Menu
Wondering what to do in Raleigh NC? North Carolina’s capital city and the surrounding area are full of unique things to do. Here is our McNeill Burbank list of the best things to do in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
N.C. State Fair: Celebrating its 152nd birthday, the N.C. State Fair will be bigger and brighter than ever this year. This Raleigh NC attraction brings thousands to the area each fall and is one of the state’s most coveted productions. Fair-goers can always expect to be welcomed by the wafting smells of deep-fried Oreos, buttery corn on the cob and sizzling foot-long hot dogs. Thrill-seekers can count on classic rollercoasters to light up the sky as well as new daredevil rides to take you to new heights. To cap all the fun and excitement be sure to catch one of the 100+ free concerts performed within the fairgrounds and the grand finale of fireworks at night! For more information on tickets and hours of operation see the official fair website here.
College Football: Whether you bleed Carolina blue or true Wolfpack red, cheering on your favorite college football team is always a fun thing to do in Raleigh NC. The Tar Heels play at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill for their home games. Make a point to arrive early before the game to enjoy Carolina’s gorgeous campus as well as the lively Franklin Street on game day. The UNC football schedule can be found here. Wolfpack fans know where there is pigskin there is a tailgate. Get to Carter Finley Stadium early to partake in the tradition of smoked BBQ, Tuffy beer and corn hole tournaments. The State football schedule can be found here.
Family Farm Fun: It is safe to say we have beat most of the summer heat, which means the cool autumn air is begging us for adventures outdoors. Take your family and friends out to Hill Ridge Farms, located in Youngsville, NC. One of the more unique things to do in Raleigh NC, Hill Ridge is an all-day experience that includes pumpkin patches, hayrides, train rides, arts & craft activities, and playgrounds. No need to leave the farm for lunch since there is a bustling grill on the property that serves up burgers, chicken tenders, and fries! For more information on entrance tickets and hours of operation see the website here.
Craft Beer: Did you know North Carolina has the largest volume of craft breweries in the nation? Take advantage of this cool feat by grabbing a few friends to go brewery hopping around the Triangle. A few local favorites include Lynwood Brewing Concern (Raleigh), Ponysaurus Brewing (Durham) and Carolina Brewing (Chapel Hill). Nothing is finer than enjoying a local crisp IPA on a sunny fall day. Here is a full list of all the breweries in North Carolina.
Raleigh Christmas Parade: A Raleigh tradition since 1939, the 75th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade is one of our favorite things to do in downtown Raleigh. The parade is the city’s official welcome to the holiday season. The 1.4-mile route that sprawls along Hillsborough Street and goes all the way to the State Capitol Building includes award-winning marching bands, festive floats, dancers, classic cars, and more. Over 60,000 spectators come out annually to watch the parade, so make sure to arrive early to snag a great spot in front of the many decorated historic downtown homes. With his giant red sleigh and golden bell, Santa Claus brings the parade to an end, but marks the beginning of Christmas cheer! The parade is held on November 23rd and begins at approximately 9:30 am.
From the State Fair to the farm family fun, there are so many fun things to do in Raleigh and surrounding cities.
