Raleigh Weekend

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

Lisa Jeffries Nobling

🎤 Stories, Songs & Freedom: Juneteenth at Latta

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Celebrate community and culture at the Juneteenth Storytelling Festival on Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Latta University Historic Park in Raleigh. This free, family-friendly event honors African American freedom and storytelling with a powerful lineup of performances and activities. Kick off the day with an interactive puppet show by Tarish Pipkins—better known as “Jeghetto”—then settle in for captivating tales from acclaimed storytellers Donna Washington and Mitch Capel (“Gran’daddy Junebug”). With music, food trucks, hands-on crafts for kids, and more, it’s a day made for sharing and connection.

📍 1001 Parker Street, Raleigh
💸 Free admission | All ages welcome

🌙 Shop, Sip & Groove: Raleigh Twilight Market at Smoky Hollow

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Kick off your weekend with Raleigh Nights, a vibrant night market series hosted by The MAKRS Society on Friday, June 27, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Smoky Hollow, 421 N. Harrington Street. Explore local vendors showcasing unique crafts and goods while a live DJ sets the mood. Dakota Fox Entertainment brings live performances to keep the energy lively, and beer and wine will be available to sip as you stroll.

Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind finds or just soaking in the scene, Raleigh Twilight Market offers a fun, fresh way to celebrate the start of summer evenings.

📍 Smoky Hollow, 421 N. Harrington Street, Raleigh
🎟️ Free to attend | 21+ for alcohol service

🎸 + ☕ Friday Feels: Live Tunes & Vinyl Vibes in Downtown Garner

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Just a short drive south of Raleigh, Downtown Garner is bringing the weekend energy with two ways to wind down (or turn up!) on Friday, June 20—all walkable on charming Main Street.

🎶 Start your night with the Downtown Concert Series kickoff at 215 W. Main Street, where local legends The Antique Outlaws will take the stage from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Expect a free, family-friendly outdoor show with food trucks, drink specials from local bars, and small-town charm in full effect. Chairs welcome after 4:30 p.m., but please leave coolers, outside alcohol, and pets at home.

☕ Prefer your music a little more mellow? Slide over to Steep Right Up at 111 W. Main Street, Suite 200 for Friday Night Vinyl & Tea, starting at 5 p.m. and going until “8-ish”. DJ Barry Portier will spin a cozy mix of jazz, soul, and rock—all on vinyl—while you sip handcrafted teas, sample tasty treats, and maybe even share a favorite record of your own.

📍 Downtown Concert Series: 215 W. Main Street, Garner
🎶 Free admission | Family-friendly

📍 Friday Night Vinyl & Tea: 111 W. Main Street #200, Garner
🎶 Free admission | All ages welcome

💦 Tubing the Neuse: A (Lesser-Known) Raleigh Summer Tradition

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If you’re looking for a laid-back way to cool off and meet new people this weekend, grab a tube and hit the Neuse River Greenway Trail for some classic Raleigh tubing fun on Saturday, June 21. This isn’t an officially sanctioned event by the parks system or anything, but plenty of locals (present company included! 👋) can attest to participating in this lesser-known Raleigh tradition. I remember doing it often in my 20s—and it’s still an absolute blast—and a great way to meet some new-to-you folks in the area. Start at the Covered Bridge walking trail put-in, float down for about two hours, and hop out near Castleberry Road off Highway 42.

Tie your tubes together with friends, stop to hang in shallow spots, and enjoy the easygoing river vibe. Heads up: summer’s heating up, so pack sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring a friend or two to share the good times.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a ride set up at the take-out spot to get back to your car.

📍 Neuse River Greenway Trail, Put-in near Covered Bridge, Clayton-ish
💸 Free | BYO tube & sunscreen

🍓 One Last Bite: Strawberry Day at Trophy Brewing

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Savor summer’s sweetest sendoff at Strawberry Day on Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Trophy Brewing and Pizza on Morgan Street. This seasonal celebration features a special Foeder beer brewed with North Carolina Camarosa strawberries—plus strawberries worked into nearly every menu category, from apps to pizza to dessert. It’s your last chance to get those berry-good bites before they’re gone for the year.

📍 Trophy Brewing and Pizza, 827 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh
💸 Admission is free; food and drink sold à la carte

🥃 Plan Ahead for a Bourbon Breakdown: Widow Jane Cocktail Class at Wolfe & Porter

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Whiskey lovers, mark your calendars: Wolfe & Porter is dialing up the flavor with a Widow Jane Cocktail Class on Thursday, June 26, at 7 p.m. Kick off the evening with a guided tasting of four standout pours—Widow Jane 10-Year Bourbon, Baby Jane, Paradigm Rye, and Applewood Rye—before diving into the art of crafting a bold, balanced Sazerac. Whether you’re brushing up your bartending chops or just there to sip and savor, this one’s neat in every sense.

📍 Wolfe & Porter, 400 N. West Street, Raleigh
💸 $55.20 per ticket

Featured Getaway: Carolina Beach Turns 100—and You’re Invited to the Party of the Century

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Party like it’s 1925 this summer as Carolina Beach celebrates 100 years. The
Centennial Celebration runs through September, with nostalgic fun like the “100
Summers of Style” exhibit, self-guided sculpture and “Then & Now” tours and the iconic
Carolina Beach Music Festival. Explore local history, enjoy menu specials at 20+
restaurants and catch the Centennial Flotilla. The CB Centennial is a homecoming
celebration like no other. You just have to be there!

This featured getaway is a paid promotion with Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. We work with partners we trust and value and are excited to share these updates with you! These partners help us deliver our weekly newsletters at no cost to you!