This market boasts 75 acres of indoor and outdoor vendor space where you can sample and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and gift products from farmers across the state. If you love shopping and picking up unique items on your travels, then these are some of the best places for shopping fans to go on a spree. We finally went in 2021 and had a blast, and sadly the hurricane in 2022 kept us away! This is one of the finest cultural institutes in the whole state. Bodies of Water Parks. One of the most fun things to do in Raleigh is to go to the North Carolina Museum of Art. Here are 30-plus free (or nearly free) experiences and attractions that can anchor any trip to the area. Start (or end) with a drink at Pelagic Beer and Wine on North Person St, one of the coolest neighborhood watering holes in Raleigh. If you'll be in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 17, 2023, there are three can't-miss events happening around the city. We have reviews of the best places to see in Raleigh. Read our full post on why Lake Johnson is our favorite lake. READ MORE: Guide to Bond Park and Lake in Cary and our guide to the Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival in Cary. READ MORE: Where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh. The Friday Night Block Party features all-you-can-sample 3 oz pours. Buy some art and dance the jig a little! Some of golfs best attend the SAS Championship. Things To Do in Raleigh, NC | Festivals, Shopping & Attractions Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Pop your name and email below: We typically write from personal experience, so if were sharing it with you, you can bet weve vetted it as a worthy festival or event to attend. There are plenty of parking garages in the city, and parking is free on the streets on weekends! Popular places include: Brunch in Raleigh has become a big deal. Well have a post coming soon with all our tips for making it work. 15-minutes from downtown Raleigh is one of North Carolinas best state parks, Umstead State Park, which offers great hiking trails, biking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding opportunities. In case you dont know, Krispy Kreme was born and bred in North Carolina, just up the road from Raleigh in Winston-Salem, and the second original store is right here on N Person Street. Each of the beaches on theNC coastoffer a unique experience no matter your style and budget. The 27-mile Neuse River Greenway trail is considered the gem of the 180-mile Capital Area Greenway system. Grab yourself a coffee or hot chocolate, or thanks toSip and Strollmaybe something a little stronger and enjoy the art displays on the streets and in storefront windows. For an incredible fine dining experience in Raleigh, head to Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern set in a historic, circa-1879 Second Empire house. People travel from far and wide to The City of Oaks to attend concerts, conventions, and celebrations in this interesting and diverse city. See our video from 2022! Of course, the weather isnt always rainbows and sunshine but that doesnt matter as there are plenty of rainy-day things to do in Raleigh NC to add to your bucket list! Looking for top Raleigh attractions for kids? 30 Free Things to Do in Raleigh, N.C. Whats better than great beer? Check the specific event website for more information on ticket prices, times, and parking options as it can vary widely and change each year. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. If you love learning about local history and walking nature trails, put Yates Mill County Park on your list of historical things to do in Raleigh NC. Parking is can be tough at times. Try a new chocolate recipe . Artsplosure is another of the annual Raleigh events and features over 175 visual artists showcasing their original works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Raleigh for Couples (Updated 2023) Read our guide here. Some of our favorite beaches include Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Ocracoke Island and the beaches on the Outer Banks. Set on NC State Universitys Centennial Campus and close to downtown, yet you feel like a million miles away. Come along to see all manner of hand built, gravity-powered cars disguised as everything from sharks to cake slices barrel downhill to the tune of cheering neighbors, all racing for the Kirby Cup. We finally got a membership. Hiking trails and campgrounds are open to the public, and there's even horseback riding, if that's more your speed. If you found this post on top festivals and events in Raleigh for 2023 helpful, please consider sharing it. The Biggest Events of February in Raleigh, N.C. One of the biggest golf events in Wake County is the long-running annual PGA Tour Champions event held in Prestonwood Cary. The Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival, or Asia Fest, is a chance to celebrate Asian culture, diversity, and history. At the northern end youll find the North Carolina State Capitol Building, at the southern end is the Performing Arts Center (about a 10-minute walk between each). Hayes Barton is one of the must eat places in Raleigh loyal fans flock here for their HUGE and delicious cakes. At one of the biggest events in Raleigh, youll be joined by celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and other fans dressed in their best costumes. William B. Umstead State Park N.C.'s most visited state park maintains its status as a peaceful and affordable getaway Here you will find a splash pad, Square Burger, and nearby is the old City Market, restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, and Marbles Kids Museum. Difficult to park here, but very family and dog friendly walk, about 3 miles all the way around the lake. Independence Day events in Raleigh and the Triangle. Started by NC State University students, this fun run starts at the NC State campus, then you run 2.5 miles to Krispy Kreme, then attempt to consume 12 doughnuts (2400 calories),, then run 2.5 miles back. A true Raleigh hidden gem! There you have it. If you havent been to Wake Forest yet, this is your chance to explore this cute town northeast of Downtown Raleigh. Read more: 13 Places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Raleigh. I also recommend getting a locopop while there. The festival features the best performers and musicians in the national and international bluegrass scene each year, including some new up and coming artists. The CAM is popular among local residents and every exhibition is unique and designed to be thought-provoking and transformative and offers free admission. PODCAST: Breweries in Raleigh we keep returning to. Of course, devouring doughnuts is optional. Top 10 Things To Do in Raleigh, NC | Family-Friendly Activities You can do some Christmas shopping, have photos with Santa, and dance to a few Christmas tunes. We always strive to shop local in Raleigh and support small local retailers who contribute so much to the local economy and fabric of the city. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)known as "N.C.'s hiking trail"stretches more than 1,000 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, cutting through North Raleigh near Falls Lake and the Neuse River Greenway Trail along the way. This was such a great find while visiting the city! The theme was the Roaring Twenties and they brought it to life! Choose from 20 different food concepts showcasing local eateries. Beech Mountain. 90+ Things to Do in Raleigh NC (Bucket List for 2023) - MSN We found theMagic of Lights experience at Coastal Credit Union Music Parkto be more of a dramatic experience with bigger light displays (and the fun singing heads). And her Macaroni au gratin is one of the most well-known and famous dishes in Raleigh. Time to celebrate the Peak of Good Living at the annual Apex Peak-fest festival. Check out these trails: One of our favorite views of the downtown Raleigh skyline is from Boylan Bridge. It doesnt get more Raleigh than Char-grill. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. If you dont want to deal with the cold and crowds (60,000+), you can watch from home starting at 9:30 AM by tuning in to channel 11, or online at ABC11.com. And be sure to read our guide on 12 great places to live in Raleigh for families. This venue has been a historic and cultural focal point in downtown Raleigh since 1932, playing host to Broadway classics, rock legends and major political figures. The Kirby Derby is one of our favorite quirky local events in Raleigh. I hadn't been inside in probably 3 years and had never made it past the 1st floor. Now in its 40th year, this Cary festival is held across two days and features more than 300 artists from 16 states. Check out our 48 hour guide to North Hills. 2023 MLK Dreamfest: Reimagining The Dream For Today's Generation, Jan 14, 2023, 22nd Annual African American Cultural Celebration, Jan 28, 2023, 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, Feb 18, 2023, St. Patricks Day Parade (And The Wearin O The Green Festival), March 11, 2023, Mid-Town Square Spring Festival in Cary, April 8 2023, The Pit's 'cuegrass Festival, April 15, 2023, Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, April 29, 2023, Artsplosure (Raleigh Arts Festival), May 2023, Festival for the Eno, July 1 and July 4, 2023, Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Aug 4-5, 2023, CaribMask, Caribbean Carnival, August 19, 2023, Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Aug 26-27, 2023, African American Cultural Festival, Sept 2023, Asia Fest With Dragon Boat Racing, Sept 2023, IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival, Sept 26- Sept 30, 2023, Beericana Craft Brew and Music Festival, Early October 2023, Raleighs International Wine Festival, Oct 2023, North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival-Cary, late Nov 2023 through mid-Jan. 2024, 27th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, Nov 2023, Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration, WRAL Nights of Lights, late Nov. through late Dec. 2023, Holiday Express at Pullen Park, early-to-mid Dec. 2023, Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, Dec, 2023, Theatre In The Park presents A Christmas Carol, early Dec. 2023, Black History and Cultural Experiences in Raleigh, full guide to the Stadium Series in Raleigh. THE SECRET GARDEN SOIREE FESTIVAL Aug 26-27 festivals Featured THAI YOGA MASSAGE RETREAT Jungle Yoga ~ Thailand Jan 09-18 workshops Events specially curated for you Never miss out an event that matches your interest! The serene, forest-like setting at Robertson Millpond Preserve is a unique place to canoe, kayak or paddle board. For baseball fans, the world famous Durham Bulls, a Minor League Baseball team of the Triple-A East and the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, are based just 30-minutes up the road in Durham. Visiting in late June on a hot day. The trail can be done in reverse, of course, and bike racks are available at the museum. If youre not familiar with Southern style biscuits, theyre a flour-based baked food product, more like a scone, and often filled with savory ingredients. Talk about charming and historical. We have not yet done Spring Daze, but we have done Lazy Daze several times and love it (see further below in August). Is October Wine Month? It's a new year, and with the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, it's the perfect time to look ahead and ponder the ways we'll make the most of our time. Did somebody say wine tasting? Buy your drink tickets in advance as the lines can get long. This classic Raleigh staple is located in the historic Five Points neighborhood. Click play below to watch the video. Apex Community Park. Its definitely worth experiencing once. Watch the video to see how awesome the Spring Daze festival and beautiful Bond Park in Cary! This other hidden gem in Raleigh is only opened to the public 8 weekends a year. Inside is bright and open with a nice variety of food choices including burgers, seafood, Asian, Italian, Mexican, Bagels, Beer, Wine and more. The Pullen Park in Raleigh is the oldest public park in North Carolina and 5th oldest amusement parks in US. Festivals & Events | This is Raleigh 15 Fun Things to Do in Raleigh with Kids (for 2023) January Exhibition: James Cameron: Challenging the Deep, open through May 7, 2023 Explore the deepest oceans and discover shipwrecks at this blockbuster exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences . Sightseeing Tours in Raleigh Bus Tours in Raleigh Walking Tours in Raleigh Speed Boats Tours in Raleigh Kayaking & Canoeing in Raleigh Beer Tastings & Tours in Raleigh Food Tours in Raleigh Wine Tours & Tastings in Raleigh 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Raleigh Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Raleigh Balloon Rides in Raleigh Bike Tours in Raleigh . Earning notoriety as one of the countrys top music festivals is the Hopscotch Music festival, known for its eclectic music representation covering almost every genre rock, hip-hop, metal, folk, electronic, experimental, and more. One of our favorite free things to do in Raleigh. Excellent variety of plants, flowers and trees. We enjoy this festival filled with local makers and creators stalls, beer tents, live music from local artists, and activities for the kids, such as hayrides and pumpkin patches. Here Eastern North Carolina hot dogs and burgers are served with mustard, onion, and chili on a steamed bun. Theyre always frying things in the South, and Southern-fried chicken is a Raleigh locals favorite and one of the 9 classic Southern dishes you should try. It was a Tuesday in May and pretty quiet. Spanning 11 city blocks in downtown Raleigh will be more than 50 food trucks from across North Carolina waiting to serve you up tasty treats from BBQ, poke bowls, tacos, funnel cakes, and more! Whether youre into hiking, biking, or simply being surrounded by nature, these are the things to add to your to-do list. Features a terrific statue of Andy and Opie, a working carousel, a train, and plenty of picnic areas. 12 great places to live in Raleigh for families. On display are over 14,000 years and 150,000 artifacts of North Carolina history, from a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to the lunch counter from a 1960 sit-in in Salisbury, and inside is the NC Sports Hall of Fame museum. The best places to see the leaves pop is typically close to water, and some of the best spots to explore fall colors in Raleigh include: Also keep in mind botanical gardens, parks and preserves like: Read our full guide to Raleigh in the Fall. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and spectacular fireworks show. Pullen Park 5. Plenty of trails to walk or hike. There's plenty to do this time of year in Raleigh. Read our post on 6 of the best bakeries in Raleigh. All you have to do is run 5-miles in total (or walk) from the NC State University Belltower to the Krispy Kreme on N. Person Street. Its one of our go-to places to eat in Raleigh to grab a quick burger, and our kids love their shakes and fries! Check your local municipality for their annual tree lighting celebration as well. When you hear the words North Carolina, what do you think of? We have reviews of the best places to see in Raleigh. The parade covers 1.4 miles beginning at Hillsborough Street at the intersection of St. Marys Street and ending at the bottom of Fayetteville St.Read our guide to the Christmas Parade. Well worth a visit for Mule Days! We also like to go to a Durham Bulls game on July 4th (or close to it). We LOVED seeing A Christmas Carol in the Christmas holiday season! Its the oldest home in Wake County and has been lovingly restored to look as though it was paused in time, having been filled with 18th century objects and furniture from that time. All held within one of our favorite venues in Wake County, Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Proceeds support the associations work in the upkeep of the river and the purchase of land within its watershed. Another Holiday Light Event in Raleigh is the Magic of Lights. North Carolina Museum of Art. Always drawing a big crowd, the annual Mid-Town Square Spring Festival held by Bond Brothers Beer Company is back this year in downtown Cary. Lots of roots on the trails so be sure to watch your step and strollers are not an option. Biscuits are Southern comfort food and the bread of the South. Your email address will not be published. You can read our guide for the WRAL Night of Lights that we attended last year. You will be amazed by the beauty that you discover here. 10 Best Things to Do in Raleigh | U.S. News Travel To visually plan your trip, these winter getaways can be found on our NC Travel Map. Between sports. NOTE: They have a hot cake challenge if you eat their jumbo-sized hot cake in 45-minutes or less you get a free t-shirt. How about great beer with the best view of downtown Raleigh thrown in! Read our guide on how to spend a day in The Village District. The Lincoln Theater is one of the best indoor concert venues for live music acts, everything from bluegrass to metal and DJ-driven dance parties behind an unassuming facade we saw American Aquarium here! One of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina, the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden is home to 1,200 roses of 60 different varieties (in full bloom May until autumn). If you have young kids, consider Marbles Kids Museum one of the best things to do in Raleigh for families. From the thriving restaurant and craft beer scene to the fantastic museums, lakes, greenway trails, Southern hospitality, college vibes and family-friendly atmosphere, Raleigh is a fun place to live and play. And be sure to check out our guide on how to visit Raleigh in 48 hours. What better way to do it than with dragon boat races on Symphony Lake, games, stage performances and unique ethnic street food. Raleigh Events in 2023 Raleigh Events in 2023 Any time of year you visit, you'll find plenty of Raleigh events, festivals and things to do. by Addie Ladner Don't let February's winter blues get to you! Required fields are marked *. Usually held on Labor Day weekend, this Raleigh festival is held to celebrate African American culture through art, music, food, and dance. 45+ Things to Do in Raleigh this weekend (July 11TH -July 17, 2023) This premier arts & crafts, music and food festival in downtown Wake Forest includes more than 100 artisan booths featuring handmade items for sale, dozens of food trucks, live music throughout the day, a childrens village filled with activities for kids, and more. 20 Things to Do in February 2023 In and Around Raleigh This fully paved trail stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County border line in southeast Raleigh. Raleigh truly has a festival and event to suit all interests and hobbies. Fayetteville Street is the central thoroughfare of downtown Raleigh. Moore Square Market, 200 South Blount Street, Raleigh, NC May 14th to October 22nd, 2023, Sundays. Over 4 floors of exhibits including live animals, education and research centers, dinosaur and whale skeletons, and so much more. More than $120,000 was gifted back to the Raleigh community from the 2021 proceeds. There's no charge for admission. There are two levels of kid-focused museum activities with dozens of hands-on exhibits and the states only 3D-capable IMAX theater. Downtown Raleigh And I can tell you from my Oktoberfest experience in the beer halls of Munich that it is a fun event youll never forget. No one was around on a Monday and then again a Thursday afternoon. He's a travel addict, sports fanatic, beach lover, and passionate craft beer drinker! Very clean. An epic told by artifacts and spell bound collections of North Carolina's history. If you cant make the outdoor ice hockey game, there are two free, family-friendly hockey events on: Read our full guide to the Stadium Series in Raleigh and our guide to Carter Finley-Stadium. CAM Raleigh is a multimedia contemporary art gallery with no permanent collection but offers exhibitions of works by artists with regional, national, and international recognition. Have an event you want to submit? 100 of the Biggest Events and Festivals in Raleigh, N.C., in 2023 I would say that I'm a bit disappointed with the "no firearms" sign on the doors. Easy to get around, excellent sight lines and seating, and plenty of North Carolina food vendors (pulled pork nachos, anyone?). During the two-day festival, Fayetteville Street is closed down and features five blocks and six stages of music stretching from Martin Street to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. If youre looking for an Irish pub, Hibernian in Glenwood Ave (and North Raleigh), and Dohertys Irish Pub in Cary are great! Valentine's Day 2023 Events & Parties in Raleigh | AllEvents.in Check out our top festival and events guide. Read our guide to the Dreamville Festival 2023. They offer a great selection of wine and a classy and relaxed atmosphere. Hot Springs Resort. THE 10 BEST Raleigh Fun Activities & Games Fun Activities & Games in Raleigh Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Sights & Landmarks See our Reel of the experience here. Are you looking to buy or sell a home and are in needed of a real estate agent in the Raleigh area? Located on 66-acres of land five minutes from downtown Raleigh, Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, and the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the USA. A 6,000-square-feet space of seemingly endless cavern, with room after room of leather seating, rustic tables, dim lighting and bookshelves full of history. Walk, jog, or bike the paved three-mile loop around the lake. Theres a good list of local markets in and around the Raleigh area to get produce and arts/crafts including: Moore Square has been a place of gathering, entertainment, and recreation for locals and visitors to Raleigh since 1972. February 25th at 6:30 p.m.; Tickets are $55, with supplies and snacks included, and can be purchased here; Loading Dock Raleigh, 1053 East Whitaker Mill Road #115 See the Golden Mummies at NCMA Now through July 11, see the Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibit from the Manchester Museum here at the North Carolina Museum of Art its debut . 20+ MLK Day events in the Triangle 2023 - Triangle on the Cheap The mens North Carolina FC (professional soccer team) was founded in 2006 and is based in Cary. PNC Arena did not disappoint! Read our full guide to Pullen Park. The detached home would have been home to a middle-class family, and was named after the Father of Raleigh, Joel Lane, though he didnt live here. Guided Tours: Spring & Summer. The Southeasts largest natural history museum and North Carolinas most visited museum is not to be missed.