Break out your calendar and start planning for the biggest and best events around Raleigh. Pro tip: Print this article out to see just how many events you can attend in the City of Oaks this year.
23rd Annual African American Cultural Celebration, NC Museum of History | Jan. 27 | Commemorate African American history + kick off Black History Month with this celebration of the contributions African American people have made in NC.
Art in Bloom, NC Museum of Art | March 13–17 | This show will celebrate 100 years of the NCMA with large floral designs accentuating the impressive museum.
Dueling Dinosaurs, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Opens in April | This new exhibit will unearth two dinos who were buried side by side and dig through important archaeological questions.
Dreamville, Dorothea Dix Park | April 6-7 | Although the full lineup has yet to be announced, queen of rap Nicki Minaj will perform at this hip-hop + rap-focused festival.
14th Annual North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival, downtown Raleigh | April 20 | Head to the intersection of Fayetteville and Hargett streets for bluegrass, boogies, brews, and NC ‘cue.
Brewgaloo, downtown Raleigh | April 26-27 | Cheers to NC’s largest craft beer festival with 110+ brewers.
10th Annual Longleaf Film Festival, North Carolina Museum of History | May 10-11 | In addition to film screenings, meet filmmakers via panels and connect with other movie lovers.
Got to Be NC Festival, NC State Fairgrounds | May 17-19 | This festival celebrates NC agriculture like none other with farm-themed activities and all the good food you can imagine.
Artsplosure, downtown Raleigh | Tentatively May 18-19 | We love this artsy festival for its unique vendors and creative experiences in the heart of our city.
NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | May 24 and 26 | Watch the top women’s lacrosse teams face off for the champion trophy.
2024 US Open, Pinehurst Golf Course | June 13-16 | The course will host the US Open for the fourth time in the competition’s 124 years — watch golf’s toughest competitors tee off approximately an hour from downtown.
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration, downtown Raleigh | Mid 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
12th Annual Out! Raleigh Pride, downtown Raleigh | June 22 | 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.
GalaxyCon Raleigh, Raleigh Convention Center | July 25-28 | Show off your cosmic side and meet acclaimed performers and creators.
Packapalooza, Hillsborough Street | tentatively Aug. 24 | Kick off the school year Wolfpack style with live performances and a bustling street festival.
Hopscotch Music Fest, downtown Raleigh | Sept 5-7 | This event is your go-to indie music celebration at multiple stages throughout downtown.
IBMA Bluegrass Live!, downtown Raleigh | Sept. 27-28 | The bluegrass festival will be held for the last time in Raleigh in 2024 — don’t miss twangy banjo tunes throughout the city.
NC State Fair, NC State Fairgrounds | Oct. 17-27 | 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 | Oct. 5 | 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 2024 through January 2025 | Although the 2023-24 festival was cut short, don’t miss this unique and colorful display of Chinese lanterns.
80th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade, downtown Raleigh | Nov. 23 | Get that festive feeling as this parade trots through downtown — this is the biggest parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta.
NCAA Women’s and Men’s Division I Soccer Championships, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | Women: Dec. 6 and Dec. 9; Men: Dec. 13 and Dec. 16 | These top soccer teams will face off on the NC Courage’s home pitch for the winning title.
First Night Raleigh, downtown Raleigh | Dec. 31 | 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year! Ring in 2025 with this signature event featuring the iconic acorn drop + local performances.
