The Big List
Everything we know about. We still think you should let us pick.
Coming up
- Dale Jones
Second City-trained comic Dale Jones brings 30 years of fast-paced, physical stand-up to Raleigh Improv for a three-night run. 21+.
Treat yourselfCaryFri, Jul 31 · 7:00 PM - Dylan Wolfe Hits the Roof
Rising Nashville country act Dylan Wolfe plays a free set at Tin Roof's Hits the Roof series, which once featured Luke Combs before he was famous.
FreeDowntown RaleighFri, Jul 31 · 8:00 PM - Andrew Orolfo
Filipino American comic Andrew Orolfo brings his Comedy Central and Netflix-tested set to Raleigh Improv for two nights of sharp, absurd stand-up. 21+.
Treat yourselfCaryFri, Jul 31 · 9:15 PM - Square Dance Social
A lively night of square and easy partner dances with live instruction, no experience needed — come with friends or meet new people, boots and hats optional.
FreeDix ParkFri, Aug 21 · 6:00 PM
Anytime
- Drag and dancing at Legends
The sprawling LGBTQ+ club complex that has anchored Raleigh nightlife since 1991 — dance floor, drag stage, patio. Moving two blocks to a new home, same legendary energy.
Keep it cheapWarehouse District - Candlelit cocktails at Watts & Ward
Duck downstairs off Blount Street into a candlelit, 6,000-square-foot ode to the Prohibition speakeasy. Leather chairs, serious cocktails, live jazz nights, open late.
Treat yourselfMoore SquareClosed now - Whiskey night at Dram & Draught
More than 300 whiskeys at the foot of Glenwood, across from the original Char-Grill. Locally owned, patio out front, open until 2am — a whiskey nerd's living room.
Treat yourselfGlenwood SouthClosed now - Bourbon underground at Foundation
A stone-walled basement under Fayetteville Street pouring bourbon and craft cocktails since 2009. Rotating pop-up kitchens, moody lighting, open until 2am every night.
Treat yourselfFayetteville StClosed now - Rock show at Lincoln Theatre
A no-frills downtown rock hall that's booked national and regional acts across every genre for decades. Balcony rail upstairs or right up front on the floor — pick your ritual.
Keep it cheapFayetteville St - Free karaoke at Flex Nightclub
Raleigh's long-running neighborhood gay bar — free karaoke Sundays and Mondays, drag shows, country dancing, cheap drinks. Come as you are; everyone does.
Keep it cheapDowntown RaleighClosed now - Catch a show at Kings
A 247-cap room above Martin Street with floating walls and two decades of Raleigh's best, weirdest bookings. Take a chance on a band you've never heard of — that's the point.
Keep it cheapFayetteville St - Basement karaoke and cocktails at Neptunes Parlour
The basement hideaway under Kings — custom cocktails with handmade syrups, DJs late, karaoke on Wednesdays. You go down for one drink and surface at 2am.
Keep it cheapFayetteville StClosed now - Design-your-own cocktails at Killjoy
A colorful, plant-strung cocktail room where you can design your own drink and zero-proof orders get the same exquisite respect. From the Bittersweet crew, with a cozy patio.
Treat yourselfGlenwood SouthClosed now - Dive-bar rock night at Slim's
Downtown's oldest music venue and proudest dive, going since 1999. Cheap beer, poster-plastered windows, and punk, rock, and shoegaze most nights of the week.
Keep it cheapFayetteville StClosed now