Raleigh has a wealth of things to see, do, and enjoy when you’re not working. Book DTW flights to Raleigh and enjoy all the amazing things to do with family or friends.
Entertainment, Arts, and Culture
With more than 40 free attractions, Raleigh has established itself as a major center for visual arts and top-tier museums.
Museums
Situated in the Warehouse District, the North Carolina Museum of Art presents its permanent collections, which include a large number of sculptures by Rodin. The Contemporary Art Museum frequently acts as a setting for special events in addition to showcasing recent works by regional, national, and international artists. Over thirty professional artists can use the public studio space at Artspace, a non-profit visual art center.
An annual art and design event called SPARKcon is organized by the non-profit Visual Art Exchange and features approximately 1,300 artists in 60 exhibitions. The recently finished Nature Research Centre at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a well-liked educational and fun destination, and the Marbles Kids Museum offers kids an interactive, hands-on experience that stimulates their imaginations and fosters learning.
The Arts of Performance
It also serves as the home of Broadway Series South, which brings the biggest touring productions, acts, concerts, and comedians from Broadway to Raleigh. The Kennedy Theatre, Meymandi Concert Hall, Fletcher Opera Theatre, Memorial Auditorium, and other magnificent spaces are also part of the center.
Music
With more than 85 venues providing a variety of experiences, Wake County boasts a vibrant live music scene. To produce an extensive calendar, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) works with neighborhood establishments, events, and companies. PNC Arena and Walnut Creek Amphitheatre are home to legendary performers who have perfected their skills, while Martin Marietta Centre for the Performing Arts offers Broadway plays and fine arts events. Artists such as Sheryl Crow and REM were first introduced to audiences in little clubs throughout the city. The outdoor Red Hat Amphitheatre enhances the downtown experience. Live music can be found in Midtown, Five Points, Glenwood South, the Warehouse District, City Market, and Downtown.
Sports
With three prestigious NCAA Division 1 universities close by, collegiate athletics and intense rivalries dominate Raleigh’s sports scene. The local minor league baseball teams, the Carolina Mudcats and Durham Bulls offer family-friendly entertainment that is authentically American. Raleigh is a bustling city that is well-known for its sports legends.
Parks & Greenways
Raleigh boasts over 13,000 sports, arts, and recreation programs, 220 parks, 44 recreation centers, and 9,500 acres of public parks and greenways. The Triangle Area Greenway, spanning over 100 miles, connects the city center to the NC Museum of Art, Umstead State Park, and RDU International Airport. The 33-mile Neuse River Greenway, opened in 2013, offers more access sites for kayakers, canoeists, hikers, and bikers. The park squares, decorated with centuries-old oak trees, are a significant part of Raleigh’s cultural identity.
Dining
As one of the Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South, according to Southern Living, Raleigh is a food lover’s paradise. Award-winning local chefs Ashley Christensen and Walter Royal of Angus Barn have appeared on TV cooking shows and garnered accolades. Garden & Gun, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, The New York Times, and Southern Living have all praised their achievements. Popular landmarks include Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue and the Mecca; newer hotspots include Raleigh Times, Bida Manda, Capital Club 16, Oro, and Stanbury. Visitors are welcome in well-established establishments like Players Retreat, Second Empire, and 42nd St. Oyster Bar. Take a flight from Detroit to Raleigh if you want to learn more about the city.