Looking for excitement in the heart of Raleigh this week? Whether you’re celebrating Juneteenth, indulging in burger specials, or catching live performances, Downtown Raleigh is packed with events to elevate your Thursday and Friday. Here’s your curated roundup of what’s happening in the city center.

📅 Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth & Creative Energy

🍔 Burger Night Thursdays at Le Dive

All Day | Le Dive

Sink your teeth into a burger night tradition at one of Raleigh’s trendiest eateries.

🎭 WAIT TIL YOU SEE THIS: Forgive Us, Gustavito

7:30–9:30 p.m. | Burning Coal Theatre Company

A powerful performance from Burning Coal’s experimental theatre series, exploring forgiveness and justice.

✊🏾 Juneteenth at Marbles and Moore Square

10 a.m.–7 p.m. | FREE | Marbles Kids Museum

Celebrate freedom and family fun with Juneteenth programming for all ages.

🎶 LIVE at Raleigh Times: Story Charlemagne

7–10 p.m. | The Raleigh Times Bar

Enjoy a night of live indie-soul sounds on the rooftop at one of Raleigh’s most iconic bars.

🏛️ Lunchbox Lectures

12–1 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum

Take a midday history break with this educational and thought-provoking lecture series.

🔮 Tarot & Toast

6–8 p.m. | Unlikely Professionals

Sip, socialize, and explore the metaphysical with tarot card readings and community vibes.

✍️ The Art of Turning Your Experiences Into Articles

6–8 p.m. | Redbud Writing Project

Writers, take note: this workshop teaches how to craft compelling personal essays and get published.

🎉 Juneteenth: A Chavis Celebration

5–9 p.m. | John Chavis Memorial Park

A major celebration of heritage, featuring live music, family fun, and community unity.

🎤 Karaoke at Zenith Raleigh

9 p.m. | Zenith Raleigh

Cap off the night by belting your heart out in downtown’s nightlife hotspot.

📅 Friday, June 20 – Music, Pride, and Feel-Good Vibes

☀️ Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca

7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | The Mecca Restaurant

Start your day with classic Southern breakfast and community conversation at Raleigh’s oldest restaurant.

🎤 Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows Tour

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Nationally acclaimed comedian Ali Siddiq brings his storytelling genius to the stage for one night only.

🧡 Out! Raleigh Pride on Fayetteville Street

Celebrate Pride Month downtown with performances, food, art vendors, and community groups.

💗 Pink Friday with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.

6:30–8:30 p.m. | The Self Care Marketplace

An evening of sisterhood and self-care, hosted by the OLO Chapter of AKA.

🖋️ Coppice Prize Launch Party – Redbud Writing Project

6:30–8 p.m. | Redbud Writing Project

Meet Triangle authors and celebrate new literary voices during this intimate reading and social.

🐴 schleich® Bag Tag Make & Take

10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum

Craft and play with this free kid-friendly activity—ideal for families spending the day downtown.

🎶 The Driver Era: Obsession Tour

Red Hat Amphitheater

Pop-rock duo The Driver Era hits the stage with their high-energy Obsession Tour—tickets going fast!

🎬 NCMA Outdoor Films at Moore Square: Piece by Piece

6–9 p.m. | Moore Square

Relax under the stars with this powerful film screening, part of the North Carolina Museum of Art’s outdoor cinema series.

💡 Pro Tip: Park Smart & Explore More

With so much happening downtown, consider parking at Moore Square Parking Deck or taking a quick Raleigh R-Line loop to bounce between venues.

🔗 Stay Connected

Stay updated on Raleigh’s best by visiting DoRaleigh.com for events, neighborhood guides, and new experiences every day of the week.

Whether you’re raising your voice in song, diving into history, or dancing in the streets for Pride, Downtown Raleigh welcomes you with something memorable this week. See you out there!