Head to Moore Square on Sunday, July 6, for Bubble Fest—an outdoor celebration packed with bubble artists, wands, and machines, plus live music, food trucks, craft beer + wine, local vendors, and more. 🧼✨ Bring your crew, bring your camera, and definitely bring your inner kid.
📍 Moore Square | 200 S Blount St, Raleigh
💸 Free admission | All ages welcome
Transport your tastebuds to southern Italy 🇮🇹 on Monday, July 7, as Figulina hosts a one-night-only culinary tour through Campania. From fresh Caprese Salad to Spaghetti alle Vongole, Eggplant Parm all’Amalfitana, and desserts like Delizia al Limone, this à la carte menu is bursting with bold, coastal flavor. Dinner kicks off at 5 p.m.—make a res soon or risk major menu FOMO.
📍 Figulina | 317 S Harrington Street, Raleigh
💸 À la carte pricing | All ages welcome
Raleigh’s weekend lineup is packed and ready to roll—from live tunes and night markets downtown to strawberry-infused bites and river floats just minutes away. Whether you’re craving the energy of a concert, the charm of local vendors, or the cool calm of tubing the Neuse, this guide has got you covered. Get your calendar out, rally your crew, and dive into five unforgettable ways to soak up summer’s early glow around town.
PS: Hold your applause for next week, please. 😎 As is my favorite summer tradition, today is officially the Summer Solstice, which means your girl has taken the day OFF! The husband and I are day-tripping to Morehead Planetarium for an air-conditioned day date, then relaxing poolside after. I hope you do something cool with your bonus daylight hours today, too!
Raleigh’s brunch scene just got a major upgrade—Toastique is serving gourmet toast that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost). Whether you’re team avocado, sweet tooth peanut butter + banana, or keeping it classic with smoked salmon, you’ll find something crave-worthy on their colorful, health-forward menu coming soon to The Exchange in Midtown Raleigh.
This month, we’re giving one lucky Raleigh Weekender a $25 gift card to spend on toast, smoothie bowls, coffee, and more.
🥑 Don’t sleep on this one, register for your chance to win here!
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
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
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
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
