Ready to turn your Thursday up a notch? Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area are packed with headlining acts, comedy stars, and live music that’ll kick off your weekend early. From classic sounds to internet-famous comedians, here’s your front-row look at the big ticket events happening Thursday — and a preview of the jam-packed Friday to come.

Thursday, May 15 – Big Events

Throwback Sounds of Summer

12:45 PM | Rudy Theatre, Selma, NC

A daytime musical journey filled with nostalgic summer hits. Perfect for fans of golden oldies, beach music, and feel-good vibes.

Chris Klemens – Live Comedy

7:00 PM | Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh

YouTube sensation and podcaster Chris Klemens brings his sharp wit and chaotic charm to the stage. Expect an evening of laughs, offbeat observations, and brutally honest storytelling.

Friday, May 16 – The Weekend Heats Up

Get ready — Friday is absolutely stacked with big performances across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Carrboro:

The String Cheese Incident

6:00 PM | Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh

The beloved jam band delivers their signature fusion of rock, bluegrass, funk, and electronica for a high-energy outdoor show.

Ginger Billy (2 Shows!)

7:00 PM & 9:15 PM | Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh

The viral comedian known for his shirtless rants and Southern humor takes the stage twice on Friday. Expect quick sellouts.

Arm’s Length

7:00 PM | Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro

This Canadian emo band brings their emotional intensity and high-octane sound to one of the Triangle’s best indie venues.

Della Mae with Laurie Lewis

7:30 PM | Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh

A magical night of bluegrass and Americana with two powerhouse women in roots music.

Amy Silverberg (2 Shows!)

7:30 PM & 9:45 PM | Room 861 at Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh

Acclaimed stand-up and author, Amy Silverberg’s unique blend of humor and literary finesse will have you laughing and thinking.

North Carolina Symphony: Mozart Requiem

8:00 PM | Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh

Experience the dramatic brilliance of one of Mozart’s most powerful works, performed by the state’s premier symphony orchestra.

Travis Tritt

8:00 PM | Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), Durham

Country music legend Travis Tritt hits the stage for a night of hits and heartfelt southern storytelling.

Chloe Moriondo

8:00 PM | Motorco Music Hall, Durham

Genre-defying indie pop and alt-rock from this Gen Z phenom known for her raw lyrics and genre-blending sound.

Andrew Duhon

8:00 PM | Cat’s Cradle Back Room, Carrboro

Bluesy folk with rich storytelling — an intimate performance from a soulful New Orleans singer-songwriter.

Kaki King

8:00 PM | The Rialto Theater, Raleigh

World-renowned guitarist and composer Kaki King brings her stunning visual-meets-musical performance to The Rialto.

Nightrain – Guns N’ Roses Tribute

8:00 PM | The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh

Relive the glory days of arena rock with this explosive tribute to Guns N’ Roses. High energy, big riffs, and all the classics.

Tim Dillon

9:15 PM | Raleigh Improv, Cary

Outspoken, hilarious, and unfiltered — Tim Dillon takes his podcast fame to the stand-up stage in this can’t-miss late set.

Barely Alive & beastboi.

10:00 PM | Location TBA

Close out your Friday with heavy bass and EDM energy. A party for night owls ready to dance into the weekend.

Get Your Tickets, Plan Your Night

Whether you’re in the mood for classical masterpieces, rowdy country tunes, edgy comedy, or pulsing EDM — there’s a big-ticket event calling your name. Don’t wait, some of these shows will sell out.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for updates, ticket links, and everything happening in Raleigh and across the Triangle. Your next great night out starts here.