Whether you’re hunting for a vintage Rolex in the Village or a bowl of “rattlesnake” chili at a brewery, this weekend in the City of Oaks is anything but ordinary. We’ve curated a lineup that hits every vibe from free trolley rides through our most creative neighborhoods to a massive spring warehouse refresh.
LFG, Raleighwood! 😎
Before you dive into the tea and timepieces to follow, we have a little “But First!” for the parents (and the young at heart).
Our latest giveaway is officially live, and this one is a heavy-hitter: a four-pack of tickets to the 2026 Junior League of Raleigh Touch-a-Truck event. If you have a little one who loses their mind (in the very best way) every time a fire truck or a bulldozer rolls by, this is your chance to snag a family pack of tickets. It’s the ultimate hands-on experience where the “don’t touch” rule is thrown out the window in favor of horns, sirens, and giant tires.
Entering takes less time than it does to parallel park in DTR, and the payoff is a Saturday morning of pure, unadulterated joy. Enter here to get your name in the hat before the March 31, deadline.
Good luck—may the odds be ever in your “honk if you’re happy” favor!
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally invest in that “forever” watch, consider this your perfectly timed invitation.
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry is turning its Village District flagship into a horological heaven on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21. This two-day showcase features an elite curation of Bailey’s Certified pre-owned timepieces, ranging from the rugged elegance of a Rolex to the timeless curves of a Cartier.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking for a rare reference or a first-time buyer ready to graduate from a smartwatch, this is a rare chance to see a massive, vetted selection all in one room. Appointments aren’t strictly required, but if you want the “white glove” treatment while you find your next heirloom, booking ahead is a pro move.
📍 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry – 415 Daniels St., Raleigh, NC
📅 Friday, Mar. 20–Saturday, Mar. 21 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
💰 Free entry
📎 https://baileybox.com/shop-jewelry/watches/used-rolex
Go ahead and try one on—after all, looking at your wrist for the time is much more stylish than checking your phone for the 100th time today.
If you think your slow-cooker skills are legendary, it’s time to stop talking and start stirring.
The “Outlaws” are calling all local cooks to the Lonerider Brewery OG outpost this Saturday, March 21, for a high-stakes chili showdown. The rules are simple but spirited: your recipe must feature a Lonerider beer or bourbon as a secret ingredient. Whether you’re team Texas red, white chicken, or even rattlesnake, every bowl is competing in one giant “The Best” category for ultimate bragging rights and a Lonerider prize pack.
Not a cook? No problem. The rest of us get to show up for the tasting starting at 1 p.m. to see who actually handled the heat. It’s the perfect excuse to hang out at the Hideout, grab a Shotgun Betty, and judge your neighbors’ culinary choices—all in the name of “research.”
📍 Lonerider Brewing Co. – 8816 Gulf Ct. #100, Raleigh, NC
📅 Saturday, March 21 | 12:30 p.m. (Cooks) / 1 p.m. (Tasting)
💰 $5 Entry Fee
📎 https://facebook.com/events/749887264538801
Just remember to bring your own crock-pot if you’re competing—and maybe a little extra Tums if you’re just there to taste.
Your living room called, and it’s officially bored with that winter aesthetic.
If your humble abode needs a seasonal glow-up, head over to the Unleashed Furniture warehouse on Saturday, March 21. This isn’t your typical showroom stroll—they are throwing open the warehouse doors to the public for a massive spring sale. It’s the ultimate scavenger hunt for steals on furniture, statement art, and home decor that actually has personality.
With Easter just around the corner, this is also the prime spot to snag festive decor and spring florals to spruce up your hosting game. Whether you’re hunting for a mid-century modern find or just a bit of shelf-filler, arrive early—the good stuff usually finds a new home before lunch.
📍 3600 Neil St., Raleigh, NC
📅 Saturday, March 21 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
💰 Free entry
📎 https://www.facebook.com/events/939951755057577
Grab a coffee and a large trunk—your “new” favorite chair is waiting for you at a fraction of the retail price.
Your coffee habit officially has permission to take a sophisticated little sabbatical.
Raleigh’s caffeine scene is getting a refined upgrade on Sunday, March 22, as the inaugural Raleigh Tea Festival takes over Maywood Hall & Garden. This isn’t just a pinky-up party; it’s a full sensory dive into global tea cultures, featuring everything from traditional ceremonies to modern wellness blends crafted by local makers and bakers.
Expect to wander through a curated market of artisans while putting that complimentary tasting cup to work on world-class samples. Whether you are a matcha master or just here for the scones, it’s a rare chance to connect with the “steeped” history of the City of Oaks in a lush, garden setting just south of downtown.
📍 Maywood Hall & Garden – 620 Maywood Ave., Raleigh, NC
📅 Sunday, March 22 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
💰 $18
📎 raleighteafestival.square.site
Go ahead and secure that ticket—it’s the perfect way to “leaf” your worries behind before Monday rolls back around.
If you’re looking to soak up this weekend’s warm forecast, skip the treadmill and hit the pavement in one of Raleigh’s most creative zip codes.
The Boylan Arts District Studio Tour returns this Sunday, March 22, offering a rare “behind the curtain” look at the workspaces of the city’s favorite makers. From 2 to 5 p.m., you can hitch a ride with our besties from The Great Raleigh Trolley (for free!) to navigate the historic, tree-lined streets of Boylan Heights, hopping off to chat with painters, potters, and jewelers in their natural habitats.
This biannual trek, sponsored by local favorites Groovewagon and VAE, is the ultimate way to support the “Keep Raleigh Creative” vibe without spending a dime on admission. Since the trolley is doing the heavy lifting, you can easily pair this with the Tea Festival and make it a full-blown Sunday Funday.
📍 Boylan Heights – We suggest starting at Rebus Works – 301-2 Kinsey St., Raleigh, NC
📅 Sunday, March 22 | 2–5 p.m.
💰 Free (Don’t forget to support your working artists, though, by buying what moves you!)
📎 https://rebusworks.us/boylanartsdistrict
Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece or just here for the trolley ride, it’s a guaranteed win for your Instagram feed and your wallet.
PS: Preview the participating artists and their works at https://www.instagram.com/boylanartsdistrict/.
Image: Crawlspace Press
If your social calendar is looking a little light next week, it’s time to dress up for a cause that’s doing heavy lifting in the 919.
On Friday, March 27, the No Woman, No Girl Initiative is hosting its signature “A Gala for Dignity” at the stunning Raleigh Union Station. This isn’t just a night of black-tie flair and dinner; it’s a mission-critical fundraiser to launch their new Family Distribution Center. The center will provide 60-day supplies of hygiene essentials to women and families in crisis—think of it as a “shopping experience” rooted in respect and humanity. Editor’s Note: Raleigh Weekend is proud to serve as a media sponsor for this event!
The evening kicks off with a VIP experience at 5:30 p.m., followed by a formal program celebrating resilience and community power. With a goal of raising $300,000 to fund the first 1,000 visits to the new center, your ticket is essentially an investment in the health and confidence of our neighbors.
📍 Raleigh Union Station – 510 W. Martin St., Raleigh, NC
📅 Friday, March 27 | 6 p.m.
💰 Tickets begin at $250
📎 nowomannogirl.org/gala-event
Grab your tickets now and then decide what you’re going to wear—it’s the best excuse you’ll have all year to look good while doing even better.
