Looking for the best things to do in Downtown Raleigh this weekend? From First Friday art walks and live music to restaurant specials, food tours, and cultural events, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your Downtown Raleigh Entertainment Guide to make the most of August 1–3, 2025.

Friday, August 1, 2025 – First Friday Fun

Morning & Daytime Events

Audio Advice Live (Sheraton Raleigh Hotel) 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (also Sat & Sun) | Explore cutting-edge home audio and home theater systems. Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca (The Mecca Restaurant) 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Classic Raleigh breakfast & lunch tradition. Downtown Raleigh Historian-Guided Tour (Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar) 3:00 p.m. | Discover hidden Raleigh history. Downtown Raleigh True Crime Tour (Moore Square) 8:00 p.m. | Explore Raleigh’s mysterious past on a guided evening walk.

Evening First Friday Highlights

First Friday Cocktail Mixer & DJ Party (The Architect Bar & Social House) | Nightlife vibes. First Friday Ladies Night (The Merchant) | Live music & specials. Immerse: Wellness Event (Current Wellness) 5:30 p.m.–6:15 p.m. | Mindfulness & movement. Make & Take Raleigh Acorn Bell (Designed For Joy) | Craft your own keepsake. Black Excellence: Speak. Echo. Rise (William Peace Theatre) 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | Inspiring spoken word & performance. First Friday Market & Movie Night (Moore Square) 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | Shop local & watch a family-friendly film. Raleigh Shop & Rock: Battle of the Bands (City Plaza) 2:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | Live music showdown. First Friday Art Experiences Le Dive w/ Old Ghosts Tattoo Flash (5:00–10:00 p.m.) Gallery C: Picasso Lithographs (6:00–8:00 p.m.) Glenwood Fine Art “Sweet Summertime” Exhibit (6:00–8:00 p.m.) Grand Opening: Casa Imperial Finery (Pop-Up Shops at Wilmington Street) 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. First Friday Live Music: Michael Parker (The Davie) 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. Frozen Fridays (Wolfe & Porter) 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | Cool cocktails and live music.

Saturday, August 2, 2025 – Music, Food, and Exploration

A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour (City of Raleigh Museum) 2:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Savor Raleigh’s food scene. Recharge: A Space to Anchor Amidst the Sea of Diet Culture (Current Wellness) 12:45 p.m.–1:45 p.m. | Wellness session. The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse (Red Hat Amphitheater) | A can’t-miss concert. Black Excellence: Speak. Echo. Rise (William Peace Theatre) 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | Encore performance. Boatman Spirits Departure Party (Boatman Spirits Co.) 8:00 p.m. | Live music and tastings. Clothing & Shoes with Jupiter 2! (Slim’s Downtown) 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | Live music downtown. Downtown Raleigh Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt! (Sir Walter Coffee) 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Interactive challenge. Jazz Brunch (Sitti Authentic Lebanese) 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Jose Albizu Jazz Trio. Singer-Songwriter Concert (Wolfe & Porter) 8:00 p.m. | Acoustic performances.

Sunday, August 3, 2025 – Food & Culture

Closing Day – Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week Celebrate the finale of special menus at: Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen Gravy Sitti Authentic Lebanese Taverna Agora The Pit The Raleigh Times Bar Vidrio Sunday Tradition: Half-Priced Spaghetti & Meatballs (Gravy) 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Raleigh African American History Tour (Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar) 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Roots Rock Reggae Party with DJ Robb (Slim’s Downtown) 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. | Sunday night vibes. Frame x Iris Matcha Pop-Up (Iris Coffee Lab) 11:00 a.m. | Coffee culture meets fashion.

Why Visit Downtown Raleigh This Weekend?

Diverse Entertainment: From concerts to cultural tours and art openings. Culinary Delights: Taste the best of Downtown Raleigh during Restaurant Week. Local Art & Music: Celebrate First Friday with markets, music, and late-night gallery events. Unique Raleigh Vibes: True crime tours, wellness workshops, and exclusive pop-up shops.

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