Looking for exciting things to do in Downtown Raleigh this weekend? From food tours and family activities to live music, theater, and nightlife, Saturday, August 23, 2025, is packed with entertainment options for all ages. Here’s your guide to the best events happening in the heart of the city.

Food & Drink

A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour 📍 City of Raleigh Museum | ⏰ 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Explore Raleigh’s culinary scene with this walking food tour. Enjoy tastings from local restaurants while learning about downtown’s history and culture.

Sitti Summer Wine Dinner 📍 Sitti Authentic Lebanese | ⏰ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Indulge in a specially curated wine-pairing dinner at one of Raleigh’s most beloved restaurants. A must for foodies and wine lovers.

Arts & Culture

Kick-Off to Kindergarten 📍 Marbles Kids Museum | ⏰ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm A fun and educational event for rising kindergartners with hands-on activities and resources to get ready for school.

Summer Celebration 2025 📍 Artspace | ⏰ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Celebrate the arts at Artspace with interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and live art demonstrations.

At Birth – Special Performance (Pay What You Can) 📍 Burning Coal Theatre Company | ⏰ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Catch this special matinee performance of Mark Cornell’s world premiere comedy.

At Birth – Evening Show 📍 Burning Coal Theatre Company | ⏰ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Experience the full production of this new play by Chapel Hill playwright Mark Cornell.

House of Rebellion Grand Opening 📍 House of Rebellion | ⏰ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Be among the first to explore this new creative space in downtown Raleigh, featuring art, culture, and community.

Live Music & Nightlife

Chicken Ranch Road Show and Long Relief 📍 Wolfe & Porter | ⏰ 8:00 pm An evening of live local music in one of Raleigh’s favorite downtown venues.

Debbie Liske Band 📍 Slim’s Downtown | ⏰ 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm Enjoy a lively night of performances from the Debbie Liske Band at the iconic Slim’s.

Saturday Night DJ Showcase 📍 Boatman Spirits Co. | ⏰ 8:00 pm – Midnight (The Afterlife) End your night dancing to top DJs spinning tracks at one of Raleigh’s hottest nightlife spots.

🌟 Make the Most of Your Downtown Raleigh Weekend

With so many options, Downtown Raleigh is the place to be this Saturday. Start your day with a family-friendly activity at Marbles or Artspace, enjoy a food tour or wine dinner, catch a world-premiere play, and wrap up your evening with live music or a DJ showcase.

👉 Whether you’re looking for culture, cuisine, or nightlife, Raleigh’s downtown has something for everyone this Saturday.