Fun Events in Raleigh this Week
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Raleigh this weekend, there’s no shortage of exciting events and activities. From festivals and concerts to walking tours and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a day with friends, a family outing, or just some alone time, the following guide will help you make the most of your time in the city.
Monday, August 18, 2025
Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour
Uncover Raleigh’s dark and twisted history on this bone-chilling haunted walking tour. Explore the stories of the city’s haunted sites like the White-Holman House. The tour starts at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Kidchella
Young guests and their parents are invited to attend free programs highlighting local children’s attractions, activity classes, and kid-friendly performances in Midtown Park. North Hills Common from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event is free.
Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour
This guided tour explores the city’s haunted history. Immerse yourself in the stories of the White-Holman House and other historic locations. Tickets are $25, and the tour runs at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Live After Five
Downtown Raleigh’s monthly summer block party returns with performances by Chatham Rabbits and Jack The Radio. The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to attend.
Movie Night: Wicked (Part One)
Watch the film at Downtown Cary Park starting at 6 p.m. This event is also free.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Toad the Wet Sprocket – Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance – Lenovo Center
Ben Rector – The Richest Man In The World Tour – Red Hat Amphitheater
Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! – DPAC
Jason Aldean: Full Throttle Tour 2025 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Zach Dunham & Daniel Strief Live – The Raleigh Time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour – White-Holman House, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Jazz in the Square: Moon Unit – Moore Square from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is free.
Friday, August 22, 2025
Falling In Reverse: God Is A Weapon Tour – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Dru Hill & Silk: R&B Rewind – Martin Marietta Center
The Rocket Man Show: Tribute to Elton John – DPAC
Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour – White-Holman House, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
NCMA Outdoor Films at Moore Square: Wicked from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free.
Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites – Historic Wakefield Barn, $43+ at 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Packapalooza – Welcome back NC State students! Hillsborough Street will have the party with live music, interactive stations, booths, vendors, and more. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free.
Kirby Derby – Dorothea Dix Park. Watch hand-built, gravity-powered cars race downhill for the Kirby Cup. Starts at 3:30 p.m.
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival – Town of Cary Hall Campus. Now in its 49th year, this festival features over 300 artists from 16 states. Includes live local music, a beer garden, and food trucks. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
TEDx Raleigh 2025 – Raleigh Convention Center. Inspired talks from various fields. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $58.05.
CaryLive!: Squirrel Nut Zippers – Downtown Cary Park from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour – White-Holman House, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Raleigh Princess Day – Raleigh Convention Center. Enjoy 10 enchanting performances and activities designed for all ages. Each session includes a meet & greet with characters. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets start at $34.97.
Summer Celebration 2025 – Features a youth art exhibition, hands-on art making activities, and demonstrations. Free snow cones and popcorn while supplies last. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Hills Night Market – Midtown Park offers shopping, delicious eats, and family fun. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
3 Hour Guided E-Bike Tour: Tacos, Margaritas, and History – Downtown Clayton from 4 p.m.
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes – Martin Marietta Center. After a screening, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion about the movie. 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo – Fayetteville Street. Try savory and sweet flavors from gourmet burgers to decadent desserts. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour – White-Holman House, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
UB40 w/ The Fixx – Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour – Dorothea Dix Park. Explore spooky lore and legends. 8 p.m. Tickets are $16.
Ongoing Events
Blue Whales Exhibition – NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Learn about these amazing mammals. Open until January 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yates Mill Open House – Every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Yates Mill Heritage and Local History Tour – Sundays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Dix Park – Weekly outdoor yoga on Flowers Field every Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Midtown Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Runs until November 1, 2025.
The Midweek Market – Moore Square every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Plan Ahead: Events to Book in Advance
Sep 3-4: Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two – Raleigh
Sep 4-5: Hopscotch Festival
Plan ahead with our recommended festivals in Raleigh for 2025 and August events in Raleigh. Consider using public transportation for convenience.
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Raleigh Tours to Consider
African American History Walking Tour – Fris & Sat at 11 a.m., $20.
Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour – $20, 11 a.m.
Raleigh Ghost Walk – Dorothea Dix Park, every Sunday evening at 8 p.m., $10.
Free 50-minute tour of the People’s Collection at the NC Museum of Art – Every Thursday and Saturday at 1 p.m.
Tour the Joel Lane House – Weds-Fri weekly; 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. & Sat 1 p.m., 2 p.m., & 3 p.m. $4-$8.
Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours – Includes the Heck-Andrews House, Christ Church, Haywood Hall, and more.
Raleigh African American History Tour – Highlights important sites in the city’s Black community.
Burgers, Brews & Views Bike Tour – Johnston County with Triangle Adventures. Mention MathHotels.com for a 10% discount.
Ghosts, Mysteries and History eBike Tour – Along the Art to Heart trail. Mention MathHotels.com for a 10% discount.
Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh – Grab your friends and dive into Raleigh’s vibrant scene. Bring your own drinks. Fri–Sun, various times.
Enjoy These Gardens for a Stroll
Sarah P Duke Gardens in Durham – Stunning tulip gardens.
JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State – Great for nature lovers.
The Raleigh Rose Garden – Beautiful scenery.
Dorothea Dix Park – Perfect for picnics and scenic views.
Juniper Level Botanic Gardens – A must-visit for plant enthusiasts.
Want to Go for a Hike?
Lake Johnson – 3-mile paved loop for lake views.
Loblolly Trail, Umstead State Park – For a forest immersion.
Hemlock Bluffs in Cary – Unique hiking experience.
Art to Heart bike trail – 6-mile one-way trail combining art, nature, and the city.
Company Mill Trail in Umstead State Park – For a longer hike.
Check out 25 trails in Raleigh to suit all levels.
Rain in the Forecast? Try These Indoor Activities
NC Museum of Art – Free, great for families.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – Perfect for rainy days.
NC Sports Hall of Fame – Located on the third floor of the NC Museum of History.
Marbles Kids Museum – Ideal for younger kids.
Defy Gravity and Urban Air – Fun indoor amusement zones.
Movies and bowling – Check out King’s in North Hills.
Explore more things to do with kids in Raleigh.
Looking for Places to Eat in Raleigh This Weekend?
Brunch – Try these memorable spots.
Breakfast – Check out favorite breakfast places.
Date Night Restaurants – Crawford & Son, Second Empire Tavern, Las Ramblas.
Lunch – Best sandwiches and 40+ lunch spots.
Morning Coffees – Fount Coffee & Kitchen is a local favorite.
Drinks – Rooftop bars with a view and wine bars in the area.
Burgers – Burger Village on Glenwood Ave for gourmet options.
Feel Like a Day Trip?
Johnston County – Vineyards, restaurants, and whiskey bars.
Durham – A cultural hub with lots to do.
Pinehurst Area – Great for a relaxed escape.
Greensboro – Concerts and other activities.
What About a Summer Getaway?
Outer Banks Beaches – 9 top beaches for sun and sand.
Theme Parks – 7 fun parks near Raleigh.
Ocracoke Island – Best of OBX.
Camping – Lake Kerr or Lake Gaston for a peaceful retreat.
Visiting Raleigh This Weekend for an Event?
Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh – Great location and big suites.
StateView Hotel – Hidden away on NC State’s campus.
Casso Hotel – Boutique feel with an amazing restaurant.
Check out 10 short-term rental favorites.
Getting Around Raleigh
There you have it, all the cool things to do in Raleigh this weekend. Leave us a comment below if you have any events we should know about. Tell us what you’re doing this weekend in Raleigh!
