Local Things To Do In Raleigh This Weekend – August 1, 2025

Local Things To Do In Raleigh

We’ve got your weekend lineup, Raleigh! Check out these local things to do to keep you busy this weekend!

Every week, we curate a list of local things to do in and around Raleigh. Our goal is to uplift local businesses and connect you with fun, community-driven experiences.
We prioritize events from our Shop Local Raleigh members, offering you the best local experiences. Want to add your event to our list? Consider becoming a Shop Local Raleigh member or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X(Twitter) to stay in the loop on all things local. Let’s get out and show some local love to our community!

📚 Jennifer Dasal at Quail Ridge Books 7/31
Raleigh author Jennifer Dasal returns to Quail Ridge Books to discuss her new book “The Club”! Dasal is the creator and host of the ArtCurious podcast, which has been featured in multiple publications, including O, the Oprah Magazine. She is also the author of ArtCurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History. Dasal is the former curator of modern and contemporary art at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Tickets include a copy of The Club, entry to the event, and a seat in the reserved section. Jennifer will sign books after the program. 7pm. Tickets and info.

🎸 Rhythm & Brews at Iron Works 7/31
Grab a brew and listen to some tunes at Raleigh Iron Works. 6pm-9pm More info.

🎥 Movie Night at Moore Square 8/1
Get ready for a night of food trucks, live music, games, local vendors, and a screening of “Inside Out 2” at Moore Square! Food Trucks & Market 5pm-9pm, Live Music 5:30pm-7pm, Outdoor Movie: Inside Out 2 (2024) 7:30pm. This is a FREE community event presented by Get 2 Know Raleigh. More info. and free registration

🌜 Friday Nights at Sweetwater 8/1
Kick off your weekend with 30+ local vendors, drinks, sweet treats, live music, kids activities, and more at Sweetwater Town Center! 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC 27523. 6pm-10pm More info.

🖼️ First Friday at Glenwood Fine Art 8/1
Join Glenwood Fine Art for a fun evening of great art, light bites, and engaging conversations. Discover fresh, inspiring art from their award-winning circle of fine artists. 20 Glenwood Ave. 6pm-8pm. More info.

🍾 Rosé Tasting at Hartwell 8/1
What’s better than an ice cold glass of rosé in the middle of summer? How about a FREE tasting of 5 of Hartwell’s favorites from all over the world! Proof Wine & Spirits will be pouring and answering all of your questions. Stay for the pizza, cool off with Frios gourmet pops, and listen to live music from J Candeed. 620 W South St. 6pm. More info.

🎉 Casa Imperial Finery Grand Opening 8/1
Come celebrate with Casa Imperial Finery and catch some amazing deals as everything store wide is 15% off. They’ll also have complimentary drinks and appetizers from 6pm-9pm. 120 S Wilmington Street Suite 135. First Friday hours: 11am-9pm. More info.

😂 Tacarra Williams at Goodnights Comedy Club 8/1-3
Check out Tacarra Williams at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Tickets 

🎸 Shop & Rock in City Plaza 8/1
Raleigh Shop and Rock is taking over City Plaza on Friday. Check out local vendors, food trucks, live music, and more from NC Vibes. City Plaza. 2pm-9pm More info. 

🎭 Godspell, Jr. at Burning Coal Theatre 8/1-2
From the composer and lyricist of Wicked: The Musical, comes this vibrant and uplifting musical that will leave you feeling inspired and connected. Presented by Burning Coal Theatre’s Summer Theatre Conservatory 2025: GODSPELL JR. Directed by Nathalie Ray. August 1st – 7pm, August 2nd – 2pm and 7pm. 224 Polk Street. Tickets

😂 Michael Rowland at Goodnights Comedy Club 8/1-3
Check out Michael Rowland at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Tickets

⚽ NC Courage vs. San Diego 8/2
Join the NC Courage for a match night that celebrates the spirit of North Carolina and the iconic Durham Bulls and Carolina Hurricanes. Enjoy interactive experiences with the Bulls and Canes including player appearances, team mascots, and autographed items. Bring your NC passion to the match for a night that celebrates our community! WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. 7:30pm Tickets

😂 Chente Ydrach at Goodnights Comedy Club 8/2
Check out Chente Ydrach at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! This show is completely in Spanish with no translation. More info.

🧑‍🌾 Midtown Farmers’ Market at North Hills 8/2
Get ready for an abundance of fresh veggies, award-winning baked goods, freshly ground coffee, and much more at North Hills. 8am-12pm. More info.

🍿 Triangle Native American Film Fest at The Rialto 8/2
The inaugural Triangle Native American Film Festival, hosted by the Triangle Native American Society, will be held at The Rialto this Saturday. Featuring: Lumbeeland by NC filmmaker Malinda Maynor Lowery (Lumbee), Courage by LA producer Eric Hernandez (Lumbee), and a wide range of Indigenous short films by Sundance Indigenous filmmakers from various Tribal Nations across the country. The event will include panels with filmmakers, producers, and actors, food trucks featuring local Native chefs, an interactive filmmaking tutorial by Lee Francis (Laguna Pueblo) Indigenous Imagination Lab, and more. 1620 Glenwood Ave. 2:00 pm. More info.

🐶 Puppy Yoga at Crank Arm Brewing 8/2
Head to Crank Arm Brewing for puppies, yoga, and beer, all in support of Children’s Flight of Hope! Enjoy a 60-minute cuddle filled Yoga class. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, there will be some available if needed but they are limited. Half of all proceeds will go to support Children’s Flight of Hope! 10:30am-11:30am. 319 W Davie St. More info.

🥳 Unlikely Professionals at North Hills Grand Opening 8/2
The newest Unlikely Professionals location is now open at Makers Alley in North Hills! They’ll have music, food, beer and wine, and more! 540 Saint Albans St. #114. 12pm-3pm. More info.

🛍️ The Market at NCMA 8/2
Join Triangle Pop-Up at the NC Museum of Art for a local artist market series. Browse the galleries, enjoy the museum park, and shop local! 11am-4pm. More info. 

🧑‍🌾 Farmers Market at Downtown Cary Park 8/2
Shop for freshly-harvested produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods at the Cary Farmers Market. Children can also get their very own Farmers Market Passport and participate in the Eat-A-Rainbow program, which encourages children to eat healthy, nutritious foods. 8am-12pm. More info. 

🏋️‍♂️ Dad and Me Workout at LITT Fitness 8/2
It’s time to trade those dad jokes for dumbbells! Join LITT Fitness for a special Dad & Me Workout. Expect partner drills, high-fives, games, and a whole lot of fun with your little one. Ages 1–14 (for infants please contact LUANDBRITT@LITTFITNESS.COM). Free for members, $10 for guests (dad + kid). 5500 Atlantic Springs Rd. 10:30am. More info.

🛍️ Cary Underground Market at Bond Brothers 8/3
The MAKRS Society is hosting their monthly market and concert series! Shop with 40+ local vendors, enjoy live music, food trucks, and more at Bond Brothers Beer. 12pm-4pm. More info.

🍽️ Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week
Immerse yourself in the one-of-a-kind flavors of Downtown Raleigh. With over 85% of downtown restaurants locally owned and independent, this is your chance to explore the culinary heart of the city while supporting home-grown businesses that make our food scene truly special. More info.

🎤 Live Shows
7/31 Thomas Rhett at Coastal Credit Union Music ParkTickets

8/1 ​​Sleeping Booty w/ Power Child at Lincoln TheatreTickets

8/1 Kash’d Out at The Pour House  – Tickets

8/2 Knot Your Kind (Slipknot Tribute) / New Level / Killed By Death at Lincoln TheatreTickets

8/2 Duck w/ Jacuzzi, The Regulars at The Pour House  – Tickets

8/2 The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse at Red Hat AmphitheaterTickets

8/2 An Evening With Dan Carlin at Martin Marietta CenterTickets

8/3 Kesha and Scissor Sisters at Coastal Credit Union Music ParkTickets

shoplcoalraleigh-Join Now
Locally owned? We’re here for you. SLR is the only nonprofit in town that represents local business through advocacy, marketing, connecting the community and more. We’re like a chamber of commerce but we’re also the only organization that markets our members directly to consumers through shoplocalraleig.org, social media and newsletters.