Raleigh Weekend

The Local's Guide to Things to Do in Raleigh, NC

Your Weekend Guide to Raleigh

Your go-to weekend cheat sheet for Raleigh. Think of it like having a well-informed friend pointing out the coolest shows, food popups, and reason-to-get-out-of-bed plans — all tailored to what’s happening locally this weekend.

Friday Five: Bubbles, Bricks, and Memorial Tributes 🇺🇸

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Before we dive into the extra day of rest, let’s take a moment to remember why we have it. This weekend is first and foremost about honoring the fallen service members who gave everything for our country; Raleigh will host several solemn ceremonies on Monday to ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

On Monday, May 25, the City of Oaks will hold multiple observances to pay our respects. From the historic grounds of Historic Oakwood Cemetery to the rolling hills of Montlawn Memorial Park and the Raleigh National Cemetery, these ceremonies offer a space for quiet reflection, the playing of “Taps,” and community gratitude. It is a poignant bookend to the holiday weekend and a vital Raleigh tradition of remembrance.

Let’s carry a deep sense of gratitude for the heroes who served and families the they left behind. Wishing you a weekend of safe travels, community connection, and meaningful reflection.

On Friday, Oregon Roots Meet Raleigh Routes

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If your week has felt like a marathon (🙋‍♀️), here’s your finish line—and it’s paved with Pinot.

On Friday, May 22, trade the afternoon traffic for a glass of Willamette Valley’s finest. Our friend Doug at Seaboard Wine is hosting Will Hamilton, the winemaker behind the acclaimed Violin Wines. It’s a rare chance to chat with the person who actually gets their boots dirty in the Oregon soil while you sample some of the most elegant cool-climate pours in the country.

Expect a curated selection that proves why the Northwest gives Burgundy a run for its money. Whether you’re a total oenophile or just someone who knows they like “the red one,” the vibe at HighPark Village is always approachable and deeply Raleigh.

📍 Seaboard Wine – 1914 Bernard St., Raleigh, NC 27608
📅 Friday, May 22 | 5–7 p.m.
💰 Complimentary
📎 seaboardwine.com

Swing by to say hi to Will, grab a bottle for your weekend cookout, and tell Doug we sent you. Just try not to finish the bottle before you get the grill lit.

Pawfect Saturday Plans: Long Hounds and High Art

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Fresh air, architectural views, and a parade of the world’s fastest couch potatoes… we’ve found your pack, Raleigh!

Dust off the leash on Saturday, May 23, for a monthly tradition that’s as sleek as it is social. Greyhound Care & Adoption of NC is hosting a community walk through the stunning Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. Whether you’re a retired racer owner or just a fan of these “45-mph lounge lizards,” the group meets right at the Welcome Center to explore the museum’s miles of art-lined trails and rolling hills.

It’s a low-key way to soak in the morning light against those iconic “GYRE” rings while your pup gets some elite-level sniffing in. The pace is strictly “leisurely stroll,” making it the perfect way to wake up before the weekend heat kicks in. Even if you don’t have a greyhound of your own, it’s a great opportunity to meet the breed and chat with the folks who rescue them.

📍 NC Museum of Art – 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
📅 Saturday, May 23 | 9 a.m.
💰 Free to attend
📎 facebook.com/events/1245297947453843

All sighthound breeds and their human fans are welcome, just keep the “zoomies” to a respectful minimum near the sculptures. See you at the Welcome Center!

Saturday Is for Nostalgia, Brews, and Plastic Bricks

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If you’ve ever wanted to relive your childhood glory days but with a much better selection of beverages, this is your sign to start clicking.

Forget “adulting” for a few hours on Saturday, May 23, and lean into some serious creative play at Cary’s KōMANA Brewing Company. Sometimes Socially Inclined Raleigh is hosting “Bricks & Brews: Part 2,” a mashup of nostalgia and craft culture where you can tackle a complex build while sipping on unique kombucha or a local brew. Whether you consider yourself a Master Builder or you just enjoy the satisfying snap of connecting pieces, it’s a high-vibe, low-pressure way to spend your Saturday evening in the Triangle.

The event features a “Bring Your Own Set” option, but make sure to grab your spot early—there are no ticket sales at the door, and these nostalgic nights tend to fill up fast. It’s the perfect Saturday social for anyone looking to swap the screen for some tactile fun and a solid pint.

📍 1027 Tryon Wynd Ln., Cary, NC 27513
📅 Saturday, May 23 | 5–8 p.m.
💰 $15 (Bring Your Own Set)
📎 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bricks-brews-adult-brick-building-night-pt-2-tickets-1987780850032

Don’t forget that stepping on a brick is a universal pain that doesn’t care how many craft bevs you’ve had. Watch your step, and may your structural integrity remain sound!

This Sunday, a Magical Bubble Invasion Heads to Dix Park

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Looking for a way to burn off that long weekend energy? Here’s the most whimsical solution in the city… 🫧

Gather the crew for a day of pure enchantment on Sunday, May 24, as the Dreamflash Kids Festival takes over the lush grounds of Dix Park. This isn’t your average backyard bubble session; we’re talking about a massive “bubble launch” where thousands of shimmering spheres fill the sky at once. Kids can dive into the Giant Bubble Lab, get hands-on at the slime station, or conquer the Nerf Blaster Game Zone while you enjoy live music and the Raleigh skyline.

Every child’s ticket includes an “Explorer Kit” featuring a quest passport and professional-grade bubble solution, ensuring the five-hour adventure stays high-energy from start to finish. It’s the ultimate Raleigh family tradition in the making—just be prepared for some very colorful, very bubbly photos.

📍 Dix Park – 101 Blair Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Sunday, May 24 | 1–6 p.m.

💰 Adults $17 | Kids $23 | Family Pass (2 adults/2 kids) $65
📎 dreamflashfest.com/raleigh

Just a heads-up: outside bubbles are a no-go, but with an official kit in hand, your little ones will be too busy being “professional bubblists” to care. Grab your tickets early before the family packs vanish!

Enjoy Rum, BBQ, and a Dash of Cheerwine Come Sunday

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Because nothing says “North Carolina summer” quite like high-stakes mixology and a side of smoked meat.

Round out your weekend on Sunday, May 24, at Longleaf Swine for the latest installment of the Local Spirit cocktail competition. Boatman Spirits Co. is pitting five of Raleigh’s heavy hitters—including bartenders from Mala Pata, William & Co., and Foundation—against a wild-card challenge: crafting the perfect cocktail using Kill Devil Rum and our state’s unofficial nectar, Cheerwine.

The best part? You aren’t just a spectator; you’re on the jury. Attendees get to sample the entries alongside a panel of judges to help crown the cocktail king of Edenton Street. It’s a high-energy, local-heavy showdown that perfectly blends the Oak City’s craft cocktail scene with its deep-rooted love for a good cookout vibe.

📍 Longleaf Swine – 300 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601
📅 Sunday, May 24 | 7 p.m.
💰 Free to attend
📎 longleafswine.com

May the best bartender win, but honestly, when rum and Cheerwine are involved, we’re all winners. Just make sure to grab a tray of good eats while you’re there—scouting cocktails is hungry work.

Friday Five: Wine, Wheels, and Wild Horses… Sort Of

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From wine milestones to high-octane exotic cars, this weekend is all about celebrating local legends and leaning into your favorite hobbies. Whether you’re painting wild horses with the family or shouting “Bingo!” over a craft pint over in Knightdale, we’ve rounded up five ways to make the most of the mid-May sunshine. Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay shaded! 😎

For Friday Night Vibes, Head to Acoustic Evenings at North Hills

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Trade the office hum for some melodic vibes and at no better price point than “free.”

The Pop-Up Music series is currently transforming the common areas of North Hills into an open-air concert hall. This Friday, May 15, grab a spot in The Commons to catch Savanna Bassett performing an acoustic set. It’s a low-key, high-reward way to decompress while you figure out where you’re headed for dinner or finish up some late-week shopping.

These sets are specifically designed to “surprise and delight,” providing a polished backdrop to the usual Midtown bustle. If you can’t make the Friday session, you can always double back on Sunday to catch Josh Rhyne & SilverTones in Midtown Park for a lazy afternoon hang.

📍 4191 Main St., Raleigh, NC 27609 (The Commons)
📅 Friday, May 15 | 6–9 p.m.
💰 Free
📎 RSVP and share with friends on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1772661670074947/1772661690074945

It’s the ultimate Raleigh “choose your own adventure”—grab a drink, find a bench, and let the live music do the heavy lifting for your Friday night mood.