Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's latest book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music," was published by University of North Carolina Press. His podcast, Carolina Calling, explores the history of the Tar Heel State through music.
Many’s the year when the period immediately following the holidays stands as a dead zone with very little going on. But that is certainly not the case in Raleigh for the opening stretch of spring 2026, a season packed with entertainment events of all sorts. Here are some of the highlights coming our way over the next few months.
Jan. 23-24; Jan. 30-31; Feb. 13-14 at KINGS
A Raleigh music tradition since 1999, The Great Cover Up returns to Kings in downtown Raleigh for three weekends in January and February. It’s like Halloween for the local music scene, in which area musicians portray everyone from Abba to ZZ Top.
Participants and cover subjects are not announced in advance, so there’s no telling who you’ll see doing what.
Appalachian Road Show
Jan. 30 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The second show of Piedmont Council of Traditional Music’s 2026 Down Home Concert Series features longtime PineCone favorite Appalachian Road Show, an ensemble that renders traditional music with contemporary flourishes.
Other highlights of this year’s nine-show season are Celtic group Solas on Feb. 13, bluegrass legend Peter Rowan on Feb. 27 and the multi-media April 10 show “Well, I Declare! America at 250.” The latter features actor/playwright Mike Wiley, singer/songwriter Dawn Landes, Mipso’s Joseph Terrell and country singer Rissi Palmer.
North Carolina Opera: Madama Butterfly
Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The classic three-act Puccini opera highlights North Carolina Opera’s 2026 season, which also includes Verdi’s Il Trovatore on April 17 and 19 as well as its annual Opera Gala fundraiser on March 14.
American Aquarium’s Roadtrip to Raleigh
Feb. 5-7 at Lincoln Theatre
A hardworking Raleigh band led by BJ Barham, American Aquarium is one of the country’s leading acts on the Americana circuit with a nationwide following built on years of touring.
But one weekend a year, American Aquarium's fans come to them for the band’s Roadtrip to Raleigh, and it’s always a highlight. This year’s three-night RtR features another quality slate of opening acts: Band of Heathens and Justin Wells on Feb. 5; Tift Merritt and Abby Hamilton on Feb. 6, and Chris Knight and Shelby Stone on Feb. 7.
Feb. 12-15 at Theatre Raleigh
Equal parts music and dancing, The Sarafinas, My Way features the precision dance company from New York performing selections from the Great American Songbook, with Broadway star Amanda Kloots as ringleader. Also on Theatre Raleigh’s spring 2026 schedule is the deeply moving 9/11 musical Come From Away, April 1-19.
Feb. 20 at Lenovo Center
The celebrated Italian tenor singer’s Romanza – 30th Anniversary World Tour touches down Feb. 20 at Lenovo Center--which also has comedian Katt Williams Feb. 13 and YouTube star Conan Gray on March 4.
March 12-29 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Carolina Ballet is putting on a number of Disney fantasy productions this spring, most notably a long run of Snow White in March.
There’s also a shorter run of Beauty and the Beast, May 14-17, also at Fletcher Opera Theatre within the Martin Marietta Center.
March 20-21 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
North Carolina Symphony conductor Miguel Prieto will be at the podium, joined by visiting pianist Anne-Marie McDermott for the great composer’s 1809 masterwork Piano Concerto No. 5.
Other North Carolina Symphony shows for spring 2026 include Hollywood Hits, March 13-14, Star Wars & More, March 28 and Jurassic Park in Concert, May 1-3.
March 27-April 19 at Raleigh Little Theatre
With 2026 marking the 250-year anniversary of America’s founding, you’ll see lots of historically themed events this year (including the aforementioned April 10 PineCone show “Well, I Declare!”). Raleigh Little Theatre has the musical 1776 settling in for a long run starting in late March.
Also on this spring's RLT schedule, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, May 2-10.
April 18 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
One of Raleigh’s favorite native sons, best-selling author David Sedaris returns to his hometown for a reading that should involve equal parts humor and pathos.
More upcoming arts events in the Raleigh area
- Garrison Keillor, Jan. 31
- Little River Band, Feb. 5
- The Wombats, Feb. 6
- Taylor Tomlinson, Feb. 6-7
- Harmonies of Heritage Chamber Concert, Feb. 7
- ZOSO, Feb. 13-14
- NC Master Chorale: Love Songs of Lennon & McCartney, Feb. 15
- Perpetual Groove, Feb. 19
- Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi, Feb. 20
- August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come & Gone, Feb,. 20-March 8
- Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers, Feb. 27
- Winter Jam 2026, Feb. 27
- The High Kings, March 1
- ALY & AJ, March 3
- Garner Showcase of Talent, March 7
- Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian, March 31
- Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit In Concert, April 28
- Marisela, May 22
Where to eat and drink in downtown Raleigh
For a pre-show meal or a post-show drink, these 10 picks are within easy walking distance of many of the above shows.
- 10th and Terrace, for rooftop drinks just steps from all the entertainment;
- Poole's Diner, for Southern eats at one of Raleigh's most iconic restaurants;
- Gravy, for hearty tomato-based dishes at one the area's favorite Italian eateries;
- Chido Taco, for a laid-back atmosphere with can't-miss tacos and Mexican beer;
- Whiskey Kitchen, for patio vibes and a menu of hand-crafted classics;
- Bittersweet, for late-night cocktails or desserts (or dessert cocktails);
- The Pit; for authentic whole-hog barbecue paired with local brews;
- The Haymaker, for hip cocktails served with hip-hop vibes;
- Element Gastropub, for a highly-rated plant-based dinner;
- Flavor Hills Restaurant and Bar, for good times at one of downtown Raleigh's tastiest gathering spots.
