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.

Shop the Designed For Joy Warehouse Sale

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Friday is your chance to shop Designed For Joy in person with deep discounts and a wide selection of pieces you won’t find anywhere else. The DFJ warehouse opens its doors for public shopping with up to 75% off select items, including perfectly imperfect bags, adjustable webbing straps, partner products, and never-before-seen samples.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to browse, shop, and score something special—this is it.

📍 Designed For Joy Warehouse – 517 W Cabarrus St, Raleigh, NC 27603 (Free parking available out front; free two-hour street parking nearby.)
📅 Friday, Jan. 30 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
💸 Free admission
👜 Quantities are limited—shop early for the best selection

Triangle Restaurant Week has Arrived at Your Local Dining Favorites

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One of the Triangle’s most anticipated foodie events is back. Triangle Restaurant Week returns Monday, Jan. 26–Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, inviting diners across Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas to explore the region’s dining scene through specially priced prix fixe menus.

Participating restaurants will offer two- or three-course menus priced at $20, $25, $30, $35, $40, $45, or $50, available on the days each restaurant is open during the week. It’s an easy way to try somewhere new—or revisit a longtime favorite—at a more approachable price point during the winter slowdown.

Since its launch, Triangle Restaurant Week has featured more than 200 local restaurants and reached millions of diners, making it one of the largest culinary events in the Southeast. Restaurant hours and menu availability vary, so diners are encouraged to check each restaurant’s website before making plans.

📅 Monday, Jan. 26–Sunday, Feb. 1
🍽️ Prix fixe menus: $20, $25, $30, $35, $40, $45 & $50
📍 Locations across the Triangle (Some of our favorites include Birdie’s Barroom and Kitchen, Coquette Brasserie, Irregardless, La Terrazza, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar, Oro, and The Pit!)
🔗 View participating restaurants and details: https://www.trirestaurantweek.com

See What NC State’s K-Pop Dance Group Has Been Working On

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Looking for a high-energy Friday night plan? KPACK, NC State’s K-Pop Dance Group, is hosting its annual showcase at Stewart Theatre, featuring performances inspired by the songs and choreography they’ve covered throughout the year. Expect sharp moves, big energy, and a crowd that’s fully invested.

It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to support student performers and kick off the weekend—no K-pop expertise required.

📍 Stewart Theatre – NC State University – 2610 Cates Ave, Raleigh, NC 27695
📅 Friday, Jan. 30 | 7–10 p.m.
💸 $5–$7

🎟️ Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpack-showcase-2026-tickets-1975166351728

An Extra Friday Means Extra Rocky Horror at The Rialto

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It’s a classic for a reason—and thanks to a quirk of the calendar giving us five Fridays this month, we’re getting an extra screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Rialto. If your New Year’s resolution included seeing more Rocky Horror, consider this your moment.

Dress up, sing along, and embrace the beautifully weird tradition that never gets old. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, this bonus Friday screening is a perfect way to kick off the weekend.

📍 The Rialto Theatre – 1620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608
📅 Friday, Jan. 30
⏰ Doors: 11:30 p.m. // Show: 11:55 p.m.
💸 Tickets: $11
🎟️ Online tickets: https://therialto.com/events

Sidecar Social Club Takes Over Sundays at Figulina

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Live music, dancing, and lasagne? Yes, please. Sidecar Social Club—a popular band with roots in the Humble Pie era—is back with a monthly Sunday evening residency at Figulina, kicking off Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.

The band brings an eclectic, high-energy set that spans jazz and R&B to ’50s rock-and-roll and funk, making this an easy, feel-good way to wrap up the weekend. Pair the music with Figulina’s Lasagne Lounge menu, curated by chef David Ellis, featuring two types of lasagne along with a selection of aperitivo bites.

📍 Figulina – 317 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Sunday, Feb. 1 | 5–8 p.m. (Also returning Sunday, March 1)
💸 $10 cover (paid at the door)
🎶 Jazz • R&B • Rock-and-roll • Funk
🍝 Lasagne Lounge menu available

🔗 More info: https://figulinaraleigh.com/

Friday Five: Your Window for Weekend Plans 🪟🧊

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With drab winter weather looming this weekend, we’re keeping this week’s Friday Five focused on plans you can feel good about now—including Friday night and Saturday morning events before conditions potentially worsen. If you’re looking to get out of the house safely, grab a great meal, enjoy live music, or check something off your January list before the ice moves in, these picks are your window.

We’re also including a couple of plan-ahead favorites worth committing to early—because even if this weekend turns into a stay-home-and-hunker-down situation, future-you will be glad you already locked them in.

As always, keep an eye on local weather updates and event links included below for real-time changes—and take care of yourselves out there, Raleigh. Check in on your neighbors and loved ones (and single friends who don’t keep up with any news😂) to make sure they’re prepared in case they get stuck home without power and running water for a bit! ❤

Beat the Weather With a Bourbon Brunch at The Crunkleton

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Before the cold settles in Saturday night, warm things up with A Spirited Luncheon with Michter’s at The Crunkleton Raleigh. This midday bourbon-forward brunch pairs a guided Michter’s tasting with a decadent multi-course lunch—making it an ideal plan-ahead pick for whiskey lovers.

The afternoon begins with a welcome cocktail, followed by a Michter’s tasting led by Dawson Gould of Michter’s. Guests will then enjoy a seated lunch paired with an additional cocktail from Colby Kress of The Crunkleton.

Michter’s tasting includes:
Michter’s US1 Small Batch Bourbon
Michter’s US1 Sour Mash
Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey
Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Rye
Plus a special surprise pour

Lunch menu highlights:
Citrus coriander–rubbed pork tenderloin with sweet potato purée, warm cranberry and Brussels sprout salad, and sage velouté
Rosemary orange crème brûlée with Michter’s chantilly crème and candied spiced pecans

📍 The Crunkleton Raleigh – 403 W Johnson St, Raleigh
📅 Saturday, Jan. 24 | 12–2:30 p.m.
💸 $85 per person (includes gratuity)
🥃 Hosted by Dawson Gould (Michter’s) & Colby Kress (The Crunkleton)
🎟️ Purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-spirited-luncheon-with-michters-tickets-1977968064727

📧 Seating note: If you’re buying individual tickets and would like to sit with friends, email colby@thecrunkleton.com with your party details and any allergies or dietary restrictions.

KX Kids Consignment Is On—With Weather-Related Schedule Updates

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The KX Kids Consignment Sale this weekend is still on… keep an eye on timing updates due to anticipated icy weather! This free-admission event is the largest kids’ consignment sale in North Carolina, bringing together items from more than 1,600 families under one roof at the NC State Fairgrounds.

Shoppers will find over a mile of clothing racks and hundreds of tables filled with kids’ clothing, toys, books, games, baby gear, furniture, sports equipment, and more—all priced by individual sellers and available for a limited time.

⚠️ Important weather-related schedule updates:
Friday hours extended: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (shop after work)
Saturday closing early: Public shopping will end at 3 p.m. to allow time for private half-price sales
Additional winter weather adjustments may be announced.

📍 NC State Fairgrounds – Jim Graham Building – 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh
📅 Friday, Jan. 23–Sunday, Jan. 25
💸 Free admission (public sale days)
🛍️ Public Sale Hours:
Friday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (extended hours)
Saturday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday: Half-price day, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

🔗 Stay up to date on timing and event status: https://www.kxconsignment.com/shop