New Year’s Eve Gala 2022
Hosted by Rocky Top Catering, this black tie, all-inclusive gala features four floors of delicious food, open bars, craft cocktails, rockin’ DJs and a live band at the wonderful North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. If you’re looking for a unique place to ring in the new year, you’ve found it! This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit The City Of Raleigh Museum
Among other spectacular historic structures in Raleigh, The Mordecai House is a unique home worth checking out while you are in the city.
Completed in 1785, The Mordecai House is the oldest surviving building in the entire Raleigh and now a National Historic Landmark.
The house was built separately by Joel Lane and was initially a plantation many years ago before being transformed into a beautiful park and museum.
A fantastic area to explore, Mordecai Square Historical Park has many educational opportunities for its visitors.
The Mordecai House was the exact birthplace of the late President Andrew Johnson. A perfect way to explore this area is joining the Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours, which begins and ends at the Mordecai House.
This is sure one of the best fun things to do in downtown Raleigh as there are also many amazing sights, beautiful to behold.
Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA
Visit The City Cemetery
Joel Lane Museum House is a historic building in Raleigh, NC, built in the 18th century, which was a great way to usher a new development era to Raleighs then rustic city.
This historical building portrays a significant aspect of Raleighs fascinating history. It is currently managed and owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in North Carolina.
Over the years, the Joel Lane Museum House has maintained its original architectural pattern and condition.
It is designed with a striking yellow color scheme on the outside, which gives it a distinctive, beautiful look.
Joel Lane Museum House is open to tour by interested individuals who wish to get some of the many information featured in this building.
A visit to this museum is one of the top things to do in Raleigh as it takes you on a journey through the history of how Raleigh began its development.
Visit The Joel Lane Museum House any week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
There are different admission fees for various age grades $4 for students from elementary school to college, $7 for seniors, and $8 for adults. Admission into Joel Lane Museum House is free for children at the age of six and below.
Address: 728 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Mystic This Weekend
Discover New History At The North Carolina State Capitol
Located in what was originally the exact middle of Raleigh, this National Historic Landmark was first built in 1796. A catastrophic fire destroyed the building in 1831, and the building that stands today was completed in 1840. Today, the governor, lieutenant governor and their staffs occupy offices on-site, and the building continues to be used for official state business, including bill signings, press conferences and historic commemorations.
Each year, more than 100,000 visitors take part in free tours, educational programs and events at the Capitol in downtown Raleigh.
Coffee & Bagels At 59 Causeway Grill

Whenever were on the coast we always try to incorporate our meals around water views, and 59 Causeway Grill offers quality lattes and tasty bagels with a stunning view of the waterway.
Besides a full coffee bar including specialty lattes, they also serve up smoothies, teas, pastries, bagel sandwiches and breakfast platters.
Read Also: Things To Do In Southern Va
For When It’s Raining
CineBistro
Love eating? Love movies? Maybe a cocktail to go with them both? Here’s something fun for you to do in the Raleigh area even when it’s raining!
CineBistro takes the “dinner and a movie” concept to a whole new level! The movie-going experience has never been better with amenities like reserved seating in cozy, over-sized reclining leather seats, full-service in-theatre dining, and state-of-the-art movie viewing. You can enjoy great American dishes, wines, and cocktails while watching great flicks.
Popcorn and candy are available as well!
Lincoln Theatre
Almost every day there is a show, or some fun being had at the Lincoln Theatre. From Concerts to plays, to super bowl screenings the Lincoln Theatre provides the people of Raleigh with all sorts of things to do for when it’s raining!
Search Homes for Sale Below
Best Things To Do In Raleigh
Founded in 1792, with the specific purpose of being the state capital, Raleigh is not the first choice of visitors to the state of North Carolina but does still have a lot to offer.
It has a charming downtown area with a smattering of quality and inexpensive museums. The culture in Raleigh is becoming more sophisticated as time goes by and the art galleries, food and music in the city are quickly gaining a reputation.
Here is our list of the best things to do in Raleigh:
Recommended Reading: Dan Miller Cody Wyoming
Things To Do In Downtown Raleigh
Planning a trip to Raleigh for business, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation? One of the places you will definitely want to check out while in town is the Downtown Raleigh area. It provides a cool city-like atmosphere while maintaining its historic roots and feel.
Weve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Downtown Raleigh that is sure to leave you counting down the days until your trip to the City of Oaks.
Shop Sip Stay At North Hills
Discover an eclectic mix of 130-plus local shops, restaurants, bars and hotels in this outdoor shopping haven. Known for it’s upscale finds, and also friendly for the entire family, you’ll find it easy to spend a day browsing the racks of designer clothes at Gena Chandler or Vermillion, shopping for china and crystal at Quintessentials and picking out monogrammed stationary at Paperbuzz. After shopping stops, grab some food and a handcrafted brew at local favorites like The Cowfish at North Hills, Vivace or Yard House.
Recommended Reading: What To Do With Kids In Cleveland
Lighting Of Wake Forest
A chance to visit beautiful downtown Wake Forest to experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season! Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., and sponsored by Holding Village, this year’s ceremony will begin with musical performances by local groups followed by the lighting of a 20-foot Christmas tree and Santa’s exciting arrival upon a Wake Forest fire truck.
See The North Carolina Executive Mansion
Another historic structure in Raleigh, the North Carolina Executive Mansion, is a spectacular tourist attraction site.
If you have an interest in real estate, a tour of the North Carolina Executive Mansion should be added to your list of things to do in Raleigh.
Built in 1883, this mansion was designed by architects A.G. Bauer and Samuel Sloan in a fine Victorian architectural pattern.
North Carolina Executive Mansion has been home to several state governors since the year 1891.
If you intend to tour this historical mansion, make early reservations, as tours must be scheduled about two weeks ahead of time.
According to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this mansion has the finest governors residence interior in America.
Address: 200 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
You May Like: Mystic Ct Travel
Tazza Kitchen Cameron Village
Tazza Kitchen is a modern, stylish and spacious restaurant where patrons are greeted with delicious aroma of sizzling meat, garlic, and wood fire.
A lively and friendly atmosphere with casual bistro-style seating makes you feel right at home. The food and wines are superb, and the prices are reasonable. The menu showcases dishes inspired by the cuisine of Italy and Baja California and the ingredients are sourced from well-known farmers and food artisans, many of whom are local.
Chefs Justin Burchill and Jared Dalby create many dishes using wood-fired cooking. Entrees are accompanies by small-production wines and unique local brews. The chefs are highly environmentally conscious and utilize hormone and antibiotic-free meat and poultry, as well as sustainably harvested seafood.
432 Woodburn Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-835-9463
“New cool stuff to do in Raleigh, North Carolina” Back to Top or Romantic Getaways, Wedding Ideas close to me this weekend, honeymoon, anniversary Ideas, fun places near me
Cool places to go near me in spring, couple, activity, what is, time, fine dining near me, fancy restaurant, activities near me, beach hotels, fishing, parks near me, campground, RV resorts, winery, what’s near me, bay, attractions near me, list of, orchards, national parks: MA, FL, Caribbean, All-inclusive Jamaica, AR, CO, ME, KS, CT, Missouri caves, Gadsden, Pismo Beach, Blue Ridge, Best caves in Missouri, Beaches Near Atlanta, NJ, FL caves
Hit Golf Balls From A Third

Looking for big entertainment? Drive Shackthe interactive golf complex that caters to big groupsopened in 2019 in Raleigh. The three-story complex includes 96 climate-controlled golf bays, a full-service restaurant, a rooftop bar, more than 300 televisions, an arcade area, meeting rooms and more.
The 260-yard-long driving range combines physical targets to aim for with augmented reality and virtual games. The range utilizes TrackMan technology, pinpointing the flight of your golf ball and allowing you to virtually play real-world championship golf courses or go head-to-head against friends to collect points for hitting physical targets .
Don’t Miss: Fun Things To Do With Kids In Cleveland Ohio
Things To Do In Raleigh This Week Jan 612
In , Do by Raleigh MagazineJan 6, 2022
Happy New Year, Raleigh! Ring in 2022 with a plethora of fun things to do around town this weekfrom Canes games to wine dinners to art exhibits and more.
THROUGH 1/9NC CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Get lit with this uberpopular hip holiday light show tradition, back for its fifth installment with all new displays and cant-miss nightly performances at Carys Koka Booth. boothamphitheatre.com
THROUGH 1/21ABSTRACTO/LATINO
Explore diverse art movements from French Cubism to Russian Constructivismthrough work from local Latinx abstraction artists at Block Gallery. raleighnc.gov
THROUGH 1/30SMORES ON THE FARM WITH GOATS
Life is smore fun with goats. Head out to Spring Haven Farm to cozy on up by the fire with smores , then meet and feed the farm animals. springhaven.farm
THROUGH 2/6BREAK THE MOLD: NEW TAKES ON TRADITIONAL ART MAKING
In hue of the technological era, the NCMA will be spotlighting contemporary artists and traditional artmaking in its latest innovative exhibit. Break the Mold will highlight fresh approaches to time-honored crafts such as embroidery, ceramics, quilting and fashion. Color us intrigued! ncartmuseum.org
1/6SONGSTORIES LIVE
Get inspired by three singer-songwritersJoshua Branch, Jason Adamo and John Sierrawho will share their original songs and the stories behind them at Boxyard RTP. boxyard.rtp.org
1/7CAROLINA HURRICANES VS. CALGARY FLAMES
1/7FIRST FRIDAY
1/8MUTTS & MARSHMALLOWS
1/9BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 5
Visit The States Museum Of History
Source: flickr
When a museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian, you know it is going to be of a high standard and the North Carolina Museum of History does not buck that trend. The museum, located in Downtown Raleigh, has exhibits such as Treasures of North Carolina and The Story of North Carolina which offer an insight into the history of the state. As well as these permanent exhibits, the museum also host traveling exhibits which currently include two photography exhibitions.
Recommended Reading: What To See In Mystic Connecticut
Go Shopping At The Triangle Center
Source: frenchfryheaven
The Triangle Center, located just off of Highway 1 is arguably the best place to shop in the city of Raleigh. The mall has all of the major shops you would expect from a city mall as well as some good places to eat. The mall is open from 10-9 Monday Saturday and Noon until 6pm on Sundays.
See Art From Around The World
Source: flickr
The North Carolina Museum of Art was the first major museum in the United States to be funded by the state. It was opened in 1956 and its permanent collections consists of European and American art that was bought with public funds. Throughout the museum you will also find Egyptian, African and contemporary art. Daily tours of the museum take place Tuesday to Friday and are a free introduction to the museums vast collections.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do Near Mystic Ct
Paddle The Ocean Isle Waterways
Ocean or waterway? You decide where you most want to take your paddle board or kayak.
I prefer the calmer waters of the waterway, as I love the ZEN like experience of supping. When you go out on the ocean, even with the smallest swell, balancing is a whole lot trickier and I tend to fall off.
We took our stand-up paddle boards out on the just behind our hotel. I loved the tranquil experience paddling with just the birds and a silence you normally wouldnt find in a beach destination.
Only once was my serenity disturbed by a fish jumping out of the water onto the board. With unruffled Zen I watched with delight as it quickly flipped its way back into its home.
I did have one beady eye on the muddy low-tide banks for beady alligator eyes staring back but I only saw the jagged edges of oyster clumps.
There are outfitters across the islands that rent kayaks, paddle boards, or offer guided tours. We travel with our own inflatable sup boards.
Joel Lane Museum House Raleigh Nc
The locals call the Joel Lane Museum House the birthplace of Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. Plantation owner Joel Lane built his house in 1769 in, for that time, a rural area of North Carolina.
During his time, Joel Lanes plantation manor was considered The Best House for 100 Miles. It has been faithfully restored and is now an important historic site that takes visitors back to very different times. The House is owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina.
It hosts frequent events such as lectures, videos, and guided tours, and it can be rented for special occasions. Imagine having a birthday bash in the elegant Museum House gardens!
Visitors Center at 160 South Saint Marys Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-833-3431
More places to visit: Best Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina.
You are reading “What to Do in Raleigh, North Carolina this Weekend” Back to Top or Restaurants near me, stuff to do near me
Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, hotels open near me, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA
Also Check: Family Things To Do In Cleveland
Hummingbird + Lynwood Brewing Concern
Visit Raleighs Five Points for incredible brunch cocktails and lattes at Hummingbird. After that, skip on over to Lynnwood Brewing Concern for brews and games.
Both are housed in the same building, making them perfect additions to our date night in Raleigh list.
Hummingbird
Pull up a barstool at Hummingbird and enjoy the light streaming through the big industrial windows as you fight over one of their incredible sticky buns.
Seriously, the bourbon in the caramel sauce still wakes me up from the Baby Shark lyrics I occasionally mutter to myself when sleeping!
We also included Hummingbird among our favorite breakfast restaurants in North Carolina.
Lynnwood Brewing Concern
With over 15 years of quality craft brewing, Lynnwood Brewing opened their second production location on East Whitaker Mill Road.
Sip on delicious, prize-winning beers with questionable names that might make you giggle. For example, theres the clever Once You Go Black IPA and Kiss My Irish Stout that got both of us hooked while visiting.
LBC is the first of a couple spots included in our guide to Raleigh breweries.
Drop By The State Fair And Festivals

Do you love the food, exhibits, and performances at fairs and festivals? More things to do with kids in Raleigh, NC include wandering through the fun at the fairs and festivals.
North Carolina has a state fair that takes place in Raleigh in October. It is the largest state event showcasing livestock shows, arts and culture, and agricultural exhibits. Also, there are plenty of entertaining activities, including musical performances and amusement rides and games. It is a state tradition that brings many people to Raleigh every year, and it might be just as fun for you, too.
In the spring, summer, and fall, Raleigh hosts a variety of festivals. These major festivals elevate Raleighs culture and are centered around things like local food, beer, arts and crafts, and music. Summertime means it is time for Raleighs International Food Festival and the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival just outside of Raleigh. Fall means the return of Triangle Oktoberfest. Keep an eye out for these seasonal festivals!
Recommended Reading: Fun Family Things To Do In Wichita Falls Tx
Explore Historic Raleigh Neigborhoods
Boylan Heighs / Cameron Park
Raleigh has several historic neighborhoods in and around downtown, and one of our favorite things to do is explore them on foot or drive through slowly.
You will see charming and beautifully restored Southern homes, plus craftsman bungalows, Queen Anne/Colonial Revivals and Dutch Colonials sitting along oak tree lined streets.
Some of our favorite neighborhoods include:
- Historic Oakwood dates all the way back to the 1800s that rose after the Civil War.
- Boylan Heights -one of Raleighs first planned suburbs.
- Mordecai Raleighs oldest neighborhood.
- Cameron Park one of Raleighs most attractive family neighborhoods.
- Hayes Barton built in the 1920s in the post World War I era.