From live entertainment to extraordinary flavors, Raleigh will either have you narrowing down your list of all the fun things to do in the “City of Oaks” or extending your visit. Look below to see the top 15 Raleigh events you just MUST try to attend as you plan your visit.

15 Cant-Miss Raleigh Events

1. 2021 North Carolina State Fair

Location: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd

Dates: Thursday, October 14, 2021 – Thursday, October 24, 2021

Known as the largest family-oriented event in the great state of North Carolina, the state fair is a 10-day event bringing together friends and family to enjoy the “Homegrown Music Fest” livestock show, culinary, and fair rides. Click here for a full list of the music performance schedule.

2. Pancakes and Booze Art Show

Location: 126 E. Cabarrus St.

Dates: Thursday, October 14, 2021, 7:00 pm

Experience Raleigh’s best-kept underground secret at the Pancake and Booze Art Show. Serving free pancakes and displaying 75+ local artists, you will be able to shop hundreds of pieces of art and listen to local DJs. Click here for ticket details.

3. Dressing the Abbey – North Carolina Museum of History

Dates: Saturday, October 17, 2021 – Monday, January 17, 2022

Do you love history and Downton Abbey? Then you are going to adore the Dressing the Abbey exhibit where you can experience original costumes worn by the stars of Downton Abbey themselves with a total of 35 costumes for just $15 general admission.

4. State Farmers Market

Location: I-40, Exit 297, Lake Wheeler Road

Dates: Sunday-Saturday year-round 5:00 am – 7:00 pm

Open every day of the week, the State Farmers Market is your home for all things fresh and locally grown, such as meats, cheeses, produce, and other vendors.

5. Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh

Dates: Sunday-Saturday year-round

Take an hour-long tour around the lively scene of downtown in a Pedicab as you learn about the history and sites around you with a beautiful view of the city. Book in advancehere.

6. Ken’s Korny Corn Maze

Location: 3175 Benson Rd

Dates: Mid-September to Mid-October

Explore just ten minutes outside of downtown Raleigh, and you will find a town called Garner, a charming little town known for a local fall tradition favorite at Ken’s Korny Corn Maze with 6-foot-tall corn stalks and a maze over 2 miles. You can also purchase fresh seasonal food right on the property.

7. Halloween Bar Crawl

Location: Glenwood Ave

Dates: Saturday, October 23, 2021 3:00 pm-11:00 pm, Saturday, October 30, 2021 3:00 pm-11:00 pm, Sunday, October 31, 2021 3:00 pm-11:00 pm

Hosted by Bar Crawl Live, get all your friends together for the spookiest and booziest evenings of the year for a Halloween-themed bar crawl in the heart of the city. Pre-register now and pay $19.99, which will include waived cover charges per bar, 50% off drinks, 50% off food, spooky-themed drinks, an after-party, costume contest, a detailed digital bar map, and more. Click here to register and look at the venue list.

8. First Friday Raleigh

Location: Downtown Raleigh

Dates: First Friday of every month 6 pm-9 pm

Celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout downtown Raleigh is a favorite amongst both visitors and natives as art galleries, studios, and even artist talks stay open a little extra late into the evening. Retails and restaurants will also offer discounts and specials to anyone that wants to kick their weekend off in the city on First Friday.

9. Startup Holiday Market

Location: 310 South Harrington Street

Dates: Friday, November 5, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Ring in the holiday season with local vendors and pop-up shops at the Startup Holiday Market. Located at the Downtown Warehouse, walk through the unique space to find gifts and live art while enjoying pastry samples and beverages.

10. Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market

Location: 2 East South Street

Dates: Friday, November 19, 2021, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Come to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts to do all of your holiday shopping from local artists and makers with tree lighting, live music, food, and drinks!

11. 2021 Raleigh Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Raleigh

Dates: Saturday, November 20, 2021, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Presented by Greater Raleigh Merchants Association since 1944 is the family favorite Raleigh Christmas Parade. The parade route begins on Hillsborough St. and disbands at Davie St. for over two hours of holiday cheer.

12. A Vintage Christmas

Location: 985 Youth Center Dr.

Dates: Friday, December 10, 2021, 10 am – Sunday, December 12, 2021, 5:00 pm

Vintage Market Days of NC Triangle is inviting you to their holiday shopping experience, “A Vintage Christmas,” where you will find food trucks, live music, and all of your holiday shopping desires.

13. Triangles Ultimate 2022 New Year’s Eve Celebration

Location: Raleigh Union Station – 510 W Martin St

Dates: Friday, December 31, 2021 – Saturday, January 1, 2022, 9:00 pm-2:00 am

Ring in the New Year with the Triangles Ultimate 2022 New Year’s Eve Celebration at Raleigh Union Station. With 5 DJs, complimentary champagne for VIP guests, bottle service, live music, great food, and a beautiful view of the city, you will be sure to celebrate the new year in style and luxury.

14. Boozin’ In Your Onesie Bar Crawl

Dates: Saturday, January 15, 2021, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm

When you want to be cozy as the weather gets cooler but still want to have a good time, come to Bar Crawl Live’s annual Onesie Bar Crawl this coming January! Purchase a wristband and get your door cover charges waived, 50% off drinks, free LED sticks and more!

15. ART by Yasmina Reza

Location: Burning Coal Theatre Company 224 Polk St

Dates: Thursday, January 27, 2022 – Sunday, February 13, 202 7:30 pm

Be pulled into the engaging story of friendship and drama with Yasmina Reza’s ART performed by the Burning Coal Theatre Company. The Burning Coal Theatre Company is loved by all Raleigh natives and visitors alike with a yearly season of live theater that is not only watched but experienced. All tickets are $25, $20 for seniors ($65+), or $15 (active military, students, teachers).

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We hope you enjoyed this list of fun events in Raleigh! We’re happy you are going to experience our community! When you are in need of roofing in Raleigh, give our expert team a call so we can help you out.