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Campus Life

Top 10 Things To Do at Centennial Campus This Spring

From concerts to outdoor activities to networking events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

People sit in lawn chairs and watch an Artist Notes performance at Centennial Campus.
People watch an Artist Notes performance at The Corner on Centennial Campus.

It’s cold out now, but spring is right around the corner and things will be heating up at Centennial Campus. Look ahead and start making plans for getting out and about.

Here are just a handful of activities you can do at Centennial this spring:

1. Attend a LIVE@Lake Raleigh or Artist Notes concert.

A bluegrass band faces the audience and performs on a stage on Centennial Campus for LIVE at Lake Raleigh.
Spectators enjoy live music from a bluegrass band at Live@Lake Raleigh in 2022.

Get your groove on at these regular outdoor concert series. LIVE@Lake Raleigh events start in the spring and take place on Thursday evenings. These free, family-friendly performances feature a wide range of musical acts, and a variety of food trucks are on-site for meals and beverages. 

Artist Notes concerts feature musicians who give a performance and share background about their songs. These free events, co-hosted by Chris Edge of 95.7 FM THAT Station, take place on summer evenings and also include food trucks on-site and beer for purchase.

2. Rent a bike from the Bike Library and check out the new mountain bike trails in Lake Raleigh Woods.

A biker in a red helmet, red shirt and black gym shorts rides a bike through a trail in Lake Raleigh Woods.
A biker rides the trails in Lake Raleigh Woods.

Stop by the pop-up bike rental and coffee shop and ride through the scenic Lake Raleigh Woods, home to 2.2 miles of professionally built mountain-bike trails and a mountain-bike skills area for beginner and intermediate-level riders. 

3. Take in the downtown Raleigh skyline from Lonnie Poole Golf Course.

An aerial view of the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on Centennial Campus, with downtown Raleigh in the distance.
An aerial view of the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on Centennial Campus, with downtown Raleigh in the distance.

The only collegiate golf course in the world designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer is right here at NC State. The Lonnie Poole Golf Course is playable for all skill levels. Additionally, the award-winning course is a certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary, passing strict sustainability standards and hosting wildlife conservation programs.

4. Grab a cup of coffee from 321 Coffee, Social Fabric, or Common Grounds.

Interior of the new 321 Coffee location on Centennial Campus.
Customers enjoy their beverages at 321 Coffee’s new location on Centennial Campus.

Whether you’re meeting classmates or colleagues or need a pick-me-up on your way to class, Centennial’s coffee shops have you covered.

5. Get active with a round of disc golf or a game of pickleball.

Students walk toward the next tee on the disc golf course.
Students walk toward the next tee on the disc golf course.

Centennial Campus now has two indoor pickleball courts. Starting this week, drop-in pickleball will be open for free play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Research Building IV, Suite 1700. The courts are shorter than standard but still accessible for players of all skill levels. Free rackets are available, and a moderator will be on-site for anyone needing assistance.

If pickleball isn’t your thing, check out the nine-hole disc golf course in Lake Raleigh Woods. 

6. Catch the sunset at Lake Raleigh.

Sunset over Lake Raleigh.
Sunset over Lake Raleigh, looking toward Hunt Library from Lake Raleigh Woods.

Created as a reservoir for the city in the early 1900s, Lake Raleigh is a sprawling oasis less than 3 miles from downtown Raleigh. The 75-acre lake and its trails are open from dawn until dusk, which is when you can catch some of the most spectacular views.

7. Find your flow at a free yoga class.

Students participate in a yoga class.
Students participate in a yoga class.

Find your zen at Centennial’s yoga classes, which are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in Research Building IV, Suite 1700. Classes are free and open to all, and beginners are welcome. 

8. Bring a friend to one of the monthly Lake Raleigh Woods hikes

People hike the trails in Lake Raleigh Woods.
People hike the trails in Lake Raleigh Woods.

Take a 1.5-mile trek through one of Raleigh’s hidden gems and NC State’s Hallowed Places. The hikes take roughly one hour to complete, and pre-registration is required. 

9. Make a new connection at Centennial Social Hour or Centennial Coffee Hour

A sign welcoming people to Raleigh Founded.
Raleigh Founded is the site of many social hours and networking events on Centennial Campus.

Whether you are a morning or afternoon person, there are always ways to make a new connection on Centennial. Bring your friends or meet new ones while you enjoy beverages and small bites. Events are open to everyone.

10. Join the discussion at an AI Hot Topics, Cluster Conversations or The Morning Grind

Cluster Conversations participants chat in the Raleigh Founded space during one of the events.
Cluster Conversations participants chat in the Raleigh Founded space during one of the events.

Learn about societal issues and important research taking place at the university and beyond at these free, recurring events throughout the spring semester. 

To receive information about these and other Centennial events, subscribe to Centennial Placemaking’s bi-weekly newsletter, Centennial Happenings, or follow along on Instagram at @ncstatecentennial.