Top 5 Things to Do in Raleigh During Summer

June 19, 2025

Alright, here’s the deal. Raleigh in the summer is hot. Like, melt-your-face, stick-to-your-car-seat kind of hot. But it’s also awesome. Somehow, this city manages to be sweaty and charming, and if you know where to go, you’ll get the absolute best out of it. If you’re visiting (or just bored and local), here are 5 things to do in Raleigh during summer.

1. Get Outside (Before It’s 95 Degrees)

One of the first things to do in Raleigh during summer is to get out of the house. Look, we are not saying you should go for a 5-mile hike at 2 p.m. in July. Hit the trails early or in the evening and thank yourself later. Pullen Park is childhood in park form. Ride the carousel, rent a paddle boat, and bring a picnic. Honestly, it’s kind of wholesome in the best way. Umstead State Park is for when you want to pretend you’re outdoorsy. No shame in just strolling one of the easy trails and calling it a day. Bonus: it’s shady and quiet, which feels like a miracle in summer. The Neuse River Trail is long. Like 30+ miles long. Walk it, bike it, or just pick a pretty section and sit by the water with snacks. No wrong answers. Pro tip: bring bug spray, SPF, and enough water to survive a desert.

2. Listen to Live Music (and Sweat With Strangers)

Raleigh LOVES a summer music moment. It’s one of the best things to do in Raleigh during summer. Hopscotch Music Festival happens every September, and it’s wild. Imagine a ton of bands, from big names to “I heard them on TikTok,” playing all over downtown. Streets are closed, beers are everywhere, and you’ll probably dance next to someone in cowboy boots and someone in glitter eyeliner. That’s the vibe. There’s music pretty much everywhere in summer — on patios, in parks, at breweries. Half the time, you just stumble into it. Coming soon: Wide Open Bluegrass is making a comeback in 2025. If you like banjos, barbecue, and people clogging in public, it’s a good time.

3. Eat Everything (And Then Eat More)

Raleigh’s food scene is seriously underrated. We’re not trying to be New York or LA. We just quietly crush it with killer BBQ, international eats, and some of the best ice cream in the South- a must-visit on the list of things to do in Raleigh during summer. If you want fancy, hit Brewery Bhavana — flowers, beer, and dim sum somehow all in one place. For something unique, go to Bida Manda (Laotian, cozy, incredible). BBQ? People will fight you over who’s best. Try The Pit, Sam Jones, or just trust the closest roadside shack — they’re probably all solid. Oh, and if you’re here in early June? The International Food Festival is a full-on food coma waiting to happen. Loud, crowded, chaotic — but delicious.

4. Do Some “Culture” (aka Air-Conditioned Fun)

Eventually, you’ll need to escape the heat — and maybe pretend you’re fancy. There are a lot of things to do in Raleigh during the summer. Theatre Raleigh always has something fun. This summer, it’s Peter and the Starcatcher — funny, weird, and surprisingly touching. Bonus: it's indoors. JC Raulston Arboretum is technically outdoors, yes, but it’s peaceful and pretty, and no one judges you if you just walk through quickly and then hide under a tree with iced coffee. You don’t need to be an “art person” to enjoy Raleigh’s cultural side. Just wander. It’s chill.

5. Just Walk Around Downtown & See What Happens

This one’s for the no-plan folks. Some of the best things to do in Raleigh during summer are just about exploring with zero expectations. Start at City Market — cobblestones, local shops, and random art galleries. Meander through Moore Square — there’s usually something going on: pop-up markets, live music, yoga classes (if you’re that kind of person). Grab a beer or three at Trophy Brewing or Raleigh Beer Garden, and people-watch your heart out. And keep an eye out for The Common Market opening soon — it’s part deli, part hangout spot, and 100% Raleigh weird.

Final Thoughts (aka Real Talk)

Raleigh isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to be Miami or Austin. What it is — especially in the summer — is a friendly, surprisingly fun, and low-key kind of addictive. There are a lot of things to do in Raleigh during the summer. You don’t have to plan your whole day. Just get out, follow the music, eat something good, and stay hydrated. You’ll stumble into something cool. You always do in Raleigh. And hey — bring deodorant. You’re gonna need it. PS: When in Raleigh, do visit Montreal for a memorable experience. Check out our website for more details.