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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Beach Music at North Hills 5/22
Enjoy live music from Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot at North Hills! 6pm-9pm. Tickets and info.
Sunset Social at The Bend 5/22
Sip cocktails, support local creatives and gather while the sun sets at The Bend Bar! Pop-Up Raleigh’s newest collaboration, Sunset Social at The Bend, is a casual gathering space for the Raleigh community. 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.
Matthew Broussard at Goodnights Comedy Club 5/22-23
Check out Matthew Broussard at Goodnights Comedy Club! Broussard is a disgraced financial analyst forced into stand up-comedy. He’s performed on “The Tonight Show,” “CONAN,” “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle,” “The Comedy Central Half Hour,” and some stuff with MTV2 he doesn’t like to talk about. You can catch him in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The League,” “The Mindy Project,” and alongside Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the film “Here Today.” He is the creator of the webcomic and puzzle app, “Monday Punday.” More info. and tickets
Moana 2 at Downtown Cary Park 5/23
In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, head to Downtown Cary Park for Moana 2 (PG), curated by The Cary Theater. Come early to enjoy pre-screening activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, a visit from Moana herself with a sing-along session, and swim safety tips and giveaways from Goldfish Swim School of Cary. Prescreening activities are from 6-8pm. The film will begin at sunset, approximately 8:20 pm
6-7:30 p.m.: Arts and Crafts in the Academy Pavilion
6-8 p.m.: Swim Safety Booth with the Goldfish Swim School of Cary on the Great Lawn
6:30-8 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Moana on the Great Lawn
7:30 p.m.: Sing-a-long with Moana on the Great Lawn
Grab your cushions, blankets, and chairs for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film. Food trucks will also be on site. 6pm-10pm. More info.
Hartwell Friday 5/23
Head to Hartwell for pizza from Bella Pizza Pasta, Italian ice from Nikki’s Delightful Treats, and live music from Kai Wilson. 5pm-9pm More info.
KidsWrite! 2025 at Burning Coal Theatre 5/23-24
Every spring, Burning Coal Theatre receives play submissions from local 6th-12th graders that are then professionally produced for the public. This is a terrific opportunity for budding playwrights to challenge their imagination and bring their stories to life on stage. Finalists will have their work professionally produced and performed in front of an audience at Burning Coal Theatre. More info. and tickets
Animazement Convention 5/23-25
Raleigh’s premier Japanese animation and culture convention returns to the Raleigh Convention Center! More info.
Wine Tasting Friday at Taylor’s Wine Shop 5/23
Free wine tasting at Taylor’s Wine Shop 5:30-7pm More info.
Carolina Fear Fest 5/23-25
Gather with fellow horror film enthusiasts for a weekend of fright and celebrity guests. Shop one-of-a-kind horror art, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, oddities, and official collectables from makers, crafters, artists, and collectors. Discuss horror in fan-led panel discussions, behind the scenes, and celebrity Q&A’s, plus hands-on horror workshops, and more. NC State Fairgrounds, Jim Graham Building. More info.
Vendor Fair at Treelight Square 5/24
Join Community Pop Ups NC or a special pop-up market at Sonder Coffee in Wendell. They’re partnering with Sonder Coffee to bring you a fun day of shopping, great coffee, and supporting local businesses. Browse through a variety of vendors offering unique handmade goods, boutique clothing, home décor, and more, all while enjoying a delicious drink from one of Wendell’s favorite coffee spots. 9am-2pm. More info.
Coffee+Craft Market at Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen 5/24
Sip your favorite coffee, munch on signature breakfast tacos, explore handmade goods, and celebrate the best of our creative community at Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen. 555 Fayetteville St. 10am-3pm. More info.
Night Market at North Hills 5/24
Events By Heather NC invites you to stroll under the stars as you explore an eclectic collection of hand-poured candles, artisanal jewelry, bath and body care, and stylish home goods. Admire the intricate work of crochet artists, stunning pottery, and visual art that tells a story. You’ll also find foodie delights like homemade sourdough, locally crafted hot sauce, and bites from some of the best food trucks in the area. With local vendors, food trucks, live music, and an ambiance that’s fun for everyone (even your pup!), it’s the ultimate way to unwind after a busy week. 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St. 4pm-9pm More info.
Monét X Change at Goodnights Comedy Club
Check out Monét X Change at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Monét has traveled the globe with her one-woman show, Call Me by Monét, as well as hosting and performing in the Werq the World tour. Monét is currently focusing her hilarious and oftentimes socio-political humor as the host of her own talk show, the X Change Rate, and co-hosting the Sibling Rivalry podcast and tour. More info. and tickets
NC Sugar Rush in City Plaza 5/25
Get ready to sugarcoat your Sunday! NC Sugar Rush is back and sweeter than ever. Indulge your inner dessert lover at Raleigh’s ultimate outdoor dessert festival, featuring: 25+ Dessert vendors, 20+ Local vendors, Free Axe Throwing from The Crazy Axe, live music, line dancing, DJs, and more! City Plaza 12pm-6pm. More info.
Brunch, Bubbles, and Beats at Hartwell 5/25
Head to Hartwell on Sunday, May 25th. They’ll be brunching with Good Mornings Breakfast Truck, beats, and mimosa specials all day! 12pm-3pm More info.
All Dogs Allowed Grooming Rehab Seminar 5/25
Does your dog struggle with grooming? Are nail trims and baths a nightmare for your furry friends? Let All Dogs Allowed and Mosa Pet Spa help! Mosa is a fear-free certified groomer who has helped rehabilitate dogs that once needed sedation during grooming. Join them for an informative seminar where they’ll cover:
Building Bonds Through Repetition
Proper Tool Use & Introduction
Reading & Responding to Canine Body Language
Overcoming Past Experiences
Learn how to make your fur friends feel at ease! More info.
Watch and Drive Party at Apex Racing Lab 5/25
Memorial Day Weekend is about to hit top speed at Apex Racing Lab! Join them for the BIGGEST day in motorsports: a full throttle, back-to-back, fuel-burning race party with the community that lives for the checkered flag. Here’s the race day triple-header lineup:
F1 Grand Prix | Monaco streets, pure precision
Indy 500 | Iconic oval, full send
NASCAR Coke 600 | Under the lights in Charlotte
They’ve got the screens, sound, sim rigs, drinks, and snacks to keep you racing all day long! More info.
Live Shows
5/22 Nordista Freeze with Astrocat, Ooze Box at The Pour House – Tickets
5/22 Raveena Presents: Where the Butterflies Tour in the Rain at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/23 nothing good. w/ Old Brier, Camisole, Bedroom Division at The Pour House – Tickets
5/23 Barstool Rodeo the music of Widespread Panic at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/24 Time Out of Mind An Evening of Bob Dylan at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/24 Los Acoustic Guys at The Pour House – Tickets
5/25 Riff Raff w/ Mac Delin, TPMG at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/26 Little Foot/Matt Pless at The Pour House – Tickets
