Thursday Tunes and Lakeside Chills

Because nothing cures a post-vacation “work fog” like a sunset and some free local funk.

If you’re already expecting to white-knuckle your way through the first week back from spring break, we’ve found your reward. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Live at Lake Raleigh concert series kicks off its ninth season on the picturesque shores of Centennial Campus. It’s the ultimate low-stakes, high-reward evening where the grass is green, the music is homegrown, and the stress of your inbox officially becomes “tomorrow’s problem.”

Next week’s headliner is Duck, a local funk-blues quintet playing two sets of groove-heavy music just 24 hours before their new album, Funk Prayer, officially drops. Gates open at 5 p.m., giving you just enough time to snag a prime spot on the lawn and visit the food trucks before the music starts at 6 p.m. Best of all, parking on Centennial Campus is free after 5 p.m., so you can save those extra dollars for a food truck treat or a cold brew.

📍 2300 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. (Gates at 5 p.m.)
💰 Free admission
📎 live.arts.ncsu.edu + FAQS at https://live.arts.ncsu.edu/faqs-live-lake-raleigh/

Pack a picnic and your own beer or wine—just leave the liquor and the family dog at home for this one. See you on the shoreline!

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Lisa Jeffries Nobling

Founder + Principal at Raleighwood Media Group + Raleighwood Event Group

Lisa Jeffries, a 2007 graduate of N.C. State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and Poole College of Management, has been working in marketing since 2005. Her professional work experience ranges from independent, family-owned businesses to high-growth tech startups. Lisa’s specific areas of expertise include new media and experiential marketing for service-based businesses. Passionate about her clients, cheering on the Wolfpack, live music, and rescuing animals, she is also the founder of Raleigh Food & Wine and Raleighwood Wifi. Lisa completed the NC State + SKEMA Business School MSc dual master’s degree program in Global Luxury Management in 2016, publishing a thesis, Location-Based Opportunities for Brand Marketing With Emphasis on Application Within Luxury Industries.

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