Any time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of Raleigh events, festivals and things to do. People travel from far and wide to The City of Oaks to attend concerts, conventions, and celebrations in this interesting and diverse city. Count on The StateView Hotel for a comfortable stay in a convenient location near many of these activities. Explore our full list of the year’s best food and drink festivals, cultural events, conventions, concerts, and more to make any trip to Raleigh entertaining.
Event dates and details are subject to change. The below information is provided to the best of our knowledge. Please verify event dates, times, and ticket prices with the event vendor.
January Raleigh Events
North Carolina Vintage Bazaar | January 18 – 19, 2025
This two-day vintage extravaganza takes over the North Carolina State Fairgrounds to bring together vendors, creators, and artisans from all over the state. Browse vintage clothing and accessories from eras gone by and find a new-to-you favorite!
Triangle Restaurant Week | January 27 – February 2, 2025
Restaurants around the Triangle treat diners to a week of special 2-3 course menu options during Triangle Restaurant Week. Try out the flavors all across the city, with participating restaurants like Tupelo Honey, Latitude, High Rail Raleigh, La Terrazza, The Pit, and other local favorites.
Looking for more of the best restaurants in Raleigh? Check out this list of our favorites.
Raleigh Events February
Krispy Kreme Challenge | February 1, 2025
The 21st annual Krispy Kreme Challenge is a student-run, charity-based race supporting the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. This inventive challenge is one of the most attended Raleigh events in February, and 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.
Jonathan Van Ness | February 7 – 8, 2025
Famed “Queer Eye” superstar and Emmy-award-winning television personality Jonathan Van Ness will appear at Raleigh Improv this February. Tickets promise unfiltered comedy and a showcase of sides of JVN “never seen before”. Don’t miss your chance to experience the fun in person!
March Events in Raleigh
Art in Bloom | March 13 – 19, 2025
Raleigh’s annual Art in Bloom event includes five days of viewings in 2025. Floral designers from across North Carolina and the United States interpret works of art to be displayed in the North Carolina Museum of Art. These creative floral arrangements are a stunning sight to behold, with this year’s Art in the Park theme displayed in six additional large installations inspired by art in the museum’s 164-acre park. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at $40 for museum members, $50 for non-members, and no cost for children six years old and under.
Carolina Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland | March 13 – 30, 2025
Follow Alice down the infamous rabbit hole to Wonderland at the world premiere of Alice in Wonderland choreographed by returning guest choreographer Gianna Reisen. Expect the unexpected and let yourself enjoy the madness along with the characters.
Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 15, 2025
This beloved Raleigh event is back for their 41st year! The Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 15, 2025 at 10 am. This parade is a celebration for everyone to enjoy sharing in the fun of being Irish for a day, celebrating in true Irish spirit with dancers, skaters, marching bands, plenty of dogs, and more.
Things to do in Raleigh in April
Dreamville Festival | April 5 – 6, 2025
Famed North Carolina rapper J. Cole will bring the final installment of Dreamville Festival to Raleigh in April 2025. This two-day festival celebrates local artists, culture, and more with unbeatable festival lineups that get better year after year. While 2025’s lineup has yet to be announced, it is rumored that Cole plans to top all of the previous years to give Dreamville the send off it deserves – most ticket tiers sold out immediately.
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh | April 10 and April 24, 2025
The LIVE @ Lake Raleigh sunset concert series returns in April and May this year. These Raleigh 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. April’s performances have yet to be announced as of February 2025.
When you stay at The StateView, our boutique Raleigh hotel, you’re within walking distance of shows and events at Lake Raleigh!
Raleigh Home and Garden Show | April 11 – 13, 2025
Get your tickets to 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. Tickets are on sale online now for $10. Ages 12 and under are free.
North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival | April 19, 2025
Get ready for bluegrass and barbecue and brews — oh my! This is one of the tastiest downtown Raleigh events in 2025. The 15th annual ‘Cuegrass Festival in Raleigh will feature award-winning barbecue, bluegrass music performed by local bands, a draft beer tent filled with cold local brews, and so much more. This downtown Raleigh event keeps the fun going after dark, with an afterparty at The Raleigh Times until 10 pm. Admission is free and proceeds from food and beverages will benefit SAFEchild, the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America, Freedom Rides Rescue, and Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief.
Brewgaloo | April 25 – 26, 2025
Dive into the best of local brews at North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival! The second largest craft beer festival in the US features craft beer from over 110 area breweries and delicious eats from food trucks as you listen to local bands and peruse Fayetteville Street. Brewgaloo features a Friday Night Block Party and sampler event from 6 to 10 pm, which features all-you-can-try 3-oz. pours of your favorites plus limited releases, sours, and barrel-aged brews.
The Saturday Street Festival is an all-day downtown Raleigh event, running from noon to 8 pm. Admission is free, and drinks are available for purchase in 3-oz. samples (2 tickets) or by the pint (5 tickets).
Love a good brew? Check out our list of the top breweries in Raleigh.
Raleigh May Events
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh | May 8 and May 22, 2025
The LIVE @ Lake Raleigh sunset concert series returns in April and May this year. These Raleigh 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. As of February 2025, May’s acts have yet to be announced. Stay tuned!
Pearl Jam in Raleigh | May 11 and May 13, 2025
World-famous rock band Pearl Jam will shake the seats at Lenovo Center in Raleigh TWICE this May. Touring for their Grammy-nominated album Dark Matter, this iconic group’s shows make the perfect night out in Raleigh.
Artsplosure | May 17 – 18, 2025
Artists from all over North Carolina will come together at this Raleigh festival to bring you an exciting two-day art market in Raleigh. Browse artwork for sale in different medias created by more than 175 artists and craftspeople, specializing in crafts from glass and jewelry to woodwork and photography. Artplosure is a free downtown Raleigh event and also features live music, art installations, and food trucks, plus arts and crafts for children at Kidsplosure.
Animazement Raleigh | May 23 – 25, 2025
Animazement is a larger-than-life Japanese Anime event coming to the Raleigh Convention Center this May. Attendees can expect concerts, cosplay events, art displays, guest speakers, panels, merchandise, and more! Animazement weekend passes are available for preorder. Adult weekend passes are $70, kids’ tickets are $55 for ages 6 to 12; children ages 5 and younger are free. Single-day passes are also available at the door and start at $30 for adults and $25 for children.
June Raleigh Events
Raleigh’s International Food Festival | June 7, 2025
Experience global cuisine while supporting the community at Raleigh’s International Food Festival on June 7! With over 60 cultures represented with food, desserts, beer, wine, performances, and more, you can visit the entire world without leaving the City of Oaks. This Raleigh festival is free to attend.
Capital City Juneneenth Celebration | June 14, 2025
This beloved event in Raleigh takes place at Dorothea Dix Park. Originally held to celebrate and commemorate the abolition of slavery, the event has expanded to include speakers, historians, artists, musical performances, and more.
Things to do in Raleigh in July
City of Raleigh July 4th Celebration | July 4, 2025
Another Raleigh event will make use of Dorothea Dix Park this summer. The City of Raleigh’s 4th of July celebration will take place at Dorothea Dix Park, offering music and games to entertain the group while you wait for the sky to light up with Raleigh’s 4th of July fireworks display.
Red White and Brew Bar Crawl | July 5, 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned bar crawler or joining for the first time, the Red White and Brew Bar Crawl in Myrtle Beach is a great place to be. Wear your most patriotic gear and enjoy drink specials, free entry at participating venues, live music and DJ sets, food specials, a free afterparty, and more.
GalaxyCon | July 24 – 27, 2025
Nerd Alert! GalaxyCon is in Raleigh for a four-day festival filled with everything super-fans of comic books, gaming, pop culture, Sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and cosplay could want. Guests include celebrity actors, wrestlers, creators, and authors. This festival in Raleigh is held at the Convention Center. Ticket prices vary and include a variety of single-day child and adult tickets as well as multi-day passes with general admission and VIP options. 2025’s special guests include Geena Davis, William Shatner, Tori Spelling, Scott Paterson, and Juliette Lewis.
August Events in Raleigh NC
Carolina Fall Boat Show | August 16 – 18, 2025
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 2024’s inventory and be the first to see 2025’s stock – right in time for fall boating season. The boat show will be held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
Lenovo Center Shows | Multiple Dates in August 2025
This recently-renamed venue is a hotspot for world class performers and the listeners who love them. In August 2025, Lenovo Center in Raleigh will host Katy Perry’s The Lifetimes tour, Shinedown’s Dance, Kid, Dance tour with special guests Bush and Morgan Wade, and Disney’s Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide.
September Raleigh Events
Benson Mule Days | TBA, September 2025
Benson Mule Days just outside of Benson, NC is a four-day celebration that’s 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 who attend Benson Mule Days each year. Saturday’s parade is a can’t-miss event, featuring floats, classic cars, antique tractors, and hundreds of mules, horses, and buggies.
BugFest Raleigh | TBA, September 2025
This annual event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences showcases all things bug, from their microscopic features to the scientists (entomologists) that study them. Explore over 100 exhibits, crafts, activities, and games to learn more about the fascinating world of bugs.
Raleigh Events in October
Playthrough Gaming Convention | October 4 – 5, 2025
The Raleigh Convention Center will host one of the largest video game conventions in the state this fall. The Playthrough Gaming Convention showcases the latest games and gives gamers a chance to network and play-test new creations. Exhibits at the Raleigh Playthrough convention will include gaming demonstrations, new game showcases, competitions, and more. Buy your passes online in advance to save!
North Carolina State Fair | October 16 – 26, 2025
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 Raleigh accommodations.
Triangle Oktoberfest | TBD, October 2025
Celebrate Oktoberfest at the largest Oktoberfest gathering in Central North Carolina this year! Triangle Oktoberfest is an authentic German festival featuring classic Bavarian food and vendors, family fun, and delicious German beers from Munich. Watch their page for updates about Oktoberfest 2025 in Raleigh.
November Raleigh Events
Raleigh Christmas Parade | November 22, 2025
Join thousands of visitors and locals at the annual Raleigh Christmas Parade! Drawing nearly 80,000 visitors annually, this Raleigh Christmas event has spectators lining the streets early in the morning to see local businesses with floats, marching bands and performers, vintage cars, dancers, and more in the parade that begins at 9:30 am – including everybody’s favorites, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Moonlight in the Garden | TBA, November 2025
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 | TBA, November 2025
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 November event in Raleigh is fun for the whole family.
December Raleigh Events
Taste of Raleigh Downtown Food Tour | Saturdays Throughout 2025
Take a guided walking tour of downtown Raleigh and the unique restaurants it holds, 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 nearby.
Wendell Wonderland | December 2025
Venture to nearby Wendell to 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.