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.

See Ya Sunday Morning for Mermaid Magic at The Bomb Bar 🐚

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If you’ve got a little one in their mermaid era (and honestly, who isn’t?), this Sunday morning plan basically makes itself.

The Bomb Bar Raleigh is hosting a Character Hour: Under the Sea! on Sunday, March 1, from 10–11 a.m.—and yes, there will be a mermaid ready to sing along and sparkle her way into your kiddo’s core memory bank.

📍 The Bomb Bar Raleigh – 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 117, Raleigh
📅 Sunday, March 1 | 10–11 a.m.
💸 Free to attend, in-store purchases available
RSVP and see details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/884057944242150/

Featuring Fairytale Dreamer, this one-hour character experience invites kids to sing along, interact, and soak up some under-the-sea enchantment. Bonus: you can grab one of The Bomb Bar’s smoothies (they’re even teasing seaweed smoothies 👀🌊) while you’re there.

It’s low-commitment, high-cuteness, and the kind of Sunday morning energy that feels manageable before the week kicks off.

If your household currently includes sparkly crowns, Ariel soundtracks on repeat, or a niece who insists on being called “Princess of the Sea,” this one’s for you.

Friday Five: Garden Goals, Ghostface, Whiskey, and Throwback Prices

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Ok, y’all… this one’s eclectic. We’ve got garden goals inspired by this tease of spring weather, Ghostface’s whiskey-fueled appearance, family-friendly magic, and stage-worthy storytelling… plus a look ahead at a 75-year Raleigh institution turning back the clock with 25¢ hot dogs and 35¢ beers.

Whether you’re planning ahead, securing a seat, or just looking for something different to plug into your weekend, this lineup proves one thing: February is not slowing down. Scroll on and pick your play!

All Weekend: Red Pitch Brings Soccer and Storytelling to Burning Coal

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Soccer and stage collide in Red Pitch, the Southeastern premiere of Tyrell Williams’ critically acclaimed play about fútbol, friendship, and growing up in a world that never stops shifting.

Originally staged at London’s Bush Theatre before transferring to the West End in April 2024, Red Pitch makes its U.S. debut at Burning Coal Theatre Company, bringing high-energy storytelling and heartfelt coming-of-age themes to Raleigh audiences.

The play follows three friends whose lives revolve around a local football pitch—until change threatens the space that defines their community. It’s fast, funny, urgent, and deeply human.

📍 Burning Coal Theatre Company – 224 Polk St, Raleigh, NC 27604
📅 Performance Dates: Feb. 5–22
🎭 Showtimes available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
💸 Tickets: $5–$30
🎟 Get tickets: https://burningcoal.org/season-29/red-pitch/

If you love soccer, live theater, or stories about friendship under pressure, this is one to catch before the final curtain.

Scream Takes Over Olde Raleigh Distillery on Saturday

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Yes, this is the second week in a row I’ve highlighted Olde Raleigh Distillery (technically in Zebulon, but worth the short drive). And no, I’m not sorry. Because this time? Whiskey meets Scream.

As a proud ’80s baby who absolutely came of age with the Scream franchise, I was already pumped when the latest installment popped up in the Super Bowl ads. So when Olde Raleigh announced a full-on Scream takeover, complete with a limited-edition bottle collab, the fangirl in me had zero chill.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, Scream takes over the distillery for a horror-meets-bourbon celebration. Guests can grab a taste of the newest film’s energy—and, if they move fast, one of only 100 bottles of Olde Raleigh x Scream.

Expect:
Official swag straight from Lionsgate Studio (raffled throughout the day)

Limited-edition collaboration bottles

Potential Ghostface sightings (yes, really)
Big horror-franchise energy

📍 Olde Raleigh Distillery – 209 N Arendell Ave, Zebulon, NC 27597
📅 Saturday, Feb. 21
🥃 Only 100 collaboration bottles available
👻 Horror fans + whiskey lovers encouraged

If you grew up quoting Sidney Prescott or still tense up when the phone rings in a scary movie, this one’s for you.

Before You Plant a Single Seed, Join This Saturday’s Garden Workshop

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This taste of spring weather has officially spoiled us. If you’ve already started mentally rearranging your backyard, browsing seed catalogs, or convincing yourself this is the year you finally “do it right,” I’ve got something for you.

Before you buy a single tool or carton of seedlings, consider starting with intention.

Goals in the Garden is a beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop designed to help you build clarity before you build raised beds. The premise is simple: gardening success doesn’t start with plants—it starts with realistic goals that align with your time, energy, and actual life.

Held in an intimate teaching garden setting, this small-group workshop focuses on reflection, practical planning, and creating a flexible garden plan that works beyond the first burst of enthusiasm.

📍 My Carolina Homestead – 2312 Long and Winding Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Saturday, Feb. 21 | 3 p.m.
⏱ 60–75 minutes
💸 $45 per person (group discounts available)
🔗 Register now: https://www.mycarolinahomestead.com/store/p/goals-in-the-garden-workshop
🌿 Beginner-friendly | Family-welcome environment

You’ll learn how to:

Define garden goals that match your lifestyle

Identify what kind of gardener you are (and aren’t right now)

Create a simple, flexible garden plan

Build sustainable habits without overwhelm

Participants leave with:

A clear, personalized seasonal garden goal

A practical plan you can revisit all year

Immediate next steps

Confidence to start now and grow sustainably

This is the first session in the Beginner Gardener Workshop Series, but you can attend individually.

Space is intentionally limited to preserve the hands-on experience.

If this week’s sunshine has you dreaming of tomatoes, herbs, or even just one thriving container plant, this is your cue to start smart.

Pinkies Up for Saturday’s FairyTale Tea at Marbles

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Fairy dust, sparkling crowns, enchanted wands, and dazzling gowns—FairyTale Tea returns to Marbles for a magical day designed just for storybook dreamers.

Kids (and their grown-ups) are invited to dress in their storybook best and step into a 90-minute immersive tea party experience filled with imaginative play, whimsical activities, and enchanting encounters with beloved fairytale characters.

Each session includes themed activities inspired by classic fairy tales, followed by a royal announcement inviting guests to indulge in light bites, mingle with characters, and enjoy magical entertainment.

📍 Marbles Kids Museum – Venture Hall (inside the IMAX building) – 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
📅 Saturday, Feb. 21
🕤 9:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.
⏱ Each session is 90 minutes
✨ Costumes encouraged

💸 Tickets: $30 General Public | $27 Members
All attendees (adults & children) must have a ticket.
Museum admission is not included with the event ticket. Purchasers will receive an email three weeks before the event with a discount code for museum admission.
🔗 Details and tickets: https://marbleskidsmuseum.org/production/fairytale-tea/

If you’ve got a little one who lives for princesses, knights, fairy wings, or magical storytelling, this is one to secure early.

Sunday–Tuesday: Shop The Divine Children’s Show (Public Shopping Is Free!)

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Parents and grandparents of fast-growing kiddos, this one’s for you. The Divine Children’s Show returns with 10,000 square feet of boutique brands, new-with-tags finds, and curated consignment pieces—all under one roof.

Public shopping is free and no registration is required. Expect dress outfits, play clothes, shoes, accessories, and even select women’s and men’s items. The event features many well-known southern boutique brands, plus high-quality consignment items (they only accept the best).

📍 Wake County Shrine Club – 6015 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh
🛍 Public Shopping Hours
📅 Sunday, Feb. 22 | 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
📅 Monday, Feb. 23 | 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
📅 Monday, Feb. 23 | 7–9 p.m. (Discount Night!)
📅 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Discount Day!)

Want First Dibs? Early Shopping Starts Saturday
Early access begins Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 12 p.m.

You can:
Purchase an early shopping ticket
Volunteer
Consign
Or shop early as a grandparent (or bring Nana with you!)

🎟 Early shopping tickets:
3:00 p.m. — https://buytickets.at/thedivinechildrensshow1/2004050
4:00 p.m. — https://buytickets.at/thedivinechildrensshow1/2004053
5:00 p.m. — https://buytickets.at/thedivinechildrensshow1/2004057
6:00 p.m. — Shop with “Nana” (no registration required)

🙋 Volunteer: https://www.dcskids.com/volunteer
🧷 Consign: https://www.dcskids.com/i-ll-tag
ℹ️ More details: https://www.dcskids.com/raleigh-nc
💳 Payment accepted: Cash, check, and all major cards (3% fee for card transactions).
👶 Children are always welcome.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to stock up on boutique brands without boutique prices, this might be it.

Join Us Next Week to Celebrate 75 Years of Players Retreat with Throwback Prices All Day

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Raleigh’s legendary hangout Players Retreat has been part of the local story for 75 years, and on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, they’re doing what they do best—serving nostalgia with a side of cold brews. To mark this major milestone, PR is turning back the clock and offering iconic 1951 prices on fan favorites all day. (And our team will be there for lunch, say hello if you see us out and about!)

Think old-school fun and community energy:
🌭 25¢ hot dogs
🍺 35¢ Budweiser drafts

The celebration runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or as supplies last), so come early, grab a throwback lunch or late afternoon refresher, and raise a toast to decades of good times, great stories, and countless Raleigh memories.

📍 Players Retreat – 105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605
📅 Thursday, Feb. 26 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (or while supplies last)
🔗 Learn more: https://playersretreat.com/2026/02/05/back-to-1951-players-retreat-celebrates-75-years/

Whether you’re an OG regular or you’re just discovering the PR magic, this is one of those community moments worth penciling in now—and worth sticking around for.