Looking to make the most of your Thursday in Raleigh? Whether you’re craving art, history, laughs, live music, or even a mystical reading, the capital city is serving up a rich mix of entertainment today, May 15. Here’s your curated guide to where to go and what to do.

Highlights for Thursday, May 15

Carolina Ballet presents Swan Lake

7:30 PM | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Tchaikovsky’s classic comes to life with mesmerizing choreography and timeless storytelling. If you miss tonight’s show, it runs through the weekend with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Comedy Night at The Davie

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Davie

End your evening with laughter as local comedians hit the stage. No better way to wrap up a Thursday than with drinks and punchlines.

History of Raleigh’s Red Light District

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | City of Raleigh Museum

Step into Raleigh’s lesser-known past with this intriguing lunchtime talk. A fascinating dive into the city’s former underground scene.

Ken Burns: The American Revolution

All Day | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Explore history through the lens of legendary documentarian Ken Burns in this immersive experience.

LIVE at Raleigh Times featuring Eric Tubbs

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Raleigh Times Bar

Settle in with craft beers and local sounds at this free performance from singer-songwriter Eric Tubbs.

Lunchbox Lectures

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | City of Raleigh Museum

Bring your lunch and feed your mind. Today’s topic complements the museum’s ongoing exhibits.

Tarot & Toast

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Unlikely Professionals

Sip, snack, and see what the cards have in store. A casual mix of tarot reading and community vibes.

The Art of Turning Personal Experience into Articles

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Redbud Writing Project

Writers and creatives can learn how to turn real-life stories into compelling nonfiction pieces in this guided workshop.

Bike to Work Day Celebration

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Moore Square

Celebrate Raleigh’s commitment to cycling at Moore Square. Free swag, snacks, and a community of riders.

Golf in the Garden presented by UNC Health Championship

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Raleigh Beer Garden

Enjoy a relaxed evening of mini golf, brews, and good vibes in the heart of downtown Raleigh.

Looking Ahead to Friday, May 16

Adult Nights: Game On!

6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Adults take over the museum for a night of games, science, and surprises.

Carolina Ballet: Swan Lake (Encore)

7:30 PM | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Can’t make it Thursday? The magic continues Friday and through the weekend.

Della Mae with Laurie Lewis

Evening | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

A soulful evening of bluegrass, Americana, and exceptional musicianship.

Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca

7:30 AM – 2:00 PM | The Mecca Restaurant

Start your Friday right with good food, good coffee, and live tunes in one of Raleigh’s oldest restaurants.

The String Cheese Incident

Evening | Red Hat Amphitheater

Iconic jam band energy comes to Raleigh for a can’t-miss concert under the stars.

Stay Entertained. Stay Local.

Raleigh’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene continues to thrive — and Thursday is just the beginning. For more local fun, events, and insider tips, follow DoRaleigh.com — your go-to source for everything in Raleigh entertainment.

See you out there!