Looking for the best things to do in Downtown Raleigh this weekend? From Emancipation Day history tours and art studio openings to food tours, fitness classes, and nightlife, this Downtown Raleigh Weekend Event Guide has you covered for Saturday and Sunday, January 3–4, 2026.
Whether you’re planning a full day downtown or just popping in for an evening event, here’s what’s happening.
📅 Saturday, January 3, 2026
2026 Emancipation Day Breakfast
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Pilates Mat Class
9:30 am – 10:15 am
📍 Heights Pilates
Emancipation Day Trolley: Oberlin Village Tour
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Fighting for Freedom: Black Civil War Reenactors
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Winter Historic Oakwood Tour
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Food Tour
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Adoption Event with Perfectly Imperfect Pups
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
📍 Incendiary Brewing Taproom
Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
Saturday Night DJ Showcase
8:00 pm – Midnight
📍 Boatman Spirits Co.
📅 Sunday, January 4, 2026
Sunday Run Club
9:00 am – 10:30 am
📍 The Bike Library
Winter Warm-Up Series with YogaSix Glenwood South & 321 Coffee
9:00 am – 10:00 am
📍 YogaSix Glenwood South
Artspace Open Studio
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
📍 Artspace
New Year, New Lens: Reclaiming Movement Series
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
📍 Current Wellness
Raleigh African American History Tour
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
📍 Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar
Sidecar Social Club at Figulina
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
📍 Figulina Pasta + Provisions
Make the Most of Your Downtown Raleigh Weekend
This weekend highlights Downtown Raleigh’s culture, history, wellness, food, and nightlife, with multiple Emancipation Day events, guided walking tours, and community-driven experiences. Whether you’re exploring Oakwood, Glenwood South, or Moore Square, there’s something happening all weekend long.
Check back with DoRaleigh for daily updates, neighborhood-specific guides, and last-minute event additions.
DoRaleigh 
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