Discover Unique Things to Do in Raleigh This Weekend

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Raleigh, North Carolina, hosts hundreds of musical and recreational events but also professional sports events.

Besides cultural festivities, weekends in Raleigh are a great opportunity to visit historical places and parks.

What do you prefer? Choose one of these unique things to do in Raleigh this weekend.

Table of Contents

1. Fun events taking place at the weekends

Raleigh City of Oaks Walking Tours — Raleigh events

There are several recurring events taking place in Raleigh on the weekend. Why not explore one of them this weekend?

Hunting for awesome items at the Raleigh Market

The market is a tradition in North Carolina for more than fifty years.
It is on every weekend at the NC State Fairgrounds.
It runs even when it rains.
Free entrance and more than 500 stalls.
Free parking and handicapped parking are available.
You can find one-of-a-kind shops, with artisans, fine arts, clothing shops, and vintage and antiques.
There are plenty of food stalls too and you can easily spend the whole day in Raleigh market.

Where to find it? 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Enjoy the Raleigh City of Oaks Walking Tours

The Tobacco Road Tours Company, one of the oldest ones in Raleigh, operates this walk.

It is a guided walking orientation tour of Downtown Raleigh.

During the tour, guests will see the State Capital, the Museum of History, The Museum of Natural Sciences, The Nature Research Center, The Legislature Building, and Four Ecclesiastical churches.

You will discover also Governor’s Mansion, Fayetteville Street, Briggs Building, and Festival Plaza.

You will need to register and book in advance for this walking tour, and of course, bring comfy shoes.

The cost for adults starts at $20 and there are also group or family tours. Tickets are all available for online purchase.

Fun Fact – Raleigh’s initial name was “City of Oaks” at its foundation in 1792 due to numerous oak trees present at the time.

Enjoy the Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghosts Tour

It is a family attraction where everyone can enjoy a different downtown Raleigh experience.

The walk is 1,5 miles and it is designed to fit every age group from 8 years old and up.

You will hear about local ghost stories, history, and folklore.

While you discover paranormal sites such as the capitol phantoms, the Raleigh City Cemetery, and Yarborough House, you will enjoy unusual ghost stories with real places and locals.

The guides are expert storytellers that will intrigue even the most logical visitors.

Keep In Mind – You will need to purchase tickets in advance and bring comfortable clothes, as the tour will go whatever the weather.

Duration: the tour takes 1h 45min

Keep learning at the Exhibition James Cameron

The exhibition “Challenging the deep’ will last until May, 7th 2023, and is open on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm.

In this temporary exhibition, you will join James Cameron in his exploration of the oceans and learn about all the creatures in the deep part of our planet.
General admission is free.

Where to find it?

At the Museum of Natural Sciences: 11 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919.707.9800

2. Weekend treats for every food lover

Food halls Raleigh weekend — Raleigh food

Raleigh’s food scene is booming, with more dining options than you can imagine.

From America’s best chef to joyful food halls, there is so much to explore.

Feel the weekend vibes at Raleigh’s food halls

Cross meal ordering and event gathering at food halls are innovating in Raleigh.

Both food halls below can be found in Downtown Raleigh.

You will find burgers, burritos, bagels and beers but not only.

Morgan Street Food Hall

Opened on Saturdays from 9 am to midnight, and on Sundays from 9 am to 10 pm, it is a new lifestyle-dining concept, with cross-meal ordering, rather than just a food court.

With more than 20 culinary options and cooked-to-order meals, Morgan Street Hall offers visitors a beautiful patio with outdoor seating.

Location: 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603

Transfer Co. Food Hall

Located close to Fayetteville Street, Transfer Co. Food Hall is housed inside the historic Carolina Coach Garage.

The space welcomes food producers, vendors, makers, and restaurateurs.

From bagels to empanadas, burritos to curry, there is food to everyone’s taste.

Opening times: from 8 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, and 8 am to 8 pm on Sundays.

Location: 500 East Davie Street Raleigh, NC 27601

Treat yourself at America’s Best Chef’s restaurants

Visiting Raleigh without visiting one of Ashley Christensen’s restaurants is impossible.

Ashley’s skills have been featured in numerous American publications, including The New York Times, Southern Living, and Gourmet.

After the launch of her first diner in 2007, her business extended to other restaurants in Raleigh with signature dishes such as Neapolitan Style Pizza, Macaroni au Gratin, and Beasley’s Chicken.

Top pick: Here is Ashley’s latest family-friendly addition to the food scene, perfect for weekend diners

Pooleside Pies: Neapolitan pizzas and local ingredients pies
Location: 428 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Opening times: on weekends, until 8 pm.

Pick your own vegetables and fruits at one of Raleigh’s you-pick farms

This is a fun activity if you are traveling with children.

Raleigh City Farm has easy access to Downtown Raleigh.

Founded in 2011, it is a non-profit organization to support local communities but they hold regular events and workshops year-round.

There are volunteers day with activities such as weeding, composting, and mulching.

Where to find it? 800 N. Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

3. Music Vibes in Raleigh this weekend

Raleigh concerts weekend — Raleigh concerts

From live music venues to festivals and concerts, there are many things to do in Raleigh on weekends for music fans.

You can find weekend concerts at the Red Hat Amphitheater

The venue is on the R-Line, the free circulating Downtown bus.

The next concert will be on Friday, April 4th, but you can check the full program on their website.

Another well-known live music venue is Lincoln Theatre.

The venue holds regular concerts on weekends with different artists.

These are some of the artists that you can see on the show on weekends in February.

Far Too Jones
Monster Energy Boogie

For March 2023, on weekends, the program includes:

Alan Doyle
Cosmic Charlie

IBMA World of Blue Grass Festival is on every year

If you happen to be in Raleigh on the last weekend of September, you may attend the IBMA World of Blue Grass Festival.

It is the only place worldwide where industry leaders come together, and where you can discover the newest trends in bluegrass music.

With street stages and an exciting lineup of musicians, it is the largest urban bluegrass festival in the world.

4. Things to do for free this weekend

Free things to do Raleigh this weekend — Raleigh parks

You do not have to spend a fortune on an enjoyable weekend in Raleigh. There are many things to do for free.

Enjoy a day at Pullen Park

Have a full day outdoors in Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina. Founded in 1887, it is located between downtown Raleigh and North Carolina State University’s main campus.

The park offers plenty of recreational activities for families, from pedal boats on Lake Howell to a tennis court, carousel, and a performing art venue. Admission is free on the site, with a small fee for rides.

Where to find it? Location: 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh, NC 27606

Visit the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden

If you are visiting Raleigh on weekends from late May until autumn, you can stroll for free in the historic garden featuring more than a thousand roses.

There are 60 varieties of roses in the garden.

Location: 301 Pogue St., West Raleigh, NC 27607