visitRaleigh insider

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...

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 in the fall of 2023 by University of North Carolina...

The 81st annual Raleigh Christmas Parade will take place Sat., Nov. 22 in downtown Raleigh, with a 9:30am start time. Read on for all the details! There's no surer sign of the holiday season quickly approaching than the return of one of Raleigh, N.C.'s best (and biggest) annual...

The most fun team in hockey. The loudest house in the NHL. A perennial contender for the Stanley Cup. The last seven 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

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 in the fall of 2023 by University of North Carolina...

High-flying rides and deep-fried pies—the 157th annual N.C. State Fair returns to Raleigh, Oct. 16-26! The N.C. State Fair announced 87 new sweets, treats and over-the-top concoctions for foodies to look forward to in 2025. Hot foods, messy foods, loaded-to-the-max foods, foods we had no idea...

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 in the fall of 2023 by University of North Carolina...

Often dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South" thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions, the Raleigh area has long been known as a budget-friendly family getaway destination for those in the Tar Heel State and beyond ( Southern Living recently...

Are. You. Ready?! The state's largest annual event, the N.C. State Fair draws nearly one million visitors through the gates each October in Raleigh, N.C. (and marks what many believe to be the surest sign yet that fall has officially arrived). Eleven days of high-flying rides, deep-fried foods,...