Spring is in full bloom, and there’s no better time to visit Raleigh, N.C. From mouthwatering food festivals to thrilling sports events, scenic hikes, and epic concerts, Raleigh offers something for everyone. Here are five exciting reasons to plan your spring getaway to the City of Oaks.

Festivals for Foodies (and Beer Lovers, Too)

If you’re a foodie or a craft beer enthusiast, Raleigh’s spring festival scene will not disappoint. The city is packed with events celebrating local flavors, food trucks, and North Carolina’s thriving craft beer culture.

Must-Attend Events:

• Brewgaloo (April 25-26): The largest craft beer festival in the state, featuring 100+ North Carolina breweries, local food trucks, and live music across two stages.
• Tacos ‘N Taps (April 12): A taco and beer festival with unlimited samples of tacos, craft beer, tequila, and margaritas.
• Bubbles & Brisket (June 7): A unique festival combining sparkling wines with smoky, savory barbecue.

More Delicious Festivals:

• Marchtoberfest (March 22-23): A beer fest at Clouds Brewing Taproom.
• NC Eat and Play’s Spring Hootenanny & Foodie Fest (March 29).
• Holly Springs International Food Festival (May 2).
• NC Sugar Rush (May 25): A sweet tooth’s dream with dessert vendors galore.

Edge-of-Your-Seat, Winner-Take-All Action

Sports fans, get ready for adrenaline-pumping action. Raleigh is home to both professional hockey and thrilling tournaments, offering plenty of chances to cheer on top-tier athletes.

Can’t-Miss Sporting Events:

• Carolina Hurricanes Playoffs: The NHL team is gunning for the Stanley Cup with only a few regular-season home games left before postseason action begins in late April. Expect roaring crowds and epic tailgates at Lenovo Center.
• The Soccer Tournament (June 4-9): This global 7-on-7 tournament in Cary offers $2 million in prize money and features expanded women’s games this year.

Bonus Sporting Events:

• North Carolina Cup (April 1-6): A professional pickleball event at Cary Tennis Park.
• ESL One Raleigh (April 7-13): A Dota 2 esports tournament at the Raleigh Convention Center, attracting some of the best players worldwide.

A Great Hike in The Great Outdoors

Known as the “city in a park,” Raleigh offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to explore its scenic trails and parks.

Top Hiking Picks:

• Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST): This 1,000-mile trail crosses through North Raleigh near Falls Lake and the Neuse River Greenway. For a short yet rewarding hike, start at Wilkerson Nature Preserve and head east toward the Falls Lake Dam Visitor Center—a six-mile round-trip featuring serene forest views.
• Beech Bluff County Park: Opened in March 2025, this 300-acre park south of Raleigh offers hiking trails, a community garden, and picnic spots—perfect for a day in nature.

So. Much. Music.

Raleigh’s spring concert lineup is packed with major music festivals and performances from chart-topping artists.

Highlight Events:

• Dreamville Fest (April 5-6): J. Cole’s two-day festival at Dorothea Dix Park is back, with a star-studded lineup expected to draw 100,000+ fans.
• Midtown Beach Music Series (April 10 – June 26): Free outdoor concerts every Thursday.
• Live@Lake Raleigh (April 10, 24; May 8, 22): Free spring concerts on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus.

Upcoming Concerts You Won’t Want to Miss:

• Gavin Adcock, March 29-30 at The Ritz
• Bella White, April 8 at KINGS
• Tyler Childers, April 15 at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• Pearl Jam, May 11 and 13 at Lenovo Center
• The Black Keys, June 12 at Red Hat Amphitheater
• HAUSER, June 27 at Red Hat Amphitheater

Opening Soon: America’s Best New Playground

Raleigh is set to welcome a spectacular new attraction for families this spring.

At Dorothea Dix Park—a 308-acre open space on the edge of downtown Raleigh—the first phase of a multi-year transformation is about to open. Gipson Play Plaza will be an innovative, 18.5-acre playground and community gathering space featuring a performance plaza, a waterfall, multi-level play gardens, towers with connected skywalks, slides, climbing structures, a picnic grove, and a swing terrace.

While the exact opening date hasn’t been announced, the playground is expected to welcome visitors before summer.

More Upcoming Events in Raleigh, N.C.

• Art in Bloom (March 19-23): A flower-filled celebration at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
• Carolina Mudcats Opening Week (April 4-6): Baseball season kicks off at Five County Stadium.
• Fest in the West (April 5): A local festival featuring food, music, and family activities.
• Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (April 26): An annual showcase of local art and crafts.
• Got to Be NC Festival (May 16-18): A celebration of North Carolina agriculture with food, music, and rides.
• Animazement (May 23-25): A massive anime convention at the Raleigh Convention Center.
• Capital City Juneteenth Celebration (June 15): A vibrant celebration of African American culture and history.
• Out! Raleigh Pride (June 20-21): The city’s largest LGBTQ+ pride event, featuring performances, vendors, and more.

Spring in Raleigh is packed with unforgettable experiences, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Plan your trip now and discover why there’s no time like springtime in Raleigh, N.C. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more events near you.

Source: VisitRaleigh.