Raleigh Spring Bucket List: 13+ Must-Do Activities Around the City

The city is FINALLY coming alive again!!! 🥹🌸 Spring in Raleigh is elite. The weather finally cooperates, everything is blooming, and we’re finally able to make plans after 5pm!! If you’re looking to make the most of the season, here’s your go-to list of things to do around Raleigh this spring—whether you’re planning a weekend outing, date night, or just want to get outside more!

#1 Go Strawberry Picking 🍓

Strawberries+at+Porter+Farms+Spring.webp

left image from Philips Farms website | right image from Porter Farms website

There’s nothing that feels more like spring than strawberry picking and luckily, we have some great spots right around Raleigh.

A few local favorites:

DJ's Berry Patch– super popular and family-friendly
Porter Farms & Nursery – great for a full farm day experience
Phillips Farms – been serving our community for over 100 years! Don’t miss their Strawberryfest from May 9th - 10th

Strawberry season typically kicks off in April and runs through early June, depending on weather, so keep an eye on each farm’s social media for opening days!

#2 Have a Picnic at Dorothea Dix Park

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

You really can’t beat spring at Dorothea Dix Park. Pack a blanket, grab takeout or snacks, and enjoy skyline views with plenty of space to spread out. Go at golden hour for the best views of the skyline!!

Pro Tip: check out AG Picnics for the picnic of your DREAMS 🌾🌅

#3 Browse A Weekend Market 🧺

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

Spring = market season

A few to add to your rotation:

Raleigh Underground Market – local artists, handmade goods, and rotating vendors
Downtown Cary Park Farmers Market – a great mix of vendors in a beautiful park setting
Apex Farmers Market - the perfect way to start a slow Saturday morning
Holly Springs Farmers Market - known for their strong lineup of local farms and food vendors
Downtown Fuquay Growers Market - small town charm that’s worth a short drive
Triangle Pop Up - hosted at different locations around the Triangle

#4 Support Local at the NC State Farmers Market

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

The North Carolina State Farmers Market is a year-round staple, but it really shines in the spring.

You can expect fresh produce, local goods, plants, and flowers! It’s also a great spot to grab breakfast or coffee and make a morning out of it.

📍1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

#5 Catch a Durham Bulls Game ⚾️

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

A spring classic!! Head over to Durham Bulls for a fun, easy night out.

Games run all spring and summer, and the vibe is always a good time. We have no shame in the fact that we are there for the hot dogs, beautiful sunsets, and fireworks nights.

Grab tickets + view the full schedule below!

grab tickets here

#6 Attend Beach Music at North Hills

Images from North Hills website

It’s not spring in Raleigh without Beach Music!! This series starts on April 16th and happens every Thursday from 6pm - 9pm. They’ve got live bands, dancing, drinks, food trucks and a super fun crowd!

2026 Schedule:

Hosted by: Empower East: Mental Health America

April 16th North Tower Band
April 23rd The ToneZ
April 30th Jim Quick & Coastline

Hosted by: Comfort Zone Camp

May 7th The Catalinas
May 14th Liquid Pleasure
May 21st The Chairmen of the Board
May 28th Miss Mini & the Sandman Band
June 4th Band of Oz
June 11th Sleeping Booty

Hosted by: TBD

June 18th Blackwater Band
June 25th The Embers ft. Craig Woolard
July 2nd The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra
July 9th The Pink Slips
July 16th Too Much Sylvia
July 23rd Spare Change

Learn more here

#7 Enjoy a Sunset at a Rooftop Bar or Patio

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

We’ve got longer days ahead and you know what that means!! It’s patio season 😎

Some of my favorite spots:

The Willard Rooftop Lounge – rooftop views of downtown
- Address: 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Sixty Vines – perfect for wine + a laid-back vibe
- Address: 4000 Center at North Hills St Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27609
Foxcroft – get the truffle fries and thank us later
- Address: 4421 Six Forks Rd #115, Raleigh, NC 27609
High Rail Raleigh – great cocktails and atmosphere
- Address: 11 Seaboard Ave 7th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27604
Holl & Stone Farms – patio drinks + a unique farm setting
- Address: 920 Buffaloe Rd, Garner, NC 27529
Wye Hill – the best views of the Raleigh skyline
- Address: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Level 7 Rooftop Bar – a classy, scenic rooftop bar experience
- Address: 101 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609

#8 Visit the NC Art Museum

Thriving in Raleigh

The North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the best spots in Raleigh to spend a spring afternoon.

You can explore the galleries, walk the outdoor art park, or just enjoy the scenery as everything starts to bloom.

If you’re visiting this weekend, don’t miss Art in Bloom! A limited-time event where floral designers create stunning arrangements inspired by pieces throughout the museum. It’s easily one of the most beautiful spring events in Raleigh.

Event Schedule this weekend:

Friday, March 20, 11 am–7 pm
Saturday, March 21, 10 am–7 pm
Sunday, March 22, 10 am–5 pm

#9 Grab a Beer at Brewgaloo

Images from Thriving in Raleigh

If you love local breweries, Brewgaloo is a must.

Held in downtown Raleigh, it features tons of NC breweries, food vendors, and live music.

💸 Cost: FREE and open to the public! Tickets only required to participate in beer sampling (starting at $30 depending on ticket purchased)

Event Schedule:

Friday Night Kick-Off Party | April 24th from 6pm - 10pm: enjoy unlimited 3 oz sample pours
Saturday Street Fest | April 25th from 12pm - 8pm: enjoy over 350 NC craft beverages by redeeming your drink tickets for a pint or a 3 oz sample

Grab tickets here