Main Stage: Counting Crows + The Gaslight Anthem

What: The Complete Sweets! Tour rolls into town with Counting Crows, joined by The Gaslight Anthem—an emotional rock night you won’t forget.

When: Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm)

Where: Red Hat Amphitheater

Why Go: A rare chance to hear nostalgic rock hits under the open sky—perfect for summer concert vibes  .

Saturday Evening: Museum Park & NCMA

Spend your Saturday relaxing at the North Carolina Museum of Art and exploring its sculpture trails. Catch an outdoor performance if available—NCMA is always buzzing in warm weather ().

Wednesday & Beyond: GalaxyCon Raleigh

What: A four-day pop-culture extravaganza featuring cosplay, panels, celebrity meet-and-greets, gaming zones, comic vendors, and street fest-style fun.

When: July 24–27 at the Raleigh Convention Center; exhibition halls open 10 am–8 pm, street fest opens Thursday at 2 pm ().

Who Should Go: Gamers, geek-culture fans, families wanting something unique, and anyone interested in a high-energy street carnival feel.

Thursday Night: Live After Five

What: Downtown block party with live music, food trucks, breweries, vendors and a lively, post-work community vibe.

When: Wednesday, July 23 from 5–8 pm

Where: Fayetteville Street

Cost: Free admission—just bring your appetite and upbeat mood ().

🚛 Monster Fun: Outlaw Music Fest & Monster Jam

Outlaw Music Festival – A star-studded lineup including Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Tami Neilson & more, hitting the Coastal Credit Union Music Park on July 27  . Monster Jam – Feel the thrill at PNC Arena on July 26 and 27 with adrenaline-pumping monster trucks like Grave Digger, Zombie, and Megalodon  .

⚽ Sports & Beats All Weekend

Wiz Khalifa & Sean Paul bring good vibes with DaBaby opening on July 26 at Walnut Creek  . Goo Goo Dolls + Dashboard Confessional join forces at Red Hat Amphitheater on July 26  . See “Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Bigger & Weirder” show on July 24 at Red Hat  . Soccer fans: July 26 brings North Carolina FC vs. Loudoun United FC, and Chivas de Guadalajara Femenil vs. NC Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park  .

🏀 Bonus Scoop: NC State Legends Reunion

On July 18, NC State alumni DJ Burns and DJ Horne reunite with Team Challenge ALS for The Basketball Tournament—a feel-good game you can catch online. Plus, the Raleigh 919 Legends (featuring ex‑Pack point guard Alex Johnson) are another local favorite  .

🧭 Raleigh Weekend Itinerary Suggestion

When

Do This

Thursday (7/17)

Open with Counting Crows at Red Hat Amphitheater—crowd energy guaranteed

Friday (7/18)

Chill at NCMA by day; catch a basketball tournament streaming in the evening

Saturday (7/19)

Wander the art park or Warehouse District; dinner downtown; wrap with Goo Goo Dolls

Sunday (7/20)

Gear up with music & trucks: choose Monster Jam or Outlaw Festival for an epic finale

🎈 Local Flavor Tips

Warehouse District is the go-to spot for gallery crawls, craft beers, and nightlife experiences  . Hillsborough Street offers a lively mix of college-town eateries and bars—ideal for bar hopping or grabbing brunch  . Pullen Park (established 1887) is perfect for families—rides, paddle boats, carousel, and low-key chill time  .

✨ Why This Weekend in Raleigh is Unmissable:

You’ve got nostalgic rock, cosplay culture, family-friendly fun, monster truck adrenaline, outdoor art, and good vibes across the board—all within walking distance of the best of Raleigh’s food, nightlife, and charm.

Enjoy the weekend—snap some photos, fuel up on barbecue and craft beer, and soak up everything this city has to offer! Follow DoRalrigh.com