Downtown Raleigh is alive this Thursday night with live music, cocktails, comedy, karaoke, and community gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or a night out on the town, this guide highlights the best events happening in the heart of the city on October 9, 2025.

🐋 Blue Whales Lecture Series

🕖 7:00 p.m. | 📍 NC Museum of Natural Sciences Store & Nature Art Gallery

Dive deep into the fascinating world of blue whales at this engaging lecture series hosted by the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Explore ocean science, conservation, and marine life through expert storytelling and interactive discussion.

🍸 $10 Classic Cocktails

🕓 All Day | 📍 Boatman Spirits Co.

Sip, savor, and unwind! Enjoy timeless $10 cocktails all day long at Boatman Spirits Co. — a perfect way to kick off your evening downtown.

🎧 DJ Terminator X at Boatman Spirits Co.

🕗 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. | 📍 Boatman Spirits Co.

Legendary DJ Terminator X spins an unforgettable night of hip-hop classics, funk, and soul. Stay late for great music, craft cocktails, and vibrant vibes.

🍗 Free Gussie’s Wings & Thursday Football

🕣 8:15 p.m. | 📍 Wolfe & Porter

Football fans — this one’s for you! Catch the Thursday night game while enjoying free Gussie’s wings at Wolfe & Porter. Grab a seat early; it fills up fast!

😂 Leela Improv Theatre: Drop-In Improv Class

🕖 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 📍 Leela Improv Theatre

Loosen up and laugh out loud at Leela’s drop-in improv class. No experience required — just bring your sense of humor and creativity.

🎸 Mike Krause Live

🕘 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 📍 Slim’s Downtown

Enjoy live rock and soulful vocals from Mike Krause at Slim’s Downtown. It’s an intimate, high-energy performance that’s perfect for a Thursday night out.

🎭 Opening Night: Once

🕢 7:30 p.m. (Thu–Sat), 2:00 p.m. (Sun) | 📍 Burning Coal Theatre Company

Experience the Tony Award–winning musical Once, opening this week at Burning Coal Theatre. A heartfelt story of love, music, and connection told through stunning live performances.

🎤 Thursday Night Music Karaoke

🕗 8:00 p.m. | 📍 Wolfe & Porter

After the game, stay for Thursday Night Music Karaoke! Grab the mic, sing your favorite hits, and bring the energy to this local favorite.

🌸 Women United Fall Social

🕠 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | 📍 Hartwell

Connect with local leaders and changemakers at the Women United Fall Social — an evening of networking, empowerment, and community building.

🎙️ Zenith Raleigh Downtown Karaoke

🕘 9:00 p.m. | 📍 Zenith Raleigh

Keep the party going at Zenith with late-night karaoke in one of downtown’s most vibrant nightlife spots. Sing your heart out and celebrate the season in style.

🌆 Plan Your Night in Downtown Raleigh

From live music and theater to cocktails, improv, and karaoke, Downtown Raleigh offers something for every mood this Thursday.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates, weekend event guides, and insider picks for the best local experiences.