Raleigh is turning up the volume this weekend with a packed lineup of live music, food, art, dance, and local flair! Whether you’re vibing to classical ballet, rocking out under the stars, or exploring downtown’s vibrant scene, there’s something for every mood. Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening this weekend in the City of Oaks:

Friday, May 16 – Game On, Get Moving, and Live Music

Adult Nights: Game On!

6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Channel your inner child (with an adult twist) at this after-hours museum event featuring games, music, drinks, and science fun.

Carolina Ballet presents Swan Lake

7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Experience the elegance of one of ballet’s most iconic performances. Additional shows Saturday night and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Della Mae with Laurie Lewis

Time TBA | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Bluegrass meets powerhouse vocals in this soulful concert performance.

Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca

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

Start your Friday with local flavor and positive vibes—great food, community connections, and downtown charm.

Live at the Leaf: Chicken Ranch Road Show

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Longleaf Hotel

Kick off your weekend with this laid-back outdoor concert featuring local talent and cocktails on the patio.

The String Cheese Incident

Red Hat Amphitheater

Expect high-energy improvisation, electric jams, and a devoted fanbase at this legendary touring band’s Raleigh stop.

Saturday, May 17 – Food, Festivals, Movement & Music

A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum

Explore delicious bites and downtown’s rich history on this walking culinary experience.

African American Third Ward Walking Tour

10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. | Pope House Museum

Discover powerful local history and community heritage through a guided walking tour.

Artsplosure 2025

All Day | Fayetteville Street

Raleigh’s beloved arts festival returns with interactive installations, live performances, craft vendors, and food trucks.

Becoming Poetry

6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | 415 Hillsborough St

An intimate, immersive poetry event celebrating identity, voice, and expression.

Carolina Ballet presents Swan Lake

7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center

Another chance to catch the spellbinding performance of this ballet classic.

Intuitive Movement – Inspired by the African Diaspora

9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. | The Self Care Marketplace

A mindful dance workshop inviting you to reconnect through rhythm, healing, and embodiment.

Rootle Roadster Tour Block Party at Marbles

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum

Family-friendly fun with PBS NC’s Rootle team—games, learning activities, and special guests.

Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour

Red Hat Amphitheater

Rising soul-pop powerhouse Teddy Swims takes the stage with heartfelt lyrics and powerhouse vocals.

The Raleigh Wine Shop’s 14th Anniversary Sale & Fundraiser

12 p.m. – 8 p.m. | The Raleigh Wine Shop

Celebrate 14 years of great wine with special tastings and a fundraiser supporting local nonprofits.

Woofstock at West Street Dog

1 p.m. – 7 p.m. | West Street Dog

Dogs, drinks, and good times. A pet-friendly celebration with vendors, music, and furry friends galore.

Sunday, May 18 – Art, Wellness, Celebration & Rock

(held space) by Caprice McNeill

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Gallery C

Explore a meditative art experience focused on identity, healing, and visual storytelling.

Artsplosure 2025

Continues | Fayetteville Street

Don’t miss the final day of downtown’s largest outdoor art celebration.

Carolina Ballet presents Swan Lake

2 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center

Your final chance this weekend to witness this timeless ballet live.

Elevated Sip & Paint

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | The Self Care Marketplace

Unleash your creativity in this elevated painting experience paired with drinks and good vibes.

Fat Positive Flow

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Current Wellness

An inclusive yoga class designed to support movement and body positivity for every body.

Graffiti Art Class: Break The Wall

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | The CoLab

Spray, sketch, and learn street art techniques from experienced muralists.

May Radiance Sound Bath

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Current Wellness

Recharge your energy and de-stress with this deeply restorative sound healing experience.

One Year Party

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Origami Styling

Celebrate a year of creative styling, community, and bold fashion vibes.

Pride Flow

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Current Wellness

Celebrate community and inclusivity with a joyful, affirming yoga practice.

Sunday Tradition: Half-Priced Spaghetti & Meatballs at Gravy

11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Gravy

Wrap up the weekend with comforting Italian classics and a great deal.

Trivium & Bullet for My Valentine – The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour 2025

Red Hat Amphitheater

Metalheads rejoice! End your weekend with heavy riffs, thunderous drums, and pure adrenaline.

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