The WorkBetterLab is created with individual and collaborative work in mind, offering comfort, control and privacy. Raleigh is the latest city to gain this creative coworking space, joining the ranks of Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Philly, Nashville, Northwest Arkansas and Austin, with more locales in the works.
“Leading organizations across vertical markets realize they can’t bring people back to the same workplace they left—the space has to be compelling and worthy of their employees’ commute,” says Susan Lewis, architecture and design manager for Steelcase. “The WorkBetterLab is an inspiring example of how the hybrid office goes beyond a destination for collaboration. It’s a place where people can do their best work together and alone.”
“Highwoods is in the work-placemaking business,” adds Skip Hill, senior vice president and Raleigh market leader at Highwoods Properties. “Our goal is to create exceptional, people-focused environments where our customers can thrive in a compelling and commuteworthy workplace. Partnering with Steelcase and Storr on this project is another step in the direction of innovation and a better customer experience, and we are excited to be a part of bringing the WorkBetterLab to Fayetteville Street.” Interested in leveling up your office experience? Nab a slot in this appointment only highly anticipated space by filling out its online form. … Ready to get to work?
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy tickets—or just show up when it’s free. And you’re gonna wanna show up and show out for a host of these hot events. Here, our curated list of the top 50 must-go Raleigh events of the next 365 days—from now through March 2024. We chatted up top city organizers to vet THE hottest tickets in town—like, say, the return of Live After 5 (!) this month. So grab your planners or phones and lock in your faves. Do it for the mems.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP-HOP MUSIC CELEBRATION “Ain’t nuttin’ but a G thang, baby.” Dance in the streets—literally—to fete 50 years of hip-hop on Fayetteville Street with this daylong street party, complete with a Family Village, live beats to honor local hip-hop pioneers, plus performances from big names like Terminator X and Petey Pablo. And—wait for it—don your best kicks and peep yourself on the Jumbotron as Raleigh rolls out the red carpet for the Sneaker Ball. Pro tip: Until May 1, lend lore to City of Raleigh Museum’s campaign to collect iconic hip-hop photos connected to Raleigh + NC. “La-di-da-di, we like to party…” Aug. 12, cityofraleighmuseum.org
Brewgaloo (Garrett Poulos)
Feast on This Feelin’ upsetti? Then eat some spaghetti, sip some Italian wine and slurp a few scoops of gelato as you stroll the DTR streets and celebrate Italian heritage/culture via the Festa Italiana Fifth Annual Cultural Celebration. It’s got a pisa our hearts! … Meanwhile, hops heads can brew up some spirited fun on Fayetteville Street via Brewgaloo (April 21–22)—aka the country’s second-largest beer fest feat. 110+ brews, plus bands, vendors, food trucks and more—while those hankering to satiate their sweet tooth can head to City Plaza for NC Sugar Rush (May 28). Here we crumb! festaraleigh.com; shoplocalraleigh.org; ncsugarrush.com
Live After 5 The greatest comeback since Rihanna: Raleigh’s taking it retro by bringing back the decades-old all-the-rage free live ’80s & ’90s concert block party—which promises cross-appeal from Gen Z to Boomers (aw, the music unites us). And lemme upgrade ya! Trade those cooler cans for social district sips (fingers crossed), nosh on local food truck fare, and shop vintage clothing—and be sure to sip on the Wye Hill signature branded hard seltzer! See you at City Plaza every third Wednesday through July. Alexa, please play “Let’s Get the Party Started.” Starts April 19, downtownraleigh.org
Boylan Heights Art Walk Hype up with some Jay Z “Picasso Baby” or channel your inner Andy Warhol and while away the day going all “Viva la Vida” via Boylan Heights’ famed perennial art walk showcasing a hundred-plus local artists and craftspeople’s wares across myriad mediums on a gaggle of gorgeous neighborhood porches, yards and sidewalks.Winter tbd, boylanheights.org
Dueling Dinosaurs Rawr! Surely you won’t dino-snore during this highly anticipated years-in-the-making blast into the past—67 million years back, to be exact—highlighting the mysteries, history and research of two iconic dynamic dinos: the Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. Can you dig it? Opening Dec. 2 (tentative), naturalsciences.org
Hopscotch (Michael Robson)
Jam Out We don’t sleep on live tunes. What with J. Cole’s annual Dreamville Festival (April 1–2) drawing music lovers the world over—especially thanks to this year’s star headliners Drake and Usher (“Usher, Usher, Usher…”). NTM Hopscotch’s perennial fall return to DTR (Sept. 7–9) with a slew of both recognized and up-and-coming artists—plus all the local vendors and parties for which its known, natch. And, not to pull your strings, the largest urban bluegrass festival in the world with IBMA World of Bluegrass (Sept. 26–30). dreamvillefest.com; hopscotchmusicfest.com; worldofbluegrass.org
Moonshine and Motorsports Drinking and driving merge (not at the same time)—and it’s a thing. The Moonshine and Motorsports Trail revs up on statewide speedways—and this NCMH detour into the speedhungry hoochers behind the multibillion-dollar industry is a dose of pop-history in the fast lane you’re gonna wanna make a pit stop for. Opening tbd, ncmuseumofhistory.org
Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Festival Whether you’re feeling cheesy, wine-y or just plain sweet, you’re gonna wanna belly up for Lafayette Village’s annual smorgasbord of all things wine, cheese and chocolate. Sample your way through vendors while enjoying live music and shopping—plus some sweet knowledge from the experts. Sounds gouda! April 29, lafayettevillageraleigh.com
Craig Robinson “BTB (bring that booty)” for a good time as everyone’s favorite The Office warehouse guy—NTM his roles in This Is the End and Hot Tub Time Machine—brings the funny to Raleigh. Sept. 15–17, improv.com
Moonlight in the Garden “And at last we see the light…” Only once in a blue moon are you able to meander through a magical lighted garden, roast a marshmallow or two, enjoy live jams, and sip on some warm cider on a cool November night at the JC Raulston Arboretum. How de-light-ful. Nov. 8–19, jcra.ncsu.edu
Holt Brothers Flag Football (Bray Photos)
Holt Brothers Flag Football Get a kick outta competition for a good cause? Who doesn’t. Hit the field for some Saturday game play for fun(draiser) feat. tailgating, touchdowns, tournaments and more to help local families fight cancer. Talk about teamwork! April 15, holtbrothersfoundation.org
Raleigh Dead queens, an executioner, a court of vipers and a jealous king? Yes, please. Get schooled on our fair city’s namesake Sir Walter Raleigh via this poignant biography by Raleigh’s claim to fame Ira David Wood III himself. What will Raleigh’s fate be?! June 8–18, theatreinthepark.com
The Soccer Tournament Channel your inner Ted Lasso and believe your fave team can shoot for the stars during this 32-team World Cup-style tourney consisting of group play and single elimination knockout rounds at WakeMed Soccer Park—with a winner-takes-all $1 million prize to boot. Can you kick it? June 1–4, thetournament.com
Frankenstein We all just want to be loved—even Frankenstein’s “repulsive” monster. Behold Carolina Ballet Artistic Director Zalman Raffael’s hauntingly theatrical and seductively beautiful interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, also feat. a “New Haunted Tale” choreographed by Robert Weiss. Oct. 12–29 (tentative), carolinaballet.com
Out! Raleigh Pride We’re here, we’re queer—and we’re ready to get loud and proud and paint Raleigh rainbow-colored for the 11th installment of Out! Raleigh Pride, the inclusive fam-friendly fest that promotes acceptance and diversity via a fun-filled day on Fayetteville Street with a slew of live entertainment, artists, vendors, activities, a KidsZone—and bites and brews, natch—all to benefit the LGBT Center of Raleigh. We love love! June 24, outraleigh.com
David Spade “It’s funny because it’s funny”—catch him inside DPAC for a can’t-miss laugh as the legendary comedian and actor (SNL, Grown Ups, Tommy Boy, Joe Dirt…) brings his Catch Me Inside tour to town. Life’s a garden—dig it! April 20, dpacnc.com
NC State Fair (Justin Kase Conder)
Local Festivities Oh, for the love of NC! It doesn’t get more Carolina than the Got to Be NC Festival (May 19–21)—three down-home days digging all things NC via family entertainment, agricultural shows, live music, local food and bev vendors, and more. … And we’re fairly certain you’re gonna wanna mark your cal for fried food, farm animals, games and rides galore at this year’s NC State Fair (Oct. 12–22). Pro tip: Wait at least 30 min after indulging in the likes of turkey legs, fried cookie dough and other fair fare to spike your adrenaline. ncstatefair.org; gottobencfestival.com
Kevin Nealon “I’m Kevin Nealon, and that’s news to me.” Before there was Michael Che and Colin Jost (and a cadre of other culturally iconic comics), Kevin Nealon helmed the SNL news desk delivering the wickedly funny Weekend Update from 1991–94—and now you can see him live in Raleigh. Oct. 5–7, goodnightscomedy.com
NCSU Home Opener Show up and show out for the season home opener at Carter-Finley as State pummels the Fighting Irish and sends them packing as the Whining Irish. Ayeee! #WITHSept. 9, gopack.com
Krispy Kreme Challenge “… And my stunning digestive pyrotechnics.” Take a lesson from 10 Things I Hate About You’s Cat and, well, do-nut show off your guts. Do pound 12 doughnuts, 2,400 calories and 5 miles in 1 hour as trailglazers unite annually in the name of charity for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. February tbd, krispykremechallenge.com
Art in Bloom Hey, bloomers! The NCMA gets its annual floral transformation during this highly anticipated exhibit in which local artists recreate works found in the People’s Collection into colorful bloom-filled masterpieces. You best be-leaf it’s one for the books. March 2024 (tentative), ncartmuseum.org
Turkey Ball Without feather ado… you’re gonna wanna gobble up tix and gobble down this Italian Thanksgiving feast for the greater good via Mulino’s annual fundraiser, where your $45 ticket lets you have a ball (!) while sponsoring a local family’s Thanksgiving turkey. Gobble, gobble, good. Nov. 16, mulinoraleigh.com
Misery “I’m your No. 1 fan. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re gonna be just fine. I’ll take good care of you.” Unhinged Annie Wilkes turns true life stranger than fiction when she “rescues” (er, holds hostage) her fave novelist from a near-fatal car crash in this gripping Raleigh Little Theatre rendition of the Stephen King spine-tingling psychological thriller classic that made Kathy Bates a household (horror) name. Oct. 20–Nov. 5, raleighlittletheatre.org
Dan Soder Don’t take Soder too seriously—because he’s not. The self-dubbed “mall clown” (don’t worry—he’s “cool with it”) of, most recently, Showtime’s Billions fame (as Mafee) brings his charismatic casual style of “personal comedy” underground to Goodnights for three can’t-miss nights of funny. Aug. 24–26, goodnightscomedy.com
Summer Salute Hey, beaches! Ready to tropiclike it’s hot?! Putting the “fun” in fundraising, Raleigh’s best beach party is back courtesy of North State Bank’s 20th annual charity event. Coastal vibes are high @ North Ridge Country Club via The Embers live—plus dancing, food and waves of fun—with proceeds benefiting Transitions LifeCare. Let’s shellebrate! June 3, summersalute.com
Rock Your World For those about to rock—we salute you! Rock out for ’Merica at this 12th annual fest to benefit the U.S. Veterans Corps of Raleigh and the Hope For Haiti Foundation feat. Garland Mason, Band of Brothers, Sidewinder, the American Bombshells and other entertainment. Plus, honor the troops via wine tastings, a silent auction, liquor and food tents, a paratrooper exhibition, and more. Sept. 10, rockyourworldraleigh.com
ELF the Musical “Elves love to tell stories. I bet you didn’t know that about elves.” … No-Buddy is gonna wanna miss NC Theatre’s rendition of this feel-good Christmas classic about our fave orphaned elf’s journey to find his fam… and the true meaning of Christmas, of course. Time to embrace your inner elf! Dec. 9–17, nctheatre.com
Canes Season Opener Pucker up! Raleigh’s Bunch of Jerks take to the ice once again for another exciting season of goal-oriented competition. Stay tuned for the opposing team announcement this summer. … You know we’re all about that ice. October tbd, nhl.com
Packapalooza “We’re the red and white from State!”… Party with the Pack at NC State’s annual daylong street fest/block party feat. live music, activities, entertainment, delish fare and hundreds of vendor booths. A packed day of fun for sure (!). Aug. 26 (tentative), packapalooza.ncsu.edu
Over the Edge (Special Olympics North Carolina)
Over the Edge Calling all adrenaline junkies! The sky’s the limit for those ready to rappel down a DTR skyscraper while supporting Special Olympics North Carolina. Alexa, play “On Top of the World.”Sept. 30, sonc.net
City of Raleigh Museum 30th Anniversary Gala “G-l-a-m-o-r-o-u-s… We flyin’ first class… poppin’ Champagne” at the City of Raleigh Museum for its “pearl” anniversary. Rub shoulders with Raleighites to fete all the pearls of wisdom COR has dropped on us over the last 30 years—and cheers to 30 more.Sept. 23, cityofraleighmuseum.org
Hops for Hope Drink for the children? Twist our arms. Taste your way through 30+ special sips brewed up by local brewery and corporate team collabs to benefit Children’s Flight of Hope’s mission to provide families flights for specialized medical care. Pro tip: Be sure to sample Raleigh Mag’s curated brew in partnership with Crank Arm! Sept. 16, hopsforhope.org
Barbecue Drug intervention at the family barbecue? Beats the motel. Get the popcorn ready as the O’Mallery sibs clumsily call out sister Barbara for her out-of-hand drug habit in not one, but two family orientations—one white, one Black—to expose and juxtapose racial and family politics in this raucous and rollicking comedic affair that skewers our warped view of American family. Prepare yourself for some heat—both on and off the grill (!).Oct. 18–29, theatreraleigh.com
Artsplosure (Chris Richman)
Artsplosure Raleigh’s original and longest-running arts fest, this “artsplosion” transitions DTR into a two-day arts and culture mecca feat. a 175-countrywide-artist eclectic Art Market showcasing works across myriad mediums—plus live performances touting emerging national and regional acts, Kidsplosure, and unique installations you’ll def be drawn to. May 20–21, artsplosure.org
Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour “Safety never takes a holiday.” … Don’t miss this comedy king (of queens!) making his way to Raleigh for a night of funnies. “Grown-ups,” only. May 7, martinmariettacenter.com
Make Music Raleigh “Please don’t stop the music…” Join the global movement (1K+ cities worldwide—born 41 years ago in France) and sing and play on the streets, sidewalks and parks across Raleigh for this free live festival of music. June 21, makemusicday.org/raleighorg
Evening of Hope Go glam to give a damn. Sparkle—and spark hope—at Foundation of Hope’s annual elegant Evening of Hope Gala at the Pavilion at Angus Barn feat. a dazzling & delish multicourse dinner by Iron Chef Walter Royal with wine pairings, plus fab live and silent auctions and celeb keynote speaker (previous stars include Marie Osmond, Brooke Shields, Ashley Judd, LeAnn Rimes…), all to raise dollars, awareness and hope for—and stamp out the stigma around—mental illness. Pro tip: Up the ante by igniting hope at, well, younger gala Igniting Hope feat. live band! Sept. 13 & 14, walkforhope.com
Tried + True
Holiday events to keep your season spirited
Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol 50th Anniversary Don’t be such a Scrooge. Wish a fond farewell to Ira David Wood III via this iconic musical, comedic and timely interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. December, @theatreinthepark
Chinese Lantern Festival Feast your eyes on 40+ awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays and captivating nightly cultural performances. Glow on! Mid-November–early January, @booth_amp
First Night Raleigh Ring in the new year via DTR’s highly anticipated acorn drop, live music, fireworks and more. Here’s to 2024 (!). Dec. 31, @firstnightraleigh
DRA Tree Lighting For a tree-mendously good time, grab the fam and head to DTR’s tree lighting, also feat. local food trucks, beer and wine, and vendors (we’ll be there!)—plus photo ops with Santa (!). Nov. 17, @downtownraleighalliance
State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony You turn me on! Kick off the holiday season with decor, government dignitaries, sweet seasonal treats and perhaps an appearance from the jolly ’ol elf himself. December, @ncstatecapitol
Christmas Parade “Oh, my God! Santa, here?! I know him! I know him!” Spot Santa—and the others—from the streets or the couch (on ABC11) in the largest Xmas parade between DC and Atlanta. Nov. 18, @raleighchristmasparade
WRAL Nights of Lights For holiday magic served up caravan-style, grab your crew for a drive-thru light display that sleighs. Late November–late December, @wralnightsoflights
Illuminate See DTR light up (literally) for the holiday season as you stroll the streets and experience large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. #ItsLit. Opens Dec. 1, @downtownraleighalliance
Jingle Ball Mix, mingle and chill with Kris Kringle at Capital City Clauses’ annual Jingle Ball at the Museum of Natural Sciences. Holly jolly, indeed! December, @capitalcityclauses.
Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella, Holiday Musical If the shoe fits… wear it to see the fairy tale magic of Cinderella dancing the night away. Just be sure to make it home before midnight! Dec. 1–17, @rlt1936
Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker “Son of a nutcracker!” For an evening sure to be on pointe, nab tix to this classical Christmas performance. Let’s get crackin’. Dec. 12–24 (tentative), @carolinaballet
Exclusive first look: Stakeholders share their vision for development potential.
“I feel more optimistic about the street than I have in a while,” says Bill King—whose vantage point as Downtown Raleigh Alliance president and CEO is clearly in-the-know. “And I really do think you’re going to see Fayetteville Street start to look a bit different over the course of 2023 compared to 2022 and earlier.”
And major players like Fayetteville Street stakeholder Thomas “Skip” Hill are working tirelessly toward that goal. “We want to invest and make this the coolest street—certainly in North Carolina, but in the Southeast and beyond,” says the Highwoods Properties senior VP. “We’re all in soup to nuts, and we want to play a role in coordination with the City of Raleigh.”
Now, propelling that vision, a slew of concepts and activations are on deck—from signed leases to master plans. Here, 10 major updates coming to Raleigh’s Main Street.
Ink Is Dry
Chido Taco This colorful mercado-style taqueria ever so subtly announced its second location on Fayetteville Street by placing two ceramic Chido Taco mugs in the window of the former Living Kitchen space. The new 3,000-square-foot restaurant, slated to open toward the end of Q1, will feature the same menu as the original Chido Taco in McNeil Pointe—and, yes, you’ll be able to take drinks to-go.
HUBB Kitchens Partnership Giving minority and female food & beverage entrepreneurs a leg up is this new training program from HUBB Kitchens, Raleigh Founded and DRA. Expected to start up this summer in a restaurant space at Duke Energy Center before moving to the former Pizza La Stella location Downtown, the concept will train future business owners on cooking skills and the business of running a restaurant, as well as provide mentorship and financing help. It’s also a win-win for those who work/live Downtown, as it’ll add a new lunch option (!). “Being able to provide that, but also make it have an equity impact, is really important to us,” says King.
Mustang House After DTR’s Plaza Cafe owners announced its closure, two Triangle-transplant business partners out of California snatched up the space to open Nepalese concept Mustang House. Look for the spot to open any day now in a lightly refreshed space.
Mobile TV Screen Clearly, Raleighites dig live sports viewing—see the throngs of people who descended on Moore Square to watch the live FIFA World Cup Final via giant mobile TV screen. Now, the city has acquired that massive mobile screen and is evaluating the logistics of live City Plaza screenings of the NCAA tournament, ACC tournament, hockey games and the like.
Economic Development RFP The City of Raleigh is funding an RFP asking national firms to submit proposals for attractions and activations that would promote economic development Downtown (think: retail strategies, position of the DT office market, and supporting minority- and women-owned businesses)—to, in essence, “make Downtown, and Raleigh, great again,” says Hill.
In the Works
Sir Walter Coffee Owner Kevin Frazier confirmed Sir Walter Coffee is very close to signing a lease for the former B.GOOD space at Charter Square—one of four towers Highwoods owns on Fayetteville Street. In the “hip Panera,” as Frazier calls it, expect a slightly bigger breakfast and lunch menu of fresh salads, sandwiches & soups—plus a separate bar and potential for a light dinner menu. If signed, Frazier hopes to open this year.
Alexander Square Parking Deck In addition to the rollup garage doors and other upgrades Highwoods is making as part of the redevelopment of the deck’s ground-floor space we intro’d last summer, the company is also planning to upfit with outdoor dining and food concepts (think sushi, sandwiches, ice cream).
Wells Fargo Building Concept Hill says the lease is very close to being signed for the former Cafe Carolina space—closed since 2017—on a great full-service restaurant from a local hospitality group known for its collection of concepts.
Light Activations Visionary Hill’s, well, vision is to “have lights on every tree all the way down Fayetteville Street,” he says. “In fact, we’d love to have it so that the lighting is tied to a sound system and the lights go dancing on and off based on the music.”
Empire Properties Concept The now-defunct CVS space at 200 Fayetteville St. looks to be a big talker in the near future as Greg Hatem and co. revamp the space with a new concept. Stay tuned.
Skate over to DTR Feb. 17 for the Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest… a family-friendly festival on Fayetteville Street—featuring a slew of delish eat and drink ops, vendors, a Ferris wheel, live music, alumni autographs and more.
Here, find the full lineup of alumni giving out autographs, and food trucks and vendors to see, sup and sleuth out (!). How cool!
Food Trucks
Belgian Waffle Crafters Blu Tee Spoon Charlie’s Kabob Grill on Wheels Chick-N-Que Cilantro Mexican Cuisine Cocoa Forte Drizzle D’s Dusty Donuts El Toro Alebrije Tacos and Tapas Empanadas RD Fishin’ Shrimp Flaky Delights Green Onions Bistro Gussy’s Greek Hollywood Taco Shop Hot Chix Hotcakes And Chicken HotBoxPizza Kitoko Bites Larger Than Lemons Magnificent Concessions NC Creative Ventures Oak City Fish and Chips Oberweis Dairy Oink N Moo Party in a Pita Peyton’s Place Open Pit BBQ and Fried Chicken Poblanos Tacos Royal Cheesecake & Varieties Safari Eatz Southern Fried Lumpia Co. The Cheese Curd Shack & Brats The Flat Drum The Naked Empanada
Mantra Soap Marine Corp Recruiting Mop Top NC Lottery Needle & Thread Co. Pepsi Planet Fitness Polar Ice NC Puzzle Pop Popcorn Raleigh Ball Hockey League REI Co-op Rooted Plant Supply Shop Bailey Bee SKP ink The Governor’s Institute The Quarry The Woven Willow UNC Health Wegmans Westrock World Accessories
Alumni Autographs
3–4pm Justin Williams Bates Battaglia Shane Willis Aaron Ward
4–5pm Mike Commordore Chad Larose Jesse Boulerice Steve Rice
Take warning, Raleigh! The Stadium Series is finally upon us, and Raleigh is set to take center stage as the world watches when the Canes and Capitals hit the ice for a matchup years in the making. Beyond the weeklong star-studded cast of events, it’s also big business for our city orchestrated by a roster of major players. Here, we take a deep dive into all things #StadiumSeries—from our exclusive day-by-day downloadable Guide(presented by Charles & Colvard) to a look at those involved in bringing this celebration to life to the long-lasting impact this will have on our city—NTM our podcast detailing all the fanfare.
2023 NHL Stadium Series Events Weeklong Day-by-Day Guide
Images from the NHL game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals on Oct. 31, 2022 in Raleigh, N.C. (Margaret DeBruhl/ Carolina Hurricanes), Frederik Andersen
The Stadium Series game is more than a game—it’s a weeklong unprecedented event that promises to rock you like a Hurricane.
It is happening! In more Stadium Series news the Canes Alumni Game is official! The FREE 10th annual Alumni Game is set for Monday, Feb. 20, 4pm, at Carter-Finley Stadium.
The Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest music lineup is here! A fab lineup of 12 North Carolina artists will play live across two stages from in Downtown Raleigh from 11am-9pm.
