22 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week · May 14–17, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival 2026

Downtown Raleigh's longest-running arts festival returns with 175+ juried artists, live music on two stages, giant installations, Kidsplosure activities, and Carolina Shakespeare performances — all free.

Saturday–Sunday, May 16–17, 2026 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday · Downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street

Got to Be NC Festival

Annual celebration of North Carolina agriculture, food, and culture featuring the Masonic Carolina Pig Jig BBQ competition, carnival rides, farm animals, live music, and NC-made products — free admission.

Friday–Sunday, May 15–17, 2026 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday; 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday; 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday · NC State Fairgrounds, Agri Supply Exposition Center, Raleigh

Arts & Culture

Open Mic Night at ComedyWorx

Raleigh's favorite improv comedy club opens its mic for a free-form night of comedy — there is a mic, it's open, come laugh.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM · ComedyWorx, Raleigh

Opening Reception: May–June Exhibition at Sertoma Arts Center

Opening reception for the new May–June exhibition at the City of Raleigh's Sertoma Arts Center — a free chance to meet artists and see fresh work.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 2:00 PM · Sertoma Arts Center, Raleigh

Carolina Ballet Beauty and the Beast

Carolina Ballet presents a full production of Beauty and the Beast at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, running May 14–17.

Thursday–Sunday, May 14–17, 2026 · Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Downtown Raleigh

Music & Nightlife

Final Four Champions Show at The Portal HQ

Four weeks of genre-night competitions culminate in one final showdown at The Portal HQ — the crowd decides the winner in this unique live music battle.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Portal HQ, Raleigh

The Varsity ComedyWorx Show

ComedyWorx's elite Varsity improv team performs shortform comedy at its highest level — the best of the best on one stage.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM · ComedyWorx, Raleigh

NC Symphony ICON: Motown & Beyond

The NC Symphony delivers a one-night Motown celebration at Meymandi Concert Hall — expect timeless hits from the golden era of soul and R&B.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:00 PM · Meymandi Concert Hall, Downtown Raleigh

RITUAL. Patio Season Opener at William & Company

Rabbit Whole Productions brings RITUAL. back outside for patio season with a lineup of selectors including Shawnny G, Keeks, Quill, and Emelcie from 3–8 PM.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM · William & Company, Raleigh

Daphnique Springs at Raleigh Improv

Stand-up comedian Daphnique Springs brings her high-energy show to the Raleigh Improv for a two-night run with three total shows.

Friday–Saturday, May 15–16, 2026 · Raleigh Improv, Raleigh

Free Events

Night at the EnviroArt Gallery

An evening arts and environment event at the City of Raleigh's EnviroArt Gallery blending art, sustainability, and community.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 4:00 PM · EnviroArt Gallery, Raleigh

Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh

Fleet Feet Raleigh hosts a free weekly Thursday run from Ponysaurus Brewing at Raleigh Iron Works — choose a 3- or 5-mile route, then reward yourself with a pint.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh, 2221 Iron Works Drive, Raleigh

Live After 5 with Fireside Collective

Downtown Raleigh's beloved free summer concert series kicks off its inaugural 2026 show at Moore Square with Americana/folk band Fireside Collective, plus local food and drink vendors.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:00 PM · Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh

Spring 2026 DTRaleigh Photo Walk

The DTRaleigh Community hosts a free collaborative photo walk through downtown Raleigh — bring your camera and explore the city through a photographer's lens.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 1:00 PM · Downtown Raleigh

Food & Drink

Pay-What-You-Can Farmstand at Raleigh City Farm

Fresh seasonal vegetables with flexible, pay-what-you-can pricing at Raleigh City Farm — a midweek community farmstand worth stopping by.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 · Raleigh City Farm, Raleigh

Raleigh Wine Shop 15th Anniversary

Downtown Raleigh's beloved wine shop and bar celebrates 15 years with tastings, charcuterie, and pop-up festivities — a milestone worth raising a glass to.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Raleigh Wine Shop, Downtown Raleigh

North Hills Wine Walk

Stroll through The Commons at North Hills sampling wines while supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund — $25 donation at registration covers the walk.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM · The Commons, 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue, Raleigh

Outdoors & Active

Raleigh Rose Garden Peak Bloom

The Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden hits peak bloom in May — a stunning free visit to see hundreds of rose varieties in full color before summer's first heat.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, 301 Pogue St, Raleigh

Pride Flow with Lauren at Current Wellness

A Pride-themed yoga flow class at Current Wellness — open to all levels in an inclusive, welcoming studio environment.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Current Wellness, 219 S East St, Raleigh

Morning Miles Run Club at North Hills

Early-morning run club meeting at Midtown Park at North Hills with 3- and 5-mile route options, followed by coffee and post-run chats.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 6:05 AM · Midtown Park at North Hills, Raleigh

Juniper Level Botanic Garden Spring Open House

Final weekend of JLBG's free spring open garden days, with horticultural staff on hand, free educational programs, and the nursery open for plant shopping.

Friday–Sunday, May 15–17, 2026 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Juniper Level Botanic Garden, 9241 Sauls Road, Raleigh

Family-Friendly

NCMA Movie Night: Poupelle of Chimney Town

Free outdoor movie night at the NC Museum of Art featuring the animated film Poupelle of Chimney Town — bring a blanket and enjoy the evening on the museum grounds.

Friday, May 15, 2026 6:00 PM · NC Museum of Art, Raleigh