13 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week · September 17–20, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Marlon Wayans at Raleigh Improv

Comedy legend Marlon Wayans brings five shows to the Raleigh Improv across Thursday through Saturday.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Raleigh Improv

Jet at Bowstring Brewyard

Iconic Australian rock band Jet — known for 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl' — plays at Bowstring Pizza Brewyard this Thursday.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Bowstring Brewyard, Raleigh

White Denim at Kings

White Denim brings their eclectic rock sound to the intimate Kings venue in Raleigh.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Kings, Raleigh

Ify Nwadiwe at Goodnights Comedy Club

Stand-up comedian Ify Nwadiwe performs one night only at Goodnights Comedy Club.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 7:30 PM · Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh

Arts & Culture

Longform House Teams at ComedyWorx

Teams of improvisers create extended performances based on a single audience suggestion at ComedyWorx.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 7:00 PM · ComedyWorx, Raleigh

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3

The NC Symphony performs Rachmaninoff's legendary Piano Concerto No. 3 at Meymandi Concert Hall over two nights.

Friday, September 18, 2026 · Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh

Outdoors & Active

Juniper Level Botanic Garden Fall Open House

Explore JLBG's stunning gardens during their fall open house with free educational programs, horticultural staff on hand, and plants for sale.

Friday, September 18, 2026 9:00 AM · Juniper Level Botanic Garden, 9241 Sauls Road, Raleigh

Free Events

Pop Up Music – Grace Lucia Lee at North Hills

Local acoustic artist Grace Lucia Lee performs a surprise pop-up set in the North Hills Commons for shoppers and visitors.

Friday, September 18, 2026 6:00 PM · The Commons at North Hills, Raleigh

Fenton Maker's Market

Browse local artists, handmade goods, and live music at the monthly Triangle Pop-Up Maker's Market in Fenton Square.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 11:00 AM · Fenton, 201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary

Pride Flow with Forest

An inclusive, affirming yoga flow class welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and allies at Current Wellness.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 · Current Wellness, 219 S East St, Raleigh

Festivals & Special Events

11th Annual Asia Fest

Nearly 100 cultural exhibits, heart-pounding dragon boat races, global street food, and vibrant performances celebrate Asian heritage at Koka Booth Amphitheater, drawing around 10,000 visitors.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 9:00 AM · Koka Booth Amphitheater, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

Family-Friendly

BugFest 2026

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences' biggest free event of the year features 100+ bug exhibits, hands-on activities, and conversations with entomologists for all ages.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 AM · NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh

Date Night

Fall Equinox: Reflection, Tea Ritual + Sound Bath

Mark the arrival of autumn with a grounding evening of reflection, ceremonial tea ritual, and a restorative sound bath at Current Wellness.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Current Wellness, 219 S East St, Raleigh