Things to do
What's coming up around town, and the standbys that are good any weekend of the year.
Happening soon
On the calendar next
Raleigh's calendar runs on annual traditions. These are the next six worth planning around — dates shift slightly each year, so confirm before you drive in.
September
Downtown venues
Hopscotch Music Festival
Three days, a dozen venues, and day parties in parking lots. The weekend downtown feels biggest.
October
Fairgrounds
NC State Fair
Eleven days, a million people, and fried everything. Park at a church lot and walk in.
November
Hillsborough Street
Raleigh Christmas Parade
One of the oldest in the Southeast. Blankets, thermoses, and a street packed by 8am.
December
Downtown
First Night Raleigh
A family-friendly New Year's Eve with an acorn drop at midnight — yes, a giant copper acorn.
January
Downtown
Winterfest at Red Hat Amphitheater
Outdoor ice skating downtown with the skyline behind you. Runs through the first week of the month.
February
Citywide
Raleigh Restaurant Week
Prix-fixe menus at kitchens that are hard to get into the rest of the year. Reserve early.
Good any weekend
Free
The museums
Natural Sciences and History flank Bicentennial Plaza and cost nothing. The Art Museum's park and trails are open dawn to dusk.
Saturday
Markets
State Farmers Market year-round, plus neighborhood markets in Midtown, Five Points and Wake Forest on weekend mornings.
Game day
Wolfpack and Canes
NC State football and basketball, and Carolina Hurricanes hockey at Lenovo Center — the loudest room in the state.
Visiting for a weekend?
I'll put together an itinerary around the neighborhoods you're considering — showings included.
Plan a visit