The October 24 event invites Raleigh to dress the part, sip unlimited wine, shop local and compete for Best Catalina Couple, Best Yacht Club Look and more.
Raleigh, it’s time to get your yacht-club look ready. The NC Catalina Wine Mixer is coming to The Exchange Raleigh on Saturday, October 24, from noon to 5 p.m., bringing wine, live music, local food, shopping and a healthy dose of fun to Raleigh for an afternoon unlike your typical wine festival.
The inaugural event takes its inspiration from the legendary Catalina Wine Mixer featured in the film Step Brothers and turns the concept into a Raleigh experience of its own.
One cup. Unlimited sampling. Live music. Local food. Local businesses. And a very strong suggestion that you dress like you own a yacht.
Think loafers, seersucker, nautical stripes, linen, white suits, sunglasses and big hats. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme, with prizes and bragging rights up for grabs in contests including Best Catalina Couple, Best Yacht Club Look and Best Hat, with more surprises throughout the afternoon.
“We wanted to create an event that people would genuinely be excited to get dressed up for, bring their friends to and talk about afterward,” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Shop Local Raleigh. “The Catalina Wine Mixer is intentionally a little over-the-top, a little ridiculous and a lot of fun, but underneath all of that is a great opportunity to showcase local wine, food and businesses and get people connected with the community.”
A Wine Mixer, Raleigh Style
Guests will receive a tasting cup and enjoy unlimited wine sampling while exploring local vendors, food options and live music at The Exchange.
The afternoon will feature:
- 🍷 Unlimited wine sampling with a tasting cup (*commemorative cup to first 150 ticket buyers)
- 🎶 Live music from Modern Woman: The All-Female Billy Joel Tribute Experience
- 🚚 Local food from Levy’s Jerkstand, Smothered and The Corner Venezuelan
- 🛍️ Local makers, artisans and small businesses
- 👒 Catalina-themed contests: Best Catalina Couple, Best Yacht Club Look and Best Hat
- 📸 Photo-worthy Catalina moments and experiences
- 🤝 Opportunities to discover and support local Raleigh businesses
The event’s vendor lineup showcases the diversity of Raleigh’s small-business community, with participating businesses offering jewelry, art, handmade goods, candles, flowers, apparel and specialty products.
And while the NC Catalina Wine Mixer name is inspired by a movie, the focus is very much on the local community.
Shop Local Raleigh is using the event as an opportunity to connect attendees with local businesses not just during the festival, but throughout the entire Catalina experience. From finding the perfect outfit and getting Catalina-ready to grabbing a bite before or after the event, attendees are encouraged to shop, dine and explore locally.
“This isn’t just about putting a bunch of vendors in one place for five hours,” said Martin. “We want people to discover a local business they haven’t visited before, find their new favorite restaurant, meet a maker or leave thinking, ‘We need to come back here.’ That’s what Shop Local Raleigh is all about.”
And About That Drum Solo… The event organizers aren’t making any promises.
The NC Catalina Wine Mixer is designed to become an annual Raleigh tradition, a celebration of wine, food, music, local businesses and the simple joy of getting together and having a really good time.
You don’t need a yacht. You don’t need a yacht club membership. You don’t even need to know anything about wine. You just need to show up.
Tickets are available now for $35 and include unlimited wine sampling. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and come dressed for the occasion.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: NC Catalina Wine Mixer
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12–5 p.m.
WHERE: The Exchange Raleigh, 1000 Social St., Raleigh, NC 27609
TICKETS: $35, including unlimited wine sampling
FEATURING: Wine tastings, local food, live music, local vendors, artisans, shopping, contests and interactive experiences
LIVE MUSIC: Modern Woman: The All-Female Billy Joel Tribute Experience
Tickets and additional event information: https://shoplocalraleigh.org/nc-catalina-wine-mixer/
More information: Shop Local Raleigh – NC Catalina Wine Mixer
Drink tickets: Purchase tickets online
About Shop Local Raleigh
Shop Local Raleigh (SLR) is part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support their independent businesses. Shop Local Raleigh is about connecting, supporting and growing independent businesses to strengthen and enrich our community. SLR currently serves over 880 locally owned and independent businesses. Businesses and consumers can learn more at www.shoplocalraleigh.org.
