Halloween weekend meets live music, late-night fun, and cultural experiences across the heart of the city.

As Halloween fades into November, Downtown Raleigh lights up with bar crawls, live music, art talks, and local tours that keep the energy high all weekend long. Whether you’re looking for a spooky celebration, an elegant symphony, or a creative downtown experience, this weekend’s guide has something for every vibe.

🎃 Friday, October 31 – Halloween in the City

Downtown Raleigh transforms into a vibrant, costumed carnival of fun, featuring themed parties, concerts, and special events from afternoon through the early hours. Highlights include “Boooogie Nights,” offering two nights of funk and treats with the Watts & Ward Annual Halloween Party featuring Astrocat at Circa 1888 from 7 PM to 11 PM. The Official Halloween Bar Crawl takes place on Friday and Saturday at Zenith Raleigh from 4 PM to midnight. For those seeking a late-night thrill, “Monster’s Ball” at Killjoy runs from 9 PM to 2 AM, while “Slay the Night Away Halloween Show” at Legends Nightclub starts at 10 PM. The “Hallowolfe Bash” at Wolfe & Porter begins at 8 PM, and “Halloween at Neptunes Parlour” is open from 5 PM to 2 AM. The Raleigh Zombie Crawl, involving over 20 bars, takes place at The Row from 7 PM to 2 AM. Additionally, “Sinners” is showing on IMAX at the Marbles IMAX Theater. Live music performances include Dallas Tetnus at Slim’s Downtown and Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen from 5 to 8 PM. Early evening vibes can be enjoyed at BLOOM BAR from 3 to 7 PM and Bud Bar from 6 to 9 PM at Wolfe & Porter.

🦇 Saturday, November 1 – Halloween Weekend Encore

The weekend continues with a variety of activities, including scavenger hunts, walking tours, and Halloween-themed nightlife. Highlights include the 16th Annual Raleigh Boogeyman Bar Crawl at Alchemy from 5:30 to 11 PM, the Downtown Raleigh Halloween Treasure Hunt starting at Sir Walter Coffee from 2 to 3 PM, and the Day of the Dogs event at Crank Arm Brewing from 2 to 6 PM, which brings together pups and people for a great cause. For entertainment, there’s the Boooogie Nights Encore Show at Watts & Ward, the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 performed by the North Carolina Symphony at 8 PM at the Martin Marietta Center, and the Saturday Night DJ Showcase at Boatman Spirits Co. from 8 PM to Midnight. Additionally, The Phantom A.D. will perform a live set at Slim’s Downtown from 9 to 11 PM, and there will be a Patrizia Ferreira Artist Talk at Artspace from 4 to 6 PM. In the afternoon, visitors can enjoy the A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, exploring local flavors and hidden culinary gems.

Sunday, November 2 – Wind Down Downtown

Close out the weekend with a delightful mix of brunch, art, and live performances that celebrate community and culture. Start your Sunday with brunch at Good Day Good Night from 9 AM to 12 PM, and enjoy half-priced spaghetti and meatballs at Gravy from 11 AM to 10 PM. Explore Raleigh’s rich history with the African American History Tour at 4 PM at Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar, and join the Booksgiving Book Club at Copperline Plant Co. from 3:30 to 5 PM. Immerse yourself in creativity at the Artspace Open Studio from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. As the evening unfolds, enjoy the lively sounds of the Boom Unit Brass Band at Slim’s Downtown from 9 to 11 PM. The weekend concludes with captivating performances, including the Carolina Ballet’s “The Seven Deadly Sins” and the Midnight Nomad Closing Party at Nomad. For a more relaxed evening, unwind with a cocktail at Boatman Spirits Co. for Saturday Night Spins from 8 PM to midnight, or visit Raleigh’s favorite local lounges.

Plan Your Weekend in Downtown Raleigh

From sunrise coffee runs to late-night costume parties, this weekend is all about vibes, variety, and vintage fun. Join locals downtown for live music, costume contests, trolley tours, and Raleigh’s most spirited Halloween celebrations.

🔗 See more local entertainment and community events at DoRaleigh.com — your guide to everything Raleigh.