cradle Back Room, Carrboro
Durham Bulls vs. Memphis, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham
Rocket League Championship Series 2025, Lenovo Center, Raleigh
BrickUniverse 2025 Imagine Tour, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh
Skate Moore Square, Moore Square, Raleigh
Weenies & ‘Tinis, Motorco Music Hall Veranda, Durham
Sullivan's Steakhouse Master Chef Grilling Experience, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
Hannibal Buress at Goodnights Comedy Club, Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
Triangle Skateboarding Lessons, Moore Square, Raleigh
Durham Show Me Reptile Show, Durham Armory, Durham
Durham Underground Market, Durham Central Park, Durham
Pop-up Record Show, Beer Durham, Durham
The Sunday Set with DJ Skylan, The Durham, Durham
Ballet Hispánico, Page Auditorium at Duke University, Durham
Duke Chapel Evensong Singers, Duke University Chapel, Durham
American Dance Festival Performance Season, Various Locations, Durham
NCCU Alumni Weekend, NCCU, Durham
MysteryRealm Film Series, Carolina Theatre, Durham
Bikini Trill, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, Raleigh
Burning Coal Presents WAIT TIL YOU SEE THIS: Ride The Cyclone, Burning Coal Theatre Stage, Raleigh
Cocktails & Cuisine Class: Equal Parts Sour, The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh
Copperline Plant Co. Book Club, Copperline Plant Co., Raleigh
Forgive Us, Gustavito, Burning Coal Theatre Stage, Raleigh
Hamlet, Theatre In The Park, Raleigh
JJ Williamson, Raleigh Improv, Cary
Pride in the Park, Downtown Cary Park, Cary
Discover the magic of Wake Forest Family Movie Night on June 14 featuring Moana 2 at Joyner Park. Learn why this event highlights the community charm that makes Wake Forest real estate so desirable.
If you're searching for exciting things to do in Raleigh this summer, look no further than Downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square Park for the 3rd Annual Summer Expo hosted by Raleigh Retro Gamers in partnership with Raleigh Parks. This free family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to draw thousands of visitors. Last year’s turnout topped 5,000 people, making this one of the biggest summer events in Raleigh—and the largest gaming expo in North Carolina.
Looking for fun events in the Triangle this weekend? Whether you’re into live music, food festivals, family-friendly outings, or Pride Month celebrations, there’s something happening for everyone in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and nearby towns.
Raleigh, North Carolina, is known for more than just its booming real estate market, southern charm, and excellent quality of life. It’s also quickly earning a name as a culinary hotspot, and few events celebrate this better than the annual Bubbles & Brisket festival. If you’re thinking of relocating to Raleigh, or already living in Wake County and exploring the best of local events, this is one worth circling on your calendar.
Looking for fun events in the Triangle this weekend? Whether you’re into live music, food festivals, family-friendly outings, or Pride Month celebrations, there’s something happening for everyone in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and nearby towns.
This weekend in the Triangle area offers a diverse range of events across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Knightdale.
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