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.

Sing Along for a Good Cause: The Great Cover Up Returns

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It’s that time of year again—The Great Cover Up is back for 2026 with three weekends of Friday and Saturday night shows at Kings, bringing together a stacked lineup of local musicians covering your favorite songs, all in support of organizations doing meaningful work in the Triangle and beyond.

This beloved annual series is part concert, part fundraiser, and part community love fest. Expect familiar bangers, unexpected covers, and a room full of people who are there for both the music and the mission. Bonus: tickets are sold at the door, and the suggested donation supports causes helping people who are struggling—making this a true win-win night out.

2026 Dates
Friday, Jan. 23 & Saturday, Jan. 24
Friday, Jan. 30 & Saturday, Jan. 31
Friday, Feb. 13 & Saturday, Feb. 14 (yes, Valentine’s Day)

⏰ Music begins at 6:30 p.m.
🚪 Doors open at 7 p.m.
💸 $10–$20 suggested donation
🎟️ Tickets available night-of at the door only
🎶 Covers you’ll actually know (and want to sing along to)

📺 Want the backstory? PBS has even featured the series: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-great-cover-up/

Image: Nathaniel McDaniel

Do Your Future Self a Favor: Sign Up for the Kay Yow Celebration Run/Walk

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Let’s be honest—by next Friday, committing to a run or walk the next morning may feel like a stretch. So consider this your friendly nudge to sign up now for a vibrant morning out in support of a local organization doing so much good. On Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund’s 10th Annual Celebration Run/Walk for Women’s Cancer Awareness brings our local community together to honor survivors, caregivers, and families impacted by cancers affecting women.

The morning begins with a short celebration program, followed by the run/walk and family-friendly activities. Expect food, refreshments, and a welcoming environment where survivors, thrivers, medical professionals, and supporters come together with one shared goal: supporting research, awareness, and hope.

📍 WakeMed Soccer Park – 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary, NC 27511
📅 Saturday, Jan. 31 | 9:30 a.m.
💙 Open to individuals and teams

🔗 Register and learn more: https://support.kayyow.com/event/2026-kay-yow-cancer-fund-celebration-run-walk/e726359

Plan Ahead for a Salon-Style Wine Night for Serious Sippers

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Sip with the winemakers at the Triangle Wine & Food Experience Soirée, this is one February event wine fans will want to lock in early. Saint Pierre Wine Shop & Bar, located at Raleigh Iron Works, is teaming up with Oakwood Pizza Box to host the Triangle Wine & Food Experience Trade Soirée—an intimate, salon-style evening designed for everyone from serious collectors to the wine-curious.

Guests will enjoy wines from acclaimed producers, including Cruse Wine Co., Sandlands, Monte Rio Cellars, Pax Wine Cellars, Sandhi Wines, and more, paired with elevated bites in a thoughtfully curated setting. With limited tickets available, this is a true plan-ahead pick.

📍 Saint Pierre Wine Shop & Bar – Located at Raleigh Iron Works – 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 118, Raleigh, NC 27604

📅 Wednesday, Feb. 4 | 5–7:30 p.m.

💸 $125 per person

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/twfe-trade-soiree-tickets-252148

Image: Forrest Mason

Friday Five: I Really Did Try to Find Five Things to Do in Raleigh…

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I tried to keep it to five. I really did. But January had other plans.

This week’s Friday Five is actually a Friday Seven—with even more to commit to if you’re planning ahead. From kid-friendly skating and hands-on science workshops to a tropical brewery party, a royal tea, live arts, and a behind-the-scenes motorcycle workshop, this lineup proves that “nothing happens in January” is officially a myth.

Plus, I’m serving up two can’t-miss plan-ahead dining events worth snagging reservations for now—including a chef-driven tasting dinner and a multi-night culinary competition for a great cause.

Buckle up, Raleigh—your January calendar is filling up fast.

Roll Into the Weekend With Kidz Bop Skate at United Skates

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Looking for a high-energy, kid-approved way to start the weekend? United Skates of America Raleigh is hosting Kidz Bop Skate on Saturday morning—plus a full lineup of themed skate sessions all weekend long. Expect upbeat music, lots of movement, and an easy win for families looking to burn some energy.

📍 United Skates of America Raleigh – 2901 Trawick Road, Raleigh, NC 27604
📅 Saturday, January 17 | 10 a.m.
💸 $14 when tickets are purchased online at https://UnitedSkates.com/Raleigh
🔗 See the full weekend skate lineup: https://www.facebook.com/events/1434483678328594/

Winter Wrench Workshop & Tech Day at Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson

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Calling all gearheads (and anyone who loves seeing real talent at work). Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson is opening up the shop for a Winter Wrench Workshop & Tech Day, celebrating Jamison, TRHD Master Technician and newly promoted Pit Crew Mechanic with the King of the Baggers Race Team – Mad Monkey Motorsports.

Stop in for an up-close look as Jamison performs a live floor build and talks shop with riders throughout the day. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to see top-tier motorcycle mechanics in action—and yes, y’all, this is a great spotlight for a lady bike boss who is absolutely running the show this weekend.

📍 Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson – 1126 South Saunders Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Saturday, January 17 | Starts at 10 a.m. (drop in anytime)
💸 Free
🔗 More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1173587501594849/

New Year Purge? Make a Smart Stop at This Free E-Waste Drop-Off

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If your January reset includes clearing out old electronics, here’s an easy way to keep those items out of the landfill. Anything With A Plug Recycling—which operates a permanent drop-off location in South Raleigh near Fuquay—will host a free mobile e-waste drop-off in North Raleigh this Saturday.

This is a quick, convenient pit stop for safely recycling items with electrical components while you’re doing your new-year cleanout. Please note: no large items, please.

📍 6002 Falls of Neuse Road – Raleigh, NC 27609
📅 Saturday, January 17 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
💸 Free
🔗 Learn more about Anything With A Plug Recycling: https://www.anythingwithaplugrecycling.com

Trop Hop: A Tropical Getaway Party at Raleigh Brewing

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Cold outside? Not at Raleigh Brewing. Escape winter for the night with Trop Hop, a mid-January tropical getaway complete with island vibes, live music, tropical cocktails, and beach-party fun. Expect palm trees, tiki energy, loud Hawaiian shirts, and a taproom transformed into a warm-weather paradise—no passport required.

What’s happening:

🎶 Live music with Vertigo (7–10 p.m.)
🌀 Hula hoop contest at 8 p.m.
🌺 Hawaiian shirt contest at 9 p.m.
🍺 Tropical brews including Tropica IPA & Key Lime Squeeze
🍹 Tropical cocktails, island-style food, limbo, conga lines, and more

📍 Raleigh Brewing Company – 3709 Neil St, Raleigh
📅 Saturday, January 17 | Party starts at 6 p.m.
💸 Free to attend, purchases available