Top 10 Events in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

The Raleigh-Durham area is one of the fastest-growing metros in the nation. Whether you’re new to the Triangle or are a Carolina born-and-bred native, there are an incredible number of things to see and do in North Carolina’s capital city and its surrounding areas.

We’ve compiled our picks for the top 10 events in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle:

Run, Rock ‘N Roll Raleigh (April)
The Rock ‘N Roll Marathon Series is held in the historic district of downtown Raleigh, which is known for its hilly, tree-lined streets. With a half marathon and 5K, there is something for everyone. Not a runner? Come for the food trucks, live music and cheer parties.

Baseball Season Kickoff with Durham Bulls (April)
The Durham Bulls’ season kicks off in April with live music and a fireworks show in downtown Durham. Interesting bit of trivia: the Bulls are the subject of the 1988 romantic comedy, Bull Durham.

Freedom Hot Air Balloon Festival (May)
Watch the colorful mass ascension of hot air balloons in the charming town of Fuquay-Varina, a few miles south of Raleigh, at the annual Freedom Hot Air Balloon Festival. Don’t miss the Merchant, Arts and Crafts Village.

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (June)
Mingle with Academy Award®-nominated filmmakers at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival at Duke University in Durham.

American Dance Festival (June)
Each Summer, Durham hosts the American Dance Festival. Come experience what the New York Times heralded as “one of the nation’s most important institutions” with live performances across different genres, from classical to modern dance.

Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival (July)
Sample a wide selection of pork barbecue and enjoy beer and bourbon pairings at the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival. With over 40 bourbons and 60 beers on tap, there is something to satisfy everyone’s taste.

World of Bluegrass Street Festival (September)
With more than 90 bands performing on six stages against the backdrop of the state capitol, downtown Raleigh hosts the largest bluegrass festival in the nation.

Bluegrass isn’t your thing? Come for the interactive public art and food truck rodeo.

North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue Championship (September)
The North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue Championship attracts some of the Carolina’s best pit masters. Past events have been featured on the Food Network. Get your tickets early!

9/11 Day of Service and Evening Commemoration (September)
Raleigh hosts a Day of Service annually on September 11. Coordinated by the volunteer center Activate Good, with over 20 nonprofits participating, you can build a playground, sort food, pack lunches or make care kits for the homeless. The day concludes with an evening commemoration ceremony, live music and entertainment at Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater.

North Carolina State Fair (October)
With over 1 million visitors annually, the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh is one of the largest in the South. Amusement park rides, games, food and agricultural exhibits abound. Don’t miss the tractor pull.

Know Before You Go
The Raleigh-Durham area is large enough to attract some major events, but still has retained the quirky Southern charm we love about small towns.

Spring and autumn are peak season for festival-goers. Before you head out to any outdoor event, check the weather forecast. When in doubt, pack a poncho. Because of its proximity to the coast, the Triangle area is known to experience heavy rainfall from tropical storms.

Best Places to Shop in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

The Raleigh-Durham area is a growing Southern metropolis that is quickly becoming a shopping destination in the Carolinas. The area boasts the region’s only Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. And, if you like to shop local, you can find plenty of charming boutiques in the downtown area.

Whether you are searching for the perfect gift or looking to treat yourself, the Triangle has an abundance of shopping options.

In the list below, we’ve compiled our favorite shopping destinations in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle:

The Streets at Southpoint
The Streets at Southpoint in Durham is a traditional indoor shopping mall and outdoor pedestrian streetscape all in one. It boasts over 150 shops and includes a mix of national retailers like Macys and Nordstrom, staples like Banana Republic and J Crew, and upscale stores such as Lily Pulitzer, Cole Haan and Anthropologie. When you’re finished shopping, you can have dinner at Maggiano’s or Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar and take in a movie at Southpoint Cinemas.

Cameron Village
Downtown Raleigh’s Cameron Village has been a destination for Triangle trendsetters since 1949. With its assortment of local boutiques, you can find unique and original gifts to suit any budget. We love Seagrove Pottery, Light Years Jewelry, Fab’rik and Lori + Lulu. Go for brunch at Flying Biscuit Cafe.

Carolina Square on Franklin Street
As a university town, downtown Chapel Hill appeals to budget-conscious shoppers and trendsetters alike. At Carolina Square on Franklin Street, you can find boutiques like Ivy & Leo and Francesca’s, along with California-based pizza chain The Pizza Press.

Triangle Town Center
With over 130 stores and a two-level Barnes & Nobles, Triangle Town Center is North Raleigh’s premier shopping mall. It is home to the region’s only Saks Fifth Avenue, which anchors the mall along with other big retailers like Belk and Macy’s. The Lands’ End shop at Sears is a major draw.

North Hills
North Hills in Raleigh’s posh Midtown area is home to the trendiest boutiques and shops in the region. Home décor boutiques La Maison, Quintessential and BeyondBlue are a major attraction. The award-winning ArtSource Fine Art Gallery is not to be missed. Looking for a gift? Try Charlotte’s Jewelry & Gifts.

LaFayette Village
Take a stroll through LaFayette Village, and you will feel like you are in Europe. The charming shopping center was architecturally designed to feel like a quaint European village. It features gourmet dining and boutique shopping along with live music and artist exhibits. We like the Crafty Beer Shop, Southern Craft Butchers and the Chocolate Boutique. Come hungry – these shops are offering free samples!

The Triangle: A Growing Shopping Destination
There is no shortage of shopping options in the Triangle. The list of retailers keeps growing, as the Raleigh-Durham area is among the fastest growing metros in the region. More shops are opening regularly. The latest news – Raleigh has been waiting for an Ikea ever since the rumors started swirling last year, and now it is official: the region’s first Ikea will open in Cary off interstate I-40 in the summer of 2020.

Best Restaurants in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

Foodies rejoice! The Triangle has a prolific food scene and is home to some of the best chefs in the nation. Below we’ve compiled our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle:

Death & Taxes
Hands down one of the best restaurants in downtown Raleigh is Death & Taxes. We love the sourdough bread, butternut squash soup, wood-roasted oysters and mussels. Owner and chef Ashley Christensen is a culinary superstar in the Triangle. She was awarded the James Beard Award Best Chef Southeast in 2014 and in 2017.

Black Twig Cider House
Durham’s Black Twig Cider House has an ever-changing menu of locally sourced small plates and over 80 ciders available on draft and in bottles. Owner Mattie Beason is a cider expert and is one of just eight cider instructors for the US Association of Cider Makers. The ciders pair well with the housemade Angus burger, shrimp hushpuppies and lamby joes.

Herons at Umstead Hotel & Spa
Located in Cary, the Umstead Hotel & Spa is the region’s only 5 star hotel, and its onsite restaurant Herons is among the best in the nation. Known for its classic American and Southern dishes, it has been recognized by Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, and Southern Living. Take a date and plan to spend the evening.

Lantern
Our favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill is Lantern, which serves up mouth-watering Asian dishes with a Southern flair. Chef Andrea Reusing won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast in 2011. We love the Vietnamese-style NC shrimp and pork spring rolls.

Nanasteak
Nanasteak is one of Durham’s newest restaurants. It is located next to the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), which is just a ten-minute walk from West Village. The New York strip and veal chop are incredible. We also love the house potato gnocchi. For dessert, try the bread pudding.

Crook’s Corner
Down the road in Chapel Hill near UNC, Crook’s Corner is the area’s best spot for Sunday brunch. Chef Bill Smith received accolades in the New York Times for his sumptuous Southern comfort food. Don’t miss the shrimp and grits.

Elaine’s on Franklin
On Franklin Street near the UNC campus you will find one of the area’s best restaurants, Elaine’s. It is the perfect restaurant to take a date with its cozy, romantic atmosphere. With an ever-changing menu, you can always discover something new. We love the grilled venison sausage patties.

Dos Perros
The popular Mexican restaurant Dos Perros in downtown Durham has a friendly atmosphere and is focused on authentic, classic Mexican food. It has lots of vegetarian options on the menu featuring local, fresh and seasonal vegetables. Save room for dessert. The tres leches is fantastic!

Angus Barn
Raleigh’s Angus Barn has been a Triangle favorite for decades. Known for house-aged steaks, Iron Chef America winner Walter J. Royal serves up some of the best savory dishes in the Triangle. The Angus Barn also has an award-winning wine cellar. Make a reservation.

Explore Triangle Dining
The Raleigh-Durham area has so many excellent restaurants, and with new establishments opening every week it can be hard to keep up. One of the best ways to explore the Triangle dining scene is Triangle Restaurant Week, which takes place in mid-January every year. Participating restaurants offer a reasonably priced fixed menu that includes samples of their best dishes.

Best Nightlife in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

The Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill has a surprisingly varied and vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you are going for cocktails with friends or looking for a place to take a date, you are sure to find a venue that suits your mood.

Below we’ve compiled our favorite nightlife spots in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle:

Dance the Night Away on Glenwood South.
Downtown Raleigh’s Glenwood South area is a favorite destination for club-goers. You can grab a nice meal and dance the night away on the rooftop at Solas, which has three levels and two private dining rooms. Other favorite spots on Glenwood South include Noir Bar + Lounge and Alchemy.

Get Your Comedy Fix at Goodnights Comedy Club.
You will laugh until your belly aches at Goodnights Comedy Club – a Raleigh icon since 1983. Upcoming acts include Erik Myers from Hulu’s “Hopelessly Romantic” and Brad Williams from Showtime’s “Fun Size.” Go see local talent on Tuesday nights at Open Mic night.

Enjoy Live Music at Cat’s Cradle.
Chapel Hill’s Cat’s Cradle is a live music Mecca in the Triangle. Since 1969, Cat’s Cradle has attracted musicians as diverse as Nirvana, John Mayer, Joan Baez and Iggy Pop. It’s a great place to see new and up-and-coming bands in an intimate setting.

Take a Date to Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar.
A destination for made-from-scratch pasta, Mulino Italian Kitchen Bar in Raleigh is the perfect place for a date. Located in an historic knitting mill, the restaurant has a rustic, romantic ambiance. Sit on the patio and enjoy music by the reflecting pool. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy the extensive collection of Italian wines.

Sip a Classic Cocktail at a Prohibition-era Speakeasy.
Do you enjoy classic cocktails? Step into one of downtown Raleigh’s prohibition-era cocktail lounges. These hidden gems include Watts & Ward in the basement of Café Luna and the Greenlight behind the bookshelf at the Architect. Our favorite speakeasy, Fox Liquor Bar in the basement underneath the old Piggy Wiggly, was featured in the New York Times.

Stroll Down Franklin Street.
No visit to Chapel Hill is complete without walking down Franklin Street, which is the heart of UNC’s campus. Our favorite nightlife spot is Top of the Hill Restaurant, Brewery and Distillery. The outdoor deck offers a beautiful, panoramic view of downtown.

Take a Dive.
The Triangle is home to many quirky dive bars. In Durham, we like the Green Room for its pool tables, darts and shuffle boards, and the dog-friendly Motorco Music Hall, which is located in a former mid-century car dealership.

In Raleigh, we like Boxcar Bar + Arcade for its collection of vintage video games. Karaoke fans should check out Kings.

Know Before You Go
It can be difficult to find parking on weekends, so plan on going early or just take a cab. Lyft and Uber serve all areas in the Triangle, but beware of surge pricing.

Best Outdoor Activities in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

The Triangle area has three state parks and an extensive greenway with miles of trails. You can walk, run, bike or paddle to your heart’s content.

We’ve compiled our top picks for outdoor activities in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle.

Go to a Ballgame.
Downtown Durham is home to a minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls. The season runs from April to September. After the game, step over into the Durham Bullpen and enjoy live music, classic arcade games, food and drinks.

Take a Stroll at Duke Gardens.
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University is one of the premier public gardens in the United States. With 200 plant varieties, there is always something blooming. The gardens are open year-round, and with five miles of walking trails there is a lot to enjoy.

Go to a Concert at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Located in the heart of downtown, Raleigh’s outdoor Red Hat Amphitheater is the place to go for summer concerts. The 5000-seat venue has hosted acts as diverse as Paramore, Heart and Maroon 5. The season runs from April to September.

Go Kayaking at Eno River State Park.
The scenic Eno River State Park is just minutes from Durham and covers over 4,000 acres. The river flows through mature forests. Go kayaking and paddle past flowering river banks, historic mills and old homesites. Don’t know how to kayak? Take a class with Frog Hollow Outdoors.

Shop at the Farmer’s Market.
There are plenty of farmer’s markets in the Triangle. The largest is the North Carolina State Farmers Market in downtown Raleigh. It has 75 acres of indoor and outdoor specialty shops. There you will find fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, cheese, and other products from across the state. Another popular market specializing in organic produce is Weaver Street Market in Carrboro, which is just minutes from UNC.

Go Swimming at Jordan Lake.
The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is an outdoor playground for nature lovers. There are multiple access points to the park, which is accessible via scenic Highway 64 just minutes from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The area has 1,000 campsites, 14 miles of hiking trails and seven swim beaches. The park is open year-round.

Bike on the Greenway.
The Capital Area Greenway Trail System is a network of public spaces that winds through Raleigh. With over 100 miles of trails, you can bike on beautiful trails through some of Raleigh’s best public parks.

Visit a Local Farm.
Agritourism is big in North Carolina, and several farms are open to the public for touring, food sampling and even cooking classes. We love Maple View Farm, which operates a country store and creamery just minutes from Durham. The Peaceful River Farm near Chapel Hill provides tours and cooking classes.

Go Horseback Riding.
There are over 10 miles of wooded trails just minutes from Raleigh at Dead Broke Farm. Don’t know how to ride? The farm offers lessons.

Before You Go
The Triangle has no shortage of outdoor activities you can enjoy year-round. Just make sure you check the weather forecast before you head out. When in doubt, pack a poncho.

Best Arts & Cultural Activities in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

The Triangle metro area is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation and offers an abundance of arts and cultural activities. You can find everything from museums, public art installations and a surprisingly vibrant theater scene.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite arts and cultural activities in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle:

North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art has a permanent collection of Ancient American, African and early American works, as well as a large Egyptian gallery and 30 works of the sculptor Rodin. The museum’s 164-acre Museum Park features outdoor art exhibits and a sculpture garden. In the summertime, the museum has concerts and film screenings at its outdoor amphitheater.

Ackland Art Museum
Recognized in the New York Times, the Ackland at UNC is the pride of Chapel Hill. Its permanent collection features over 18,000 works of art and includes the best collection of Asian art in North Carolina, along with European and American twentieth century and contemporary pieces. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free.

Contemporary Art Museum
Art lovers shouldn’t miss Raleigh’s Contemporary Art Museum, which offers rotating exhibitions of works by national and internationally acclaimed artists. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.

Artspace
Artspace in downtown Raleigh is a visual art center which features local artists. With exhibitions that change quarterly, you will want to visit again and again. Go for Art Happy Hour and mingle with fellow art lovers over a glass of wine.

Nasher Museum
The Nasher Museum at Duke University in Durham is one of the nation’s top university art museums. It features a large collection of works by artists of African descent. Other permanent collections include European medieval art, and European and American paintings, among others. The museum also hosts public lectures and workshops.

Carolina Theater
In the heart of downtown Durham, Carolina Theater is a jewel. Located in a historic Beaux Arts-style building (circa 1926), you will feel as if you have been transported back in time. The theater hosts concerts, theater companies and comedians. The building also includes two cinemas that screen arthouse films and classics.

North Carolina Symphony
The North Carolina Symphony has over 60 full-time musicians and puts on more than 175 concerts and events annually. Its primary concert venue is at the Meymandi Concert Hall at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. Upcoming performances include Music Inspired by the Sea, Rhapsody in Blue and The Firebird.

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
DPAC is the largest performing arts center in the Carolinas. Upcoming acts include the hit Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon,” Paul Taylor Dance Company, and comedian Bill Maher.

Carolina Ballet
Raleigh is home to a world-class ballet company, Carolina Ballet. The company has received national and international recognition. Upcoming performances include Bolero, Sleeping Beauty and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Don’t miss the company’s production of the Nutcracker in December.

Staying Connected to the Triangle Arts & Culture Scene
The Triangle area has a lot to offer and is overflowing with unique, exciting things to do. There is always something new. The Triangle’s Indy Week has the best calendar of events to help you stay up to date on the latest exhibits, gallery openings and performances.

Best Things to Do With Kids in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle

Are you looking for something to do with your family? The Triangle area has many kid-friendly activities, museums and parks.

We’ve compiled our list of the best things to do with kids in Raleigh, Durham and the Greater Triangle:

Marbles Kids Museum
Located in Raleigh’s historic Moore Square, Marbles Kids Museum has hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages. The popular Splash! exhibit has a pirate ship and submarine. The museum runs daily programs and IMAX educational and feature films year-round.

Museum of Life and Science
In downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science spans 84 acres. A miniature locomotive takes visitors on an old-time train ride through the Museum grounds. The museum has more than 60 species of Carolina wildlife and one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast. The outdoor Dinosaur Trail is another major draw.

Polar Ice House
The Polar Ice House in Cary is the largest ice skating facility in the Triangle area. Go for public skating or play a game of pick-up ice hockey. Don’t know how to skate? The Ice House’s staff offers lessons.

Pullen Park
Take your family to Raleigh’s historic Pullen Park, founded in 1887. Situated on more than 60 acres, the park has a miniature train, pedal boats and an old-fashioned carousel. The park is beautifully landscaped and has hundreds of mature oak trees and a small pond. Take a picnic lunch or eat at the park’s café.

Defy Gravity Trampoline Park
Kids of all ages can burn off some energy at Defy Gravity Trampoline Park. The park’s trampoline grid has more than 60 floor trampolines and angled wall trampolines. Reserve your jump time in advance. Spots fill up quickly on weekends.

BugFest
Each September more than 30,000 visitors descend on downtown Raleigh to attend BugFest. Kids have an opportunity to interact with etymologists and learn all about bugs. The festival has entertainment for the whole family, including live bands, food trucks and a street carnival.

Frankie’s Fun Park
In north Raleigh, Frankie’s Fun Park has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep your kids entertained for hours: arcade games, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf and much more.

Duke Lemur Center
The Duke Lemur Center in Durham is home to more than 200 rare and endangered species of lemur. The Center provides guided tours, workshops, camps and workshops.

Notasium
In Durham one of the most unique places to visit with kids is Notasium. In the indoor music-based play space, kids can play a giant guitar, inflatable drums, a giant xylophone and pedal organs. There is also a sound-proof karaoke booth.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
In Chapel Hill, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has been the top family attraction since 1949. The planetarium has a dome-shaped theater with high definition and surround sound. The building also houses a reflecting telescope operated by the UNC Physics and Astronomy Department. The Center offers classes for adults and children. It is closed on Mondays.