Looking for plans this weekend? Raleigh is absolutely packed with music, art, food, and fun for every vibe and budget. Whether you’re exploring First Friday or diving into the Game & Geek Expo, this weekend is the perfect time to get out and experience the creative pulse of the city. Here’s your curated guide to everything hot and happening:
🎨 Friday, June 6 – First Friday Fever!
🌅 Morning Vibes
Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | The Mecca Restaurant Kick off your Friday with good vibes, coffee, and community at Raleigh’s oldest restaurant.
🛍️ All-Day Creativity
First Fridays at Raleigh Founded 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Raleigh Founded – North Street Co-working meets community building with art, collaboration, and connection. Make & Take a Raleigh Acorn Bell All Day | Designed For Joy Craft your own keepsake at this empowering nonprofit studio.
🍸 Evening Escapades
First Friday Cocktail Mixer & DJ Party – The Architect Bar and Social House Ladies Night at The Merchant – The Merchant First Friday Flashes Tattoo Pop-Up – 5–10 p.m. | Le Dive After Dark Sip ‘n Shop – 6–8 p.m. | Origami Styling Free Prosecco Tasting & Art Show – 5–8 p.m. | Raleigh Wine Shop
🖼️ First Friday Art Hopping
Artspace – 5–9 p.m. CAM Raleigh – 6–9 p.m. Gallery C – Haiti As It Was Opening Reception – 6–8 p.m. Glenwood Fine Art – June Art Unfolds – 6–8 p.m. Linda Ruth Dickinson – June Open Studio – 6–8 p.m. Curate Raleigh – 6–9 p.m. Arts Access Gallery – Kaleidoscope Exhibition – 6–9 p.m.
🎶 Music, Movement & More
Immerse – Afrobeats x Ballet – 5:30–6:15 p.m. | Current Wellness First Friday Live: Michael Parker – 8–11 p.m. | The Davie Pride First Friday at Commerce Place – 5–8 p.m. First Friday Punk Night at Slim’s – 6–9 p.m. Live Mural + Open House at Yoga Soul-Lec-Tive – 6:30–8:30 p.m. First Friday at The Times – 7–11 p.m. First Friday at CoLab – Pride: We Are Not Going Anywhere! – 6–11 p.m.
🍴 Saturday, June 7 – Food, Culture, & Celebration
☀️ Morning & Afternoon Fun
Savor Summer Brunch at Sitti – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. African American Third Ward Walking Tour – 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. | Pope House Museum International Food Festival (Free Admission!) – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | City Plaza A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour – 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum
🎮 Big Events
Game and Geek Expo 2025 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Raleigh Convention Center A full day of gaming, cosplay, comics, and fandom magic.
🎸 Saturday Night Soundtrack
Dispatch, John Butler Trio, G. Love & Special Sauce + Donavon Frankenreiter Red Hat Amphitheater – An epic live lineup under the stars. AfroRock Party – 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Slim’s Downtown High energy, global grooves – only in Raleigh.
🍝 Sunday, June 8 – Chill & Recharge
🍳 Brunch Goals
Savor Summer Brunch at Sitti – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cool off with authentic Lebanese flavors downtown.
🎮 One More Round!
Game and Geek Expo 2025 (Day 2) – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Missed Saturday? Sunday still brings tons of gaming and geeky goodness.
🍝 Sunday Tradition at Gravy
11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Half-priced spaghetti & meatballs. Because carbs are self-care.
Stay in the Know
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📍From mural walks to moonlit concerts, Raleigh’s weekend scene has never looked better. Where will you be?
