21 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week · May 21–24, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Animazement 2026

Raleigh's premier Japanese animation and culture convention returns with concerts, panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork, cosplay, and more.

Friday, May 22, 2026 – Sunday, May 24, 2026 6:00 PM (Friday) – 5:00 PM (Sunday) · Raleigh Convention Center, 500 South Salisbury Street

Food & Drink

Korean Cooking Class – Kimbap

Hands-on Korean cooking class where participants learn to make kimbap with the Triangle Korean Language and Culture Meetup Group.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 5:00 PM · Raleigh

NC Sugar Rush

A free six-hour dessert festival featuring 20+ sweet vendors including Italian ice, funnel cakes, ice cream, beignets, cookie dough, vegan treats, plus a DJ and live performances.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM · City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh

Sports

UNC Health Championship 2026

Four days of Korn Ferry Tour golf at the historic Donald Ross-designed Raleigh Country Club, featuring future PGA Tour stars competing for their cards.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 8:00 AM · Raleigh Country Club, 400 Donald Ross Drive

Music & Nightlife

The Secret Sisters at Fletcher Opera Theater

PineCone presents acclaimed Americana duo The Secret Sisters live at the intimate Fletcher Opera Theater.

Friday, May 22, 2026 7:30 PM · Fletcher Opera Theater, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

R&B On The Patio In City Plaza Memorial Weekend

Live R&B music on the patio at Element Gastropub in City Plaza to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

Friday, May 22, 2026 8:00 PM · Element Gastropub, City Plaza, Raleigh

Guy Torry at Raleigh Improv

Stand-up comedian Guy Torry performs five shows over Memorial Day weekend at the Raleigh Improv.

Friday, May 29, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 · Raleigh Improv, Cary, NC

Ladies Night at The Portal HQ

A ladies night event at The Portal HQ creative event space in Raleigh featuring local performers and a fun community vibe.

Thursday, May 29, 2026 · The Portal HQ, Raleigh

Young the Giant @ Red Hat - Landfill Diversion Event

The Great Raleigh Cleanup Inc hosts a community event tied to Young the Giant's show at Red Hat Amphitheater, supporting landfill diversion.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 8:00 PM · Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh

Arts & Culture

Funny Marco at Raleigh Improv

Popular comedian Funny Marco performs four shows over the weekend at the Raleigh Improv.

Friday, May 22, 2026 – Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Raleigh Improv, Cary, NC

The ComedyWorx Show

Two improv teams compete for points and laughs in ComedyWorx's flagship audience-driven show.

Friday, May 22, 2026 8:00 PM · ComedyWorx, Raleigh

Continuum: Classical to Contemporary Islamic Art

An ongoing exhibition at a City of Raleigh gallery exploring the arc of Islamic art from classical traditions to contemporary expressions, running through June 26.

Through Friday, June 26, 2026 · Raleigh

Free Events

Plant Swap at Raleigh Parks

Bring plants to swap with fellow gardeners at this community plant exchange hosted by Raleigh Parks.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM · Raleigh

Memorial Day Cleanup

Join The Great Raleigh Cleanup Inc for a community beautification effort on Memorial Day morning.

Monday, May 25, 2026 9:30 AM · Raleigh

ArtPutt Presented by UNC Health Championship

A free surrealist, self-serve mini-golf course in Downtown Raleigh where every hole features North Carolina-themed art designed by local creatives.

Through Sunday, May 31, 2026 · Downtown Raleigh

Date Night

RITUAL. Sunday Patio DJ Set at William & Company

Rabbit Whole Productions' recurring outdoor DJ series returns to the William & Company patio with warm, intentional sounds and a golden-hour dance floor vibe.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM · William & Company, Raleigh

May Radiance Sound Bath

An immersive sound bath experience at Current Wellness offering deep relaxation through healing frequencies — perfect for a restorative evening.

Sunday, May 31, 2026 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM · Current Wellness, 219 S East St, Raleigh

Outdoors & Active

Urban Run Club Raleigh – Weekly Saturday Run

Urban Run Club Raleigh meets every Saturday at 10 AM at Moore Square for a community run through downtown.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 10:00 AM · Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh

Morning Miles Run Club – Tuesday Runs at North Hills

Morning Miles Run Club meets every Tuesday at Midtown Park at North Hills for 3- or 5-mile routes followed by coffee and conversation.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 6:05 AM · Midtown Park at North Hills, Raleigh

Prenatal Yoga Workshop

A dedicated prenatal yoga workshop at Current Wellness designed to support expecting mothers through movement and mindfulness.

Sunday, May 31, 2026 · Current Wellness, 219 S East St, Raleigh

Family-Friendly

Dreamflash Bubble Festival at Dix Park

Raleigh's biggest family bubble festival at Dorothea Dix Park featuring giant bubbles, creative games, and activities designed for kids ages 3–15.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh