The Raleigh events calendar for 2026 is packed with fun things to do, from the State Fair to craft beer festivals and kid-friendly holiday activities. People travel from far and wide to The City of Oaks to attend concerts, conventions, and cultural celebrations in our interesting and diverse city. This guide rounds up some of the best Raleigh events happening this year, including popular downtown Raleigh events that can help make any trip more entertaining. Count on The StateView Hotel for a comfortable stay in a convenient location near many of these activities.
Note that event dates and details can change, so you should always verify times, tickets, and other information on official event pages before visiting.
January Raleigh Events
North Carolina Vintage Bazaar | January 17–18, 2026
This vintage extravaganza takes over the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, bringing together vendors, creators, and artisans from all over the state. Browse vintage clothing and accessories from bygone eras and find a new-to-you favorite or rediscover a long-lost love.
Triangle Restaurant Week | January 26–February 1, 2026
Restaurants around the Triangle treat diners to a week of special 2-3 course menu options during Triangle Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants in downtown Raleigh include 10th & Terrace Rooftop, Azitra, Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen, Bazil Indian Cuisine, Botanical Lounge, Caffe Luna, La Terrazza, and The Pit.
Looking for more of the best restaurants in Raleigh? Check out this list of our favorites.
Events Happening in Raleigh in February
Krispy Kreme Challenge | February 7, 2026
The 22nd annual Krispy Kreme Challenge is a charity-based race run by NC State students and supporting the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. This inventive challenge is one of the most anticipated Raleigh events in February. It requires participants to run or walk 2.5 miles throughout downtown Raleigh to the Krispy Kreme at the intersection of Peace and Person Streets.
After consuming one dozen donuts, the team or individual races another 2.5 miles back to the start. There’s a one-hour time limit to complete the challenge. The race begins at the Memorial Belltower on the North Carolina State University campus. Register in advance online.
March Events in Raleigh
Art in Bloom | March 18–22, 2026
Floral designers from across North Carolina and the United States interpret works of art to be displayed in the North Carolina Museum of Art for the annual Art in Bloom event. These creative floral arrangements are a stunning sight to behold, with 2026’s “Written in the Stars” theme coming to life with zodiac-inspired creations.
Carolina Ballet Presents Snow White | March 12 – 29, 2026
Experience the wonder of this classic fairy tale brought to life through dance by Carolina Ballet. The queen’s obsession with gazing into her magic mirror and comparing herself to Snow White draws a timely parallel to modern problems involving screen addiction and social media. Choreographed by Artistic Director/CEO Zalman Raffael and with an original score from Shinji Eshima.
Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 14, 2026
This beloved Raleigh event is back! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a celebration for everyone to enjoy. Share in the fun of being Irish for a day and celebrate in true Irish spirit with dancers, skaters, and marching bands.
Things to do in Raleigh in April
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh | Thursday evenings in April and May 2026
The LIVE @ Lake Raleigh sunset concert series returns in April and May this year. These weekly concerts are outdoors on the shore of Lake Raleigh. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair to relax in as you enjoy the evening entertainment. LIVE @ Lake Raleigh is a family-friendly concert series.
When you stay at The StateView, our boutique Raleigh hotel, you’re within walking distance of shows and events at Lake Raleigh.
Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show | April 10–12, 2026
Get your tickets to the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show, formerly known as the Raleigh Home and Garden Show. Explore two fairgrounds buildings packed with home improvement, décor, and garden exhibits with more than 100 specialty vendors. In addition to exhibits and vendors, guests can check out the Food Trucks & Fun Courtyard between the Expo and Graham Buildings for delicious local eats.
North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival | April 18, 2026
Get ready for bluegrass and barbecue and brews — oh my! The Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival is one of the tastiest downtown Raleigh events. It features award-winning barbecue, bluegrass music performed by local bands, a draft beer tent filled with cold local brews, and a kids’ zone with lots of activities.
The fun keeps going after dark, with an afterparty at The Raleigh Times until 10 p.m. Admission is free, and proceeds from food and beverages will benefit SAFEchild, the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America, Freedom Rides Rescue, Broughton Capital Foundation, and Arts Together.
Brewgaloo | April 24–25, 2026
The Raleigh Brewgaloo is one of the best Raleigh events in downtown. It’s North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival and the second largest craft beer festival in the U.S. Come and sample local beers from up to 80 top area breweries and snack on delicious eats from food trucks.
Don’t miss the Brewgaloo Friday night kick-off party and sampler event from 6 to 10 p.m. Enjoy all-you-can-try pours of limited releases, sours, and barrel-aged brews. The Saturday Street Festival is an all-day downtown Raleigh event, running from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Raleigh May Events
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh | Thursday evenings in April and May 2026
The LIVE @ Lake Raleigh spring concert series continues through May. If you find yourself with time to kill on a Thursday night during your Raleigh visit, grab a lawn chair or a blanket and hang out while enjoying live music. LIVE @ Lake Raleigh is a family-friendly concert series.
Artsplosure | May 16–17, 2026
Artists from all over North Carolina come together to bring you an exciting two-day art market in Raleigh. Browse artwork for sale in different mediums created by more than 175 artists and craftspeople, specializing in crafts from glass and jewelry to woodwork and photography. Artsplosure is a free downtown Raleigh event with live music, art installations, and food trucks, plus arts and crafts for children at Kidsplosure.
Animazement Raleigh | May 22–24, 2026
Animazement is a larger-than-life Japanese Anime convention coming to the Raleigh Convention Center this May. Attendees can expect concerts, cosplay events, art displays, guest speakers, panels, and lots of merch. Get a weekend pass to explore the convention on both days, or grab a single-day pass at the door.
June Raleigh Events
Raleigh’s International Food Festival | June 6, 2026
Experience global cuisine while supporting the community at Raleigh’s International Food Festival. With over 50 countries represented through food, desserts, beer, wine, and live performances, you can visit the entire world without leaving the City of Oaks. It’s free to attend and among the most popular annual events happening in Raleigh.
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration | June 20, 2026
This beloved event in Raleigh takes place at Dorothea Dix Park. Originally held to celebrate and commemorate the abolition of slavery, the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration event has expanded to include speakers, historians, artists, musical performances, food trucks, and vendors.
Things to do in Raleigh in July
City of Raleigh July 4th Celebration | July 4, 2026
The City of Raleigh’s 4th of July celebration will return to Dorothea Dix Park this summer. Enjoy music and games while you wait for the sky to light up with Raleigh’s 4th of July fireworks display.
GalaxyCon | July 23–26, 2026
Nerd Alert! GalaxyCon is in Raleigh for a convention filled with everything super-fans of comic books, gaming, pop culture, Sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and cosplay could want. Guests include celebrity actors, pro wrestlers, creators, and authors. This festival in Raleigh is held at the Convention Center. Ticket prices vary between single-day child and adult tickets to multi-day passes with general admission or VIP options.
August Events in Raleigh
Carolina Fall Boat Show | August 14–16, 2026
The Carolina Fall Boat Show & Sale is the longest-running new product showcase and boat show in NC. This year’s event will host a variety of marine dealers representing popular boating manufacturers, giving visitors the chance to browse the last of 2025’s inventory and be the first to see 2026’s stock just in time for fall boating season. The boat show will be held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
September Raleigh Events
Benson Mule Days | September 24–27, 2026
If you’re looking for a quick day trip near Raleigh, check out Benson Mule Days just outside of Benson, NC. This four-day celebration has been a popular annual event since its start in 1949. Rodeos, mule competitions, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and concerts are just some of the happenings that attract the nearly 30,000 fans yearly. The Saturday parade is a can’t-miss event, featuring floats, classic cars, antique tractors, and hundreds of mules, horses, and buggies. Whether it’s your first rodeo or your hundredth, you’re sure to have a good time.
BugFest Raleigh | TBA September 2026
This annual event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences showcases all things bugs, from their microscopic features to the scientists (entomologists) who study them. Explore over 100 exhibits, crafts, activities, and games to learn more about the fascinating world of bugs.
Raleigh Happenings in October
North Carolina State Fair | October 15–25, 2026
The State Fair in Raleigh is one of North Carolina’s biggest events. Visit the educational exhibits, check out the competition entries, go on thrill rides, and try inventive, delicious deep-fried foods. The NC State Fair boasts 10 days of family fun with something for everyone.
Looking for hotels near the NC State Fair? The StateView Hotel has you covered with comfortable accommodations located in Raleigh.
November Raleigh Holiday & Fall Events
Raleigh Christmas Parade | November 21, 2026
Join thousands of visitors and locals at the annual Raleigh Christmas Parade! Drawing nearly 80,000 visitors annually, the Christmas parade is one of the best Raleigh events for kids and holiday visitors. Spectators line the streets early in the morning to see local businesses with floats, marching bands and performers, vintage cars, dancers, and—of course—Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Moonlight in the Garden | November 5–7, 13–14, and 20–21, 2026
Stroll the immaculate gardens at JC Raul Arboretum by moonlight and enjoy a meticulously designed lighting showcase that showcases the natural beauty of the gardens. Featuring strands of multicolored lights, glowing topiaries, lanterns, and more, this softly-lit experience isn’t just for fun: Moonlight in the Garden helps the arboretum raise necessary funds to keep their gates open and admission free 365 days a year. Stroll the garden, see a live band, sip apple cider, or even roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits. There will also be food trucks on-site.
Christmas Tree Lighting at North Hills | November 21, 2026
Join the celebration at the annual Christmas tree lighting at North Hills. Offering trackless train rides for kids, live music and entertainment, and plenty of vendors, plus visits from Santa Claus and the main event of the tree lighting, this event is fun for the whole family.
December Raleigh Events
Taste of Raleigh Downtown Food Tour | Weekends throughout 2026
Take a guided food tour of downtown Raleigh and its unique restaurants, sampling innovative dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms and vendors wherever possible. With two kinds of tours available, you choose your foodie adventure: opt for downtown dinner bites and drinks, or explore farther to include food halls and specialty shops.
Wendell Wonderland | December 2026
Take a short side trip from Raleigh proper to Wendell, NC, and experience Wendell Wonderland this December. Historic downtown Wendell will be lit up in classic Christmas fashion and host holiday celebrations like visits from Santa, the lighting of the town tree, live music and entertainment, trolley rides through town, and more. The Lake Myrna Light Show, one of the top free Christmas light displays on the East Coast, will also be in full swing and features over 400,000 sparkling lights.
Visiting the city during the holidays? See the best of Raleigh’s Christmas events for a list of festive things to do during your holiday trip to Raleigh.
Visiting The City of Oaks
Check out our Raleigh, NC Visitors Guide for even more attractions, parks, restaurants, and breweries to round out your trip itinerary. This diverse, exciting city has your entertainment covered, and our luxurious amenities and comfortable, modern rooms will take care of the rest.
FAQs About Raleigh Events
What event is Raleigh best known for?
Raleigh is best known for the North Carolina State Fair, the city’s largest and most iconic annual event. Held each fall, it draws visitors from across the state for rides, food, exhibits, and live entertainment.
Which Raleigh events are best for kids?
Some of the best Raleigh events for kids include the North Carolina State Fair, Artsplosure (including Kidsplosure), BugFest, and the Raleigh Christmas Parade. These events offer hands-on activities, entertainment, and family-friendly programming.
Which Raleigh events shouldn’t be missed?
Top Raleigh events you shouldn’t miss include the North Carolina State Fair, Brewgaloo, Artsplosure, GalaxyCon Raleigh, and the Raleigh Christmas Parade. These are the city’s most popular and consistently well-attended annual events.