Events Calendar for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area
- 4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations
- African-American Heritage
- America’s 250th
- Annual Events
- Arts
- Beer & Brewery
- Bluegrass Music
- Classes & Workshops
- Colleges & Universities
- Comedy Shows
- Live Music & Concerts
- Dance Performances
- Dining & Drinks
- Education Outreach
- Esports & Gaming
- Community Fairs
- Family Events
- Local Farmers Markets
- Farm Experiences
- Festivals
- Film & Cinema
- Free Events
- Free Food Events
- Fundraisers & Benefits
- Historic Events
- Holiday Events
- Kids Night Out Events
- LGBTQ+ Events
- Multicultural Events
- Museum Programs & Exhibits
- Nature & Outdoor Events
- Nightlife
- Open House Events
- People-First Tourism
- Raleigh Locals Guide
- Running & Races & Marathons Events
- Shopping Events
- Sports & Athletics
- Spring Festivals
- Team Building
- Theater & Performing Arts
- Tours
- Wellness Events
LGBTQ+ Events
LGBTQ+ pride events, festivals, and community gatherings.
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Queer Media Marathon at Bitter Social
at Bitter Social, Downtown Raleigh
The Queer Media Marathon is a relaxed viewing event hosted the Sunday following Pride weekend to help attendees recover and recharge. This gathering offers a comfortable space for the community to transition from high energy celebrations into a restful and communal environment. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of queer cinema and television throughout the afternoon. We are projecting titles including Pose, Fire Island, and Bottoms on the big screen. Between film screenings, attendees will hear queer DJ sets to keep the mood light and engaging. Drink specials will be available at the bar all day to round out the experience. This event is designed for anyone feeling the exhaustion of recent festivities who wants a low pressure social setting. You are encouraged to arrive exactly as you are, whether that means wearing yesterday’s clothes or feeling slightly hungover. The atmosphere is casual, inclusive, and intentionally quiet for those who prefer to keep conversation to a minimum. Come join us at Bitter Social for a stress free afternoon of community and recovery.
Glitter Hour - Amateur Drag Competition
at Chapel of Bones, West Raleigh
Glitter Hour is a monthly amateur drag competition designed to showcase emerging talent and celebrate local performance art. This recurring event serves as a qualifying stage where performers compete for a monthly title and earn an opportunity to advance toward the Glitter Winner 2026 championship. Participants of all styles and experience levels are invited to display their unique artistry on stage.
Attendees can expect an evening of diverse drag performances that highlight creativity, charisma, and stage presence. The format features multiple competitors vying for the crown, with the audience actively participating in the decision process. This interactive element ensures that every show is unique and directly influenced by the energy of the room. The event focuses on quality entertainment and a structured competitive environment.
This event is ideal for anyone interested in supporting local drag artists and experiencing live performance culture. The atmosphere is professional yet high energy, making it an engaging space for new and seasoned fans alike. Join us to experience the latest in local drag talent and help crown the next winner. Your vote plays a key role in determining the outcome of the competition.
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Madonna Confessions II Listening Party at Bitter Social
at Bitter Social, Downtown Raleigh
Join us at Bitter Social for an exclusive listening party celebrating the release of the new Madonna album. This event invites fans to experience the record in a social setting while connecting with other enthusiasts in the local community.
Throughout the evening, we will play the new album in its entirety. Guests can order food from Centro until 9:30 pm, offering a convenient dining option for those arriving early or staying for the full duration. Additionally, our full menu of cocktails will be available at a special rate of 12 dollars each for all attendees. The venue provides a dedicated space designed for high-quality audio playback and comfortable socializing.
This gathering is perfect for dedicated Madonna fans who enjoy immersive music experiences. Whether you are coming alone or with friends, the atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and energetic. We encourage you to arrive on time to enjoy the full album playback and take advantage of our food and beverage offerings. Secure your spot today to celebrate this musical milestone with fellow listeners at Bitter Social.
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WHY? Presents Unzipped at Bitter Social
at Bitter Social, Downtown Raleigh
WHY? Presents Unzipped is a high-energy, late-night queer underground dance event hosted at Bitter Social. This event focuses on deep house, techno, and bass punk music, designed to foster community through shared movement and rhythmic connection in an intimate, low-lit environment.
Attendees can expect a continuous, high-intensity soundtrack mixed by DJs pleasedontcallmemommy and immortalcowgirl. The venue will feature a dense, club-focused atmosphere with gogo dancers circulating through the crowd to maintain the energy of the dance floor. The focus is strictly on continuous movement and creating a communal space through music and sweat-soaked dancing.
This event is curated for those who value authentic queer underground spaces and a high-energy nightlife experience. If you are looking for a venue to disconnect from inhibitions and fully immerse yourself in a night of constant dancing, Unzipped offers the perfect setting. Please note that this event is strictly for guests aged 21 and older. Plan to arrive ready to dance, connect with others, and experience a relentless night of music and community.
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Viewing the Revolutionary Age through an LGBTQ+ Lens
at City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum), Downtown Raleigh
This lecture explores the history of the American Revolutionary era by examining the lives of lesser known figures through an LGBTQ+ perspective. Hosted by Megan L. Cherry, an associate professor of history at North Carolina State University, the event reexamines the conventional narrative of the war for independence. You will discover how gender and sexuality were actively contested during the late eighteenth century in North America.
Professor Cherry will present research on individuals whose stories are often missing from traditional textbooks. The session highlights social dynamics that shaped early American identity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how personal experiences of gender and sexuality intersected with the political turmoil of the revolution. The presentation focuses on historical evidence and academic analysis of these overlooked lives.
This event is designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in a broader look at American history. It offers a professional and engaging environment for intellectual growth and discovery. Join us for this insightful look into the complexities of the past. Please register online to secure your spot for this informative session.
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The Move with Jermania at Bitter Social
at Bitter Social, Downtown Raleigh
The Move with Jermania is a monthly dance event held at Bitter Social designed to help you start your month with energy and movement. This gathering invites guests to clear away the stress of the previous weeks through a curated musical experience. It is the perfect environment for a reset focused on rhythm and community.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with a blend of funk, pop, and disco tracks. Jermania leads the session, providing the soundtrack for a night dedicated to dancing and self expression. The venue opens its doors at seven in the evening, with the main musical performance by Jermania beginning promptly at nine. This flow ensures a smooth transition from arrival to the dance floor.
This event is ideal for anyone looking to shake off tension and socialize in an upbeat setting. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and designed to move your body. We encourage you to join us to experience the music and kick off your month on a positive note. Secure your time at Bitter Social to participate in this energetic monthly ritual.
From Eden to Arcadia: A Drag and Burlesque Tribute to Sleep Token
at Chapel of Bones, West Raleigh
From Eden to Arcadia is a live tribute show featuring drag and burlesque performances inspired by the music and aesthetic of Sleep Token. This event celebrates the band through theatrical movement, visual storytelling, and high-energy stage craft in an immersive environment.
Attendees will experience a series of creative acts designed to mirror the atmosphere and soundscapes of Sleep Token. The show features a cast of skilled performers delivering unique interpretations of the music. Expect a blend of seductive choreography, elaborate costuming, and audience engagement that highlights the themes found within the band's discography.
This event is tailored for fans of Sleep Token and enthusiasts of alternative performance art who enjoy non-traditional entertainment. The night offers a space for community members to connect and share their appreciation for the music in a live setting. Guests are encouraged to lean into the theme through their own attire and participation. Secure your spot now to join us for this unique evening of performance and dedication to one of the most compelling sounds in modern music.
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Earlybirds Club
at Lincoln Theatre, Downtown Raleigh
Earlybirds Club is a dance party specifically curated for women and gender-expansive individuals. This event provides a safe and inclusive environment designed to celebrate community through music and movement. Attendees can dance to a variety of popular tracks spanning the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, including pop, hip-hop, new wave, and R&B music performed by DJ Krystyle. Beyond the music, the experience focuses on creating a judgment-free space where guests feel free to express themselves authentically. The event emphasizes comfort and joy, encouraging participants to enjoy the night in sensible footwear while connecting with others. Choosing to attend this event directly supports a charitable cause, as ten percent of all ticket proceeds benefit the Susie Lee Legacy Fund. This fund provides essential support to nonprofit organizations dedicated to uplifting women and gender-expansive communities. All individuals regardless of their background are welcome to participate. Please note that purchasing a ticket signifies consent to be photographed for promotional media. This event is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a supportive atmosphere, meaningful music, and an opportunity to contribute to local social advocacy.
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46th Crape Myrtle Festival Grand Gala: A Royal Affair
at Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, Downtown Raleigh
The 46th Crape Myrtle Festival Grand Gala invites you to A Royal Affair featuring the highly anticipated Queens Reveal. This annual celebration serves as a vital fundraiser to support our local community initiatives through the Crape Myrtle Festival organization. Held each year on the final Saturday of July, the event honors our long standing history while looking toward the future of our charitable efforts.
Attendees can expect an evening of pageantry and entertainment centered around the official reveal of the new Queens. The program highlights include formal presentations, musical performances, and networking opportunities within a vibrant setting. Guests will enjoy a sophisticated environment designed to celebrate excellence and dedication to our collective cause during the peak of the summer season.
This event is perfect for community members, local supporters, and those who appreciate grand celebrations with a philanthropic focus. The gala offers a refined atmosphere conducive to meaningful interaction and shared joy. We invite you to secure your tickets now to participate in this significant milestone. Join us for an unforgettable night of elegance and community impact.
The Witch's Carnival
at Chapel of Bones, West Raleigh
The Witch is Carnival is a fundraising event supporting local mutual aid organizations through a day and night of community centered entertainment. This event combines a family friendly daytime market with an adults only evening showcase to foster local resilience and education.
Daytime activities feature interactive games, diverse food vendors, and a curated market showcasing handcrafted art and occult inspired goods. Guests are encouraged to wear whimsical costumes for a chance to win creative contests. As night falls, the atmosphere shifts into an adults only experience highlighted by live music, drag shows, burlesque, and circus performances. All programming focuses on artistic expression and community connection.
This event is perfect for families during the day and adults looking for unique live entertainment in the evening. By attending, you contribute directly to organizations providing vital mutual aid and educational resources. Embrace the spirit of the season, support a meaningful cause, and experience a day of magic and community impact. Join us to celebrate local talent and help strengthen our community foundations through this one of a kind event.
SLUTFEST 2026
at Chapel of Bones, West Raleigh
SLUTFEST 2026 is a two-day festival dedicated to live entertainment, music, and alternative performance art. The event focuses on celebrating self-expression and body positivity through a curated underground experience for the local creative community. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup featuring live musical acts and experimental performance artists. The program kicks off with a pre-party including DJ sets and interactive themed contests. Throughout the main event, visitors will have access to unique vendor stalls and various immersive installations scattered across the festival grounds. This festival is specifically designed for adults looking to engage with an energetic and unconventional atmosphere. It is the perfect opportunity for those who value artistic expression, creative spectacles, and a supportive, inclusive community environment. Please note that this event is strictly for individuals aged 18 and older. All guests must provide valid identification for entry upon arrival. We invite you to join us for a weekend of discovery and celebration in a space built for bold, authentic individuals. Secure your tickets now to participate in this unique gathering and experience a standout showcase of underground talent and modern performance art.