Raleigh’s live entertainment scene is electric this week, with top-tier comedy, stirring concerts, and a packed Friday lineup stretching across the Triangle. Whether you’re into stand-up laughs, intimate acoustic sets, or big-stage energy, May 8 and 9 offer something for every kind of night owl. Here’s your guide to where the fun is happening:

Thursday, May 8 – Comedy, Country, and Indie Vibes

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes | 7:00 PM Carolina Theatre, Durham The viral comedy queen brings her bold, character-driven humor to Durham for a night of non-stop laughs. Chad Prather | 7:30 PM Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh Known for his Southern sass and sharp political takes, Chad takes the mic for an evening of rowdy stand-up. Pony Bradshaw | 8:00 PM The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh Appalachian folk meets storytelling at its finest. Don’t miss this heartfelt performance from a rising Southern songwriter. Matt Ross | 8:00 PM Room 861 at Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh Catch this breakout comedian in an intimate setting—raw, real, and hilarious. Five Points Comedy Night | 8:00 PM The Rialto Theater, Raleigh A showcase of top local and regional comics in one of Raleigh’s most unique venues.

Friday, May 9 – Packed with Premier Performances

Donnell Rawlings | 7:00 PM & 9:15 PM Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh “Ashy Larry” from Chappelle’s Show brings two sets of edgy, crowd-roaring comedy. Jay Pharoah | 7:00 PM & 9:15 PM Raleigh Improv, Cary The master impressionist and SNL alum is ready to light up the stage with celebrity voices and original jokes. Steven Curtis Chapman | 7:00 PM Central Baptist Church, Dunn One of Christian music’s most awarded artists performs a night of faith and inspiration. Sunny Sweeney | 7:00 PM Bird’s Nest Listening Room, Dunn Texas country comes to North Carolina with Sweeney’s twangy vocals and honest songwriting. The Isaacs | 7:00 PM Rudy Theatre, Selma Grammy-nominated family harmonies—expect gospel, bluegrass, and Southern soul. Rufus Du Sol | 7:30 PM Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh Electronic indie at its peak—an immersive concert experience under the stars. Mother’s Day Celebration | 7:30 PM Crown Arena, Fayetteville A heartfelt night of entertainment perfect for honoring moms a little early. Kenny G | 7:30 PM Durham Performing Arts Center The smooth jazz legend serenades the Triangle with timeless saxophone classics. Matt Ross | 7:30 PM & 9:45 PM Room 861 at Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh Back by demand for two more Friday night sets. NC Symphony: The Firebird | 8:00 PM Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh A sweeping, magical performance led by Carlos Miguel Prieto—Stravinsky’s masterpiece in full glory. Shane Gillis | 8:00 PM Lenovo Center, Raleigh No-holds-barred humor from one of stand-up’s most controversial rising stars. Paul F. Tompkins’ Varietopia | 8:00 PM Carolina Theatre, Durham A comedic variety show blending sketches, music, and interviews—quirky, clever fun. Nicotine Dolls | 8:00 PM Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro NYC indie-pop energy meets emotional storytelling in this intimate set. Save Ferris | 8:00 PM Kings, Raleigh Ska revival and punk power from the ’90s icons—get ready to dance. George Huntley | 8:00 PM The Rialto Theater, Raleigh Acoustic-driven pop-rock from a Raleigh legend. Brent Cobb | 8:30 PM The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh Grammy-nominated Americana from Georgia with heartfelt Southern soul.

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