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!
🏖️ Beach Music at North Hills 5/7
Enjoy live music from The Catalinas at Midtown Park at North Hills! Now in its 17th season, the Midtown Beach Music Series continues to be a local favorite. 6pm-9pm. Tickets and info.
😂 Brendan Sagalow at Goodnights 5/7-9
Check out Brendan Sagalow at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! 401 Woodburn Rd. More info.
🎸 Rhythm and Brews at Iron Works 5/7
Rhythm & Brews brings live music to the Yard, setting the vibe while you sip, shop, dine, and hang. Featuring a rotating weekly residency by Relay Relay + Sterling Scott. Thursdays in the Yard at Raleigh Iron Works. 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd. 5:30pm-7:30pm. More info.
🥳 Seaboard Wine’s Annual “Pink” Party 5/8
What could be better in springtime than a cool glass of fresh Rosé? Head to Seaboard Wine to sample new vintages from around the world in a casual, walk around event with 12 wines and light snacks. Drop in anytime between 6:00-7:30pm and taste at your own pace. 1914 Bernard St. More info.
🛍️ The Flourish Market Extravaganza 5/8-10
This Friday kicks off CUSTOMER APPRECIATION Weekend at The Flourish Market. It’s their way to say THANK YOU and shower you with a FREE GIFT extravaganza. The free gifts last Friday – Sunday so make plans now to visit online or in person at Raleigh Iron Works. They’ve got an incredible experience waiting for you with a special cocktail and mocktail, a fun secret surprise in their coworking space, and a team ready to bring you joy. 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. More info.
🎶 Bilmuri at Red Hat Amphitheater 5/8
Genre-bending alt vibes with equal parts chaos, humor, and catchy hooks. Bilmuri performs at Red Hat Amphitheater. 500 South McDowell St. More info.
🌟 Friday Night On White 5/8
Friday Night on White takes place in downtown Wake Forest on the second Friday of each month from April through September (unless otherwise noted). A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the free concert series features local and regional party bands playing classic rock and pop, 70s, 80s, and 90s hits, R&B dance, Top 40, and Motown favorites.
May 8 – Sleeping Booty Band
June 12 – Night Years
July 10 – Love Tribe
August 14 – The Amazing Lounge Lizards
September 11 – Liquid Pleasure
South White Street, Downtown Wake Forest. 6pm-9pm. More info.
🌼 Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days at Juniper Level Botanic Garden 5/8-10
Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery celebrate the arrival of spring and 40 years in bloom with three open garden weekends, 8-10, & 15-17 (Friday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm). Visitors are invited to explore 10 acres of display gardens, participate in free garden walks and talks with our horticultural experts, and shop the Plant Delights sales greenhouses. Local food trucks will be available for lunch, along with a bingo scavenger hunt for the kids. More info.
🎶 Architects at The Ritz 5/8
Metalcore giants Architects are bringing heavy riffs, massive breakdowns, and absolute chaos to The Ritz this weekend. More info.
🎻 Appalachian Spring with the NC Symphony 5/8-9
Experience one of America’s most iconic orchestral works performed live by the North Carolina Symphony. This moving program features Copland’s Appalachian Spring alongside other timeless classical pieces. Friday, May 8th at 12pm and 8pm, Saturday, May 9th at 8pm. More info.
😂 Martin Amini at Goodnights Comedy Club 5/8-9
Check out Martin Amini at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! 401 Woodburn Rd. More info.
🛍 Sola Mother’s Day Market 5/9
The Sola Mother’s Day Market is Saturday, May 9th from 9am – 2pm! Over 40 amazing local artists and makers will be there for a day of sipping, strolling, and shopping local. 7705 Lead Mine Rd. 9am-2pm. More info.
👩🌾 Midtown Farmers’ Market at North Hills 5/9
Head to the Midtown Raleigh Farmers’ Market for a direct connection to 35+ local vendors featuring locally produced breads, desserts, produce, nuts, dairy, meats, crafts, and more. The market fosters a community atmosphere and delivers fresh foods from producers to your table. 4191 Main at North Hills St. 8am-12pm. More info.
😂 Comedy Showcase at Incendiary Brewing 5/9
A Good Time Comedy is bringing stand-up to Incendiary Brewing in Raleigh on Saturday, May 9 at 8 PM. They’ll be turning the room into a comedy showcase with a killer lineup, cold drinks, and a night full of laughs! Featuring: Jeremy Alder, EJ Masicampo, Greg Capra, Gerry Potoka, and Carey James. They’ll have a High Rise Seltzers tasting before the show at 7pm. So grab your people, grab a drink, and come hang at Incendiary Brewing for a really fun night of stand-up in Raleigh. 612 West Morgan St. 8pm. More info.
👩🌾 Cary Farmers Market 5/9
Join the Cary Farmers Market for the traditional market season along East Park St., next to Downtown Cary Park. Find a wonderful lineup of vendors offering all locally made and locally grown items. Shop for freshly-harvested produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods. 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. 160 E. Park St., Cary. 8am-12pm. More info.
🎪 World of Oddities Expo at the State Fairgrounds 5/9-10
Welcome to WOE’s 4th Annual Raleigh Expo, a traveling celebration of all things weird, intriguing, and magically macabre! Shop till you drop from dozens of eclectic vendors and small businesses. Grab a ticket to the Deformed Exhibit to indulge in rare, preserved specimens that defy the laws of nature! Take a workshop in WOE labs and try your hand at taxidermy, or create a miniature diorama terrarium and more! Live performances throughout the day, as well as surprise guest speakers for free seminars! Whether you’re into oddities, art, fashion, science, or the culture- this is your space to celebrate what makes you unique! Expo Center at the State Fairgrounds. 11am-7pm. More info.
🧑🌾 Apex Farmers Market 5/9
The Apex Farmers Market provides fresh, local homegrown organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, pastured and sustainably farmed chicken, beef and pork, fresh farm eggs, baked goods, honey, cheeses, jams and preserves, sauces, salsas, and other artisanal food products, along with a variety of crafts. 122 N Salem St 8am-12pm. More info.
🎭 The Hobbit at Raleigh Little Theatre 5/9-10
Bilbo Baggins, one of the most reserved of all Hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover an important treasure. It’s the last thing that any sensitive Hobbit would want to do, but a great treasure lies in store – not only for Bilbo, but for all of the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth.
Saturday, May 9, 2026 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
Sunday, May 10, 2026 @ 1:00 PM
Sunday, May 10, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
This 60-minute adaptation of the beloved tale will be a delight to those children and adults who continue to enjoy the magic of Tolkien. 301 Pogue St. More info.
🎨 Pet Paint & Sip at Unleashed 5/9
Let your dog or cat find their inner artist at Unleashed’s monthly Pet Paint & Sip! Their staff will help you create your pet’s very own masterpiece. They’ll add paint to a canvas, cover it with a plastic bag, and let your dog or cat lick peanut butter or wet food off the top to reveal their one-of-a-kind work of art! This month’s theme and drink is “Tea Pawty.” Suggested donation: $10.00 (no sign-up necessary). All donations support local rescues! Come make art, get your pet a treat, and give back! 1pm-4pm. More info.
🛍️ Cary Vintage Market 5/9
Cary’s only monthly vintage market is back! Hosted at Vicious Fishes Brewery & South Line Brewing Company in the West End Biergarten, this family friendly market features women’s and men’s vintage clothing, vintage jewelry and accessories, permanent jewelry, craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies (nonalcoholic and alcoholic options available), Craft coffee cart & espresso cocktails, Food truck, and Live music. PLUS adoptable rescue pups and more! This event is both family-friendly and dog-friendly! 12pm-5pm. More info.
🌸 Raleigh’s Spring Festival at Moore Square 5/9
Celebrate spring and mom with a fun-filled day at Moore Square! Enjoy food trucks, desserts, beer & wine, live music, fun performers, local vendors, shopping, face painting, games, prizes, and more. Best Mom Dance! Solid hour of dancing 70s costumes … Best dance and costume wins! Register below 11am-7pm. More info.
🎤 Caifanes at The Ritz 5/9
Legendary Mexican rock band Caifanes brings their iconic sound and decades of hits to the Ritz. More info.
🍔 Kids Food Fest at Downtown Cary Park 5/9-10
The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Downtown Cary Park is a weekend of hands-on activities that teach families how to make balanced food choices. Enjoy cooking workshops, James Beard Foundation Future Foodies classes, live entertainment, and community partner activities. Play the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt and win goody bag prizes while learning through fun and flavor! 327 S. Academy St., Cary. 10am-4pm. More info.
✈️ Family Fun Day: Airplanes at COR Museum 5/9
Learn about the history of planes in North Carolina, enjoy airplane-themed crafts, and take a picture with a cardboard plane! All supplies will be included. This program is free and fun for all ages. 220 Fayetteville St. 11am-2pm. More info.
😂 Kel Perez at Goodnights Comedy Club 5/10
Check out Kel Perez at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! 401 Woodburn Rd. More info.
🍎 Black Farmers’ Market Raleigh 5/10
The Black Farmers’ Market is opening the season at their new home at Montague Plaza. Enjoy fresh food. amazing finds, music, and more! 2718 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh. 1pm-4pm. More info.
😂 Did You Eat Yet? at Goodnights Comedy Club 5/10
Join Goodnights Comedy Club for a special stand-up comedy showcase featuring the best Asian-American and Pacific Islander stand-up comics from across the region as they celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. This is a Mother’s Day event, so bring your moms and let ’em know you ate already! 401 Woodburn Rd. More info.
🧘♀️ Free Yoga in the Galleries at City of Raleigh Museum 5/10
Yoga in the Galleries is a free program designed to welcome participants of all ages and yoga backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, this inclusive session provides a wonderful opportunity to unwind and reconnect with yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the museum. Bring your own mat, tools and water. Taught by Elizabeth Comtois, registered yoga teacher and founder of Embodied Yoga. 220 Fayetteville St. 2pm-3pm. More info.
🎶 Live Music
5/7 Madeline Goldstein at The Pour House – Tickets
5/8 Yarn at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/8 SoDown at The Pour House – Tickets
5/9 Disciple of The Garden – Tribute to Chris Cornell, Soundgarden, Audioslave at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/9 Live Dead & Brothers: An All-Star Celebration of Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers at The Pour House – Tickets
5/10 Magnolia Park at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
5/10 The Hip Snacks at The Pour House – Tickets
