by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 23, 2024 | 2024, Do, July 2024/August 2024
Through 7/28
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer
Hot girl summer, step aside—it’s a hot tomato summer this year. Think 10 days of local resto creative dishes feat. two Southern staples: Duke’s Mayo + tomatoes—from a housecured bacon BLT at Mandolin to Hummingbird’s shrimp po’body and tomato pie. Who’s ripe for the fan-fave Golden Tomato Award?! dukesmayo.com
Through 7/28
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Chekhovian themes meet contemporary humor via Theatre Raleigh’s comedic masterpiece revolving around bickering siblings and a glamorous movie star. theatreraleigh.com
7/24–27
Pauly Shore
That’s so Totally Pauly! Join a ’90s-era actor/comedian as he takes the stage to bring on the “pauly-tics.” goodnightscomedy.com
7/25–28
GalaxyCon
Step into a galaxy of fun and fandom at the Raleigh Convention Center for a four-day fest flaunting more than your average comic-con—from meet-and-greets to cosplay competitions. To infinity and beyond! galaxycon.com
7/25–8/4
Our Town
“Goodbye, goodbye, world.” Walk with Emily Webb as she appreciates little pleasures within a cruel and beautiful Earth. raleighlittletheatre.org
7/26
West End Pop-Up
Pop by West End to scope out local vendors, live music, creative workshops and food trucks—NTM adult bevys to sip on while you shop. eventbrite.com
7/26
Staglin Family Vineyard Wine Dinner at Nanas
Wine down from the week via chef Matt Kelly’s special four-course dinner paired with wines from the beloved Staglin Family Vineyard. Cheers! nanasrockwood.com
7/26
Dirty Heads
Everything you’re looking for… can be found via this hip-hop/reggae/rock band as they take on Walnut Creek. livenation.com
7/27
Shipp Dating Mixer
Hot girl summer is almost over. 💔 Get that roster prepped for cuffing season with a night of speed dating in partnership with Umbrella Dry Bar and GLOW Fitness. @joinshipp
7/27
Sam Hunt
Raleigh is hard to forget… so this country music crooner has made his way back for more at Walnut Creek. Time for a house party! livenation.com
7/27
Taste of Soul NC
Talk about a good-for-the-soul event. Savor, shake and shop the soul of NC via food trucks, live music and vendors at City Plaza—just be sure to come on an empty stomach. tasteofsoulnc.com
7/27
Brit Floyd
Spend your time on the “dark side of the moon” so this tribute to the artistry of Pink Floyd doesn’t have to “wish you were here.” boothamphitheatre.com
7/27–28
Monster Jam
Prepare yourself for some mean, green (and other colored) monster truck machines! Support our resident undertaker Grave Digger as it rolls alongside Zombie, Megalodon, ThunderROARus, Monster Mutt and others. pncarena.com
7/27–28
North Carolina Pet Expo
Bark up the *right* tree with a doggy stunt show, grooming, shopping and adoption opps at this annual expo for furry and feathered friends. Paws for applause—and awws! ncstatefair.org
7/28
2024 Summer Concert Series
Summer days are drifting away, so make the most of them by swaying along with the Tune Swingers at Fred Fletcher Park. Don’t forget a blanket or chair! raleighnc.gov
7/28
The Wonder Years
Dismantle summer with this wondrous pop-punk six-piece at The Ritz. … They won’t let you cave in. livenation.com
7/28
New Kids On The Block
Please do go, girl (or boy!) to jam out with these “still kids” as they embark on their Magic Summer tour at the Creek. “Old school love,” indeed! livenation.com
7/30
blink-182 with Pierce the Veil
Blink and you might miss it. … It’s truly “all the small things” as this ’90s-era band brings its throwback classics to the PNC stage. pncarena.com
7/30–8/4
Mudcats vs. RiverDogs
RiverDogs are gonna be sent howling home. milb.com
7/30–8/4
Mamma Mia
Here we go again! Unleash your inner dancing queen and tag along with Sophie as she tries to reveal who her real father is in this emotional yet feel-good musical based on ABBA’s smash hits that promises to be the time of your life. dpacnc.com
7/31
The Band CAMINO
Good times are taking shape at The Ritz as this indie rock band shreds the stage. livenation.com
7/31
Live After 5
Celebrate the women who took the music scene by storm via live tunes from Kate Rhudy and Blue Cactus on Fayetteville Street as you sip, stroll and enjoy an all-around “electrifying evening.” downtownraleigh.org
by Anna Brescia | Jul 15, 2024 | 2024, Do, July 2024/August 2024
Summer is the perfect time to get your plant on—here’s where to shop green in Raleigh.
Looking to cultivate your green thumb this summer? There’s no better time to spruce up your space or get dirty in the garden—and, luckily, Raleigh is home to tons of killer plant shops. Whether you’re looking for something edible to spice up your cooking or just simply want to add some color to your abode, these green outposts have got you covered.
For the new plant parents: Copperline Plant Co.
Calling all beginners! In addition to housing a great selection of plants and plant accessories, Copperline hosts tons of workshops and classes on all sorts of plant topics, making the shop ideal for those looking to sharpen their skills. And if you’ve got a plant that’s not doing so hot, bring it in and their plant experts can help diagnose, repot, and provide some encouragement and reassurance. Think of it like your very own plant doc!
For those with a large outdoor garden: Logan’s Garden Shop
Raleigh’s trusted garden center and plant nursery—nee 1965—is a mecca for anyone looking to flex their green thumb, from beginners to veterans. You’ll find everything from annuals and perennials to veggies to potting services and outdoor furniture. Plus, the plant haven puts on regular events and sales to get the most out of your wallet. Read: Double the green!
For edible plants: State Farmers Market
There’s no shortage of great produce and flora/fauna at the State Farmers Market (snake plants, cacti and peace lilies oh, my!)—but where the market really shines is its herb selection. Shop from classics like rosemary and sage to more unique ops like pineapple mint. Paired with the ample produce, you’ve got yourself a fresh summer meal in no time.
For someone who likes to sip while they shop: Atlantic Gardening
A garden center with a bar? Say less. Atlantic Gardening isn’t just home to tons of amazing shrubs, flowers and houseplants, it also boasts the Garden Bar, aka the first bar to open in any local plant center (!). Pull up a barstool and sip on local brews, a variety of mimosa flavors, or a glass of vino. It’s the perfect liquid encouragement to help you choose your newest plant baby! Bonus: Your furry friends are also welcome to join in on the fun.
For someone who wants to support the LGBTQ+ community: Urban Pothos
Welcome to the jungle! Score a new plant while supporting the local LGBTQ+ community at Raleigh’s only queer- and Latino-owned plant boutique. NTM it’s a vibrant go-to spot for a variety of houseplants in fun and funky pots. Talk about an instant serotonin boost!
For longtime plant parents: Homewood Nursery
*Rooted* in Raleigh since 1967, Homewood is one of Raleigh’s oldest plant outposts. Boasting over four acres of greenhouses, a garden center and an outdoor nursery, there’s no shortage of greenery to choose from—whether you’re in search of shrubs, trees, perennials, houseplants or anything in between. Don’t sleep on the ever-evolving gift and home shop either.
by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 9, 2024 | 2024, Do, July 2024/August 2024
7/11
Boney James
Prepare for a triple-threat jazz bill. Tap your feet along to the chart-topping jazz and R&B saxophone player’s 18th studio album, along with tunes from Grammy-nominated artists Kenny Lattimore & Maysa Leak. ncartmuseum.org
7/11–13
Kelsey Cook
What do you get when your parents are an international yo-yo champion and a professional foosball player? Wrists of fury and an ability to turn any situation into comedic gold. goodnightscomedy.com
7/12
Sebastian Maniscalco
“It ain’t right” not to laugh at this comic who uses physical humor and digs at society (think inflation prices, the “social media circus” and lack of manners) to earn well-deserved chuckles about the struggles we all face. pncarena.com
7/12–14
Affion Crockett
City of Oaks, meet the king of impressions. From mimicking anyone from his mom to his schoolteacher to Scarface, this comedic powerhouse will no doubt charm you with his facial expressions and impersonations. improv.com
7/13
Alice Gerrard
Celebrate 90 trips around the sun with this “prolific songwriter and keeper of traditional tunes” as she performs her first album in over 10 years. martinmariettacenter.com
7/13, 27
Cocktails & Cuisine Class
Test your bartender brains and let freedom ring through a patriotic cocktail demonstration—then enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with festive food. Let freedom ring! thewillardraleigh.com
7/13
Totally Tubular Festival
Stop the world to catch the new wave via this ’80s event’s radical lineup—think Thomas Dolby, Modern English, Men Without Hats, The Romantics and Bow Wow Wow. The future’s open wide! totallytubularfestival.com
7/13
Nirvani
“Come as you are” to commemorate the band who changed the scope of the rock scene forever, with a little help from Smashing Pumpkins tribute band the Siamese Dreamers. So many songs about Courtney Love all in one night. pourhouseraleigh.com
7/14
The Gathering Co. x Junction West Summer Open House
Snack on a sweet treat (hey, Tepuy Donuts!) in the sun and mingle with like-minded peers while shopping the likes of Hygge Jewelry, Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary and other local vendors. It feels like summer! @junctionwestnc
7/14
Summertime UNCORKED
It’s wine night for the organic girlies (and guys). Sip and stroll around Barcelona Wine Bar as they uncork 30 organic wines from its bottle list and pair with tapas and paella. It’s giving Euro summer. eventbrite.com
7/15–21
DTR Retail Week
Who’s ready to shop (local) till they drop?! Browse the goods of local businesses—think Copperline Plant Co., Curate Raleigh and Blackbird Books & Coffee—to earn freebies and discounts all week long. @dtrindependentshops
7/17
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Chekhov’s gun, a cherry orchard, a family home and a voodoo doll equals the perfect recipe for modern-day disaster and avant-garde entertainment. theatreraleigh.com
7/17
Photography Workshop
Take a picture—it’ll last longer! Amp up those photography skills with tips and tricks for composition, capturing light and shadow, and working camera settings to catch that money shot. Oh, snap! dixpark.org
by Heidi Reid | Jun 28, 2024 | Buzz, July 2024/August 2024
Raleighties make plans to nudge DTR in the right direction.
It’s clear Downtown Raleigh is changing—whether you think it’s for the better or worse—and Raleighites are rolling up their sleeves to ensure NC’s crown jewel is moving in the right direction. To wit, city leaders and a swath of small business owners and residents met at Crank Arm Brewing’s recent Revive & Thrive public panel to workshop plans to up the area’s allure for businesses and patrons alike.
Out the gate, parking is a major deterrent for would-be Downtowners—but attendees were astounded to find there are already some 7,000 free evening and weekend parking spots in DTR (see “Parking Problems”). Though much more can be done to improve parking access, including a consideration for the first two hours free.
Beyond parking, viability and safety concerns were also assuaged. Despite rumblings that DTR is losing its cool factor, 1.5 million unique patrons frequented and 14 new businesses bowed last year alone, with many more in progress—not to mention the 4,500 new residents expected to move into the 3,000 units hitting the market in the next year. Moreover, after a last-summer surge, major crimes are down by 22% in DTR and 50% in Moore Square—and trending further downward. Still, many residents and business owners are hoping for better reinforcements than statistics when looking to the future.
“I’ve seen a focus on Downtown since last year—because we did see trend lines going in the wrong direction, and now with that focus, trends are going in the right direction,” said Councilwoman Dr. Jane Harrison during the panel discussion. Here, the city’s top talking points for reviving Downtown.
- Continuing to promote safety: Crime rates may be down, but the job is far from done. “In terms of public safety, we have to have holistic solutions for people in need,” said Harrison. “We are putting together an alternative crisis response unit for folks struggling with homelessness, substance abuse. … We have a duty to help them.”
- Accessible transportation: According to Harrison, DTR doesn’t necessarily need more activities or festivals, but better ways to get to them. “I want to be able to get where I want to go easily and safely, and how we get around here is still a quagmire,” she maintained. “I am making a choice between Cary, Durham and Downtown, and how [I] get there motivates my choice.” City Council is also currently deciding if parking in city decks will be free for the first two hours on weekdays.
- Spotlight culture and entrepreneurship: Upgrading spaces with public art, shedding light on local musicians and performers, and circumventing barriers for first-time business owners emphasize diversified offerings. More murals, a block party and even a residency for international musicians was thrown in the ring.
- Public realm maintenance: “If the experience is poor, people will respond by not coming back,” emphasized Downtown Raleigh Alliance CEO and President Bill King. Public spaces—from trash cans and playgrounds to shade structures and plazas—could be more inviting and better maintained.
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 25, 2024 | Do, June 2024
Through 6/30
Henry V
Power can go to your head. … Embark on a thrilling tale following themes of nationalism, war and power, and courage via a Shakespearean masterpiece sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. theatreinthepark.com
6/27
LGBTQIA + Pro Sports Panel
Sports ball is life. Have a ball with the Panthers’ Justine Lindsay, the first openly transgender cheerleader in the NFL; NC Courage’s Kaleigh Kurtz; and NCFC’s Collin Martin at Maywood Hall & Garden. raleighpridenc.com
6/27
Midtown Beach Music Series
BYO chill vibes and leis—and beach chair or towel—to soak up the sun and tunes from The Embers feat. Craig Woolard out on the Midtown Park lawn for the last Beach Music of the year. BRB, we’re on coastal time! visitnorthhills.com
6/27
Pink Flamingos
Who will be named the filthiest people alive? Cheer on (?) Divine and her misfit family as they exercise extremely poor taste in this ’70s cult classic. therialto.com
6/28
Biscuits & Bangers
Fair warning: Biscuits are not included at this funktastic DJ/violinist performance feat. such bangers as Karmic Phoenix, Mike Lew and Dogface—but you can bet the beats will deliver (!). kingsraleigh.com
6/28
Creative Mornings x Raleigh Pride
Now how’s this for a creativity-filled morning. Local Chinese-American visual artist and health equity researcher Isabel Lu is speaking on her journey as a creative who wears two hats at the NCMA. raleighpridenc.com
6/28–29
Rafi Bastos
Tall, funny and with a Dracula accent (really), this trailblazing Jewish-Brazilian comedian is bringing his quick wit and observational humor to the City of Oaks. goodnightscomedy.com
6/29
Awful Movie Club – Pride Edition
The gays are reclaiming I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (“sorry, Sandler, it’s Pride Month!”). Join Newt Work for this special-edition showing at Hartwell in a live RiffTrax-style show where participation is highly encouraged. Say I do! facebook.com
6/29
Men’s Health and Wellness Fair
Healthy body 🤝 happy body. Stay fit and fab with free haircuts, health screenings and snacks from Chick-fil-A at The Bar Ber Shop. thebarbershopnc.com
6/29
Food Truck Rodeo
It’s sure to be the Wild West on Fayetteville Street as a herd of food truck vendors ride into DTR to flaunt mouthwatering fare and bevs galore. Let’s roll. shoplocalraleigh.org
6/29
Bubbles + Brunch
What’s brunch without bubbles? (Erm, breakfast?!) Kick off your weekend with a three-course Italian feast paired with sparkling wines from Berlucchi, the premier bubbles producer in Franciacorta. Cheers! cuccioloraleigh.com
6/30
2024 North Carolina’s Funniest – Preliminary Round
Laugh it up during the last night of the preliminary round of NC’s Funniest Person Competition—as voted by audience members. Read: Your giggles could be the deciding vote! goodnightscomedy.com
6/30
Ajja Market
Good vibes: found. Cool off with cold drinks while sampling snacks and shopping from local vendors as live music serenades the market. @ajjaeats
6/30
Pete Davidson
All hail the king of Staten Island! The SNL Alum is returning for another stint of silliness at Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts. Get ready to giggle. martinmariettacenter.com
