Calendar

*Please note that this production has been canceled. All ticket purchasers will automatically receive a full refund to their original method of payment.  Please email pac.info@raleighnc.gov with any questions.

Thurs., Aug. 21, 2025
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Networking hour and light breakfast: 9-10am
Program: 10-11am

An enormous contributor to Wake County's success and appeal as a visitor destination over the years is its culinary scene. In 2024, the county collected $46.4 million in food and beverage taxes, an all-time high, and an indicator that more visitors are putting significant amounts of dollars into the hands of restaurateurs and into the local economy, while also allowing our destination to invest more into tourism-related developments and marketing to attract even more visitors. Visitor spending at Wake County's restaurants is an integral part of the tourism cycle.

Thanks to the brilliant minds of our talented chefs and restaurant owners, the food scene continues to make headlines—chefs are nominated for coveted James Beard Awards annually, major national publications continue to write stories about our dining experiences and, most recently, the MICHELIN Guide announced it would be coming to the South to explore our restaurants and produce the MICHELIN Guide: American South.

At this Annual Meeting, we will host a panel of some of Wake County's brightest minds in the restaurant business, moderated by Raleigh Magazine publisher Gina Stephens. Attendees will hear directly from thought leaders about what makes our food scene so special and attractive and perhaps be inspired to find synergies in promoting their own businesses to visitors alongside their culinary hospitality peers.

New for this year, catch up with each Wake County municipality at designated tables to hear about new or must-try restaurants across the destination! From Apex to Zebulon, representatives will be ready to share delicious dining ideas.

Tickets are $45 each and can purchased online by Thurs., Aug. 7, 2025.

Please plan to arrive at 9am to catch up with your hospitality colleagues from around the county and enjoy a light breakfast in the theater lobby. Fruits, parfaits, pastries, bagels, muffins and breakfast burritos will be available (vegan and gluten-free options will be included). 

This year's memorial and leadership awards will be presented to:

Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award: The Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will receive the award for their efforts in developing and operating the successful Downtown Cary Park, charming visitors with its expansive layout, creative, modern amenities and endless ways for visitors to enjoy their day. With places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317), plus The Nest playground, performing arts pavilion, dog park and so much more, every visit can feel like a brand-new experience. This innovative public space is of the highest caliber and is being recognized nationwide; in April, The Nest was voted the nation's top playground in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

John B. Ross Jr. Leadership Award: Executive director of the Centennial Authority, Jeff Merritt has spent his career raising the region's profile and making sure Wake County is ready to host major events that draw significant visitation. Under Jeff's leadership, the Authority is moving forward with major enhancements to Lenovo Center and the development of a surrounding sports and entertainment district that will be a game-changer for the destination. Jeff's work continues to make a big impact on visitation and the growth of our hospitality industry. He's a strong example of the kind of leader this award was made to recognize.

Again this year, GRCVB will provide support to a worthy Wake County nonprofit initiative. This year, $5 from each ticket will be designated to the BackPack Buddies program, providing school children who are experiencing food insecurity with kid-friendly, pre-packed bags of nutritious food for weekends.

We look forward to celebrating Wake County's restaurant reputation with all of you on Aug. 21!
 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of smooth melodies and soulful rhythms at the R&B Rewind featuring legendary artists Dru Hill, Silk, and Q Parker of 112. Experience the magic of iconic hits and heartfelt ballads as these powerhouse performers take the stage, bringing their timeless sound and electrifying energy. From Dru Hill's unforgettable harmonies to Silk's sultry vibes and Q Parker's captivating presence, this concert promises to be a celebration of love, passion, and the best of R&B. Don't miss your chance to relive the classics and discover new favorites in a night filled with nostalgia and excitement!

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details.

Join Cary Elwes (Westley) in person for a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride.

After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics! Journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, and of course, true love.

Elwes has been in a multitude of films and tv shows including “Seinfeld”, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, “Saw”, “Days of Thunder” “Twister”, “Liar, Liar”, “Stranger Things” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. He recently starred in Guy Ritchie’s “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre”, and “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning.”

Now Elwes is hitting the road to share with fans the personal stories behind the making of this piece of cinematic history. Don’t be a “Humperdinck”, make haste to see The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes for a night you will always “tweasure”.

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details.

We will celebrate and commemorate the three churches and neighborhood of the Fourth Ward that were lost to “urban renewal” in the 1960s and 70s.

Featuring local singers and church choirs.

Guest speaker Senator Dan Blue,
North Carolina General Assembly

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details

Entry Requirements

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front The Nazz, the quintessential `60's psychedelic group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the legendary Runt. But it was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him 'Rock's New Wunderkind'. It was followed by such landmark LPs as The Hermit of Mink Hollow and the above mentioned A Wizard, A True Star, as well as such hit singles as I Saw The Light, Hello It's Me, Can We Still Be Friends, and Bang The Drum.

In 1974, Todd formed Todd Rundgren’s Utopia (renamed and reconfigured in 1976 as Utopia), an entirely new approach to the concept of interactive musicianship, and embarked on an extensive round of touring and recording. Standout Utopia offerings included Oops! Wrong Planet, Adventures in Utopia, and Oblivion. Along the way, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia combined technical virtuosity and creative passion to create music that initially, for millions, defined the term "progressive rock”, and subsequently, as Utopia, the term “powerpop”.

Rundgren's myriad production projects include albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Meat Loaf, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, and Hall And Oates. Rounding out his reputation as rock's Renaissance Man, Rundgren composed all the music and lyrics for Joe Papp's 1989 Off-Broadway production of Joe Orton's Up Against It (the screenplay commissioned by The Beatles for what was meant to have been their third motion picture). He also has composed the music for the hit film Dumb and Dumber, as well as a number of television series, including Pee Wee’s Playhouse and Crime Story. 

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details.

Pre-session: 1:30pm | Main Show: 3:30pm

Join us to hear from the movers and shakers of Downtown Raleigh with the scoop on what’s happening now, and what’s yet to come. 

At the event, attendees will get a first look at some big ideas for enhancing Downtown Raleigh as well as key findings from our annual State of Downtown Report.

State of Downtown is also a unique opportunity to network with local business leaders, city officials, and community stakeholders who are all committed to driving this community's success.

Registration opens Monday, June 2nd. 

Culture 2000 is Orchestra Noir’s electrifying new tour that reimagines the soundtrack of the early 2000s to the present — blending orchestral power with hip-hop, R&B, and timeless cultural classics.

Led by the visionary Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers, this one-of-a-kind concert experience fuses the lush sound of a live orchestra with the anthems that defined a generation. From unforgettable slow jams to club bangers and iconic hooks, Culture 2000 brings the music of the culture to life like you’ve never heard it before.

Presented by Orchestra Noir — the acclaimed all-Black orchestra based in Atlanta — this tour is a celebration of sound, style and culture. 

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details

Entry Requirements

The talented Averly Morillo arrives with her Leña Nueva Tour, an event filled with worship, inspiration, and a powerful message of faith. 

Get ready for an unforgettable night, where music and the presence of God will touch hearts and renew your spirit.

An encounter with God through music.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this concert filled with praise and moving performances that will take you to a new level of spiritual connection.
 

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details.

Daniel Barksdale Productions, LLC proudly presents Daniel Barksdale's "The Family Reunion" (The Stage Play). 

Jamal's family makes it clear that they only come together for family reunions every five years, and you'll see why. With this in mind, Jamal organizes a last-minute family reunion, hoping to share some important news about the next chapter of his life. However, when his family arrives, bringing their life baggage of hurt, betrayal, and addictions, he quickly realizes that their problems might overshadow his intention to share his significant news. 

Daniel Barksdale, the award-winning writer, director, and producer of "Sunday Morning," is excited to announce his latest stage play, "The Family Reunion". Over the past decade, Barksdale has created multiple stage productions that have captivated audiences, starting locally and expanding its reach to multiple cities.

His most recent work, "Sunday Morning," had three performances in Lynchburg, Virginia, before embarking on a five-city tour along the East Coast. This production earned Barksdale several award nominations.

Barksdale is thrilled to welcome audiences back for another brand-new stage play production, Daniel Barksdale's "The Family Reunion". Prepare for an evening filled with astonishing singing, captivating drama, and an inspirational message that will leave you reflecting on the importance of family.

Plan Your Visit

Further information for this show will be provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. 

Click here to view the day-of-show details.