With Fourth of July in the rear view mirror, we’re rounding the corner into the halfway point of summer. How’s the progress on your summer bucket listing looking?
Whether you’ve still got plenty left to check out or need to add a few things to the itinerary, here’s your guide to the can’t-miss activities and events around Raleigh this summer.
Catch an Outdoor Movie
Raleigh summers can be unforgivably hot, but once the sun goes down, things aren’t too bad—so it’s the perfect time to get out and do something! One of our favorite summer happenings in the Triangle is all of the outdoor movies screenings, and there are still a ton to take advantage of.
Be sure to check out what’s playing at spots like the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden at Raleigh Little Theatre, Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and Joyner Park.
Big news that we’re excited about: Moore Square Park will be celebrating their grand opening in August and will host a movie series presented by the Alamo Drafthouse!
See the Sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park
If there’s one thing that Dorothea Dix Park is known for, above all else, it’s the annual sunflower blooms. The vivid colors of the flowers bring in tons of guests every year, and with the Raleigh skyline in the background, it makes for a perfect photo op.
In fact, the blooms are so popular that there’s even an event dedicated to them! Destination Sunfest is happening on July 13th and will feature carnival rides, games, live entertainment, local food and drink vendors, and more. Plus, it’s 100% free!
Cheer on the Durham Bulls
While we don’t have a major league baseball team in Raleigh quite yet, we do have a popular minor league team right next door in Durham. The Durham Bulls—a team with international fame thanks to the 1998 movie Bull Durham, starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon—play at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, right in Downtown Durham.
The team regularly hosts special events, including discount food days, fireworks shows, and even Stranger Things-themed nights. (Did you know the creators are actually from Durham?) Tickets for the games are pretty affordable, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience!
Enjoy Live Music
There are tons of free live music series and festivals happening around Raleigh this summer. No matter what neighborhood you live in, whether you’re inside or outside of the Beltline, you’ll find a nearby option!
For a bigger concert experience, venues like the Red Hat Amphitheater, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, and Coastal Credit Union Music Park are hosting artists like the Flaming Lips, 21 Savage, Kasey Musgraves, Weird Al, and Thomas Rhett. For local bands, check out series like Midtown Beach Music, Friday Night on White, music at the NCMA, and Bands, Bites, and Boats at Bond Park.
Explore Local Flavors
Barbecue, local brews, seafood, and more—Raleigh’s home to a wide variety of flavors, many of which are well-known and award-winning. If you want to get in as many stops as possible under one roof, check out hot spots like the Transfer Co. Food Hall or Morgan Street Food Hall—both of which have outdoor patio areas and regular events!
There are also a number of food festivals happening this summer around Raleigh—like the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, the Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo, Raleigh Greek Festival, and the NC Jerk Fest.
Find Your Home in the Raleigh Area
No matter the season, Raleigh and the Triangle area are always full of things to do and events to attend. Stay up-to-date with our blog, where we regularly post about our favorite happenings!
Looking to buy a home in Raleigh or the Triangle? Get to know the areas with our in-depth guides, browse our buying resources, and give us a call when you’re ready to get started!