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.

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

A Cozy Afternoon of Science & Printmaking

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Adults who love blending creativity with curiosity will want to plan ahead for this hands-on workshop at Prairie Ridge Ecostation. Part of the Art of Science series, this program pairs a citizen science project with an associated art activity—so you’ll learn something new and leave with something you made.

During this session, participants will explore how to document winter weather, then carve rubber blocks to print a pair of flour sack tea towels. No prior experience is required, and all tools and supplies are provided. You’ll also learn how to collect and submit data as part of a citizen science project.

📍 Prairie Ridge Ecostation – 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
📅 Saturday, January 17 | 12:30–3:30 p.m.
💸 $25 | $23 for Museum members (Includes supplies to make two printed tea towels) – pre-registration required at https://naturalsciences.ticketapp.org/portal/product/67/events

Pinkies Up for A Royal Tea Party at Giorgios Epicurean Market

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Slow things down and savor the afternoon at Giorgios Epicurean Market with a classic Royal Tea Party designed for lingering. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of teas, a thoughtful spread of sweet treats and tea sandwiches, and a splash of bubbles—an ideal mid-afternoon escape or special celebration with friends.

This elegant gathering is presented by Arteao, known for creating beautifully styled, timeless tea experiences.

📍 Giorgios Epicurean Market (GEM) – 2020 Progress Court, Suite 150, Raleigh
📅 Saturday, January 17 | 2–4 p.m.
💸 $71.21 with fees at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/royal-tea-party-gem-tickets-1979568151630

Flow for Free at the City of Raleigh Museum

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Stretch, breathe, and reset in a unique downtown setting. The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting free biweekly yoga sessions beginning Sunday, January 18, 2026. These welcoming classes are open to all ages and experience levels and are taught by instructor Elizabeth Comtois.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat and any props they like to use. It’s an easy, no-cost way to slow down and take care of yourself to start the year.

📍 City of Raleigh Museum – 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
📅 Starting Sunday, January 18 – 1-2 p.m.
💸 Free
🧘‍♀️ Bring your own mat and tools; details at https://www.facebook.com/events/2044388679673980/2044388699673978

Celebrate African American Theatre in the Triangle

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Celebrate the richness and diversity of African American theater in our region at this special showcase hosted by the Triangle Friends of African American Arts. The evening brings together multiple performing arts organizations for a preview of the African American plays and musicals coming to Triangle stages in 2026.

Guests will enjoy dramatic readings, songs, and scenes from upcoming productions—making this a meaningful and inspiring night for theater lovers and anyone interested in the local arts scene.

📍 Raleigh Little Theatre – Cantey V. Sutton Theatre – 319 Pogue Street, Raleigh
📅 Sunday, January 18 | 7 p.m.
💸 Tickets: $25
🔗 More information and tickets: https://RaleighLittleTheatre.org/TAATP26

Image: Raleigh Little Theatre

Reserve Ahead: A Five-Course Trip to Southern France—No Passport Required

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Another January dining experience worth planning ahead for: Vidrio is launching a new Chef’s Table Dinner Series, and the debut menu is one to get excited about. This intimate, five-course tasting dinner highlights the flavors of Southern France, complete with wine pairings included in the ticket price.

The menu starts with warm pain de campagne and moves through North Carolina yellowfin Niçoise tuna crudo, winter vegetable ratatouille, brown buttered local flounder, and a classic cassoulet, finishing with olive oil cake for dessert. Seats are limited, and this is one you’ll want to book early.

📍 Vidrio Raleigh – 500 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
📅 Wednesday, January 28 | 6 p.m.
💸 $99 per person (includes wine pairings)
🔗 Reserve your seat: vidrioraleigh.com/events/vidrios-chefs-table-dinner-and-wine-series

Cooking for the Kids Returns with a Multi-Night Chef Competition for a Cause

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Rocky Top Catering’s eighth annual Cooking for the Kids returns this winter, bringing together eight of the Triangle’s top chefs for a multi-night culinary competition benefiting Overflowing Hands, a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit serving vulnerable children locally and globally.

Hosted at the elegant Millbrook Manor, each competition night features two chefs going head-to-head in a six-course dining experience. Chefs will prepare an appetizer, entrée, and dessert using surprise ingredients, with guests and a panel of judges voting to decide who advances. A cash bar, silent auction, and serious culinary creativity round out the experience—all in support of a great cause.

Participating chefs include talent from Whiskey Kitchen, Glasshouse Kitchen, Wye Hill Kitchen, Irregardless Café, Lula & Sadie’s, Black Apron, Lake Gaston, and Tepuy Donuts.

📍 Millbrook Manor – 1705 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh
📅 February 2-11
Evenings run 5:30–9 p.m. (finale until 10 p.m.)

💸 Tickets:
First Round: $100
Second Round: $125
Finale: $150

💙 Proceeds benefit Overflowing Hands, a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization serving vulnerable children in our neighborhoods, across the United States, and around the world.

Image: Magdalena Stefanek Photography