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. 

September Band: Liquid Pleasure 

COST: FREE

Enjoy a beer or cocktail from Wye Hill Brewery while painting a beautiful landscape of Raleigh’s iconic Boylan Bridge skyline

COST: $45 per person

Get ready to celebrate the season at our Family Fall Festival! We’re inviting your whole family for an afternoon packed with fun, flavor, and fantastic music to kick off the fall.

Enjoy delicious offerings from a variety of food trucks, tempting desserts, and cool ice cream to purchase, all while grooving to live music! It’s the perfect way to make cherished fall memories together.

There will be shopping, games, face painting, crafts, games and prizes.

A perfect break from work. Meet the other tenants and make new frieds. Family friendly, pet friendly, ADA accessible.

COST: FREE

Each summer, local artists donate their talent and time to put on a great free show for the community.  On select Sundays from now until September 21, we will host groups performing a variety of different genres that will help set the tone for an awesome evening at these two beautiful facilities

Aug. 3 - Capital Transit
Aug. 10 - Holly Springs Community Band
Aug. 17 - Carpe Diem Sax Quartet
Sept. 7 - SWAG
Sept. 14 - Blue Notes
Sept. 21 - Tune Swingers

COST: Free to attend

If you love vintage clothing, thrifting, nostalgia, and fun, then NC Vintage Bazaar is for you! Featuring vintage vendors from across North Carolina and the entire country, NC Vintage Bazaar is North Carolina's largest vintage convention. 

COST: $10+ per ticket

Join us at the NC Museum of Art for our local artist market series. We are popping up on the first Saturday of every month with a new selection of local artists in the plaza and live music. Browse the galleries, enjoy the museum park, and shop local!

COST: FREE

Get all your emotions in order and head to the Park for Inside Out 2 (PG), curated by The Cary Theater.

Riley, now a teenager, faces the challenges of adolescence, prompting the emergence of new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui alongside her original emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. As she navigates the complexities of growing up, these emotions must work together to help her adapt to new experiences and relationships. The film delves into the evolving landscape of Riley’s inner world, highlighting the importance of embracing all facets of emotional development during the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Come early to enjoy pre-screening activities for all ages, making it a perfect night out for everyone. Kids can create their own colorful “sense of self” with sand art and test their skills at the Slap Shot Booth with the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and action before the movie begins! Prescreening activities are from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Park St Arena, with the film will beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Grab your cushions, blankets, and chairs for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film. Food trucks will also be on site.

COST: FREE

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, and join us.

COST: FREE

First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday. 

Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!

COST: FREE

Pop-punk icons blink-182 are hitting Raleigh on Wednesday, September 3, 2025! With decades of hits like “All the Small Things” and “I Miss You,” plus their latest album One More Time… Part 2, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker are set to deliver an unforgettable night of energy and nostalgia.

COST: $40+ per ticket

Join Oak City Yoga and instructor Adriana for rooftop yoga with unmatched views of downtown Raleigh from the outdoor rooftop terrace at The Willard on Sunday, August 31st at 10 am. Registration required; includes a mimosa from their bar.

COST: $20

Are you ready to experience the magic of live music in a stunning intimate rustic setting? GatherStation invites you to their Summer Americana Music Series, where the Heart of Carolina's music scene comes a alive! 

Gather your family and friends for a night of music, laughter, and memories. Whether you are a local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to unwind and connect with the vibrant community around you. 

Bands: Cuttin' Grass Bluegrass, Grassomatics, Prius Off-road and UNC Music School Students led by Eliza Meyer.

COST: $5-$20 / ticket depending on package

DATES:

• Thursday, August 7th from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 14th from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 21st from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 28th from 6pm-9pm

• Special Concert led by Eliza Meyer: Saturday, August 30th from 3pm-9pm

The second annual Raleighwood Festival 2025 headlined by Jordan Ward & Live Band. RW 25 features a cast of some of the biggest artists to come out of the North Carolina music scene and reach global acclaim such as Hometown Heroes Weston Estate & Curtis Waters. The Fest will also feature a curated vendor market, a vast list of carnival-style games, interactive areas of arts & crafts, photo booths, live artist interviews/Q&A, on top of amazing food from some of Raleigh's best Food Trucks accompanied by refreshments of all sorts.

COST: $100+ per ticket

Are you ready to experience the magic of live music in a stunning intimate rustic setting? GatherStation invites you to their Summer Americana Music Series, where the Heart of Carolina's music scene comes a alive! 

Gather your family and friends for a night of music, laughter, and memories. Whether you are a local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to unwind and connect with the vibrant community around you. 

Bands: Cuttin' Grass Bluegrass, Grassomatics, Prius Off-road and UNC Music School Students led by Eliza Meyer.

COST: $5-$20 / ticket depending on package

DATES:

• Thursday, August 7th from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 14th from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 21st from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 28th from 6pm-9pm

• Special Concert led by Eliza Meyer: Saturday, August 30th from 3pm-9pm

From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone!

🗓️ Dates:
Sunday, August 24th, 2025
Saturday, September 13th, 2025

🕰️ Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
📍 Location: Fayetteville St. – Downtown Raleigh

COST: Free to attend

Join us at Midtown Park from 4-9 PM for an evening of shopping small, delicious eats, and fun for the whole family!

Shop with 30+ local businesses
Grab dinner at one of our food trucks
Sip on drinks from Williamson Mead and Brewing
Free entry!

Shop and stroll under the stars at the Night Market @ North Hills!

COST: Free to attend

Packapalooza™ is NC State’s signature all-day block party and street festival, capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 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. A cherished tradition attracting over 85,000 attendees, Packapalooza™ features more than 300 vendor booths and is supported by over 50 sponsoring organizations. Presented by Live It Up! Hillsborough Street, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss.

COST: Free to attend

Get ready for Demo Daze at Downtown Cary Park—a vibrant, interactive evening that celebrates the creative process behind the art! Inspired by the makers of the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, this event features live demonstrations across a variety of artistic mediums, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how masterpieces come to life. Watch featured artists in action, ask questions, and maybe even try your hand at their craft. With hands-on fun for all ages—including Doodle Daze, an interactive art zone just for kids hosted by children’s book author and illustrator Darren Farrell—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

It’s the perfect prelude to Lazy Daze, packed with artistry, inspiration, and a little magic in the making. Don’t miss it!

All artists will be and on-site from 6 – 9 p.m.

COST: Free to attend

Are you ready to experience the magic of live music in a stunning intimate rustic setting? GatherStation invites you to their Summer Americana Music Series, where the Heart of Carolina's music scene comes a alive! 

Gather your family and friends for a night of music, laughter, and memories. Whether you are a local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to unwind and connect with the vibrant community around you. 

Bands: Cuttin' Grass Bluegrass, Grassomatics, Prius Off-road and UNC Music School Students led by Eliza Meyer.

COST: $5-$20 / ticket depending on package

DATES:

• Thursday, August 7th from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 14th from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 21st from 6pm-9pm

• Thursday, August 28th from 6pm-9pm

• Special Concert led by Eliza Meyer: Saturday, August 30th from 3pm-9pm

Downtown Raleigh's iconic summer concert series Live After 5 returns to City Plaza with a brand new theme: Music of North Carolina featuring Chatham Rabbits and Jack The Radio. Join us for our free, family-friendly block party on NC’s Main Street with live music, food trucks, wine and beer for purchase, exclusive offerings from local businesses, and more.

COST: Free to attend

Join them at Crank Arm Brewing on August 19th from 6:30 - 8:30pm for a fun and whimsical workshop where you'll create your very own succulent fairy garden! In this hands-on class, you'll design a charming miniature world using one 3" succulent and three 2" succulents, nestled in a terracotta bulb pan. We'll provide everything you need to bring your fairy garden to life—including a tiny fairy house, live moss, decorative rocks, colorful mushrooms, and more. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or a creative beginner, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Come ready to get your hands dirty and leave with a magical garden you'll be proud to show off!

COST: $40

Each summer, local artists donate their talent and time to put on a great free show for the community.  On select Sundays from now until September 21, we will host groups performing a variety of different genres that will help set the tone for an awesome evening at these two beautiful facilities

Aug. 3 - Capital Transit
Aug. 10 - Holly Springs Community Band
Aug. 17 - Carpe Diem Sax Quartet
Sept. 7 - SWAG
Sept. 14 - Blue Notes
Sept. 21 - Tune Swingers

COST: Free to attend

Enjoy watching the NC Courage take on the Portland Thorns!

COST: Tickets vary based on seat selection

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

Join the celebration of Caribbean culture at CaribMask Carnival in Raleigh on August 16th! This vibrant event features a colorful parade, live music, traditional dances, and a variety of delicious Caribbean food. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Caribbean community in a lively and fun atmosphere.

COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)