Raleigh Weekend

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

Your Weekend Guide to Raleigh

Your go-to weekend cheat sheet for Raleigh. Think of it like having a well-informed friend pointing out the coolest shows, food popups, and reason-to-get-out-of-bed plans — all tailored to what’s happening locally this weekend.

Friday Is Your Last Chance for “Moonlight and Magnolias” This Weekend

By Leave a Comment

Raleigh Little Theatre’s production of “Moonlight and Magnolias” is proving to be a hot ticket. Saturday and Sunday performances are sold out, but as of now, Friday, Feb. 6, still has limited tickets available.

Set in 1939 Hollywood, this fast-talking comedy dives behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind, when legendary producer David O. Selznick shut down production and locked himself in a room with screenwriter Ben Hecht and director Victor Fleming to fix the script—fast. Fueled by bananas, peanuts, and pressure, the trio’s frantic five-day sprint became the blueprint for one of the most iconic films of all time.

Based on true events, the play offers a sharp, funny glimpse into the gilded chaos of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

📍 Raleigh Little Theatre – 301 Pogue St, Raleigh
📅 Friday, Feb. 6 | 8 p.m. (Production runs Feb. 6–22)
💸 Tickets: $33–$36
🎟️ Friday night availability only: https://raleighlittletheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/
🔗 Learn more about the production: https://RaleighLittleTheatre.org/Moonlight-and-Magnolias

Sip With the Winemakers on Friday: Taylor’s Wine Shop Extravaganza

By Leave a Comment

Wine fans, this is a Friday night worth circling. Taylor’s Wine Shop is hosting a Winemaker Extravaganza featuring five acclaimed winemakers for an evening of tasting, conversation, and special bottle pricing.

Your ticket includes a tasting of 10 wines (a $55 value), a Riedel wine glass to take home, and the chance to mingle with the people behind the bottles—plus opportunities to purchase wines at a discount and have bottles signed.

Featured winemakers:
Steve Reynolds & Cam Reynolds — Reynolds Family Winery
Sam Lando — Lando Wines
Mary Ann Turrentine — Paradigm Winery
Don Holloway — Parting Song

Tasting lineup includes:
Reynolds Family Chardonnay (2023)
Reynolds Family Persistence (2021)
Reynolds Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)
Reynolds Family Stag’s Leap Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)
Lando HALO Chardonnay (2024)
Lando Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (2018)
Lando RRV Pinot Noir (2023)
Paradigm Oakville Merlot (2021)
Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Franc (2022)
Parting Song Beguile Napa Red (2020)

📍 Taylor’s Wine Shop – 10005 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
📅 Friday, Feb. 6 | 5–7 p.m.
💸 $47 per person
🚗 Parking note: Please park at the church to the right of the veterinary office. Store parking is reserved for handicap patrons and short-term shopping only.
🎟️ Tickets: https://taylorswineshop.com/collections/wine-dinners/products/winemaker-extravaganza

Puzzle for a Purpose at PuzzleMania on Saturday

By Leave a Comment

Looking for a feel-good, indoors-friendly way to spend your Saturday? PuzzleMania VIII is back—and rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 7, due to earlier inclement weather. Hosted by Soroptimist International of Raleigh, this high-energy puzzle competition raises funds to support local women and girls through Soroptimist’s Dream programs.

Teams of four race against the clock to complete an identical 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, all while competing for prizes and supporting a great cause. Not bringing a team? No problem—individuals are welcome and will be placed on a team.

What to expect:
Speed puzzling competition
Prizes for the fastest teams
Door prizes
50/50 raffle
Silent auction featuring unique puzzles, handbags, and more

📍 Highland United Methodist Church – 1901 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
📅 Saturday, Feb. 7
🕐 Doors open at 1 p.m. | Puzzling starts at 1:30 p.m.
💸 Tickets: $140 per team of four | $35 individual (team placement guaranteed); Includes light snacks

🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/puzzlemania-a-fundraiser-for-soroptimist-international-of-raleigh-registration-1605847094889

💙 Why It Matters
This is Soroptimist International of Raleigh’s 8th PuzzleMania and one of its biggest fundraisers. Thanks to its success, the organization will award $16,000 in Live Your Dream Awards to 10 local women this year.

Saturday–Sunday: Look to the Skies at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

By Leave a Comment

After a postponement, Astronomy Days is officially back Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 7–8, at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This free, all-ages event invites visitors to explore the wonders of the universe through telescopes, technology, hands-on activities, and engaging talks with scientists.

This year’s theme is Passport to the Moon, with two full days of lunar-focused programming designed to spark curiosity and discovery—no spacesuit required.

📍 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – 11 W Jones St, Raleigh
📅 Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 7–8
💸 Free general admission

🌕 What to expect:
Telescope viewing and interactive exhibits
Scientist talks and demonstrations
Hands-on activities for all ages
Two days of Moon-themed programming

🎟️ Member perk: Purchase or renew a Museum membership between Jan. 10–Feb. 8 using code MOON and receive a free T-shirt on the day of the event.

🔊 Loud noise advisory: Blast-Off Rockets will be launched throughout both days in the alley behind the Nature Research Center, creating loud popping sounds. Guests sensitive to loud or unexpected noises may wish to enter through the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) at 11 W Jones St.

♿ Accessibility: ASL interpreters can be requested for select exhibits and presentations by contacting Samantha Frigerio at 919.707.9824 or samantha.frigerio@naturalsciences.org no later than Friday, Jan. 9.

🔗 Event details and map: https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/astronomy-days/

Flow for Free on Sunday in the Museum Galleries

By Leave a Comment

Free yoga is back at the City of Raleigh Museum, and this biweekly series is a perfect Sunday reset. Held right in the museum galleries, these one-hour sessions are open to all ages and experience levels and led by instructor Elizabeth Comtois.

Bring your own mat and any props you like, and enjoy a calm, welcoming space to stretch, breathe, and recharge.

📍 City of Raleigh Museum – 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
📅 Sunday, Feb. 8 | 1 p.m.
💸 Free
🧘‍♀️ Bring your own mat and tools
🔗 Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2044388679673980/2044388703007311/

Make a Day of It Sunday: Books, Brews & a Clothing Swap

By Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for something fun to do before Super Bowl plans kick in, consider this your Sunday afternoon–into–early evening game plan. Two free, feel-good events—both within easy reach—make it simple to turn Sunday, Feb. 8, into a casual pub crawl with some budget-friendly shopping mixed in.

Start the afternoon at Raleigh Brewing Company for their Book Fair, then keep the good vibes going with a stop at Wolfe & Porter for a community Clothing Swap. Browse, sip, swap, repeat.

Stop 1: Book Fair at Raleigh Brewing Company

Spend the afternoon browsing books, meeting indie authors, and shopping bookish gifts you didn’t know you needed—all while enjoying a beer if the mood strikes.

📍 Raleigh Brewing Company – 3709 Neil St, Raleigh
📅 Sunday, Feb. 8 | 1–4 p.m.
💸 Free to attend
🔗 More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/800046069740257

Stop 2: Clothing Swap at Wolfe & Porter

Afterward, head over to Wolfe & Porter to clean out your closet and score some new-to-you pieces. Just bring a piece of clothing to swap—plus sizes are encouraged, and the vibe is welcoming and inclusive.

📍 Wolfe & Porter – 905 W. Morgan St, Raleigh
📅 Sunday, Feb. 8 | 5–8 p.m.
💸 Free (bring a clothing item to swap)
🔗 Event details: https://www.wolfeandporter.com/events

Whether you’re dodging Super Bowl prep or just looking to make the most of a winter Sunday, this books-to-bar-to-boutique combo is an easy win—no tickets, no pressure, just good company and good finds.

Next Thursday: A Triple Feature for Galentine’s (or Just a Great Night Out)

By Leave a Comment

Thursday, Feb. 12, is shaping up to be one of those stacked nights where you’ve got options—whether you’re looking to sip cocktails with friends, meet new people downtown, or celebrate Galentine’s Day for a good cause. Consider this your pick-one-or-mix-and-match guide.

Start the Evening: DTR Happy Hour at Stella’s on West
Ease into the night with the return of the DTR Happy Hour Meetup, hosted by the DTRaleigh Community. There’s no agenda—just conversation, community, and a relaxed downtown hang. Show up when you can, grab a drink or food on your own tab, and look for the little red flag (or the group chatting about zoning… maybe).

📍 Stella’s on West – 911 N West St, Suite 103, Raleigh
📅 Thursday, Feb. 12 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.

💸 Free to attend (food and drinks on your own)

🔗 More info:
https://www.meetup.com/dtraleigh-community/events/313145721/

Galentine’s Pick #1: Sip, Shop & Celebrate at Bofemme x Hellbent
If your ideal Galentine’s involves cocktails, shopping, and all the fun extras, head to this festive collaboration between Bofemme and Hellbent. Expect Galentine’s cocktails and treats from Good Graces, custom embroidery, piercings, tiny tattoos, aura photos, and plenty of new arrivals to browse.

📍 North Hills – 540 St. Albans Drive, Suite 118
📅 Thursday, Feb. 12 | 5–8 p.m.
💸 $30 ticket – Includes two cocktails, treats, and access to activities; tattoos, piercings, embroidery, and aura photos are additional and first-come, first-served.
🎟️ Tickets: https://shophellbent.com/products/bofemme-x-hellbent-galentines-day-ticket

Galentine’s Pick #2: Celebrate for a Cause at The Women’s Center
Looking to pair your Galentine’s plans with a meaningful impact? The Women’s Center hosts its second annual Galentine’s Day Fundraiser at Millbrook Manor, an evening focused on friendship, empowerment, and compassion. The night includes a VIP reception, main event programming, and a silent auction featuring art, gift certificates, and local experiences.

📍 Millbrook Manor – 1705 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
📅 Thursday, Feb. 12 | 6–8:30 p.m. – VIP reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
💸 $95
🎟️ Tickets and silent auction: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/e2fa3423-abd6-4dba-9683-f0878c36056b/events/vevt:8da23aa2-9f4d-4cac-94e3-236d1b2a8144/home/story

Whether you’re keeping it casual, going full Galentine’s glam, or celebrating friendship with purpose, Thursday night has you covered. Pick your vibe—or make a night of it.

Friday Five: The Forecast Chose Chaos, So We Chose Friday

By Leave a Comment

Winter weather may be looming again, but there’s still a solid window to make the most of this weekend—especially on Friday. This week’s Friday Five leans into plans you can confidently enjoy before snow potentially moves in, from dinner reservations and live performances to shopping local and supporting creative communities. As always, double-check event pages for updates, take it slow if conditions change, and remember: staying safe is always the best plan. Raleigh, we’ve got you covered either way!