Let’s explore social events in Raleigh, NC happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Raleigh, North Carolina. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Raleigh
Raleigh Beer Garden and Plus Dueling Piano
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Raleigh Beer Garden
Join us for a night of great beer and live music! We will meet at Raleigh Beer Garden at 6. Then go to Plus Dueling Piano bar around 7.
Raleigh Beer Garden: Has 350 beers on tap.
Dueling Pianos: Get ready for an interactive, high energy piano battle, featuring talented musicians cover your favorite hits on demand!
Please drink responsibly(…)
Friday Game Night!
◦ When: Friday, Dec 27th
◦ Where: 5120 Raynor Rd
Show up anytime after 6PM and we’ll find a game and a table for you. And don’t worry if you don’t recognize some of the games, we have plenty of games teachers that will get you up to speed in no time!
Sign up for our email list and we’ll send a reminder before each event with the list of featured games that night: [subscribe](https://gmail.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c52ae3360769256cd0fa48(…)
[DareToShift x GamersGeekery] The Startup Game 🎲 Game Night with Entrepreneurs
![[DareToShift x GamersGeekery] The Startup Game 🎲 Game Night with Entrepreneurs](https://i0.wp.com/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/0/9/c/600_525324732.webp?w=640)
◦ When: Monday, Dec 23rd
◦ Where: Gamers Geekery and Tavern
They say games sharpen the mind—come put yours to the test while mingling with fellow entrepreneurial spirits. Bring your A-game, your appetite, and a friend or two for an evening of strategy, wit, and networking over some friendly competition. Food and drinks available for purchase. 🎲✨
Building a business is hard—why build alone? Join 1,200+ founders, experts, & funders in the DareToShift.com c(…)
BIG Christmas Day Cleanup ~ ALL AGES WELCOMED
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 25th
◦ Where: Walnut Creek Wetland Center
JOIN US FOR A CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY CLEANUP
This is an all ages event. Anyone under 16 requires a guardian on sight the entire event. All necessary tools will be supplied. Just bring community and impact.
Please complete the [event waiver](https://forms.gle/TdfzVaMUwgbKjNKk9) and see you on the 25th.(…)
Hilltop-Needmore Park (North), 2024-12-28
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve
**Hilltop-Needmore Park (North)**
**Saturday, DECEMBER 28, 2024**
Time: 8:30 to 10:30 am
**4621 Shady Greens Drive, Fuquay-Varina**, NC 27526
Leaders: Kyra Bartow (leaders also include Larry Zoller and David Southwick)
Free Bird Outing with Wake Audubon
Join us for a Wake Audubon bird outing at Hilltop-Needmore Park on the **fourth Saturday of most months** (check here for updates). You can RSVP (…)
Day after Christmas 26th of December. Hike around Lake Johnson
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 26th
◦ Where: Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center
**Day after Christmas 26th of December**
**Hike around Lake Johnson**
People are normally late.
We allow 15 minutes for bathroom break.
***Middle School Age Student are older are Welcome.***
11:00 AM to 11:15 AM Meet in Front of Thomas G Crowder Woodland Center 5611, Jaguar Park Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
Look for Grey hair man
*No Front-to-Front Conversation*
*This is not a race and we may stop to (…)
BCR from Transfer Co: Christmas Eve Edition
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Transfer Food Hall
Join us for a special Christmas Eve Edition of BCR from Transfer Co!
Our very own Sam Burnett has carefully Strava-mapped a route that is sure to garner lots of kudos from your Strava followers and put you in the holiday spirit!
Ugly Christmas sweaters and other tacky holiday accoutrements (must be PG) aren’t required but are encouraged.
We will enjoy breakfast and coffee together after the run(…)
Saturdays at Morning Times
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: The Morning Times
Start off your weekend right with a long run through and around downtown Raleigh. Distances range from 6 to 10+ miles, and maybe even 15+ depending upon whether anyone was crazy enough to sign up for a half or full marathon.
We run several different routes from this location, tacking miles on where needed or desired. Two of our more popular routes can be previewed on Strava below:
1. [Hillsborou(…)
Downtown Cary Park Walk and Explore
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Downtown Cary Park- Academy Pavilion
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Cary Park.(…)
Tuesday Raleigh Run Club @ North Street
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: 521 W North St
As we said before, welcome all!! If you love to get out and meet new people who share common interests in running, healthy living and/or exercise, then meet us on Tuesday for a one of a few loops we run dependent upon distance preference followed by delicious beverages.
Just bring yourself and be prepared to run we our different routes starting around 6 pm.
Our starting location is North Street,(…)
Monday Critique Sesh
◦ When: Monday, Dec 23rd
◦ Where: Brecotea
Writing can be a lonely process, but it doesn’t have to be. Our small writing group welcomes Fiction writers of all levels of experience to come and collaborate in a supportive and fun environment. For two hours every other week, we read people’s work and occasionally do fun writing exercises.
We begin with a writing prompt and critique three to four submissions per session (Submitted and read by (…)
Talkers@Cisco Toastmasters offers a supportive and positive learning experience.
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 25th
◦ Where: undefined
[https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/j.php?MTID=mfac94155cdd95c60034ff395f4c36454](https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/j.php?MTID=mfac94155cdd95c60034ff395f4c36454)
You can learn more about us:
[Talkers@Cisco Toastmasters Club (toastmastersclubs.org)](https://talkersatcisco.toastmastersclubs.org/)
Contact us: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])(…)
Love Baskets and Toy Giveaway Christmas Eve
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Helping Hand Mission
Helping Hands Mission Love Baskets; Packing love baskets and toys for the needy from 1 pm to 4:00 pm in Raleigh. 2: 30 Pm is give way time. Children are welcome. Bring extra boxes small enough to fit food for a family of four to have a meal, plastic grocery bags and Packing tape/Teenage presents are in short supply sometimes/Dress for to be outdoors. Directions: 440 Beltline to Rock Quarry Road ex(…)
Soul Line Dance Class for Active Adults
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Roberts Park
Join us for a FUN time learning Beginner Soul Line Dances with step by step instructions.
The Class is FREE! Please wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.(…)
Saturday Doubles Event 8:00 am 3.0 & 3.5 Lion’s Park 🎾
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Lions Park Tennis Courts
This event is for 3.0 and 3.5 male and female players. PLEASE SHOW UP IF YOU SIGN UP!!!
Event Fee:
This event costs $1. You may pay in person.
COVID-19 Precautions:
* There will be no switching of sides after odd-number games
* 6 Feet of Social Distancing will be practiced at all times
* Players are encouraged to bring and use hand sanitizer if prone to touching their face
* Players are encourag(…)
World Tavern Poker at VFW Post 670
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 25th
◦ Where: undefined
Calling all poker enthusiasts and newcomers alike to join us for a fun-filled Poker Night at VFW Post 670 in Fayetteville, NC!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to learn the ropes of Texas Hold ’em, this event is perfect for anyone looking to meet new people and enjoy a night of card games and great drinks.
Earn points with every hand and climb up the ranks in your bar, region,
state(…)
Show up and play games!
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Parkway Tavern
Bring whatever games that you want to play or that you don’t mind others playing. There will be piles of games that you can choose from so you can pick whatever you want when you get there.
If there is a certain game that you really want to play and either you have it or want to know if someone else does, please comment below.
Basically, you can do whatever you want, there will be games, people,(…)
Mastering Impromptu Speaking Workshop
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Highland United Methodist Church
Raleigh Club 843 Toastmasters Club invites you to a unique meeting on improving public speaking skills. We have a diverse group of friendly, enthusiastic members and welcome you to be our guest. Our primary mission is to have a friendly and inviting environment where everyone is welcome. We are here to support our members in reaching their individual speaking and leadership goals.
Whether you wan(…)
Social Deduction and Deduction boardgames.
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Gamers Geekery and Tavern
Lets play some board games where you need to figure things out. will bring the following games and can decide together what we would like to play.
***The Thing*** is a game that mixes different mechanisms to create an experience that is as faithful as possible to that of the original film. It is a “hidden role” game, in which one player is initially the Thing and the others players are humans. Th(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Raleigh, you can try out Visitraleigh.com, Downtownraleigh.org, or Triangleonthecheap.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Raleigh, North Carolina
Starry Nights 2: An Ugly Sweater Affair
◦ When: Friday, Dec 27th
◦ Where: Loop Bar and Lounge Raleigh
Join us on Friday, Dec 27th as we host, Starry Nights 2: An Ugly Sweater Affair at Loop Bar & Lounge in Downtown Raleigh!
The Iota Iota Holiday Aftershock (Party)
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: The Venue Raleigh
Come join us for the ultimate post-Christmas bash at the Iota Iota Aftershock Party on December 28th!
Check Mate – Afrobeats with Dj Prince.
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Terminal 8 – Bar & Lounge
Get ready to dance the night away to the best Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, and Soca hits as we say goodbye to 2024 in style at Check Mate
Dreams & Prosperity
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Bond Brothers – Eastside
THE premier HipHop talent across NC together for a night only compared to the Blog Era of hip-hop! Live Sat Dec 28th in Cary NC 7pm!!
Boxing Day Burgundy Tasting
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 26th
◦ Where: Westgate Wine Bar
Join us at Westgate for a tasting of select wines from Burgundy – including famous, top class selections from the Cote d’Or
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | Fancy A Go?
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | Fancy A Go?
Raleigh Premiere of Playing Wil-Mar: Getting the Bet Right
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Triangle Cinemas @ Six Forks
Celebrate the 60-year legacy of Raleigh’s Wil-Mar Golf Course at the premiere of Playing Wil-Mar: Getting the Bet Right at Triangle Cinemas
Triangle Old Schoolers 2024 Sneaker Ball
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Heather Hills Club
Old School Fun with a new school vibe, Dinner, Drinks, Photos, Dancing & Fellowship
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | Fancy A Go?
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | Fancy A Go?
Raleigh Online Speed Dating – Singles (43-55 group)
◦ When: Friday, Dec 27th
◦ Where: Online Event
You’re invited to join a modern online speed dating! Meet single professionals just like yourself. You’ll be joining one-on-one video chats through The Fun Singles. Pay once and join events for FREE, see details below.Age group: 43 – 55How it worksBook a ticket on Eventbrite (you’ll get a confirmation email from The Fun Singles Singles Events Raleigh in a few minutes with a link to setup an accoun
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | SpeedRaleigh
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | SpeedRaleigh
Small Business BREAK for Breakfast & Learn at the Cary Chamber of Commerce
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: 307 N Academy St
Join us for a morning of networking, learning, and delicious breakfast treats at the Cary Chamber of Commerce on December 28th!
CHRISTMAS PAJAMA PARTY
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Haven Farm Venue & Shoppe
@TURNMEUPRANK IS HOSTING THE LAST SATURDAY OF THE YEAR SO WE GON END IT OFF WITH THE MOST LIT PAJAMA PARTY IN THE WORLD
10$ ENTRY
Raleigh Online Speed Dating – Single Professionals (24-32 age group)
◦ When: Friday, Dec 27th
◦ Where: Online Event
You’re invited to join a modern online speed dating! Meet single professionals just like yourself. You’ll be joining one-on-one video chats through The Fun Singles. Pay once and join events for FREE, see details below.Age group: 24 – 32How it worksBook a ticket on Eventbrite (you’ll get a confirmation email from The Fun Singles Singles Dating Raleigh in a few minutes with a link to setup an accoun
Pressed Petals: Creating Art with Flowers
◦ When: Friday, Dec 27th
◦ Where: The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop
Join us for Pressed Petals, where we’ll show you how to create beautiful art using flowers in a fun and interactive workshop!
Candles + Karaoke at McCormick Creations
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio
Candles + Karaoke! Gather your friends and join us at McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio for a unique night out.
PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Raleigh, NC
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Raleigh, NC
PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training
PMI-ACP 3 Days Classroom Certification Training in Raleigh, NC
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 25th
◦ Where: Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Educera
Data Analytics Certification Training in Raleigh, NC
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 24th
◦ Where: Raleigh, NC
Data Analytics Certification 4 Days Classroom Training
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | Do You Relish?
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 28th
◦ Where: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Speed Dating | Raleigh | Ages 25-39 | Saturday Night | Do You Relish?
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
Prime BBQ Lunch in Knightdale
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 11th
Come out for a weekend lunch of bbq at Prime BBQ in Knightdale!
InterNations Raleigh – First Event of 2025!
◦ When: Sunday, Jan 19th
◦ Where: Botanical Lounge
Hope every one is back in town after the holidays. This event is to get back together with your InterNations friends and discuss what you did during the Christmas and New Year holidays. According to the weather that day we can decide onsite if we stay at the first-floor Lounge or the Rooftop. Invite your friends to register to InterNations and come join our community.
Bosphorus Dinner for 12
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
Turkish & Mediterranean kebabs, meze & more! Come out for a dinner!
Ham & Yam Festival – Smithfield
◦ When: Saturday, May 3rd
The annual Ham & Yam Festival is teaming with ham biscuits, barbeque pork sandwiches, sweet potatoes foods, and more. There will be arts, vendors, kid’s activities, live entertainment, and the popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” art contest.