This month, savor the start of summer with outdoor music, food festivals, live theater and Pride celebrations!
by Addie Ladner and Lily Kane

Come summertime, you hear a lot about tomatoes and peaches — but don’t forget to stock up on the season’s unsung culinary hero: herbs. “I use herbs not like a garnish, but an ingredient,” says Cheetie Kumar, the chef and co-owner of Ajja and Big Cat. “They can bring out acidic notes, sweetness or spice without hitting you over the head with flavor.” To cook like a chef, don’t buy herbs in clamshells — instead, head to Asian and Latin grocery stores or the NC State Farmers Market to find them in bigger bunches (Kumar recommends Ronnie Moore’s Fruits & Veggies, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 1201 Agriculture Street; ncagr.gov); you can also get potted herbs and grow them at home. “Adding herbs not only adds complexity and texture, but allows a dish’s flavor to unfold in a new way,” she says. Along with favorites like sweet Genovese basil (which Kumar likes on tomatoes and peaches), parsley, mint or dill, keep an eye out for lesser-known herbs like bronze fennel, purslane or anise hyssop to elevate your summer meals. Cooking or gardening not your thing? Fear not, below we’ve got more than 10 other ideas to official kick off summer in Raleigh

Watch The Soccer Tournament

Part high-stakes tournament, part festival, The Soccer Tournament offers six days of intense play, with more than 60 teams playing 130-plus matches — with the winning men’s and women’s teams taking home a million-dollar prize. Expect star players from major teams in both the national and international spheres, including Club América, the most decorated team in Mexico’s Liga MX, and Villarreal CF of Spain’s La Liga, returning for their fourth year running. In between all the exciting soccer matches, enjoy pop-up shops, youth soccer activations, autograph signings and international food options.
May 27 – June 1 |; Various times; From $20; 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; tst7v7.com

Head to NC State for TheatreFEST 2026

Head to North Carolina State University for this annual celebration of all things theater-related, from acting to scripts to props to lighting. TheatreFEST includes a variety of plays, script-writing workshops and a block party at the end. Catch performances like the high-camp, Gothic melodrama The Mystery of Irma Vep (May 28 – June 14; Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre) or the Agatha Christie murder mystery classic Towards Zero (June 11 – 21; Titmus Theatre). On June 13, there’s an open house with several free, theater-making activities to enjoy (Thompson Hall). You can also take a stab at being a director, writer or even an actor at QuickSCRIPTS, a fast-paced evening of 10-minute, interactive plays produced with audience participation (June 21).
June 1 – 21 | Various times; Various prices; multiple locations on NC State campus; theatre.arts.ncsu.edu

See Boro Land: Layered Worlds at Sertoma Arts Center

Head to Sertoma Arts Center to see Boro Land: Layered Worlds, an exhibition of tapestries by artist Adam Cooley. His work is made entirely of recycled and reclaimed textiles, an homage to the Japanese tradition of “boro,” a practice of patching and mending clothing and home goods, and serves as a call to recognize the beauty of sustainable reuse. Boro Land, which has been exhibited around the United States and Japan, is one of the last exhibits at Sertoma before the arts center closes down for renovations later this summer.
Now – June 21 | Various times; Free; 1400 W. Millbrook Road; raleighnc.gov/arts 

Go To a Durham Bulls Games

What sounds more like summer than the crack of a bat? The Durham Bulls will be hosting two rounds of home games this month, against the Charlotte Knights (June 2 – 7) and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (June 16 – 21). Keep an eye out for the June theme nights, including Pride Night (June 4) and African American Heritage Night (June 19), as well as ongoing traditions like the Saturday night fireworks and Kids Run the Bases on the earlier Sunday games.
Various dates | Various times; From $16; 409 Blackwell Street, Durham; milb.com/durham

Jam out at Live After 5

Live After 5 offers a chance to explore different vendors, support local businesses and purchase delicious foods and alcoholic beverages — all while dancing along to your favorite songs. This block party-style evening is the perfect excuse to stay downtown for a post-work hangout with friends or to head in with the family for a casual dinner and a show. June brings two installments of the event. On June 4, head to Moore Square to hear Chatham County-based musician River Shook and their unique blend of Americana, country and indie stylings. On June 18, AZUL will be performing at Union Station. Expect to hear Latin-inspired electronic beats from this Raleigh-based Argentinian-American singer. June 4 & 18 | 7 p.m.; Free; downtown; downtownraleigh.org

Karaoke + Comedy Open Mic

Break up the workweek by heading to Karaoke + Comedy Open Mic, an ongoing Wednesday night event at Cannonball Music Hall in Raleigh Iron Works’ Salvage Yard. There, you can expect a variety of open mic performances, karaoke and comedy. On the stage: everyone from newcomers to well-loved performers — or, perhaps, yourself? Get there at 7:30 p.m. to sign up for a slot, or swing by anytime (the show goes ’til late!) and see what the night brings.
June 3, 10, 17 & 24 | 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.; Free; 2304 Atlantic Avenue; raleighironworks.com

See Theatre Raleigh’s Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen became an instant classic when it premiered on Broadway 10 years ago, telling the story of a high school student’s struggle to belong. Now Theatre Raleigh is bringing the story to life with a cast that includes Broadway veteran Catherine Brunell and newcomer Jason Thomas Clyde. With its honest depiction of the challenges of coming-of-age and its soaring score, this musical is sure to tug at the heartstrings.
June 3 – 21 | Various times; From $42; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com

Head to Koka Booth for Summerfest

The North Carolina Symphony’s popular Summerfest series brings a range of performances to Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Classical music fans will enjoy Swan Lake Selections (June 5), Mozart by Moonlight (June 20) or Classics Under the Stars (June 26). For those with more pop-y tastes, consider Space Spectacular: Star Wars & More (June 6), Under the Sea (June 13) or The Music of Billy Joel with Tony DeSare (June 27). And in honor of our country’s 250th birthday, they’re offering Patriotic Pops (June 12). Bring your lawn chairs or blanket, pack a picnic and (new this year!) set up with flameless candles to add to the ambiance.
Various dates | 8 p.m; From $50 for adults (kids free on the lawn); 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; ncsymphony.org 

Watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Outside at Moore Square

The second installment of the Raleigh Parks’ First Friday Market & Movie Night will feature Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. This 2022 animated movie follows the titular character, along with his companions Kitty Softpaws and Perrito, on a quest to find a magical treasure. On the way, they encounter all sorts of quirky fairy-tale characters — and Puss is hunted by a mysterious wolf. Get there early to set up a picnic area, shop the market, grab something to eat from the food trucks and enjoy live music.
June 5 | 7:15 p.m.; Free; 201 S. Blount Street; raleighnc.gov

See Raleigh Little Theatre’s School of Rock

Based on the hit Jack Black movie and featuring new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock – The Musical is a fun-filled underdog story. It follows Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck rocker who talks his way into a job as a substitute teacher at a prep school. Under his tutelage, his strait-laced students start letting their hair down — and rocking out. Head to the show with the kids or friends for a fun-filled night with thumping tunes.
June 5 – 28 | Various times; From $33; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org

Head to Heights House Hotel for Parlor Pride

Now in its fourth year, Parlor Pride is a lively celebration on the grounds of the stately Heights House Hotel in Boylan Heights! This festive afternoon features mini golf, on-site tattoos, food trucks (including Kenny’s Smash Burger and Bold Batch Creamery Ice Cream) and a live DJ. The hotel’s Parlor Bar will also offer outside service with its signature cocktails, wine and beer. But the star of the event is its live drag performances, hosted by Chloe Cassidy.
June 6 | 1 – 4 p.m. Free with reservation; 308 S. Boylan Avenue; exploretock.com  

Eat Your Way Through the International Food Festival

Skip the airfare: the International Food Festival brings the world to downtown Raleigh. More than 120 food purveyors representing over 50 countries will be on hand serving authentic global fare — think shawarma bowls, curry, crepes, Italian ice and plenty more. Between bites, catch mesmerizing live music and dance performances from cultures around the world on the City Plaza and Hargett Street stages. The evening closes with a festival-wide dance party.
June 6 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Free; 443 Fayetteville Street; theinternationalfestival.org 

Hear Khalid at Red Hat

Khalid is making a stop at Raleigh’s Red Hat Ampitheater on his “It’s Always Summer Somewhere” tour for a sultry night of R&B, pop and hip-hop. Expect songs from his 2025 album, After the Sun Goes Down, as well as earlier hits like “Young Dumb & Broke,” “Better” and “Location.” Opening for Khalid is pop artist Lauv, who’ll be singing his hit “I Like Me Better” along with his signature high-energy electropop and R&B-influenced tunes.
June 6 | 7:30 p.m.; From $32; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com 

Experience the Raleigh Ringers Spring Concert

Our award-winning handbell choir is known for playing a surprising breadth of pop, rock and classical tunes. Its Spring Concert will also feature Virtuoso, a group of advanced handbell ringers from across the country. It’s the culmination of three days of practice and collaboration under artistic director Dr. William Payn that’s as valuable to the performers as it is to the audience.
June 7 | 3 p.m. From $20; 2 E. South Street; rr.org

Head to Dix Park for the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom, culture and community at the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration at Dorothea Dix Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, kids’ activities, local food trucks and a vendor marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses. Details were still to come for the 2026 celebration as of press time, but expect rousing performances and talks on the caliber of last year’s featured talent: The 82nd Airborne Division Chorus and Mo’Jazz, plus talks from Shaw University’s Dr. Paulette Dillard and WQOK’s Brian Dawson.
June 20 | 2 – 6:30 p.m.; Free; Harvey Hill, Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Drive; dorotheadixpark.org 

Make a Trip of the Carolina Sailing Club Governor’s Cup Regatta

For 69 years, sailors have made the pilgrimage to the breezy waters of Kerr Lake for the Governor’s Cup Regatta — one of the Southeast’s longest-running sailing traditions, organized by the Carolina Sailing Club. The two-day event features five races run in shifting wind conditions, with sailors competing for the namesake cup. Clubs travel from up and down the East Coast to take part, creating a lively waterfront gathering. Amateur sailors looking to enter a team of their own are welcome — registration remains open.
June 20 – 21 | Various times; Free to spectate; 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson; carolinasailingclub.org

This article originally appeared in the June 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.