Top annual Raleigh festivals that won't cost you a dime
Raleigh is the place to be if you’re looking for a great festival. Whether it’s to celebrate local artists, listen to live music, enjoy some food and drink, or even to take flight, here are some of the best annual events Raleigh has to offer.
We have put together this list using winners and nominees for the area’s best venues and events from WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online reviews.
Artsplosure
Typically a two-day event every May throughout downtown Raleigh, Artsplosure features over 175 juried artists and craftspeople and holds exhibitions of art in 10 different categories. As an award-winning Art Market, all work is available for purchase, including photographs, paintings, jewelry, pottery creations, woodwork and more.
Attendees can watch musical performances from emerging arts as they enjoy the one-of-a-kind installations. Children are also encouraged to attend and enjoy the free arts and crafts available.
When: May
Where: Downtown Raleigh
IMBA! Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
Every late September, IMBA! Wide Open Bluegrass Festival brings together hundreds of performers to showcase bluegrass music and artists. It is a host to multiple stages of live music, an arts market, street vendors, and family-oriented activities.
Fayetteville Street from Martin Street to the Martin Marietta Energy Center for the Performing Arts is closed down for five whole blocks and six stages of music that stretch across Raleigh.
When: September
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Brewgaloo
Brewgaloo is a two-day festival in late April showcasing craft beer, featuring over 110 breweries from around North Carolina, along with food trucks, local vendors, and live music all along Fayetteville Street. The fun ensues with a sampler event of limited-release beers, two stages of local band performances, and tasty food options.
The event itself is free, but tickets are required for the Friday beer sampling which can be purchased in advance or at the event.
When: April
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cuegrass Festival
The Cuegrass Festival combines two North Carolina favorites—barbecue and bluegrass. With a surplus of vendors and live music, this mid-April festival is the perfect spot to go to for live entertainment and good eats. The event typically takes place at the crossroad of Fayetteville and Hargett streets in Raleigh.
An online silent auction is also hosted in support of sponsor SAFEchild, The Junior League of Raleigh's BackPack Buddies Program, and The Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council.
When: April
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh’s International Food Festival
This popular June festival brings over 50 countries worth of cuisines right to Raleigh’s City Plaza. Raleigh’s International Food Festival offers food, desserts, beer and wine unique to countries around the world. Live music plays all day, as well as a Dance Party and TikTok Challenge. The event is free, family-oriented and pet-friendly. Food and drink are also for sale.
When: June
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Flight Day
Bring your kites for a fly at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park on Flight Day. The June event brings the community together to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with vendors and food trucks.
People are welcome to bring all kinds of airborne contraptions, including rockets, kites, homemade flying machines, and more. The event is free to attend, but attendees must register in advance for a pre-made headcount and contact list.
When: June
Where: Dorothea Dix Park
