EVENT CALENDAR
2026 Hopscotch Music Festival
This highly anticipated festival brings together a diverse lineup of artists from indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more. With performances held at various venues across the city, it’s a vibrant celebration of music and culture that promises to bring something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of live music and exciting experiences!
COST: starting at $159 for GA 3-Day Pass
9th annual BEYOND: The Cary film festival
Each fall in the heart of North Carolina, Cary hosts its annual short film and screenplay festival presented at the historic Cary Theater. Engaged audiences, new and established filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests come together to celebrate the art of short filmmaking.
Filmmakers and audiences can expect to experience the best short films from around the world. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in panel discussions, workshops, and more. BEYOND is designed to support emerging filmmakers with all events and social activities taking place within walking distance of our downtown theater.
COST: starting at $10 (depending on session)
Friday Night on White - September 2026
Introduced in 2016, Friday Night on White (FNOW) takes place in downtown Wake Forest from 6-9 p.m. on the second Friday night of each month from April through September (unless otherwise noted).
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the free concert series features local and regional party bands playing classic rock and pop, 70s, 80s, and 90s hits, R&B dance, Top 40, and Motown favorites.
COST: FREE
Eno River Association’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
From 1:00pm-5:00pm, enjoy free music and performance art, visit our community partner tables, and take home new Eno River Association merchandise. It’s all happening at the DPlex Plaza (301 W. Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701) on September 12, 2026. Stay tuned for more details.
COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)
Carolina Circus Festival
The Carolina Circus Festival is a 6 year old festival that will be to happening in Cary, NC! We are a 501c(3) Non Profit.
This year the Carolina Circus Festival will once again be at the beautiful Downtown Cary Park! The DCP is our incredible grand elite sponsor!
Join us for an unforgettable day of FREE Aerial Shows, Ground Acrobatics, Fire Performances, and LED Shows happening throughout the day and into the night!
COST: FREE
Whiskey, Wine & Fire 2026
This exclusive foodie celebration will feature: Whiskey Bars, Elegant Wines & Cocktails, Great Music, Tented Food Stations, Food Trucks, & Restaurants and Intimate Firepits throughout. Relax Around the Moon Garden and enjoy an inspired take on fire-kissed BBQ, open fire cooking, specialty grilling, and drink pairings. Enjoy the firebreathers and artists set the night ablaze. Please dress appropriately, the event is outdoors.
Cost: starting at $35
Fenton Art Festival 2026
The Fenton Art Festival is a fine arts market featuring artists selling original art, including works in oils, watercolors, and acrylics, mixed media, illustrations, prints, sculpture and more.
Enjoy workshops, demonstrations, and opportunities to make public art in one of the Triangle’s premier destinations.
COST: FREE
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Fall Open House (2 Weekends)
During Open Garden and Nursery weekends, JLBG has horticultural staff available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden as well as free educational programs to help you flourish as a gardener.
Dates:
Friday 9/18 - Sunday 9/20
Friday 9/25 - Sunday 9/27
COST: FREE
11th Annual Asia Fest
This 10th anniversary of the Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival brings together nearly 100 cultural exhibits and activities, heart-pounding dragon boat races, tasty global street foods, and vibrant performances. Presented by Asian Focus, the festival is a beloved community highlight—drawing around 10,000 visitors annually to celebrate Asian heritage in a spirit of diversity and togetherness.
COST: TBD (visit website for more details)
BugFest 2026
As the Museum’s biggest and buggiest event of the year, BugFest is dedicated to educating and engaging the public about science and the wonders of the natural world. Explore over 100 exhibits, from hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and appreciation for these amazing animals, to interactions with entomologists and other scientists who will guide you through the intricate world of arthropods, offering insights into their behaviors, adaptations and ecological significance.
COST: FREE
Farmers Fall Festival
The Farmers Fall Festival is back for the 9th year! Hosted by the Cary Farmers Market, this year’s festival will feature farmers, food, kids’ activities, live music, the famous pie eating contest, and more.
COST: FREE
Triangle Pop Up – Maker’s Market
Join Triangle Pop Up every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11am to 4pm in Fenton Square to enjoy local artists and live music. Browse the vendors, find a new favorite handmade item, and shop local!
COST: FREE
Festa Italiana 2026
Festa Italiana North Carolina celebrates Italian culture and heritage in the Triangle while providing financial support to local charities
COST: FREE
Oktoberfest at Clouds Brewing
It's that time again! Our traditional Oktoberfest celebration returns this year for the last time on Saturday, September 19th!! Join us under the big Oktoberfest tent for traditional German music with The Little German Band & Dancers, Cloudstoberfest beer, traditional contests, and more!
Details:
Music from the Little German Band 2-5pm & 6-9pm
Stein holding contests @ 5pm
Beer Release: Cloudstoberfest
Food Truck: Chef Jake Wolf serving the Wandering Wolf menu by Empire Eats Food Truck
COST: FREE
La Fiesta del Pueblo
The People's Festival is the largest and most diverse Latin American culture festival in the Triangle, with live music and dance performances, artisan vendors, food trucks, educational booths and activities for the whole family.
COST: FREE
Benson Mule Days
For 77 years, crowds have flocked to the quaint town of Benson on the fourth Saturday weekend of September to enjoy the festivities that Benson Mule Days engages you in!
COST: FREE
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Fall Open House (2 Weekends)
During Open Garden and Nursery weekends, JLBG has horticultural staff available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden as well as free educational programs to help you flourish as a gardener.
Dates:
Friday 9/18 - Sunday 9/20
Friday 9/25 - Sunday 9/27
COST: FREE
Holly Springs Pride Festival
Join us every September for the Pride of Holly Springs Festival—our biggest, boldest celebration of LGBTQIA+ joy, identity, and community. This family-friendly event brings together neighbors, allies, local businesses, performers, artists, and changemakers for a day filled with love, laughter, and connection. From live music and storytelling to local vendors, food trucks, games, and interactive activities for all ages, the festival is a vibrant reflection of the diverse voices that make Holly Springs shine.
COST: FREE
Roots & Rows Fall Festival
Join us for our 7th Annual Roots & Rows Fall Festival!
Come enjoy a day filled with:
• Local crafters
• Pumpkins & mums
• Tasty treats
• Live music
• Fun kids activities
Cost: FREE
Raleigh Tamale Festival
Gather in downtown Raleigh to celebrate great food and community at this beloved event!
Celebrate and discover the rich traditions and diverse flavors of tamales from local vendors while enjoying fun activities throughout the festival.
COST: FREE
American Dance Festival: Made in NC
Join us at the Park for a captivating outdoor evening of modern dance featuring four distinct, short performances commissioned by the American Dance Festival. This special showcase features the world-premiere works of four incredible North Carolina-based artists.
COST: FREE
Sunday Brunch & Live Music at Good Day Good Night
Sunday Brunch & Live Music at Good Day Good Night 🍳🥂🎶
Unwind and enjoy a relaxed Sunday Brunch at Good Day Good Night at The Casso. Enjoy delicious brunch favorites, sip Champagne or Bloody Marys, and catch up with friends while live music sets the vibe. Featuring rotating performers each week, this brunch is the perfect way to make your Sundays feel special.
Brunch Served 7am-1pm
Live Music 9am-12pm
COST: depends on meals ordered
Bands, Bites, & Boats - October 2026
One Friday a month, the Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. Spend your Friday evening floating on Bond Lake in the setting sun while you listen to great music and enjoy delicious food. Prefer to stay on land? Bring a lawn chair, friends, and family!
Band: Amanda Peach Duo
Bites: Che Empanadas |
Brews: Fortnight Brewing Company
COST: FREE
Falling for Local
With live music from local talent and loads of FREE fall fun – including hay rides, inflatables, lawn games, kids activities, seasonal photo ops, and a pumpkin patch – you don't want to miss this family-friendly event!
Dine from 50+ local food trucks
Shop with 100+ makers and independent businesses
Sample NC craft beer and ciders
For the live music lineup and list of vendors, follow the link below.
COST: Free to attend
2026 NC State Fair
The N.C. State Fair is the place to be this fall! The fair creates an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.
COST: varies (visit the link below for more details)
Triangle Pop Up – Maker’s Market
Join Triangle Pop Up every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11am to 4pm in Fenton Square to enjoy local artists and live music. Browse the vendors, find a new favorite handmade item, and shop local!
COST: FREE
Cary Diwali Festival
Join us for the Diwali Celebration at Downtown Cary Park! Experience an evening of music, dance, and community at the Great Lawn Pavilion as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together.
COST: Free to attend
Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade 2026
You won’t want to miss the pageantry and excitement of the 2026 Crossroads Ford ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh on November 21, 2026 in Downtown Raleigh! The parade will kick off the holiday festivities at 9:30 am street side and on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel.
COST: Free to attend
Tree Lighting Celebration at North Hills 2026
Celebrate 21 years of North Hills and kick off the holiday season with this beloved tradition!
4:00 – 7:00pm
Face Painting
Vendor Village
Train Rides
Children's Crafts & Activities
Food Trucks
Ball Pit
Inflatable Slide
Balloon Artist
Photo Ops
Seasonal Beverages
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Live Music with The Embers in The Commons
Live Acoustic Music with Mary
Selvidge in The Plaza
Santa lights the tree at 6:15pm! Follow @VisitNorthHills on social for more details and updates!
COST: Free to attend
Illuminate Art Walk
December 5th, 2025 – January 6th, 2026
Best viewed evenings 5-11pm
Downtown Raleigh shines every holiday season with Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges!
Since December 2020, Illuminate Art Walk has transformed downtown into a wonderland of art and color with large-scale, light-based installations—fun for people of all ages.
Each year, new and returning installations bring fresh excitement to the experience, encouraging visitors to explore downtown’s streets, plazas, and hidden corners in a whole new light. Whether you’re planning a festive night out, a family stroll, or a date night adventure, Illuminate Art Walk offers the perfect backdrop for making holiday memories and discovering local art in the heart of North Carolina's Capital City.
Know Before You Go –
A majority of Illuminate Art Walk installations are located within 1-2 blocks of free parking. Arrive at 5pm and park for free all evening on weekdays in 5 city-owned garages, and for free all weekend.
Illuminate is open to the public, self-guided, and Sip N' Stroll Downtown friendly.
Prefer a guided experience? Check out the Illuminate Art Walk Sip n' Stroll Tours with Raleigh Walking Tours.
WRAL First Night Raleigh
Festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. Performances and activities will continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show.
COST: TBD (visit link below for updates)
She Welcomes Fall
Glitter Picnic Presents She Welcomes Fall at Mini Acres Farm Sunday September 6, 2026. Join this women’s only event and grow this autumn!
She Welcomes Fall is a five-hour exclusive women's only retreat at Mini Acres Farm. Women who join will receive three hours of wellness-based classes and instruction from certified professionals, brunch with mimosas, make personalized wildflower bouquets and intention jars and leave rejuvenated for the changing seasons ahead.
COST: $87.21 per ticket
Sunday Brunch & Live Music at Good Day Good Night
Sunday Brunch & Live Music at Good Day Good Night 🍳🥂🎶
Unwind and enjoy a relaxed Sunday Brunch at Good Day Good Night at The Casso. Enjoy delicious brunch favorites, sip Champagne or Bloody Marys, and catch up with friends while live music sets the vibe. Featuring rotating performers each week, this brunch is the perfect way to make your Sundays feel special.
Brunch Served 7am-1pm
Live Music 9am-12pm
COST: depends on meals ordered
Raleigh Game & Geek Expo
This is where fandom comes alive. A space for gamers and geeks to connect, celebrate what they love, and level up the fun together. Find your people.
COST: starting at $17.47 (Kids 12 and under get in free!)
17th Annual African American Cultural Festival
The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is committed to uniting, engaging and educating a diverse community through the celebration of the African American Culture as expressed through the arts. This year will be the 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh & Wake County and we invite you to be a part of the celebration!
The festival will be held on Labor Day Weekend, September 5th - September 6th, 2026, in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
The festival is not just an event, it’s an experience! This family friendly, interactive event is free and accessible to all and has become a destination event for visitors from all over the country. The festival features local and national talent in visual arts, music, theatre and dance, and showcases a host of art, merchant, and food vendors.
COST: FREE - open to the public
Bands, Bites, & Boats - September 2026
One Friday a month, the Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. Spend your Friday evening floating on Bond Lake in the setting sun while you listen to great music and enjoy delicious food. Prefer to stay on land? Bring a lawn chair, friends, and family!
Band: My Cousin Skinny
Bites: Beef Street and a Pig | The Flat Drum
Brews: Bond Brothers Beer Company
COST: FREE
Sunday Unwind Sound Bath
Join Emily Barnhill for Sunday Unwind, a restorative sound bath designed to help you slow down, release the stress of the week, and step into the new one feeling grounded, refreshed, and restored.
A sound bath is a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience that uses the power of sound to promote calm, ease tension, and support overall well-being. During this immersive session, you’ll be guided inward as you relax to the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls and other healing instruments, creating space for mindfulness, rest, and renewal.
Emily is a certified practitioner of sound healing with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. She also brings over a decade of experience as a private instructor of voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele. Sound healing has become her greatest passion, and she is honored to share this practice with the community. Her intention is to use sound to encourage deep relaxation, reduce stress, ease physical discomfort, and support healing on the physical, mental, and emotional levels.
Whether you’re looking to recharge after a busy week, cultivate a greater sense of balance, or simply enjoy an hour of peaceful stillness, Sunday Unwind offers a welcoming space to rest, reset, and reconnect with yourself.
Cost: $35; $28 for Yoga or 4-Class Members, free for Unlimited Members!
NC Vintage Bazaar X
North Carolina's biggest vintage event returns August 29 & 30 to the Jim Graham Building at the State Fairgrounds. 100+ vintage vendors per day with completely new ones each day, food trucks, gaming, photo opportunities and so much more.
Cost: $10
Candle Making Workshop
In this hands-on candle making class, participants will design a one-of-a-kind candle from start to finish. Choose your favorite scent, select decorative elements, and learn the basics of candle making as you craft a personalized candle to take home. Perfect for beginners and creatives looking for a fun experience!
Residents $15, non residents $20. Please note, only registered participants may attend this workshop. This program is for ages 18+.
Cary Street Food Festival
The Cary Street Food Festival is coming to Fenton and taking over the giant outdoor Parking Lot along with inside Sport & Social, PBR Cowboy Bar Cary & AVA Rooftop Bar on August 22nd & 23rd, 2026! This indoor & outdoor weekend celebration will feature the Cary area's best food trucks and restaurants, with ALL food items priced at $5 or less! This will allow guests to sample a wide range of flavors and options from 20+ vendors!
Come for the food, stay for the fun! Enjoy live entertainment, general vendors, axe throwing, an indoor/outdoor pavilion, mechanical bull riding, a free giant chocolate fountain (VIP exclusive), eating challenges, family-friendly activities, a vendor market, cooking demonstrations, and more!
Cost: $10+
Packapalooza
Packapalooza™ is NC State’s signature all-day block party and street festival, capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 from 2 to 10 p.m. This vibrant event, held on Hillsborough Street, brings together NC State students, faculty, staff, alums, families, and the local community to kick off the academic year with music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, food, and all things Wolfpack.
This year’s festival will feature an eclectic mix of live music and performances across multiple stages, along with a grand finale of fireworks at the Belltower main stage. A cherished tradition attracting over 90,000 attendees, Packapalooza™ features more than 350 vendor booths and is supported by over 60 sponsoring organizations. Presented by Live It Up! Hillsborough Street, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss.
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Join us for the 49th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival showcasing over 250 exceptional artists from across the country! Enjoy live entertainment on four stages, savor delicious offerings from 25+ food vendors, and relax in our beer garden & Lazy Lounge. Kids will love Kid Daze with fun activities throughout including the new Kid Collectors Market, where they can purchase pint-sized pieces created by our Lazy Daze artists! Participate in interactive art activities, engage with demonstrations by professional artisans, and embrace the “Lazy Daze” of summer. We can’t wait to see you there!
COST: FREE
All Things Groovy Hippie Fest
Peace, love, and good vibes are back at All Things Groovy Hippie Fest, returning for its third annual year at Moore Square!
This free-spirited, community-loved festival celebrates all things groovy with a curated lineup of local makers, artists, and vintage-inspired vendors, a vintage car show, and plenty of colorful fun throughout the park. Expect bubbles floating through the air, delicious local food trucks, and a full day of live music that keeps the energy high and the vibes flowing.
All Things Groovy Hippie Fest is a joyful, all-ages event designed for music lovers, free spirits, families, and anyone who loves a laid-back, retro-inspired atmosphere. Whether you’re shopping, dancing, snapping photos of classic cars, or just soaking up the sunshine, this is a feel-good day you won’t want to miss.
Come for the vibes. Stay for the fun. Leave feeling groovy.
Cost: Free to attend
12th Annual CaribMask Carnival
In 2012, RDACA (Raleigh-Durham AfroCaribbean Association) came together to promote diversity, equality and create a deeper appreciation for Afro-Caribbean culture among the citizens of the Raleigh/Durham Metropolitan area. With this shared vision, RDACA gave birth to CaribMask. Impacted by the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic, we embarked on an unknown journey that affected our lives and caused everything to shut down. With no social interaction or outlet, we had to find creative ways to entertain and have fun. We have since learned how to cautiously navigate during this unprecedented time. Wearing masks and practicing sanitization routines has helped to lessen the spread of this disease. We are now moving into a new normal, and plan to adhere to all state guidelines ensuring everyone’s safety. Seeking to unite and excite the people once again, RDACA will present the 12th Annual CaribMask Carnival on August 16, 2025. The streets of downtown Raleigh will once again set ablaze. The day will begin with the Parade of Bands. Troupes/bands will parade down the streets in elaborate costumes jamming to the tunes from their native lands. The Grand Marshall, Children and adults- by foot, truck, and motorcycle- tramp down and get down for over two hours on the parade route. The 12th Annual Flag Ceremony will represent over 15 countries and is a crowd favorite. The people in attendance will have an opportunity to experience more vendors than the previous year; food and artisan included. The main stage will once again electrify the crowd with performers from all over including International Artists and more. As we enter CaribMask 2025, we plan to make this our best year so far. Look out for great acts, beautiful costumes and tasteful, cultural foods.
COST: Free to attend
Taco & Margarita Fest 2026
Get ready to shake things up with specialty margaritas and tacos at this year’s Taco & Margarita Fest, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, presented by Dulce Vida Tequila and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer.
Bar crawl your way through the building making sure you stop at each bar for a taste of the specialty margaritas, and fuel up at one (or more) of the five taco stands throughout the venue. Enjoy various live entertainment, photo-opportunities, giveaways with the chance to win prizes & more! Whether you’re coming for the tacos, the tequila, or the all-day party atmosphere, this is the kind of event you don’t want to miss!
Doors open at 12:00 pm.
General Admission includes: three (3) tacos, a taco and margarita passport, tequila sampling by Dulce Vida Tequila, themed entertainment, photo-ops, giveaways with the chance to win prizes, and party favors.
Cost: $38+
Friday Night on White - August 2026
Introduced in 2016, Friday Night on White (FNOW) takes place in downtown Wake Forest from 6-9 p.m. on the second Friday night of each month from April through September (unless otherwise noted).
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the free concert series features local and regional party bands playing classic rock and pop, 70s, 80s, and 90s hits, R&B dance, Top 40, and Motown favorites.
COST: FREE
Live After 5
DRA and Southern Bank presents Live After 5 returns this summer on a new night, at a new time, in three new locations across Downtown Raleigh for an extended six-date run.
Join us for downtown's favorite family-friendly summer concert series with live music, local food trucks, and plenty more to enjoy.
2026 Dates and Lineup
June 18th at Raleigh Union Station with AZUL
July 16th at Moore Square with River Shook *
July 23rd at Seaboard Station with Elora Dash
July 30th at Moore Square with Fancy Gap
August 13th at Moore Square with Harvey Street
Plants and Pollinators Market
We're back at Atlantic Gardening for our 3rd annual summer garden market! This year's theme is Plants and Pollinators, which will celebrate all things flora and fauna, highlighting our pollinators! Shop from over 30 local vendors, shop garden supplies, enjoy food and drinks, and more to come!
Cost: Free and open to all.
Bands, Bites, & Boats - August 2026
One Friday a month, the Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. Spend your Friday evening floating on Bond Lake in the setting sun while you listen to great music and enjoy delicious food. Prefer to stay on land? Bring a lawn chair, friends, and family!
Band: Adam Pitts
Bites: Not Just A Fry Guy | Craft Public House
Brews: Fortnight Brewing Company
COST: FREE
SAFE Haven for Cats $10 Adoption Event
Mark your calendars for Friday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and join SAFE Haven for Cats for the happiest adoption event of the summer!
Our annual Clear the Shelters event is back, and every adoptable cat is just $10. It’s the perfect time to meet your new best friend while helping making more room for more cats to find the loving homes they deserve.
Whether you’re looking for a playful kitten, a snuggly lap cat, or a curious teenager with a one-of-a-kind personality, you’ll find dozens of amazing cats ready to start their next chapter at this year’s event.
🐾 Friday, August 7
🕘 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💙 All adoptable cats are just $10
Flash Tattoo Pop-Up
You've been saying you're going to get it for two years now. Katie's here Thursday.
Our own bartender is setting up the chair at The Davie at 6PM. Pick something off the flash sheet, order a drink first if that helps, and walk out of your neighborhood bar with something you're keeping. No appointment, no consultation, no waiting room. First come, first served, cash preferred.
Bring your crew. Grab a brew. Get tattooed.
Cost: Varies based on art
Yoga for Better Sleep
Do you ever crawl into bed feeling tired but unable to fully switch off?
Join us for a peaceful evening designed to help your body and mind slow down before bedtime. Through gentle movement, calming breathwork, and long, supported stretches, you’ll learn simple techniques that can help you fall asleep more easily and wake feeling more refreshed.
You’ll leave with a short bedtime routine you can use at home whenever life feels a little too busy.
No yoga experience needed.
Value exchange
Sliding scale ($10-$20)
Credit card on the website, Venmo (@YogaExplorerNC) or cash in the park
2026 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Cary’s Favorite Festival is Back and Better than Ever. Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! It’s two great days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
COST: starting at $35
Live After 5
DRA and Southern Bank presents Live After 5 returns this summer on a new night, at a new time, in three new locations across Downtown Raleigh for an extended six-date run.
Join us for downtown's favorite family-friendly summer concert series with live music, local food trucks, and plenty more to enjoy.
2026 Dates and Lineup
June 18th at Raleigh Union Station with AZUL
July 16th at Moore Square with River Shook *
July 23rd at Seaboard Station with Elora Dash
July 30th at Moore Square with Fancy Gap
August 13th at Moore Square with Harvey Street
Girls Night Out: Mixology Class
Our Girls Night Out: Mixology Class is a favorite and tends to sell out. Attendees will learn how to craft three (3) AVA specialty summer cocktails, sip their creations, and get an exclusive swag kit courtesy of Empress Gin and Deep Eddy Vodka.
Grab your besties and get ready to shake things up on July 29!
COST: $48.92 per ticket
Live After 5
DRA and Southern Bank presents Live After 5 returns this summer on a new night, at a new time, in three new locations across Downtown Raleigh for an extended six-date run.
Join us for downtown's favorite family-friendly summer concert series with live music, local food trucks, and plenty more to enjoy.
2026 Dates and Lineup
June 18th at Raleigh Union Station with AZUL
July 16th at Moore Square with River Shook *
July 23rd at Seaboard Station with Elora Dash
July 30th at Moore Square with Fancy Gap
August 13th at Moore Square with Harvey Street
GalaxyCon Raleigh 2026
GalaxyCon Raleigh is a 4-Day FESTIVAL OF FANDOM with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and PEOPLE LIKE YOU!
Join fans from across the galaxy and celebrate Comic Books, Pop Culture, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, and more!
COST:
Kids 4 and under: FREE
Kids 5-9: $20+
Single Day - 4 Day Premium Reserve VIP : $45 - $2750
**USE CODE GALAXY20 FOR 20% OFF ADMISSION
Live After 5
DRA and Southern Bank presents Live After 5 returns this summer on a new night, at a new time, in three new locations across Downtown Raleigh for an extended six-date run.
Join us for downtown's favorite family-friendly summer concert series with live music, local food trucks, and plenty more to enjoy.
2026 Dates and Lineup
June 18th at Raleigh Union Station with AZUL
July 16th at Moore Square with River Shook *
July 23rd at Seaboard Station with Elora Dash
July 30th at Moore Square with Fancy Gap
August 13th at Moore Square with Harvey Street
Summer Sidewalk Sale - North Hills
Join us for our annual Summer Sidewalk Sale at North Hills July 16th through 19th! Shop the hottest sales of the season plus enter to win a $500 shopping spree! For more details and sneak peeks, make sure you are following us on Instagram @VisitNorthHills.
COST: FREE
Paris in Raleigh - Bastille Day Celebration
Bastille Day Celebration at LaFayette -Wine Tasting Walk • Live Bands • French Market • An Evening in the Spirit of France.
Travel to France village without leaving Raleigh, support local vendors, quality time with family and friends. Brought to you by NC Vibes, The Internatonal Festival & LaFayette Village.
Join us at Lafayette Village for a festive Bastille Day celebration inspired by the sights, sounds, and flavors of France. This special evening transforms the Village into a lively European escape, filled with music, wine, shopping, and community.
Stroll through the Village and enjoy our signature French Wine Tasting Walk, where guests can sample a curated selection of wines hosted by participating merchants. Discover unique treasures from local vendors, enjoy live music throughout the evening, and experience the relaxed elegance of a summer night in Paris.
Whether you come with friends, a date, or simply your love of French culture, this is a celebration designed to be savored.
COST: FREE
Raleigh’s All American Summer Festival
Downtown Raleigh for a fun-filled, high-energy summer celebration you won’t want to miss!
Raleigh’s All-American Summer Festival 2026 🎉 Celebrating 250 Years of America! 🎸🍔🌭
Join us in the heart of downtown Raleigh for a fun-filled, high-energy summer celebration you won’t want to miss!
✨ This year is extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable day of community, culture, and carnival-style fun.
COST: FREE