From rooftop galas and Oktoberfest patios to sparkly trunk shows and spooky symphonies, Raleigh’s rolling into the weekend with plenty of ways to play. Scroll for your cheat sheet to the best events happening Friday through Sunday—plus one early holiday favorite to add to your November calendar.
Ghostly Gala on the Rooftop: A Night with Gabi’s Grounds & Gab’s PALS
Gabi’s Grounds and Gab’s PALS are back with their frightfully fun evening high above the city at the One Glenwood rooftop in Downtown Raleigh. Expect food, drinks, games, a costume contest, and even fire truck rides—all in support of inclusive employment opportunities.
📍 1 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
💸 Tickets start at $100 for two
🗓 Friday, October 24 • 6–10 p.m.
Grab your costume, rally your crew, and celebrate Halloween with heart at one of Raleigh’s most exclusive rooftop spots.
Try On the Sparkle: Tacori Trunk Show at Diamonds Direct
Diamonds Direct Raleigh hosts a two-day showcase of Tacori’s most stunning bridal and fine jewelry—with exclusive pieces you won’t find in stores every day.
📍 4401 Crabtree Valley Ave., Raleigh
💸 Free to attend
🗓 Friday–Saturday, October 24–25 • 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Explore an expanded Tacori collection featuring extended merchandise straight from the designer. (It’s also a perfect excuse to treat yourself or casually drop hints 😉.)
A Spooky Symphony for the Whole Family
The North Carolina Symphony brings Halloween magic to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts with a family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular led by conductor Sophie Mok. Expect musical tricks, treats, and plenty of costumes in the crowd.
📍 2 E. South St., Downtown Raleigh
💸 Tickets from $33.28
🗓 Saturday, October 25 • 4 p.m.
Enjoy haunted melodies, playful characters, and fantastical stories performed live. Pro Tip: This one-hour matinee is perfect for kids aged 3-12. Arrive early for pre-concert activities and a kids’ costume contest!
Oktoberfest Day Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Downtown Raleigh is closing out Oktoberfest season with a Bavarian-style patio party packed with competitions, prizes, and beer garden vibes from start to finish.
📍 330 W. Davie St., Raleigh
💸 Free to attend
🗓 Saturday, October 25 • 3–8 p.m.
Test your strength in the Stein Hoisting Competition at 4 p.m., grab a pretzel for the 5 p.m. eating contest, and enjoy $1 off Wicked Weed beers plus $5 green tea shots throughout the afternoon.
Grateful Vibes: Bring Out Yer Dead Live at Bowstring
Bowstring Brewyard hosts local favorite Bring Out Yer Dead for a night of Grateful Dead tunes under the lights. Grab a drink, bring your friends, and enjoy a free show packed with jam-band energy.
📍 1930 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
💸 Free show
🗓 Saturday, October 25 • 6:30 p.m.
Expect great brews, good vibes, and plenty of dancing room at this outdoor Raleigh favorite.
Plan Ahead for Visions of Sugarplums: Raleigh’s Longest-Running Holiday Art & Gift Show
Send this one to your favorite shopping partners, y’all! One of Raleigh’s best-kept traditions returns for its 51st year in November. The Visions of Sugarplums Holiday Art and Gift Show at Quail Hollow Swim Club features three days of local makers, festive finds, and one-of-a-kind gifts from women-owned small businesses.
📍 800 Orleans Pl., Raleigh
💸 Free admission + free parking
🗓 Thursday–Friday, November 6–7 • 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
🗓 Saturday, November 8 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Skip the mall crowds, bring a friend, and start your holiday shopping early while supporting local artisans and women in business.
We Were There: Touring Raleigh’s Most Talked-About New Homes—By Trolley!
Our first-ever Raleigh Dream Homes Trolley Tour rolled through Midtown and ITB on Sunday, Oct. 19, in true Raleigh Weekend fashion—complete with sunshine, new friends, and four stunning custom homes everyone’s been talking about this fall.