visitRaleigh insider

The City of Raleigh will host fireworks (plus games, food and music) at Dix Park on July 4, with gates opening at 6pm. Read about that event plus other fireworks displays in the Raleigh area below! Ready to celebrate Independence Day in a big way for 2026? Fireworks displays, bounce houses, live

Tried-and-true recipe for a great time: a dash of warm weather, a heap of live music and plenty of good friends. With a jam-packed schedule of open-air tunes, we've put together your guide to the venues and concert series that make up more than 100 outdoor concerts in the Raleigh area this...

Raleigh wears its nickname with pride. The City of Oaks is no stranger to great outdoor spaces—lush, lively and packed with places to play, wander and unwind. From sculpted gardens to wildflower fields, wooded trails to waterfront lounging, these wonders show off the area's natural side...

There's no shortage of ways to find peaceful escapes in order to explore the outdoors in the City of Oaks. Use any of the Raleigh area’s 200+ miles of greenways—many of them connecting to attractions and letting you travel all over the destination—or numerous other miles of...

Widely regarded as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards are a glittering showcase of America's brightest culinary talent. Given out annually since 1990 in a variety of chef and restaurant categories—from outstanding chef to best new bar—recognition from the Beard...

The days are longer, the weather is warmer and the flowers are blooming—sure signs of spring in the Raleigh area! The perfect season to explore parks and gardens budding with colorful flowers, use this list to get out and enjoy sunshine and the beauty of the City of Oaks. WRAL Azalea Gardens...

Who's ready to rock? Live music is back in a big way this spring in the Raleigh area! Browse the biggest and best picks of the next few months below (and send this to a friend to start picking out your shows!). March Ballyhoo!, March 11 at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard Fireside Collective, March

From historic sites and museums to art galleries and city parks, the Raleigh, N.C., area, strives to make a wide range of experiences accessible to visitors of varying abilities. Here are a few options you should absolutely take advantage of while visiting the City of Oaks. Explore our museums

A year full of major festivals and celebrations lies ahead in Raleigh, N.C.! These events serve an important purpose—they mark history and sense of pride, plus they showcase talent, creativity and culture, delicious foods and beverages (and some surprises, too!). Make plans now to spend a day...

One of the Tar Heel State's favorite annual holiday events is back and brighter than ever—yes, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to the Raleigh area for a 10th time! Taking place at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, the festival—which only visits a handful of spots...