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.
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🌇 Sunset Social at The Bend 8/28
Sip cocktails, support local creatives and gather while the sun sets at The Bend Bar! Nestled between the expansive decks and twinkle lights will be original art, pottery, sweet treats, slow fashion, woodworking, small batch goods and more. 853 West Morgan St. 4-8pm. More info.
🎷 Jazz In The Square 8/28
Enjoy live jazz from NCCU Jazz Collective right in the heart of Moore Square. Food and Drink Vendors – 8/28 (Subject to Change) Hollywood Taco Shop, Shawerma Bowl, Lucky Tree, Raleigh Popsicle Co., and Red, White, and Bubbly. Grab your friends, blankets, and chairs for an evening of great music. 6pm-8pm. More info.
🏈 NC State vs. ECU at Carter-Finley 8/28
College football kicks off as the Wolfpack take on the Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium. 7pm More info.
😂 Serialously Live with Annie Elise at Goodnights 8/28
Check out Serialously with Annie Elise at Goodnights Comedy Club! Listeners will have the unique opportunity to experience her storytelling in person and dive deeper into the fascinating world of true crime. Join your true crime bestie, Annie Elise, on this unforgettable journey! 7pm Tickets
🎸 Rhythm & Brews at Iron Works 8/28
Grab a brew and listen to some tunes at Raleigh Iron Works. 6pm-9pm More info.
🐦 Live Music In Birdie’s Backyard 8/29
Grab a drink and enjoy free live music from Cam Cokas on the patio at Birdie’s. 5pm-8pm. 150 Fayetteville Street. More info.
😂 Bryan Callen at Goodnights 8/29-30
Check out Byran Callen at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Callen is an actor, comedian, and podcaster. He is best known for his recurring role as “Coach Mellor” on ABC’s Schooled and The Goldbergs and as one of the original cast members of MadTV. Callen has also appeared in TV and films including Kingdom, Hangover 1 & 2, Ride Along, Sex and the City, Old School, Entourage, Californication, and many more. Tickets
🌜 Apex Night Market 8/29
Local handmade artists, food trucks, games, entertainment from The Night Market Co. Apex Night Markets are located at the IONNA Rechargery in Salem, near Apex Town Hall. 400 N Salem St, Apex, NC 5pm-9pm More info.
🪴 Fall Plant Sale at Homewood Nursery 8/29
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center’s Fall Plant Sale starts Friday, Aug. 29! Stock up on fresh plants for the fall planting season between Aug. 29th and Sept. 13th and get 25% off hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials. They’ll receive fresh shipments through the sale, and their friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to help you find the right plants for your yard and answer your questions! 10809 Honeycutt Rd. More info.
☀️ The Summer I Turned Hoppy at Hartwell 8/29
Summer crushes fade, but beer, tacos, and good vibes are forever. Hartwell is throwing back one last toast to summer with a FREE beer tasting featuring summer favorites from Hopfly Brewing Co., Fonta Flora Brewery, and Resident Culture Brewing Co.! Stay for the live music, candle-making, and tacos from Los 2 Garcias. 5pm-9pm. 620 W South St. More info.
💃 Discover Dance: Latin Session at Downtown Cary Park 8/29
Join Mambo Dinamico Dance Company and experience vibrant Latin rhythms like Mambo, Rumba, Cha-cha, Merengue, and more—brought to life with live music by Sabrosura! Watch, enjoy, and learn about the vibrant music, dance, and culture. These experienced dancers and instructors will guide you through a few dance steps, ensuring that the whole family can join in on the fun! Dive into the rich traditions and rhythms, and create memorable moments together as you experience the joy of dance! More info.
😂 Zar The Star at Goodnights Comedy Club 8/29-31
Check out Zar the Star at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Tickets
⚽️ NCFC vs. Hartford Athletics 8/30
“Do or do not. There is no try.” Welcome to the NCFC Star Wars galaxy! Meet fan-fav characters, show off your Star Wars fandom with finish-the-line movie trivia, and even whip out those Light Sabers for a friendly battle. It’s soccer. It’s sci-fi adventure. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! Cheer on NCFC as they take on the Hartford Athletics. 7:30pm Tickets
🧑🌾 Midtown Farmers’ Market at North Hills 8/30
Get ready for an abundance of fresh veggies, award-winning baked goods, freshly ground coffee, and much more at North Hills. More info.
🌇 Sunset Yoga at NC Art Museum 8/30
Join Umbrella Dry Bar for Sunset Yoga + Functional Cocktails at the NC Art Museum’s Top Overlook. Start your evening with a refreshing, ready-to-drink cocktail—crafted with adaptogens designed to help you relax and find your zen. Then, settle into a gentle yoga flow from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, led by an experienced instructor. After, you’ll have an additional handmade functional cocktail and mingle as the sun continues to go down. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete newbie, this class is designed to make everyone feel at ease while enjoying the soothing atmosphere of the sunset. Don’t forget your mat! 6pm-8pm. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. More info.
🧑🌾 Farmers Market at Downtown Cary Park 8/30
Shop for freshly-harvested produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods at Downtown Cary Park. 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.
🎉 African American Cultural Festival 8/30-31
Celebrate community, culture, and creativity at the 16th Annual African American Cultural Festival. Happening August 30–31 on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh! Come feel the heartbeat of a people through music, art, food, and storytelling that honors the past while inspiring the future. It’s more than a festival, it’s a homecoming! More info.
📖 Book Fair for Grown Ups at The Studio 8/30
Calling all book lovers! Come capture that Scholastic Book Fair feeling again with a 90s themed celebration! The Studio will have:
🚌 Gus McGee Book Co with expertly curated used books
📸 90s themed photobooth
☕️ Iced coffee + Matcha from Secret Garden Coffee Club
📕 Bookish Gifts
🎨 Friendship bracelet DIY station
🌈 Shop the grown up version of your favorite Scholastic treats
🛍️ 25+ Local artists to shop with
👕 7 Vintage Vendors with the best curated finds for home + Clothing
Come shop and relive the nostalgia from 11am-3pm. 106 W Chatham St. Downtown Apex. More info.
🥳 Cozy Panda Presents: The Summer Bash 8/31
Join Cozy Panda Event Co for their Summer Bash Vendor Market in collaboration with The Backyard Bar – a sun-soaked celebration filled with activities for all ages. Whether you’re bringing the whole crew or flying solo, there’s something here for everyone! What’s In Store?
Food Trucks
Games
Live Music (Kat Taylor 12-3pm, Story Charlemagne 3-5pm)
Pottery Painting
Vendor Village
Face Painting
Free Goodies
Grab your sunscreen, your favorite people, and your sense of adventure, it’s time to celebrate summer in the most Cozy Panda way possible! 12-5pm. The Backyard Bar. 2901 U.S. 64 Apex, NC 27523. More info.
😂 Bubba Dub at Goodnights 8/31
Check out Bubba Dub at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Tickets
🐶 Labor of Love Open House and Supply Drive 9/1
Join Saving Grace for an afternoon of tail wags, puppy kisses, and community spirit — all to benefit the pups! What to Expect:
✔️ Tour the Funny Farm
✔️ Meet adorable, adoptable dogs
✔️ Learn how you can help
They’re in need of supplies! If you’re able to donate, please bring used towels & sheets, canned dog food, 55-gallon trash bags, and Harris Teeter gift cards (used to buy items for enrichment and to dispense medications).
Let’s come together to show these pups some love. Bring your friends, your family, and your big heart! Free but registration is appreciated
🎸 Live Music
8/28 Me Like Bees with Parrotfish, Cherry Motel at The Pour House – Tickets
8/29 Codd Dubz at The Pour House – Tickets
8/29 Sun.Moon.Stars (Black Sabbath tribute) at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
8/29 J.Vo & Co at Cannonball Music Hall at Raleigh Iron Works – More Info.
8/29 Orchestra Noir Presents: The Culture 2000 Tour at Martin Marietta Center – Tickets
8/30 Persimmon, Newspaper Taxis, Buck Swope at Cannonball Music Hall – Tickets
8/30 Averly Morillo at Martin Marietta Center – Tickets
8/30 Sabrina Carpenter Listening Party at The Pour House – Tickets
8/30 Greylan Hall & The Nasty Kings w/ Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse at The Pour House – Tickets
8/30 I Love The 80’s & 90’s “Nike vs. Adidas Party” featuring DJ Skillz & Friends at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
8/31 Conserving Our Future Fundraiser Show at The Pour House – Tickets
