Things to Do in the Triangle

With local farms galore and the ocean just two hours away, it’s no wonder that the Raleigh area food scene is thriving. Experience authentic barbecue, comforting southern/soul food, French bistro fare, local seafood, the freshness of farm to table – the list is endless. Venture to one of our two food halls – Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall – as you explore  very walkable Downtown Raleigh. And don’t forget the amazing food trucks with birria tacos, pad thai, gyoza, and more.

Thirsty? Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are home to over 25 breweries! (The entire state boasts 340 – the largest number in the South.) We’re also home to great craft cocktail bars and wine bars.

Of the 41 spaces that make up the North Carolina State Park system, five are located right here in the Triangle. Even more are just a drive away, like Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock, and Raven Rock, all featuring stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and trails. Hiking, kayaking, boating, biking, picnicking – our parks offer it all.

There’s a reason we’re consistently ranked in the top places to raise a family – there are so many great kid-friendly attractions! Kids can learn through play at Marbles Kids Museum, Kidzu Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Life + Science. Have an animal-lover in your ranks? From alpacas to baby goats to bunnies – there’s an educational farm (and summer camp) for that! Not to mention, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is a little over an hour away from most of the Triangle. Budding artists will love taking classes at Artspace or Arts Together, both amazing non-profits. With action sports parks, indoor playspaces, trampoline parks, and more, there are also plenty of spaces for burning off extra energy and making new friends.

Increasingly gaining more attention, the Triangle’s music scene is on fire thanks to its reputation as being unpretentious and supportive of independent artists. We’re home to J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival, Durham’s Art of Cool, and Hopscotch Music Festival, all which attract the best in local and national music acts. Shows at local spots like The Pinhook and Motorco Music Hall in Durham and the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro are the reason Rolling Stone called the Triangle a “hotbed of independent music.”

Our great weather makes for great outdoor concert venues, including Red Hat Amphitheater with views of Downtown Raleigh’s skyline, Koka Booth Amphitheatre tucked into the wooded area surrounding Symphony Lake, and Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. There are even family-friendly outdoor summer concert series at North Hills and the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Looking for major headliners? PNC Arena, our local indoor arena that holds up to 20,000 ticketholders, has you covered.