Mastodawn

The Triangle Event Guide: Saturday Edition (January 2, 2026)

Kick off the first Saturday of 2026 with one of the most event-packed weekends across the Triangle. From First Friday art walks and gallery openings to outdoor nature hikes, live music, comedy, karaoke, and family-friendly festivals, there’s something happening in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Garner all day and night.

Whether you’re planning a daytime outing or looking for something fun after dark, this Triangle Saturday Event Guide has you covered.

🌿 Morning & Daytime Events

First Friday Bird Walk

8:00 am – 10:00 am | FREE

Lake Benson Park

Start your morning with a peaceful guided bird walk and explore local wildlife.

Hike with a Naturalist

9:00 am – 10:30 am | FREE

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Learn about native plants and ecosystems on this educational outdoor hike.

Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show

10:00 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE

Durham County Main Library

A favorite family event featuring detailed model trains and holiday displays.

🎨 First Friday Art & Culture (Afternoon & Evening)

Sensory-Friendly Hour at Artspace’s First Friday

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE

Artspace

A welcoming, low-sensory environment for all ages to enjoy art.

Illuminate Art Walk in Downtown Raleigh

4:45 pm | FREE

Downtown Raleigh

A guided walking tour highlighting public art and creative spaces.

First Friday Gallery Walk in Raleigh

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Various locations across Raleigh

Explore galleries, studios, and pop-ups citywide.

Artspace First Friday: Live Painting, Music & Art-Making

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

Artspace

One of Raleigh’s most popular monthly art events.

First Friday at CoLab: Ephemeral

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

CoLab

Experimental exhibitions, immersive art, and creative energy.

🏮 Festivals & Special Experiences

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–$30.64

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A breathtaking nighttime experience featuring illuminated lanterns, performances, and food.

🎶 Live Music, Games & Nightlife

Live Music: Thomas Rucker

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Compass Rose Brewery

Bounce & Brews DJ Night

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Gizmo Brew Works

Hoppy Hour Cinema Movie Series

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom

Video Game Night

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop

First Friday Alcohol-Free Dance Party

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | $10

Current Wellness

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Durty Bull Brewing Company

Karaoke with Mega Mike

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Crank Arm Brewing Company

Karaoke Bingo Night

9:00 pm | FREE

KōMANA Brewing Company

🎉 Make the Most of Your Triangle Saturday

From outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities to art, music, festivals, and nightlife, this Saturday is stacked with reasons to get out and explore the Triangle. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends so you don’t miss a thing.

👉 Check back on DoRaleigh.com for more daily and weekend Triangle event guides.

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DoRaleigh Dec 26

The Downtown Raleigh Event Guide: Friday, December 26, 2025

Looking for things to do in Downtown Raleigh on Friday, December 26, 2025? From morning wellness and brunch to guided history tours, live music, art walks, karaoke, and late-night salsa, Downtown Raleigh is packed with events to keep the holiday energy going all day and night.

Here’s your Downtown Raleigh Event Guide highlighting the best ways to spend your Friday.

☀️ Morning & Daytime Events

Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca!

7:30 am – 2:00 pm

📍 The Mecca Restaurant

Start your Friday with comfort food and classic Downtown Raleigh vibes. Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch before heading out to explore the city.

Prenatal Yoga

10:00 am – 11:00 am

📍 Current Wellness

A calm and supportive yoga session designed for expecting parents—an excellent way to ease into the weekend with mindfulness and movement.

Winter Historic Oakwood Tour

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

📍 Raleigh Walking Tours

Explore one of Raleigh’s most historic neighborhoods on this seasonal walking tour, featuring winter stories and preserved architecture.

Downtown Raleigh Historian-Guided Tour

3:00 pm

📍 Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar

Learn fascinating stories about Raleigh’s past from a local historian, with Downtown landmarks and hidden details brought to life.

🎶 Evening Events & Entertainment

Friday Night Live Music at Birdie’s

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

📍 Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen

Kick off the evening with live music, great food, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm

📍 Raleigh Walking Tours

Experience Downtown Raleigh through art, lights, and storytelling on this guided sip-and-stroll tour.

Bud Bar

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

📍 Wolfe & Porter

A social pop-up experience combining craft drinks and Downtown nightlife energy.

Frozen Fridays at Wolfe & Porter

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

📍 Wolfe & Porter

Stick around for frozen cocktails and winter-themed fun as the night continues.

🌙 Nightlife & Late-Night Fun

Downtown Raleigh True Crime Tour

8:00 pm

📍 Moore Square

Dive into Raleigh’s darker history with this popular after-dark walking tour filled with shocking stories and local legends.

Crank Karaoke @ Crank Arm Brewing

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

📍 Crank Arm Brewing

Sing your heart out with friends at one of Downtown Raleigh’s favorite breweries.

Salsa Night at Boatman Spirits Co.

10:00 pm – 12:00 am

📍 Boatman Spirits Co.

End the night dancing with high-energy salsa vibes and craft cocktails.

🌆 Make It a Full Downtown Friday

Whether you’re easing into the day with yoga, learning Raleigh’s history, sipping cocktails on an art walk, or dancing into the night, Friday, December 26, 2025 offers something for everyone in Downtown Raleigh.

Check back daily for more Downtown Raleigh event guides, nightlife highlights, and weekend plans. Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!

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