Major Events & Festivals in Raleigh, United States

1. First Night Raleigh

Annual New Year's Eve celebration featuring live music, arts, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Raleigh.

Family-Friendly Fun: Offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
Free Admission: Most events are free to the public.
Community Gathering: Brings together thousands of people to welcome the New Year.

Authentic German beer festival celebrating Raleigh's rich German heritage with live music, food, and dancing.

Authentic German Experience: Offers genuine German cuisine and traditional music.
Community Celebration: Brings together the community to celebrate Raleigh's rich cultural heritage.
Largest Oktoberfest in NC: One of the largest Oktoberfests in North Carolina.

Celebration of diverse cultures showcasing food, music, dance, and arts from around the world.

Cultural Diversity: Highlights the cultural diversity within Raleigh.
Global Cuisine: Features an array of international foods to taste and enjoy.
Educational Opportunities: Offers educational workshops and demonstrations about various cultures.

Annual holiday parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus in downtown Raleigh.

Holiday Spirit: Gets visitors in the holiday spirit with festive decorations and music.
Community Participation: Involves local organizations, schools, and businesses.
Free Admission: The parade is free to attend for the public.

Annual fair showcasing agriculture, food, livestock, and entertainment in Raleigh.

Agricultural Education: Provides education about various agricultural aspects.
Delicious Food: Offers a wide variety of unique and delicious foods to try.
Entertainment Galore: Features concerts, competitions, and rides for all ages.

Independent film festival featuring short films from around the world.

Indie Film Showcase: Showcases independent films that may not be widely distributed.
Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for filmmakers to network and connect with industry professionals.
Variety of Films: Features a diverse selection of films in various genres.

Annual beer festival featuring over 200 beers from around the world.

World-Class Selection: Features a large selection of rare and hard-to-find beers.
Local Craft Breweries: Showcases local craft breweries alongside international brands.
Educational Opportunities: Offers educational seminars and discussions about the craft beer industry.

Monthly gathering of food trucks offering a variety of cuisines in downtown Raleigh.

Unique Cuisine Selection: Features a wide range of food trucks offering unique and delicious dishes.
Community Gathering: Brings together the community to enjoy local cuisines and support local businesses.
Monthly Event: Takes place on the second Sunday of each month.

Celebration of Greek culture featuring food, music, dance, and arts.

Authentic Greek Experience: Offers genuine Greek cuisine, music, and dance performances.
Community Involvement: Supports a local Greek Orthodox church and its community.
Educational Opportunities: Provides educational workshops about Greek culture, history, and traditions.

Annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community featuring a parade, music, and dance.

LGBTQ+ Empowerment: Celebrates the diversity and strength of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Community Unity: Brings together allies, activists, and supporters for a unified front.
Raising Awareness: Raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and advocates for equality.

Cultural event featuring over 20 larger-than-life lantern displays in Dorothea Dix Park.

Asian Cultural Experience: Offers a unique and immersive Asian cultural experience.
Beautiful Lantern Displays: Features intricate, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes.
Family-Friendly Fun: Provides fun and educational activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Annual Halloween celebration featuring live music, food trucks, and costume contests.

Spooktacular Fun: Offers a fun and spooky atmosphere for Halloween celebrations.
Community Engagement: Involves local businesses, artists, and performers in the festivities.
Costume Contests: Features creative costume contests with various categories for participants.

Annual tour showcasing over 400 rose varieties at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Beautiful Landscapes: Offers stunning landscapes and beautiful rose gardens.
Educational Opportunities: Provides educational information about roses and gardening techniques.
Community Engagement: Involves local gardeners, experts, and enthusiasts in the event.

Monthly art market featuring local artists, live music, and food trucks.

Local Art Showcase: Showcases artwork by local artists in various mediums.
Community Engagement: Engages the community by offering interactive art activities.
Monthly Event: Takes place on the first Sunday of each month.

Weekly market featuring local farmers, artisans, and food vendors.

Fresh Local Produce: Offers fresh, locally-grown produce and goods.
Community Gathering: Brings together the community for a weekly gathering.
Local Artisans Support: Supports local artisans by providing them with an opportunity to sell their handmade goods.