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.
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for both kids and parents—make the transition a smooth one with this free, fun-filled event! Kids can practice the lunch line, ride a WCPSS school bus, enjoy interactive storytime, and explore a typical school day with music, PE, and more.
📍 Marbles Kids Museum — 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh
💸 FREE (Registration required)
🗓 Saturday, Aug. 23 · 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring the magic of fairytales to life on Saturday, Aug. 23. Kids will love meeting their favorite princesses for a day full of stories, songs, dances, crafts, games, and more. Plus, enjoy 10 enchanting performances and a special meet and greet where little ones can snap photos, give hugs, and collect autographs from every character. Don’t forget to dress them up in their favorite royal attire!
📍 Raleigh Convention Center — 500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh
💸 $34.97 Admission required (babies 12 months and under free)
🗓 Saturday, Aug. 23 · 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
⏰ Session Times: 10:00 a.m. · 12:00 p.m. · 2:30 p.m. · 4:30 p.m.
Raleigh, it’s time to live your best “Showgirl” life this weekend! The city is serving up all the vibes (and, for now, no rain 🌞), so whether you’re craving music, food, or just a reason to get outside, we’ve got five can’t-miss ways to make your weekend sparkle. Let’s jump in!
Sunny skies, patio vibes, and good eats—what more could you want? To celebrate summer winding down and football season kicking off, we’re giving away a $50 gift card to one of our favorite spots for drinks and bites, Players Retreat! Enter below for your chance to win!
It’s movie night! On Friday, Aug. 15, The Rialto is serving up two vibes under one roof—Five Points Short Film Festival at 6:15 p.m., then the “50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 11:55 p.m. Fresh storytelling or cult-classic chaos? Your call. P.S. Grab short film fest tickets early for a discount!
📍The Rialto, Raleigh
🎟 Five Points Short Film Festival: $16.50, Day of: $22 | 6:15 p.m.
🎟 The Rocky Horror Picture Show: $11 | 11:55 p.m.
The 12th Annual CaribMask Carnival takes over City Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 16, celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture in full color! Catch a lively Parade of Bands with elaborate costumes, live music, traditional dances, and a flag ceremony representing over 15 countries. This family-friendly, free event is the ultimate way to soak up the energy, rhythms, and vibrant spirit of the Caribbean right in the heart of Raleigh.
📍400 Fayetteville St., Raleigh
🎟 Free to attend · Pay as you go | 12–8 p.m.
Peaches are all the rage these days (especially for my “The Summer I Turned Pretty” fans 😉), so come celebrate with Trophy Brewing for their first Annual Peach Day on Sunday, Aug. 17! Chef Jordan is cooking up special dishes featuring the juiciest, sun-soaked peaches, while Thick as Thieves brings the tunes, local artists from Pop Up Raleigh showcase their work, and kids can enjoy face painting.
📍827 W Morgan St, Raleigh
🎉 12 p.m.
Katy Perry is in town for her Lifetimes Tour and ready to “Roar” on the Lenovo Center stage! Expect all the hits, stunning visuals, and nonstop energy this Sunday, Aug. 17. Grab your tickets and get ready for a night of pure “Firework” magic! ✨
📍Lenovo Center, Raleigh
🎟 Tickets available via Ticketmaster | 7 p.m.
