Raleigh, the vibrant capital city of North Carolina, offers a dynamic blend of tradition, innovation, and Southern charm, making it a hub for exciting events year-round. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something happening in Raleigh to pique your interest and fill your calendar with unforgettable experiences.
Annual Festivals
Raleigh hosts a myriad of annual festivals that cater to diverse interests. One of the most popular is the North Carolina State Fair, held every October. This event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors with its thrilling rides, mouth-watering food vendors, and exciting live performances. It’s a perfect way to experience the local culture and community spirit.
Artsplosure is another must-see event, typically taking place in May. This arts festival transforms downtown Raleigh into a colorful tapestry of creativity, featuring local artists, live music, and interactive workshops. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local talent and discover unique art pieces.
Live Music and Performances
Raleigh’s music scene is thriving, with venues like the Red Hat Amphitheater and the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts hosting an array of concerts and performances throughout the year. From classical symphonies to contemporary bands, there’s a performance for every musical taste.
For those who enjoy a more intimate setting, The Pour House Music Hall offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy performances by up-and-coming artists and local bands. Check their calendar for diverse genres and unique performances that highlight Raleigh’s burgeoning music scene.
Food and Drink Events
Food enthusiasts will find plenty to savor in Raleigh. Brewgaloo, held every spring, is North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival, showcasing the state’s best breweries. Attendees can sample a wide variety of local brews while enjoying food truck fare and live music.
For a taste of Raleigh’s culinary diversity, the International Food Festival offers a chance to explore global flavors right in the heart of downtown. From Indian curries to Italian pasta, this event is a food lover’s paradise.
Cultural and Historical Events
Raleigh’s rich history and cultural diversity are celebrated through various events. The African American Cultural Festival, typically held over Labor Day weekend, highlights the contributions and heritage of African Americans through music, dance, and art.
History buffs will appreciate Historic Oakwood’s Candlelight Tour, where participants can explore beautifully preserved Victorian homes adorned with holiday decorations. This December tradition offers a glimpse into Raleigh’s past and the architectural beauty of its historic districts.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families can enjoy numerous events designed for all ages. The Marbles Kids Museum frequently hosts special events that encourage learning through play, making it a favorite among families with young children.
For an outdoor adventure, the Raleigh Christmas Parade is the largest in the Southeast and a beloved holiday tradition. Featuring festive floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus, it’s a joyful way to kick off the holiday season.
Conclusion
No matter your interests, Raleigh’s event calendar is brimming with opportunities for fun, learning, and community engagement. From lively festivals and concerts to cultural celebrations and family activities, Raleigh truly has something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars and experience the vibrant energy of this dynamic city.
main news rss feed A feed of the latest News Stories from The NC State University Libraries
- A Legacy of Design and Discovery: Celebrating Dr. Russell Flinchumon January 29, 2026 at 5:27 pm
December 2025 marked the end of a remarkable chapter as Dr. Russell Flinchum officially retired from active faculty service. Now holding the honored title of Professor Emeritus, Dr. Flinchum remains a…
- The Libraries remembers Gov. Jim Hunton January 22, 2026 at 5:35 pm
“Leadership arises from necessity.” This was the opening sentence of the Libraries’ 2014 exhibit “James B. Hunt, Jr.: A Legacy of Leadership,” displayed at the NC State library that is named…
- We need your dazzling research images!on January 22, 2026 at 11:41 am
Have you taken some fabulous shots or video in the lab or the field during the course of your work? Submit them toEnvisioning Research—NC State’s annual research image contest…
- Student Spotlight: Makenzie Cash, Digital Program Digitization Assistanton January 12, 2026 at 6:34 pm
The Special Collections Research Center blog series “Student Spotlight” features student employees who contribute to the work of the SCRC. Guest author Makenzie Cash, class of 2026, is a graduate student…
- Nominations for the 2026 Libraries Faculty Award due April 10on January 11, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Nominations are now open for the 2026 NC State UniversityLibraries Faculty Award. The annual award recognizes NC State faculty members who have contributed consistently and notably to the accomplishment of the…
Weather: we all love to talk about it! A community for discussion and posts about weather. Mostly on Earth.
- January 28, 2026 | Extreme Weather Events & Natural Phenomena Worldwideby /u/AthleteMoist4731 on January 31, 2026 at 6:32 pm
The scale of daily extreme weather events and natural disasters is often underreported in mainstream media, leaving many with the impression that “everything is normal” regarding climate and nature. While debates continue about whether climate change is real or whether natural disasters are intensifying, the report below provides clarification on these issues, as well as insights into major natural and anthropogenic factors—beyond CO₂—that contribute to climate destabilization and the increasing frequency of disruptive natural phenomena: https://be.creativesociety.com/storage/file-manager/climate-model-report-a4/en/Climate%20Report.pdf Portugal Hurricane-force winds with gusts of up to 40-42 meters per second, torrential rains, and a sharp deterioration in weather conditions caused by Storm Cristina dealt a severe blow to the central and northern regions of the country. The hardest-hit areas were Leiria, Coimbra, Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula, the Lezíria do Tejo region, and Aveiro. The consequences of the storm were tragic. At least five people died as a result of the severe weather, and dozens were injured. Falling trees, collapsed buildings, and traffic accidents were the main causes of death and injury. Significant damage was caused to infrastructure and businesses. In the district of Coimbra, the Bissaia-Barreto municipal airfield was seriously damaged. Strong winds overnight damaged several aircraft and a maintenance hangar. The damage exceeded €1 million, becoming one of the most graphic examples of the economic losses caused by the storm. Storm Christine also caused widespread power outages. Around a million customers across the country were left without power due to downed power lines and damaged equipment. Telecommunications infrastructure was also severely impacted. The storm, which struck the country early in the morning, left several municipalities without service. Vodafone confirmed damage to mobile and fixed-line infrastructure, including numerous fiber optic cable breaks. Due to the storm’s aftermath, schools were closed, rail and road services were disrupted, and many roads were littered with fallen trees and debris. In coastal areas, strong swells in the Atlantic Ocean led to the suspension of port operations and restrictions on shipping. https://www.jn.pt/pais/artigo/prejuizos-de-um-milhao-de-euros-em-coimbra-com-destruicao-de-avioes/18045521 Spain A powerful storm, “Kristin,” struck the country, affecting virtually every region with rain, snow, and damaging winds. Southern Andalusia was among the hardest hit: a red alert was issued in the province of Almería due to wind gusts of up to 130 km/h, while in Málaga, dozens of trees fell on roads and power lines, partially disrupting train service. In San Roque (Cádiz), approximately 250 people were forced to evacuate due to the threat of rising waters. Tragically, a woman died in Málaga when a tree fell on her home. The coast of Campo de Gibraltar was also at the epicenter of the storm: the port of Algeciras was temporarily closed, paralyzing maritime traffic, and strong gusts of wind and heavy rain toppled trees and damaged infrastructure. In central regions, including Madrid, the storm brought snow, causing traffic jams and partial road closures. Inland areas of Extremadura experienced gusty winds of up to 130 km/h, forcing school suspensions and emergency services on high alert. The north of the country, including Castile and León, experienced snowfall and ice, seriously complicating traffic. The eastern regions and the coast, including Valencia, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands, were under yellow and orange warnings due to rain, strong winds, and rough seas. Flooding, road washouts, and transport and power outages were reported throughout the country. By the evening of January 28, hundreds of residents had been evacuated and schools had suspended classes in 77 municipalities in Andalusia. The situation remains extremely dangerous; the storm has affected virtually all of Spain, and authorities are urging the public to avoid travel and observe safety measures. https://www.8directo.com/comarca/ultima-hora-borrasca-kristin-cortes-luz-diferentes-puntos-campo-gibraltar_630698_102_amp.html Algeria The storm was a serious weather event. Authorities took precautionary measures: they closed schools and universities in several provinces, temporarily restricted access to parks and public spaces, and canceled or rescheduled some flights. Localized rain and thunderstorms were observed in various areas. Social media users reported increased winds, but no significant damage or casualties were reported in most cities. Residents are advised to exercise caution and heed official warnings. https://www.akhbardzair.dz/بلدية-تيارت-تكثف-تدخلاتها-لرفع-مخلفات/ Colombia On January 28, Medellín experienced extreme rainfall, causing widespread flooding, particularly in the southeastern part of the city. The worst damage was reported in the El Poblado neighborhood (community 14), where the La Presidenta river (quebrada) overflowed its banks. In a short period of time, water flooded streets, businesses, and parking lots, damaging cars, infrastructure, and electrical grids. Fallen trees, collapsed walls, and washed-out pavement near the Poblado metro station were reported. Authorities issued a red alert for several rivers, including La Presidenta and Santa Elena. Power outages were reported in several areas of the city. According to the mayor’s office and emergency services, there were no injuries or fatalities. https://www.pulzo.com/nacion/medellin/lluvias-intensas-en-medellin-causas-pronostico-del-ideam-y-riesgos-por-desbordamiento-del-rio-PP5018958A Paraguay On January 28, 2026, heavy rain caused widespread flooding in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, and the Central department. Water quickly flooded the streets, carrying away cars and debris, and creating dangerous driving conditions. In Asunción, traffic jams and abandoned vehicles were reported, including on Fernando de la Mora Avenue. Municipal services provided assistance to drivers. On Highway PY01 in the Tres Bocas neighborhood, a truck lost control due to wet roads and crashed into a barrier; there were no injuries. The city of San Lorenzo was hit hardest: a bus fell into a ditch due to strong water. In Aregua, a car was swept away by heavy rain; the driver was uninjured. Authorities urged residents to avoid dangerous areas and report accidents to emergency services. https://www.lanacion.com.py/pais/2026/01/28/intensa-lluvia-causo-estragos-en-varios-puntos-de-asuncion-y-central/?outputType=amp submitted by /u/AthleteMoist4731 [link] [comments]
- WTFby /u/Isaac-isabellalove on January 31, 2026 at 5:30 pm
submitted by /u/Isaac-isabellalove [link] [comments]
- WTFby /u/Isaac-isabellalove on January 31, 2026 at 5:30 pm
submitted by /u/Isaac-isabellalove [link] [comments]
- Small lake causing lake effect/enhanced snow?by /u/Putrid-Guidance-9448 on January 31, 2026 at 5:07 pm
submitted by /u/Putrid-Guidance-9448 [link] [comments]
- Weird Snow Patternby /u/320Ches on January 31, 2026 at 3:31 pm
Thought this was cool. If anyone knows what causes that let me know. submitted by /u/320Ches [link] [comments]
For the Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas. Raleigh is the capital of the state of North Carolina as well as the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. Join us on Discord! https://discord.gg/raleigh
- It has started!by /u/JT9_ON_YT on January 31, 2026 at 6:55 pm
sorry for the bad photo lol submitted by /u/JT9_ON_YT [link] [comments]
- This is getting offensiveby /u/nmbr1dkfn on January 31, 2026 at 6:31 pm
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- they have to be fucking jokingby /u/driftsmoke on January 31, 2026 at 6:18 pm
and yeah my internet is actually out and I still see zero flakes submitted by /u/driftsmoke [link] [comments]
- Ryan Hall explains the dry air we are getting.by /u/Ryder24 on January 31, 2026 at 6:08 pm
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- It better start snowing in Raleigh or I’m gonna lose my shit.by /u/gaefrogz on January 31, 2026 at 5:59 pm
I traveled to Charlotte to visit my sister, thinking it would be fine since Raleigh was also getting snow..now I’m trapped here in CLT with 6 inches of snow (and it’s still falling!), with work monday morning I won’t be showing up to. Not to mention my classes, which NC State is so allergic to cancelling…so so screwed! submitted by /u/gaefrogz [link] [comments]
/r/stopdrinking: A support group in your pocket! This subreddit is a place to motivate each other to control or stop drinking. We welcome anyone who wishes to join in by asking for support, sharing our experiences and stories, or just encouraging someone who is trying to quit. Please post only when sober; you’re welcome to read in the meanwhile.
- And just like that …by /u/Conscious_Teacher_15 on January 31, 2026 at 6:55 pm
7 months have passed and I didn’t even realise! 219 days ago I never thought this would be possible. For anyone starting out you absolutely can do this! 2025 was a horrendous year with a lot of downs but I made it through without drinking. submitted by /u/Conscious_Teacher_15 [link] [comments]
- Slipped upby /u/MistCongeniality on January 31, 2026 at 5:54 pm
Drank two shots of vodka last night to help me sleep after being up with the toddler at unreasonable hours. Feel like absolute shit at work today. Shame, tired, pain. That’s it, that’s the post. submitted by /u/MistCongeniality [link] [comments]
- 5 years sober today!by /u/akneebriateit on January 31, 2026 at 5:43 pm
I feel like such a cool cat 😎 fuck you alcohol, you can’t catch me!! submitted by /u/akneebriateit [link] [comments]
- Confession- lowest point in drinkingby /u/ZeldasChampion on January 31, 2026 at 5:36 pm
I’ve never admitted this to anyone, but this group has been so supportive, I figured I’d come clean even if it’s to strangers on the internet. Last Fall I (34F) had a wake up call that eventually led to me quitting. I was 5.5 drinks in, stumbling around in the yard in the dark (because what else was there to do as an alcoholic at 9 pm?) I had the grand idea to have a smoke so I found a stale cigarette I’d kept for a rainy day. At one point I was standing near the shed where I had hung a deer skull with antlers years prior, about chest high. The deadhead was old, the tines chewed off into razor sharp points from rodents. I took a puff from the cigarette and suddenly felt extremely buzzy, the ground started tilting under my feet. I launched sideways, tripping in an inevitable fall right into the sharp antlers. One tine went straight into my arm. A second cut a four inch long gash just above that and a third tine raked the back of my arm. Honestly I didn’t feel anything. I felt more upset I spilled my booze. I’m lucky I didn’t lose an eye. Back inside the house, my partner demanded to know why my arm was ripped up. I lied and said I fell walking through the woods. He obviously didn’t believe me. The following weeks I dealt with infection where I should have gotten stitches. I hid it under long sleeves and bandages but couldn’t use my arm much due to the skin being so inflamed. I now have several scars on my arm that people have asked about and I lie everytime. The shame of being visibly injured from getting drunk was too much. Lying to friends and family was even worse. I started cutting back after that but didn’t officially quit until this year. I’ve had dumb and even reckless moments in my alcoholism career but this one was such a stupid moment that I consider it to be my wakeup call that I needed to quit. submitted by /u/ZeldasChampion [link] [comments]
- I made it to one yearby /u/Frogfavorite on January 31, 2026 at 5:03 pm
You all helped me a lot. I’m very happy I made this choice for myself and my family. They have been so supportive to me on this journey. This last year I went on a cruise, I went to my brothers wedding, I celebrated holidays and birthdays all without alcohol and I did not think that was possible. Alcohol is not necessary. Thank you SD again. IWNDWYT ! submitted by /u/Frogfavorite [link] [comments]
