Raleigh, N.C. (August Day, 2026) – With more than 90 percent of downtown stores and restaurants being locally owned and a state history as the largest textile producer in the country, Raleigh embraces its identity as a vibrant capital city center where creativity is stitched into every cultural institution, craft festival and local brand. As the 50th celebration of the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival approaches later this August, Raleigh is ready to show visitors why the region has become one of the Southeast's premier destinations for creative culture. From seasoned artisan to hobby crafter, visitors of all ages and interests can shop, connect and get inspired in Raleigh – where Southern charm meets a contemporary makers movement.

From muses to museums, Raleigh’s cultural institutions and community hubs continue to honor the region’s legacy of artisanship, enabling visitors to experience the city’s creative ethos at every level.

  • Housing more than 5,000 historic and modern works, the South’s largest Rodin collection and a 164-acre sculpture-studded Art Park, the free North Carolina Museum of Art offers an unforgettable museum experience.  
  • One of the country’s only dedicated lace museums, the downtown Raleigh Lace Museum showcases more than 400 years of lace-making tradition through intricate exhibits, demonstrations and educational programming.
  • Visitors are invited to connect with the city’s flourishing art scene at Artspace, Raleigh’s free, nonprofit visual hub where working artists create and exhibit new works in open studios.

Throughout the year, the greater Raleigh region celebrates its artistic identity through signature festivals that transform downtown streets into vibrant outdoor galleries while highlighting the makers carrying Southern craftsmanship into the future.

  • Celebrating its landmark 50th year, August 22-23, the beloved Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival draws hundreds of artists from across the nation alongside live entertainment on multiple stages, demonstrations, immersive activations and thousands of visitors – transforming the area into one of the Southeast’s most engaging arts festivals.
  • Each spring, downtown Raleigh’s annual Artsplosure celebration features large-scale art installations, interactive family activities and approximately 175 juried visual artists from around the country, reflecting the festival’s mission of making artistic inspiration accessible to all.

Beyond museums and festivals, Raleigh’s creative spirit extends to bustling markets and boutiques where shoppers of every kind are given the opportunity to connect with the hands behind the products.

  • Locally-based luxury clothing brand, Peter Millar, is planning to open its first signature coffee shop in downtown Raleigh’s upcoming 600-key Omni hotel. Currently under construction, the Peter Millar Coffee Shop is expected to open late 2028.
  • Surround yourself with beautiful things and the people who create them at Makers Alley, a must-browse street of hyper-local artisans and handcrafted specialty goods in the luxurious North Hills district.
  • Local, artisan boutiques like Edge of Urge, Quercus and the artist-owned-and-operated Munjo Munjo offer the opportunity to take home a piece of the craftsmanship defining Raleigh.

Blending a centuries-old textile heritage with contemporary artisanship, North Carolina's capital city offers visitors an authentic peek into the makers' experience with locally-owned, nationally-recognized brands, museums and festivals. Whether browsing handcrafted goods, meeting local makers or exploring Raleigh's artistic institutions, travelers can find inspiration on every block.
 

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh):
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, Visit Raleigh is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the industry and community's economic position and provides opportunities for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 19 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.4 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $321 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $720 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Hannah Hankins
Public Relations and International Tourism Manager
919.819.8292
hhankins@visitRaleigh.com

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