The Downtown Raleigh After-Work Event Guide Thursday December 18th Edition

Looking for the best things to do after work in Downtown Raleigh? From happy hour drink specials and free wings to live music, improv, art walks, karaoke, and holiday pop-ups, Thursday, December 18 is packed with ways to unwind, connect, and celebrate the season downtown. Here’s your complete after-work event guide.

🍸 Happy Hour, Drinks & Social Meetups

Start the evening with drink specials and social vibes at some of downtown Raleigh’s favorite spots.

$10 Classic Cocktails All Day | Boatman Spirits Co. Enjoy expertly crafted classic cocktails at a special all-day price every Thursday. Singles Mingle 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Good Day Good Night Mix, mingle, and meet new people in a relaxed after-work social setting.

🎨 Arts, Creativity & Holiday Pop-Ups

Add some creativity and seasonal fun to your Thursday night.

Wrap It Up – Pop-Up Gift Wrapping 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Platform Get your holiday gifts professionally wrapped while supporting a downtown pop-up experience. Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour 5:45–6:45 p.m. | Raleigh Walking Tours Explore Downtown Raleigh’s Illuminate Art Walk with a guided sip-and-stroll tour featuring public art and holiday vibes. Pottery Painting Pop-Up: Holiday Edition 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Incendiary Brewing Taproom Sip craft beer while painting pottery in this festive, hands-on creative experience.

🎭 Comedy, Improv & Live Entertainment

Leela Improv Theatre: Drop-In Improv Class 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Leela Improv Theatre Jump into improv—no experience required—at this fun, interactive drop-in class. Frog Machine & Vitamin D (Live Music) 9:00–11:00 p.m. | Slim’s Downtown Catch live music late into the evening at one of downtown’s most iconic venues.

🏈 Sports, Wings & Late-Night Karaoke

Free Gussie’s Wings & Thursday Football 8:15 p.m. | Wolfe & Porter Watch Thursday Night Football and enjoy free wings while supplies last. Thursday Night Music Karaoke 8:00 p.m. | Wolfe & Porter Warm up your vocals and sing along to your favorite hits. Zenith Raleigh Downtown Karaoke 9:00 p.m. | Zenith Raleigh Keep the party going with late-night karaoke downtown.

Make the Most of Your Downtown Raleigh Evening

Whether you’re heading out straight from work or meeting friends later in the night, Downtown Raleigh offers something for everyone—from creative workshops and guided art walks to live music, football, and karaoke.

Check back daily on DoRaleigh.com for the latest after-work guides, weekend previews, and downtown happenings.