How To Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Raleigh 

Are you looking for fun things to do this Memorial Day in Raleigh, NC? These Memorial Day activities are the best way to welcome the summer season in Raleigh! 

Memorial Day is an official United States holiday to honor members of the military who have lost their lives serving their country. It is not only a day to remember the fallen but is also considered by many to be the unofficial start of summer. 

Even though the start of the summer season is still technically a month away once this holiday comes around, most Americans look forward to it for its promise of warmer weather and outdoor activities. This is also a great time to start thinking about what summer camps your kids will enjoy attending once they are off of school. 

While most like to spend this holiday at the beach or at the pool, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate this upcoming Memorial Day weekend in Raleigh, including enjoying a comedy show, booking a spa treatment, or going hiking. 

Here is how you should spend this Memorial Day weekend 

1. Visit a Veterans Memorial 

There is no better way to spend Memorial Day than by visiting a Veterans Memorial to honor those who died while serving our country. The Town of Cary holds a Memorial Day Remembrance on May 27th, 2024, at Veterans Freedom Park from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. 

A patriotic ceremony will honor fallen veterans of all wars and conflicts, and a new Gold Star Memorial will be dedicated. A Field of Flags will also be placed at the park to honor all of the brave men and women who have served. 

The Town of Garner will host a Memorial Day Observance on May 27th, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Lake Benson Park Veterans Memorial. This ceremony will honor those who have died while serving in the armed forces. Guided memorial tours will also be conducted before and after the event. 

Admission to both Memorial Day events is free; if you want to contribute, consider volunteering. 

2. Have a Pool Day 

Since Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer season, many public pools and community pools in the area open this weekend. Since the climate in Raleigh is humid subtropical, the end of May is generally warm enough for pools to open and for swimmers to get wet without feeling cold. 

Wake County has over 1,300 public swimming pools, including apartments, condominiums, subdivisions, clubs, homeowners associations, and city pools. 

If you belong to a club or live in a top-rated community in Raleigh with a pool, check the opening schedule to see if you can spend Memorial Day cooling off in the water with friends and family. 

3. Take a Trip to the Beach 

Raleigh is in an ideal location since it is only a quick trip to the nearest beach. Wrightsville Beach is the most accessible from Raleigh and is about a two-hour drive east. 

Wrightsville Beach is one of the best beaches in North Carolina, but it is also one of the busiest during the warm season since it is easily accessible and is located near the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. 

The Outer Banks is also a popular beach destination about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Raleigh. These barrier islands off the coast are known for their laid-back atmosphere and stunning beauty. 

If you are looking for the ultimate Outer Banks road trip for Memorial Day weekend, make sure to stop at Jockey's Ridge State Park, the Wright Brothers National Memorial and see the wild horses in Corolla. 

4. Visit Local Breweries 

As the weather starts warming up, the more fun it is to enjoy great beer with good company. Raleigh is home to over 40 breweries offering a different craft beer experience. 

Visiting a brewery is the perfect summer date idea and a good place to gather with friends since everyone will enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and a wide selection of beer and drinks. 

From IPAs to porters, many of the breweries in Raleigh and the Triangle have outdoor seating and welcome local food trucks. Most breweries in Raleigh are dog-friendly, making it a great way to beat the heat with your pet. 

Here are some of the best local favorite breweries in the Triangle to visit on Memorial Day weekend: 

Crank Arm Brewing Company: Located on Davie Street, this brewery and tasting room offers a large craft beer selection and full bar. As part of the Sip n Stroll district, take your drink to go and walk around the streets of Raleigh. 

Fortnight Brewing Company: This local brewery in Cary offers plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, a wide range of beers, and food trucks on most days. 

Bombshell Beer Company: This is the first 100% women-owned microbrewery in North Carolina. The taproom features 12 to 16 different beers on tap. 

Trophy Brewing and Taproom: Located on Maywood Avenue, this brewery is dog-friendly and is best known for its great selection of tasty beer and friendly staff. 

5. Spend the Day on the Water 

Since Memorial Day is an official federal holiday, most people are off work and want to make the most of their weekend, especially if the weather is going to be warm and sunny. 

If a pool or beach day does not interest you, consider spending the day on the water at one of the many beautiful lakes in the area. Most parks with lakes in the Triangle offer boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals. 

Considered a fantastic outdoor recreational activity, boat rentals are available at most lakes for all ages and abilities. No experience is necessary for most rentals unless you decide to rent a sailboat. 

Here are some local favorite lakes that offer boat rentals in the Triangle area on Memorial Day weekend: 

Bond Park: The Bond Park Boathouse offers kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals for all ages and experience levels. There are even kayak, canoe, and sailing classes offered. All boat rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and you must be 18 or older to rent and sign the liability waiver. 

Bass Lake: Boat and kayak rentals can now be reserved online. Canoes and john boats are $10 an hour, and motorized boats are $15 an hour. 

Jordan Lake: This 13,940-acre lake attracts many visitors who come for boating, swimming, paddling, and fishing. Many boat rental companies are nearby. 

Lake Johnson Park: Boat, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals are available, and equipment can be reserved online ahead of time. 

6. Hit Golf Balls 

Playing golf with friends and family is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the nice weather. Raleigh is home to many top-rated golf communities with beautiful courses to play on for all skill levels. 

If you are looking for some friendly competition or simply want to learn how to play, why not start this Memorial Day weekend?

Here are some of the best local golf courses in the Triangle area: 

Prestonwood Country Club: This world-class facility offers top-rated golf amenities and 54 holes of championship golf greens that were designed by golf course architect Tom Jackson. 

Knights Play Golf Center: This public golf course in Wake County is a top practice facility with a driving range and 27 holes that will challenge players of all skill levels. 

Devils Ridge Golf Club: Located in Holly Springs, this premier golf club features a private 18-hole golf course designed by John LaFoy surrounded by beautiful trees and rolling hills. 

Loonie Poole Golf Course: This 18-hole public golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer and is located on the campus of North Carolina State University. 

For those interested in interactive games and the fun of a driving range without a full game of golf, head to Drive Shack in Raleigh or the new Topgolf facility in Durham. 

7. Enjoy Delicious Barbecue 

There is no better way to spend Memorial Day weekend than by enjoying delicious barbecue either in your backyard or at a barbecue restaurant. If you want a lowkey weekend with friends and family, The Butcher's Market has locations all over the Triangle and specializes in selling high-quality steaks and meat. 

If you would rather skip the backyard barbecue and go out for some good food, Raleigh has no shortage of barbecue restaurants that are known for their southern style bbq and classic sides.

Check out these local favorite barbecue restaurants in Raleigh: 

The Pit Authentic Barbecue: This legendary barbecue restaurant serves free-range pork, Texas style brisket, and other BBQ favorites alongside southern sides. 

Big Mike's BBQ Cary: This laid-back eatery is best known for its fresh bbq, delicious sides, and craft beer with indoor and outdoor seating. 

Sam Jones BBQ: Offering indoor and outdoor dining, this is the best place in town for smoked meats and sandwiches. 

8. Eat Ice Cream 

Cool off on Memorial Day weekend with some fresh, homemade ice cream. Visit some of the best ice cream shops in the Triangle for scoops of unique flavors and waffle cones. 

Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery is a favorite among North Carolina State University students and residents alike for its great flavors, affordable prices, and the opportunity to sit and watch the cows while you enjoy your ice cream. 

9. Go Hiking 

Get out and explore nature at one of the many parks and hiking trails in Raleigh and around the Triangle area. While many community centers are closed on the holiday, most other lakes and parks are open and offer a great way to stay active in the warm weather. 

Many scenic hikes are located near Raleigh, including William B. Umstead Park, which offers 34.5 miles of hiking trails, 13 miles of biking trails, and 13 miles of horseback riding trails. 

10. Spend the Night at the Ballpark 

The Carolina Mudcats are a Minor League Baseball Team in the Carolina League based in Zebulon, North Carolina. The team plays on Memorial Day weekend, May 24th through May 26th, making this a fun, family-friendly activity that everyone will enjoy.

Tickets can be bought in advance online. There will be fireworks on Friday and Saturday night. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from many local sources, as well as CBS News, ABC News, and the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum to determine the best things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Raleigh, NC. 

FAQs 

What is Memorial Day weekend for? 

Memorial Day is observed on the last weekend of May. It honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States Military. Many consider this day the unofficial start of the summer season. 

Is Memorial Day Weekend a busy travel weekend? 

Many people love to travel for Memorial Day weekend, and this year, it is estimated that 38.4 million people will travel in cars over the weekend. 

What day do most people travel for Memorial Day weekend? 

It is estimated that 2024 will be the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, with the busiest days to fly being May 23rd, May 24th, and May 27th. It is predicted that Thursday, May 23rd will be the most crowded day. 

How To Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

There are so many fun things that you and your family can do this Memorial Day weekend in Raleigh. If you are moving to Raleigh and are ready to find your dream home, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty.