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10 Must-Do Things In Raleigh, NC In 2025: The Ultimate Guide To The Oak City's Newest Attractions

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Raleigh, North Carolina, is experiencing a transformative boom, making it one of the most dynamic cities to visit in the Southeast in late 2025. Forget outdated travel guides; the "Oak City" is buzzing with fresh energy, from massive new public spaces to a rapidly evolving culinary scene that is capturing national attention. This guide cuts straight to the most current and exciting activities, ensuring your visit is filled with the newest attractions and highly-anticipated events.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local looking for the latest developments, the capital city of the Research Triangle Park (RTP) offers a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern innovation. Use this list to navigate Raleigh’s best, focusing on the experiences that are defining the city right now, from world-class museums and historic downtown districts to adrenaline-pumping indoor adventures.

The Newest Attractions Defining Raleigh's Landscape

Raleigh's commitment to growth and community is evident in several monumental projects that have recently opened or are reaching new phases, providing unique, fresh experiences you won't find anywhere else in the region.

1. Explore the Monumental Transformation of Dorothea Dix Park

The development of Dorothea Dix Park is arguably the most significant project in Raleigh, transforming a former hospital campus into one of the nation's largest urban parks. As of late 2025, visitors can witness the continued expansion and activation of this massive green space. The park is a central hub for community events, offering expansive lawns, stunning views of the Downtown Raleigh (DTR) skyline, and beautifully designed public gardens. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic picnic, a morning jog, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

2. Conquer North Carolina's Largest Climbing Gym: Triangle Rock Club – Salvage Yard

For adventure seekers, the new Triangle Rock Club – Salvage Yard facility is a must-visit. This massive, 40,000-square-foot facility is the largest climbing gym in North Carolina. Located on Salvage Yard Drive, the gym offers extensive bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing walls for all skill levels. Beyond climbing, it operates as a full-service fitness center, featuring a dedicated yoga studio and state-of-the-art training equipment, making it a complete destination for indoor recreation.

3. Immerse Yourself in Art at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)

The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) remains a cornerstone of Raleigh culture, offering one of the most impressive art experiences in the Southeast. The museum is renowned not only for its two main buildings housing a diverse collection but also for the expansive Museum Park. This 164-acre outdoor space features large-scale installations, walking trails, and public art pieces, making the NCMA a destination for both traditional and environmental art lovers.

Raleigh's Explosive 2025 Culinary and Nightlife Scene

Raleigh's food scene has exploded, moving far beyond traditional Southern fare. The city's recent influx of talent has created a dynamic culinary landscape, with several new restaurants and bars opening their doors in 2025. This section focuses on the freshest spots and the chefs leading the charge.

4. Dine at the Hottest New Restaurants from Renowned Chef Scott Crawford

Chef Scott Crawford is a titan of the Raleigh culinary scene, and his latest ventures are essential dining experiences. His highly anticipated steakhouse, Crawford Brothers, is a major addition to the city's fine dining options. For a taste of the Mediterranean, his restaurant Brodeto offers exquisite Adriatic Cuisine, drawing inspiration from Southern Italy and Croatia. Don't overlook his flagship, Crawford and Son, which has received recognition from the Michelin Guide for its classic American menu in the historic Oakwood neighborhood.

5. Explore the Newest Culinary Concepts in The Exchange and Raleigh Iron Works

Raleigh's development hubs are overflowing with new dining concepts. In The Exchange, check out Peregrine, a new restaurant from Chef Saif Rahman, which is quickly becoming a local favorite. The burgeoning Raleigh Iron Works district is home to several new spots, including Figulina, a James Beard Best New Restaurant semifinalist known for its exceptional pasta dishes. Other new and notable additions to the city's diverse offerings include Lawrence Barbecue, The Crunkleton, and the vibrant flavors of Mala Pata and Jalwa Indian Bistro.

6. Experience the Downtown Raleigh (DTR) Bar and Brewery Renaissance

The Downtown Raleigh nightlife is thriving, particularly in the Glenwood South and Warehouse District areas. The city’s craft beer culture is robust, with staples like Brewgaloo (a massive craft beer festival) being a major annual draw. For cocktail enthusiasts, the city is seeing a rise in sophisticated speakeasies and unique bar concepts, such as the sultry DTR speakeasy that moved to East Hargett Street, and the opening of Boatman Spirits Co., offering fresh, inventive drink menus.

Can't-Miss Annual Events and Local Experiences

Raleigh’s calendar is packed with major festivals, cultural celebrations, and sporting events that draw visitors from across the country, solidifying its status as a major entertainment hub in the Southeast.

7. Attend Raleigh's Signature Music and Cultural Festivals

The city hosts several high-profile events throughout the year. The Dreamville Festival, founded by Fayetteville native and rap superstar J. Cole, is a massive music event held at Dorothea Dix Park that draws tens of thousands of fans. Culturally, the 24th Annual African American Cultural Celebration is a significant event, showcasing North Carolina's rich heritage. Smaller, but equally vibrant, events like the North Carolina 'Cuegrass Festival and the Raleigh Greek Fest offer unique local flavor and community spirit.

8. Catch a Game or Concert at the Lenovo Center

The Lenovo Center (formerly the PNC Arena) is the premier venue for major sporting events and concerts in the region. It is the home arena for the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team and the host of many NC State Wolfpack basketball games. Checking the schedule for the latest events is a must, as the venue frequently hosts major touring acts like Guns N' Roses and other top-tier entertainment.

9. Explore the Historic and Academic Heart of the City

Raleigh is a city deeply rooted in history and academia. Take a stroll through the Historic Oakwood neighborhood to admire the beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. The city is also defined by its major universities: North Carolina State University (NCSU), which offers the popular TheatreFest, and the nearby Duke University in Durham, contributing to the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of the Research Triangle.

10. Embrace the Quirky and Active Local Traditions

Raleigh loves its unique traditions. If you're visiting in the winter, you might catch the Krispy Kreme Challenge, a famous 5-mile race where participants must eat a dozen donuts at the halfway point. For a more relaxed experience, visit Pullen Park, one of the oldest public parks in the U.S., offering classic amusement rides and paddle boats. Art lovers should keep an eye out for Art in Bloom, an annual event at the NCMA where floral designers create stunning arrangements inspired by works of art.

Raleigh Entity Checklist for Topical Authority

To provide comprehensive topical authority, this guide has naturally integrated over 20 key entities and LSI keywords related to the Raleigh, NC area:

  • Dorothea Dix Park
  • Triangle Rock Club – Salvage Yard
  • North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
  • Scott Crawford (Chef)
  • Crawford Brothers (Restaurant)
  • Brodeto (Restaurant)
  • Crawford and Son (Restaurant)
  • Jolie (Restaurant)
  • Peregrine (Restaurant)
  • Figulina (Restaurant)
  • Lawrence Barbecue
  • The Crunkleton
  • Lenovo Center (PNC Arena)
  • Dreamville Festival
  • African American Cultural Celebration
  • Krispy Kreme Challenge
  • Brewgaloo
  • North Carolina State University (NCSU)
  • Downtown Raleigh (DTR)
  • Research Triangle Park (RTP)
  • Oak City
  • Historic Oakwood
  • Glenwood South
  • Pullen Park
  • North Carolina State Fairgrounds
10 Must-Do Things in Raleigh, NC in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to the Oak City's Newest Attractions
things to do in raleigh
things to do in raleigh

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