The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. The State Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark.

The Capitol housed all of North Carolina's state government until 1888. The Supreme Court and State Library moved into a separate building in 1888, and the General Assembly moved into the State Legislative Building in 1963. Today the governor and lieutenant governor, and their immediate staff, occupy offices on the first floor of the Capitol.

Located in lobby of the N.C. Museum of History, the Capital Area Visitor Center is a permanent information and rest center for more than 100,000 annual visitors to Raleigh's state-owned and cultural attractions.

Scare on the Square
October 27
5-10 pm
FREE
Bring the whole family out for a spooky night downtown! On this special 30-minute tour, fact is more chilling than fiction when the Capitol combines history and legend in this hair-raising (but family-friendly) event. You’ll embark on a tour of this 167-year old building that will highlight all the strange and spooky things people claim to have experienced here over the years. Does the spirit of Governor Aycock still linger in the Capitol almost 100 years after his body lay in state? Is that haunting scent of cigar smoke a sign from a long deceased Senator? You’ll have to decide for yourself after hearing all the evidence and spending a little time here after dark! Music and snacks will keep you entertained as you wait for your tour outside on the east grounds. Tours are limited, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged for this popular event.

Veterans’ Day Parade and Ceremony
November 12
11am
FREE
A parade, wreath-laying ceremony, and patriotic concert will honor the state’s veterans. Parade begins at 9:30 am. Ceremony will take place at the Veterans’ Monument at 11 am.

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival
December 4 (tentative date)
FREE
Festivities begin with the lighting of luminaries and musical performances on the Capitol grounds. The Governor and First Lady will light the State Christmas Tree during the traditional ceremony on the west grounds. After the ceremony, visitors are invited inside the Capitol for an open house to take in the Raleigh Garden Club’s decorations. The Junior Women’s Club of Raleigh will host a holiday festival featuring music and children’s activities on Union Square, in the museums, and on Bicentennial Plaza. Date and time will depend on Governor’s schedule.

Holiday Open House
December 4-9
FREE
The Capitol will be decorated for the holidays by the Raleigh Garden Club. Local performing groups will provide concerts of holiday music daily during the open house. Dates and times will depend on Governor’s schedule.

Civil War Christmas Encampment
December 8
FREE
Re-enactors will demonstrate how to make period Christmas ornaments, dip candles, and teach kids how to participate in Civil War drills.