Break out your calendar and start planning for the biggest and best events around Raleigh. Pro tip: Bookmark this article and see just how many events you can attend in the City of Oaks this year.
Heads up: Not all of these events have a set date yet and are subject to change.
24th Annual African American Cultural Celebration, NC Museum of History | Jan. 25 | Commemorate African American history + kick off Black History Month with this celebration of the contributions African American people have made in NC.
Krispy Kreme Challenge, downtown Raleigh | Feb. 1 | This annual tradition, started by NC State students, has runners race to the Peace Street Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen hot + fresh donuts, and run back. Plus, the challenge raises funds for the NC Children’s Hospital.
Art in Bloom, NC Museum of Art | March 19-23 | This fundraising festival shows the artistry of local floral designers next to the collection’s stunning masterpieces.
Dreamville, Dorothea Dix Park | April 5-6 | It’s the fifth and final year of this iconic festival put on by NC’s own J. Cole — don’t miss the end of this era.
15th Annual North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival, downtown Raleigh | April | Head to the intersection of Fayetteville and Hargett streets for bluegrass, boogies, brews, and NC ‘cue.
Brewgaloo, downtown Raleigh | April 25-26 | Cheers to NC’s largest craft beer festival with 110+ brewers.
Got to Be NC Festival, NC State Fairgrounds | May 16-18 | This festival celebrates NC agriculture like none other with farm-themed activities and all the good food you can imagine.
Artsplosure, downtown Raleigh | May 17-18 | We love this artsy festival for its unique vendors and creative experiences in the heart of our city.
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration, downtown Raleigh | June | Commemorate the end of slavery in the US with a multi-day celebration across Raleigh.
Out! Raleigh Pride is for the LGBTQ+ communities, allies, and families.
Photo by @MyNormalGayLife
13th Annual Out! Raleigh Pride, downtown Raleigh | June | Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with this family friendly Pride event featuring local drag performers and vendors.
City of Raleigh July 4th Celebration, Dorothea Dix Park | July 4 | Commemorate Independence Day with fireworks and fun on the Big Field.
Get excited for Raleigh’s Fourth of July events.
Photo by J. Cutt Photography
GalaxyCon Raleigh, Raleigh Convention Center | July 24-27 | Show off your cosmic side and meet acclaimed performers and creators.
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Koka Booth Amphitheatre | Aug. 1-2 | This fun festival is quintessentially southern with barbecue galore, all-you-can-taste bourbon + beer, and live music.
CaribMask, Fayetteville Street | Aug. 16 | This Carnival-inspired festival includes a vibrant festival, Caribbean food, and Carnival costumes with some extra flair.
Packapalooza, Hillsborough Street | tentatively Aug. 23 | Kick off the school year Wolfpack style with live performances and a bustling street festival.
Hopscotch Music Fest, downtown Raleigh | Sept. 4-6 | This event is your go-to indie music celebration at multiple stages throughout downtown.
African American Cultural Festival, Fayetteville Street | September | This event is focused on community love + unity and honors the local African American community.
La Fiesta del Pueblo, Fayetteville Street | September | Over 25,000 people come to this downtown festival celebrating + uplifting NC’s Latin American community with a day of live performances, dancing, food trucks, and more.
Raleigh Wide Open, downtown Raleigh | Oct. 3-4 | This homegrown bluegrass fest returns to Oak City with plenty of traditional music, banjo strumming, art, and food.
SAS Championship, Prestonwood Country Club | Oct. 6-12 | Last year’s tournament, part of the PGA Tour, had a $2.1 million purse and attracts some of the best golfers across the world.
NC State Fair, NC State Fairgrounds | Oct. 16-26 | Do we even have to remind you? Don’t forget to grab a greasy bite + take a ride on the State Fair Flyer for Instagram-worthy views.
Falling for Local, Dorothea Dix Park | October | This event always has us feeling autumnal with vendors, music, and a free pumpkin patch.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | November through January 2026 | Don’t miss this unique and colorful display of Chinese lanterns, the biggest in NC.
81th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade, downtown Raleigh | November | Get that festive feeling as this parade trots through downtown — this is the biggest parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta.
First Night Raleigh, downtown Raleigh | Dec. 31 | 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year! Ring in 2026 with this signature event featuring the iconic acorn drop + local performances.
