It’s First Friday in Raleigh, so if you’re in the mood for an ‘Artsy Fartsy Friday’, you’re in the right spot. Haha, just made that up, maybe it’ll be an official Explore Raleigh event next month! But seriously, there are a lot of a fun things happening this weekend. Scroll down for information on how to join Explore Raleigh and make recommendations for next weekend!
Friday Jun 7th:
First Friday
First Friday, presented by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, showcases the vibrant art and creative community in Downtown Raleigh on the first Friday of every month from 6 pm – 9 pm. The free public event features a variety of local art galleries and studios, museums, and exhibitors that stay open late and put on special events. Retailers and restaurants participate by showcasing art, music, or offering a First Friday special.
To learn more and view upcoming exhibits, events, and promotions, go to FirstFridayRaleigh.com
Saturday Jun 8th:
Raleigh’s International Food Festival
Celebrate Raleigh’s diverse community, free and family friendly event designed to promote cross-cultural exchange and promote respect between cultures. Dance performances, bands and food from around the world! Great line up! Save the date! Last year over 17,000 people attended! you dont want to miss this great event! Salsa, Samba, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Kpop, Reggae, Irish, …. So much delicious food.. come hungry…
Outdoor Prince Party
Join us to remember Prince on his birthday weekend. The Epic Nights band will perform all your favorite Prince hits on our outdoor stage. Party starts at 1 p.m. with a bounce house and yard games for family-friendly fun.
Wu-Tang Clan Concert
Okay, lets be real, if you don’t already have your tix, you may be out of luck.. except.. it’s at Red Hat Amphitheater so you can just stroll by and enjoy the music, ticket not necessary!
Sunday Jun 9th:
Swanky Sunday Party
The House of Swank is throwing a party to celebrate our area’s talented makers! John and Jessica, owners of HOS, recently came to us with the idea of collaborating on a curated pop up shop in their storefront. And, of course, they said YES!
They will be curating a handful of Raleigh and NC themed goods for this new Raleigh Gift Shop and can’t wait to transform the space. They’ll be kicking it all off with a big party on June 9th, 11am – 5pm!
Food Truck Rodeo
I have to be honest here, I’m not a fan of the food truck rodeo in Downtown Raleigh. It’s typically hot, crowded and there’s nowhere to sit and enjoy your food. I really don’t like to recommend going to Durham (jk), …but… the Durham Food Truck Rodeo is so much more enjoyable, for starters, it’s at Durham Central Park, and not crammed into a downtown city street. So, I put this event on the list for those of you who LOVE food trucks, but I highly recommend passing on this event and going to the one in Durham instead. Here’s a link to the Durham Food Truck event.