Downtown Raleigh comes alive this Thanksgiving weekend with food tours, live music, seasonal markets, cultural walking tours, DJ showcases, and unique small business pop-ups. Whether you’re exploring the city with friends, supporting local shops, or searching for something fun and festive to do, this guide highlights the best events happening Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30, 2025 right in the heart of Raleigh.
⭐ Saturday, November 29, 2025 Events
Kick off your weekend with a packed Saturday lineup in downtown Raleigh. Food lovers can enjoy A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour from 2:30pm–5:30pm at the City of Raleigh Museum, or catch spectacular performances at Cirque Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony, offering shows at 3pm and 7:30pm. Slim’s Downtown keeps Black Friday energy going with $5 Black Fireball Friday Shots from 4:30pm–2am, while FIGULINA hosts its flavorful Bagna Càuda Days with seatings at 5pm and 7pm. Wolfe & Porter features Crofton’s Pretzels starting at 6pm until sell-out, and adventurers can join the Downtown Raleigh Treasure Hunt at Sir Walter Coffee from 2pm–3pm.
History enthusiasts can participate in Fall African American Walking Tours at Pope House Museum at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm, while fitness fans can start the day with a Pilates Mat Class at Heights Pilates from 9:30am–10:15am. Slim’s returns in the evening with Safe Word from 8pm–11pm, and Boatman Spirits Co. turns up the energy with a Saturday Night DJ Showcase starting at 8pm. Shoppers can browse the Small Business Saturday Market + Tree Sale from 12pm–4pm at Hartwell, and the City of Raleigh Museum hosts Wrap It Up! Pop-Up Gift Wrapping during the same hours.
⭐ Sunday, November 30, 2025 Events
On Sunday, downtown Raleigh keeps the momentum going. Gravy offers a delicious deal with Half-Priced Spaghetti & Meatballs from 11am–10pm, while Artspace invites guests to its Open Studio from 1:30pm–3:30pm. Racing fans can catch the F1 Qatar Grand Prix Watch Party at The Davie from 11am–1pm, and coffee lovers can visit the Left Hook Coffee Pop-Up at Figulina Pasta + Provisions from 11am–3pm.
History buffs can join the Raleigh African American History Tour from 4pm–5pm starting at Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar. Boatman Spirits Co. closes out the weekend with Saturday Night Spins from 8pm–12am—yes, even on a Sunday night.
🎉 Make the Most of Your Downtown Raleigh Weekend
Whether you’re here for food, culture, shopping, or nightlife, downtown Raleigh is full of experiences to enjoy all weekend long. Support local businesses, discover something new, and explore the city like never before.
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