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.

Look Ahead: Secure Your Seat for A Spirited Luncheon at The Crunkleton

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Yes, this is our second whiskey-forward feature this week. And yes, that’s on purpose.

As the North Carolina State Ambassador for Bourbon Women (👋 hi), your girl knows good whiskey—and where to find it. If you don’t already have Bourbon Women on your radar, you should: it’s a national organization celebrating and educating women who love bourbon, with an active North Carolina chapter you can learn more about here: 🔗 https://bourbonwomen.org/north-carolina/

Now, onto a seat you’ll want to lock in early.

On Friday, Feb. 27, at 12 p.m., The Crunkleton Raleigh is hosting A Spirited Luncheon featuring Penelope Bourbon—and this one has all the makings of a sell-out afternoon.

The experience begins with a welcome cocktail, followed by a guided tasting led by Brooke Kelly and Ryan Mills (Luxco Brand Ambassadors) alongside Matt Ward (Luxco Managing Director). Then Chef Tim takes over with a beautifully paired lunch, complemented by an additional cocktail from Colby Kress.

Tasting Lineup
Penelope Four Grain
Penelope Wheated
Penelope Barrel Strength
Penelope Architect

Lunch Menu
Entrée:
Mustard & rosemary marinated roasted strip loin
Smoked cauliflower purée, roasted fingerling potatoes, broccolini, mushroom bordelaise

Dessert

Chocolate Pot de Crème

📍 The Crunkleton Raleigh – 403 W Johnson St, Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Friday, Feb. 27 | 12 p.m.
💸 $85 per person (includes tip)
📧 Seating or dietary questions: colby@thecrunkleton.com
🎟️ Tickets: https://thecrunkleton.com/locations/raleigh/

If you appreciate a well-structured tasting, thoughtful pairings, and a room full of people who genuinely care about what’s in their glass, this is your cue to reserve now.

Friday Five: February Is Doing the Most

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This week’s lineup delivers a little bit of everything—purpose-driven shopping, festive Valentine’s and Galentine’s gatherings, hands-on experiences, and feel-good ways to get out of the house. Whether you’re planning a full weekend itinerary or just looking for one solid excuse to leave the couch, these five picks make it easy to plug something fun into your calendar. Romantic, platonic, philanthropic—or none of the above—we’ve got options. Scroll on and make your move, Raleigh!

Our Valentine’s & Galentine’s Picks—All in One Place

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If you’re in the mood to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day—or just an excuse to do something fun—Raleigh has plenty of options this year. From hands-on whiskey experiences and cocktail-fueled dance parties to flash tattoos, rom-coms, and heart-shaped pancakes, this roundup puts all the love-themed plans in one place so you can opt in (or scroll right past with zero guilt). (Click through for the full lineup.)

Friday: Shop for Good at The Green Chair Project

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Looking to do a little good while you shop? Spend your Friday at The Green Chair Project for a day of purpose-driven browsing where 100% of proceeds directly support the organization’s mission.

Shoppers can explore a curated selection of unique home furnishings and décor while helping fund The Green Chair Project’s work to create supportive homes for individuals and families facing homelessness, crisis, or disaster. Every purchase helps transform donated furnishings into spaces filled with comfort, dignity, and hope.

📍 The Green Chair Project – 1853 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
📅 Friday, Feb. 13 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
💸 Shop with impact—100% of proceeds support the mission
🔗 Learn more: https://thegreenchair.org/news/

Saturday: Fall in Love (With Wine) at Wine Authorities’ Free Tasting

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Valentine’s Day may be the most over-hyped holiday on the calendar—but let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, wine is probably the real love story.

This Saturday’s free tasting at Wine Authorities – Raleigh features three Valentine-inspired selections from Germany’s Mosel, Portugal’s Lisboa, and France’s Southern Rhône—plus a tall, bubbly opening act to set the mood. Romantic? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

You don’t have to be feeling particularly amorous to appreciate these sensational sippables.

On the tasting table:
Staffelter Hof – Riesling Sekt Brut

Staffelter Hof – Mosel Riesling Trocken “862”

Quinta de Sant’Ana – Lisboa Tinto

Mas de Libian – “Bout d’Zan” Côtes du Rhône

📍 Wine Authorities – 211 East Franklin St., Raleigh, NC 27604
📅 Saturday, Feb. 14 | Noon–3 p.m.
💸 Free

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or just Saturday afternoon, this is an easy, low-pressure way to sip something new—and maybe find a bottle worth bringing home.

Take a Sunday Stroll at the DTRaleigh Photo Walk

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If you’re looking for a creative way to spend Sunday afternoon, the Winter 2025/26 DTRaleigh Photo Walk is an easy win. Bring a camera—any kind—and join fellow downtown enthusiasts for a casual walk through Raleigh’s core and nearby neighborhoods.

There’s no agenda, no pressure, and no experience required—just walking, talking, and seeing the city through a different lens. After the loop, stick around for beverages and conversation back at the starting point.

Forest Park Walking Tour Details:
🕐 1–1:15 p.m. Meet in front of The Bend Bar
🚶 1:15–2:30 p.m. Walk a ~2-mile loop up St. Mary’s Street through Forest Park, returning via Hillsborough Street

📍 The Bend Bar – 853 W Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Sunday, Feb. 15 | 1–3 p.m.
📸 All camera types welcome
💸 Free to attend
🔗 RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/dtraleigh-community/events/312550355

Spend Sunday Afternoon at the Vintage Market at Wolfe & Porter

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While you’re out and about this weekend, keep the momentum going with a laid-back Sunday browse. Wolfe & Porter is hosting a Vintage Market featuring clothing, housewares, and gifts—perfect for treasure hunting with a drink in hand.

It’s an easy, no-pressure way to wrap up the weekend: sip something good, shop something old, find something new-to-you.

📍 Wolfe & Porter – 905 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Sunday, Feb. 15 | Noon–5 p.m.
💸 Free to attend

🔗 More info: https://www.wolfeandporter.com/events

Friday Five: This Week’s Plans Have Range

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Consider this your reminder that February is not, in fact, a sleepy month. This week’s lineup is stacked—from Friday night fun and cozy indoor picks to Sunday resets and a very full Thursday that’s begging you to pick a vibe (or three). Whether you’re in it for live music, arts and culture, book browsing, Galentine’s gatherings, or just an excuse to leave the house, we’ve rounded up plans that make the most of the moment—no winter-weather side-eye required.

Scroll on, choose your adventure, and let Raleigh do what it does best.