I am pleased that the city of Raleigh has a family friendly, alcohol free event on New Year's Eve…read more Over the years of the event, they have excelled in making it an interactive event with a great variety of arts and entertainment. The kids event start in the mid afternoon, and include the full New Year;s Eve countdown treatment at 7pm (12 midnight on Greenwich Mean Time) with the acorn drop and fireworks display. Ever wanted to be in a parade? You have your chance with the people's procession. Lots of paper mache animal heads and shapes are made available for use in the parade, or be one of the many walking the huge puppet named Rhea down the parade route. New for this year was a phone app that made it much easier to see what activities where happening at any particular time. Do be aware this is a popular event and can get VERY crowded, especially at the main stage for both the 7pm and midnight acorn drops. Traffic and parking can be quite difficult, especially for those not used to downtown parking. I have been many times since this event started iver 25 years ago. I have always found it to be an enjoyable way to bring in the new year.

This place is hot, on a whole new level though. It's a bit off the beaten path from the usual…read moreRaleigh nightlife spots, but it's worth it. It's the best karaoke bar Raleigh has. Cheap drinks Diverse crowd Laid back Cheap eats Fun

Amazing ! The show was great as well. I love how in and out it was and all the lights I seen. Very…read morebeautiful place to go to with a friend, loved ones, even kids! They have food trucks, photo tunnels, great performances, etc. unfortunately I picked a rainy day but it was still a blast ! Would definitely go back. Tickets aren't much either. They were flexible on me having to reschedule as well. Was going to go back this year, this experience was three years ago but this past 2025 year, tickets were $50-60$, not worth that much

I love the Chinese Lantern Festival. I make a point to go every year. There is a different theme…read moreevery year, and the lighted exhibits for the theme. There are also interactive exhibits and acrobatic/performance shows. There is is ample parking at Koka Booth. Also, the ticket prices are less expensive in person than via the website. If you're trying g to go on a holiday or weekend, you may not want to take a chance. However, we save about $15 for three tickets buying in person for a Tuesday night in January. This year, I overheard someone say, "It's like walking through Avatar." I think that's a perfect description!

Its a two day renaissance festival that is 15$ a day. You can get 1-day or 2-day tickets. It's rain…read moreor shine. Will go again next year!

Came in from VA for this event. Ample parking, many food options, staff and vendors very friendly…read more Kids and families welcome. Mix of plane clothes and awesome costumes. I got to hold a raven, sing sea shanty, dance, laugh, and and hear some really cool music. Knights battle, bag pipes, Ariel dancers, goblins with trinkets, fairy with bubbles for kids, all the vendors are super friendly and not pushy, plenty of bathrooms with hand wash stations. Getting bigger every year from what im told and we will be back. ​

Was a great time. Great food an atmosphere…read more I had the gyro and Greek coffee. Outstanding. Cost $5 per adult to get in. Food prices are reasonable. Lots to choose fun. Only complaint is no ketchup.,

We attended the Raleigh Greek Festival for the first time, held at the NC State Fairgrounds in the…read moreJim Graham Building. The $5 entrance fee was well worth it, especially since it supports great causes like Habitat for Humanity and Team Rubicon. Inside, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming with live music, dancing, a wine station, a small marketplace, and of course--delicious Greek cuisine. The main entrée line was quite long, so we opted for the Souvlaki and gyro station instead. Food was prepared on-site and pre-packed for quicker service. The selection was limited, and while I was hoping for a traditional gyro, I'm not a fan of lamb, so I ended up getting the same chicken Souvlaki as my husband. We both really enjoyed the Greek fries--the mix of thyme, oregano, and olive oil was absolutely flavorful. The performers--ranging from children to adults--were fantastic and kept the crowd entertained. The traditional music and dancing added an authentic and energetic vibe to the festival. The vendor selection could be improved. There were some interesting items, but most merchandise felt a bit overpriced. Overall, it was a fun and festive afternoon. With other events like the Raleigh Market, Reptile Show, and Gun Show happening at the fairgrounds the same weekend, there was plenty to see and do all in one place.

the people working are incredibly rude. I am waiting on my license to come in so I tried to use my…read moretemporary license to get in and the lady in the front says I can't use my temporary so I pull out my old license and then she says "oh I can't take it because it's expired" like what?? I already paid for this event how am I going to get in if I can't use my temporary id nor my old id not to mention the lady was incredibly rude about it! seems like she loved taking out her frustration on all the people coming into the event not just me.

The bathroom situation is the worst iv'e ever been in. Midtown seems very underprepared with the…read moreamount of traction they get. I waited in the line for the bathrooms for an hour and the next time I had to go I tried the portapotties because the line was shorter... still waited 30 minutes... and there was no toilet paper. Ladies had to "drip and dry" because no one comes to maintain them. Next is the lines for drinks: They are about as long as the bathroom lines. You might as well get 2 drinks for yourself and hop back in line to get 2 more and you would finish the 2 you previously got while waiting. The music and atmosphere is fun overall but when you add drinks into the mix.. people got to go. We spend more time in lines than actually enjoying the music with our friends. Overall, midtown needs to add more bathrooms and porta potties overall.. it would be more enjoyable for everyone.

Just an all out amazing time. There is so much to see....so many vendors. The vendors have…read moresamples and authentic products. The Carolina Pig Jig is held outside. There are over 20 Masonic lodges that are competing for a win for best bbq and sauce. The tickets are only $20 and you cannot eat as much bbq as your soul desires. I look at this festival as a prequel to the state fair that is held in October.

I love this festival…read more The fact there is an NC based festival that focuses on local vendors and creators is such a wonderful idea! I went to the sip and shop area where you can get an alcoholic drink and wander around. I got to sample so many amazing local foods, sauces, and sweets. I walked out of that place work so much stuff! Then the agriculture center has livestock and learning experiences for the little ones. This festival is definitely a must try if you've never been!

This is a really fun festival that I try to get to every year. They get lots of great vendors (my…read moredescription will not do any of them justice - that's why I take so many pictures). I buy friends and family one of a kind presents every time I come. Sometimes I feel like I need a chaperone, it's seriously hard not to walk away with spending a bunch of money! lol They have food trucks, all sorts of art vendors, a kids section, and live entertainment. It's a great event!

I remember going to Artsplosure in years past and enjoyed it this was when it took place in Moore…read moreSquare and other parts of downtown. It was fun to stroll through and see the local art work and purchase unique pieces. I was in downtown Raleigh this year during the event so decided to check it out on Fayetteville St. It just seemed like vendor after vendor up and down the street trying to sell rather than showcasing their art. I'm not sure if it would help to return to Moore Square as the event seems to have grown so they want more vendors rather than an art festival. It isn't the event I enjoyed so I will skip it in future years.

This is the last year Sir Walter Raleigh will be slinging a banjo. The IBMA will be moving to…read moreanother city next year. Great event. This weekend they block off Fayetteville st and the party begins. Bands are playing on the end of adjoining streets to Fayetteville St. stages are all over. You have anywhere from 5 to 12 live bands playing at one time. This is including the convention center. Sorry to see the IBMA leave Raleigh. This event draws people from all over the world. Biggest Bluegrass event in the country. If you go, check out the convention center , bands are playing there also.

Nothing says Fall more than Bluegrass music to me! Always excited when the World of Bluegrass comes…read moreback to Raleigh and am tickled pink that the IBMA has adopted Raleigh as host city for its annual gathering. Great atmosphere, music on every corner, and spur of the moment jams in every nook and cranny. Even if you aren't a fan you can't help but appreciate the harmonies, fiddlin', and finger picking skills of these talented artists. Plus there's plenty of food and crafts up and down Fayetteville Street. Great weather just makes it better. Y'all come!