Raleigh, N.C., awaits. Make your escape.

Break your routine and escape to Raleigh, N.C. Gather with family and best friends to revel in favorite holiday events. Savor nationally recognized dining. Explore world-class museum exhibits. Immerse yourself in unscripted signature experiences and so much more.

Dig deep into the destination with the many things to do, places to eat, events to attend and more that await you. 

Scroll below to get inspired and plan your next trip.

Raleigh, N.C., Trip Ideas

The holidays are the perfect time to come together with friends and family, celebrating the magic of the season and taking part in the Raleigh area's holiday traditions, old and new. This list, full of events and activities in N.C.'s capital city area, should get you...

A 200-foot-long, 21-foot-tall dragon has invaded Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, N.C. Yes, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has returned to the Raleigh area for an eighth time! The festival—which only visits a handful of spots around the country each year is...

There’s a pretty good reason why Raleigh, N.C., has earned the nickname the “Smithsonian of the South.” Only here can you admire the Southeast’s largest collection of Rodin sculptures in a beautiful space filled with natural light at the North Carolina Museum of Art....

Raleigh’s food scene? It’s booming. Thriving. Better than ever, thanks to tasty endeavors from a community that’s passionate about good eats and drinks. The recent accolades: One of America’s hottest food cities (Zagat); one of the most underrated food cities on the...

The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) has unveiled a spectacular exhibition that art enthusiasts won't want to miss. The museum will host Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The exhibition takes a fresh approach exploring...

It's the most wonderful time of the year....on stage! From sleigh bells to your favorite elf, the Raleigh area's most beloved performing arts groups (plus a couple of widely known national acts!) will grab the spotlight this month. Get your tickets now for these...

The last five seasons have been a heck of a ride for the Carolina Hurricanes. Owner Tom Dundon purchased the franchise in late 2017, former Canes player Rod Brind'Amour was brought on as head coach just a handful of months later, the team made five straight playoff...

Raleigh is indeed the "Home of the Free," with an abundance of free attractions contributing to the lively and unexpected nature of the area. Below is just a sample of all of the "priceless" things you can see and do. Don't miss out on the free museums in Raleigh, which...

Enjoy the thrill of ice skating in a winter wonderland created in the heart of downtown Raleigh! THE RINK presented by UNC Health... View More

Fenton's Skate the Square rink is open Nov. 5-Feb. 5! General admission is $17+ for 75 minutes. Start your Mondays off right with... View More

Downtown Raleigh comes to light with Illuminate, a self-guided, light-based art walk. This five-week activation takes place in... View More

Experience Carolina Ballet’s reimagined production. First performed in December 2022, this new production is the Ballet’s... View More

P1t Pottery Experience
Metal stamping

Book
Signature Experiences

with People-First Tourism

Dive into Raleigh's culture with guided Signature Experiences, a curated collection of unscripted tours and hands-on encounters designed to take you "backstage" and alongside the locals who live it and breathe it every day.

“People-First Experiences are meant to be true, authentic representations of the people and places that create them.”

Enjoy a downtown Raleigh brewery and scenic overlooks for a session in painting skylines (booking available upon request) View More

Learn the art of crocheting, out and about at cookie shops, parks and more fun locations (booking available upon request) View More

Learn the basics of stamping on metal to create personalized accessories and gifts (booking available upon request) View More

Learn about the craft of blending and distilling in this behind-the-scenes tour (booking available upon request) View More


Signature Experiences larger photo, David Kuhn