Life is all about balance. And studies show that grabbing a paddle is not only a serene and picturesque way to be one with the outdoors (can we get an “om, yeah” for all the paddleboard yogis?!), but it boasts a slew of physical and mental benefits—think core strength, stamina, vitamin D, stress relief and joint stability. And the activity’s popularity only continues to swell. … So what are you waiting for? Grab your board for a stand-up time at one of these Raleigh watering holes.
Lake Crabtree County Park Oozing with ops for outdoor enthusiasts, these 520 acres of flood-controlled waters are worth the trip—especially because all rentals (SUPs, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats) are free for up to two hours (!). Just row with it—then take a stroll around the lakeside walking trails, pack a picnic to enjoy by the grassy shores, or try your hand at flying a kite.
William B. Umstead State Park Nestled about 10 miles northwest of DTR, this relaxing retreat with three reservoirs deserves a standing O for its paddling pleasures. To wit, you can turn your outdoor outing into an overnight via equipped camping areas with typical modern amenities.
Lake Johnson Park When in doubt, paddle it out! Launch from this park’s sandy shores for a trip around the 150-acre lake encircled by a scenic walking/bike trail. Reserve paddleboards (and kayaks!) online or at the on-site Waterfront Center.
Lake Wheeler Park Whatever floats your boat… er, board! Take a paddle into history with 650 acres of lake that’s doubled as Raleigh’s and Wake County’s primary water supply since 2010. Featured activities also include trails throughout the park, playgrounds and a sand volleyball court, an accessible fishing dock, and personal boat launches. Rent your SUP board or kayak in advance here.
Lake Raleigh SUP, NC State! Board up to make waves on Centennial Campus if you’re in the mood for a more mellow day out on the lake. The scenic gem is also the perfect picturesque spot for a picnic, casting a line (look out for largemouth bass and catfish), running the greenway or playing a round of disc golf.
Where to treat yo’self and better your health around Raleigh’s budding retail spots.
When in doubt, sweat it out. Perspire Sauna Studio is bringing its signature science-backed infrared and red-light therapy to Raleigh this year. Can you handle the heat?! @perspiresaunastudio
Go sports! Edge Athletic Company’s new cutting-edge indoor facility is leveling up training for soccer, sports performance, strength, speed and beyond for kiddos to pro athletes and everyone in between. @the_edge_raleigh
A treasure trove of unique locally crafted items—think cards, books and more—await at the NC Museum of History’s spring-slated museum shop on Glenwood Avenue. @ncmuseumhistory
Courtesy of NC Museum of History
Shifting gears from its shipping container outpost at Lake Raleigh, The Bike Library is opening a permanent outpost at Platform Apartments—serving up bike rentals and repairs, plus coffee and a bar. @the.bike.library
Bend and stretch in anticipation of luxury athleisure and wellness brand Alo Yogadebuting in the North Hills Main District this summer next to Bartaco. @aloyoga
Marking the end of an era, Logan’s Garden Shop relocated from its ~34-year home at Seaboard Station to the North Carolina State Farmers Market garden center. @logantrd
Home is where the best thrifted goods are. Enter Honed Home, recently opened inside Heights House feat. a curated selection of vintage furniture, decor, jewelry and other novelties. @honedhomenc
Courtesy of Honed Home
Get in the ~mood~ for nail salon Mood Raleigh to open at Platform Apartments this summer, bringing with it an elevated approach to nail artistry and design + premium products. @moodraleigh
Cruise ’round Raleigh via a new way to rent bicycles.
Ready to ride? Check out (!) The Bike Library, Raleigh’s new trailside bike-borrowing biz that pedaled into the rental game last fall (move over e-bikes!) and is now opening a storefront and coffee shop at Platform.
“I noticed many friends wanted to [ride] but didn’t have access to good bikes,” says owner/founder Cameron Zamot, who rolled out his concept with six bikes he bought and propped up for rent at local businesses. “Buying a bike can be expensive, and renting options in Raleigh were lacking compared to places like Asheville.”
By early May, the rentals had caught on, and Zamot secured a contract with NC State to open an independent location of The Bike Library on the greenway near Lake Raleigh with eight high-quality bikes (including helmets and tool kits) available to rent for up to four days at a time. “My goal is to become a permanent part of Raleigh’s small business community and get more people on bikes,” says Zamot. … “I saw an opportunity to make a difference.” So, gear up for accessible summer bike rides.thebikelibrary.com
Find fiber artist/print maker extraordinaire Claire Kiester debuting her solo art exhibition, Tasty, at the Sertoma Art Center—with a reception taking place May 27. Let’s get this party arted! clairekiester.com
5/1–31 “Exploring Color: Introducing New Vibrant Works of Cassie Adams
Well, color us intrigued. Experience the aura of Cassie Adams’ artwork—consisting of a one-of-a-kind combo of detailed photographs and digital handmade drawings made with a lineup of mediums: pencil, marker, pastel and oil crayon. We’re totally blended by the light. galleryc.net
5/3, weekly Wellness Wednesdays
Put “Fitness” by Lizzo in the queue. Work up a sweat via a slew of fitness classes catering to different interests, ages and body types for just $5 a class. Let’s cardi-go! visitnorthhills.com
5/4 Grateful Dub
Merging the music of The Grateful Dead with reggae is this tribute band shredding the stage for a night of rock, soul and beats. lincolntheatre.com
5/4–6 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Hey, jedis! Space out to the symphonic sounds of Star Wars—just stay away from the dark side. And may the force be with you… ncsymphony.org
5/4, 18 LIVE@Lake Raleigh
All about that lake life? NC State’s free outdoor concert series returns to Lake Raleigh once again, serving up all the singin’ and swayin’ vibes. See you by the water! live.arts.ncsu.edu
5/4, Thursdays Midtown Beach Music Series
“Wasted away again in Margaritaville”—er, North Hills! Answering the call of summertime is this highly anticipated annual beach music concert series feat. the likes of Liquid Pleasure, Spare Change and The Embers—taking place at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park every Thursday evening through June. BYO beach chair. visitnorthhills.com
Opens 5/5 ‘Pour Me Another’ Exhibit
Drunk history is the best kind of history. … Grab a gulp of the good stuff and sip your way through the story of our state as told through the beer, wine and spirit industries’ evolution over the years. Ale yeah for education! cityofraleighmuseum.org
5/5 Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute Experience
“Come as you are” for this alternative Raleigh-based band’s show that’s sure to slay. thepourhousemusichall.com
5/6 2023 Team Raleigh Memorial Bicycle Ride
Ready to ride? Send off over 50 law enforcement officers representing agencies from around NC, Texas and Virginia before they roll out to DC in honor of all officers that have perished in the line of duty. bike2dc.com
5/6 Fest in the West
Howdy, partner! Take a blast to the past with food trucks, drinks from local breweries, live tunes, activities for the tots and a pie-eating contest. Empty plates, full bellies, can’t lose (!). festinthewest.com
5/6 Free Comic Book Day 2023
Let’s get graphic! Find local comic book biz Capitol Comics celebrating free comic books all day (!) and tons of other items on sale for this annual effort to bring new readers into the fold. Happy reading! capitolcomicsnc.com
5/5–7 Herbfest 2023
Chive, laugh, love via a homegrown fest feat. live music, painting and all the herbs your heart desires. C’mon… cumin and stay awhile. herbfest.net
5/5–7 Spring Garden Party
Are you a succa for spring? Celebrate the fab fair weather with a stroll in the garden feat. amazing art displays, walks and talks with the experts—and bring home a plant baby or two from the greenhouse. Here comes the sun… flowers! jlbg.org
5/5–7 Vietri Spring Warehouse Sale
Ciao, bella! Nab handcrafted Italian tableware and home decor (dinnerware, flatware, glassware, garden products) via this semi-annual sale touting exclusively imported Italian treasures that are slightly flawed or discontinued. Sale, yeah! vietri.com
5/5–21 My Wonderful Birthday Suit
Rainbows, moonbeams and magic—oh, my! Unwrap this wholesome story of friendships in question with the lesson of “it’s what’s on the inside that truly makes us special.” Aw! raleighlittletheatre.org
5/6 Get Your Rear in Gear
It’s time to kick colon cancer to the curb. Put your running shoes on for a 5K jaunt through a giant inflatable colon—yes, really—and help support colon cancer screenings. Ready to run? donate.coloncancercoalition.org
5/6 Hands-on History: Sew a Stitch
We’re in stitches. Fine tune your sewing skills with tailor Andy Sterlen and explore examples of historic clothes after completing your masterpiece. Sew far, sew good. ncmuseumofhistory.org
5/6 Spring Movie on the Lawn
Mental health awareness and movies? Say no more. Stream Inside Out and have a ball with fam-friendly activities for an evening sure to amp up those endorphins. dixpark.org
I pink I can! Lace up to save the tatas and raise funds for Susan G. Komen—the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer org… and help punch cancer in the mouth. komen.org
5/6, Saturdays Midtown Farmers’ Market
How spud-tacular! Find this proud-to-be “producers-only” farmers market touting local, sustainable and family-farmed foods. So fresh. visitnorthhills.com
5/6–7 MineVention
Do you even build? Make your way to this Minecraft convention filled with build battles, costume contests, meet and greets, and more. Go ahead… get your game on. minevention.com
5/7 Indoor Yoga at the Chapel
What better way to spend self-care Sunday than an inside stretch sesh centered on community and connection. Let’s lean into being our best selves! dixpark.org
5/7 Kevin James
“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.livenation.com
5/7 Maria Bamford
“Weakness” is this revered experimental comedian’s brand—and she owns it. The voiceover star—known for roles in Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman and Bob’s Burgers—is sure to make you weak in the knees with laughter during her one-night stint in Raleigh. goodnightscomedy.com
5/7 Olivia Jean
Chew on this musician’s “bubblegum garage” sounds sprinkled with experimentation and creativity. Ready to rock out?thepourhousemusichall.com
5/10 Champagne & Friends
Life is the bubbles! School yourself on the background and prestige of Champagne and a slew of other sparkling wines with your buds and chef Doreen Colondres. Plus, learn the correct way to open, pour and pair your bubbly bevs. Cheers! vitishouse.com
5/10 DTR Plant Week: Paint a Pot
Care for a craft-ernoon? Celebrate #DTRPlantWeek by painting your own planter—and bring home a new plant baby to boot (!). We give it two green thumbs up. copperlineplants.com
5/10 Lizzo
Are you ready to be loved? Don’t know… but we’re ready to show some love to our flute playin’, self-love singin’ queen. “It’s About Damn Time,” indeed. pncarena.com
5/10 Triangle Businesses for Good Summit: The Future Workforce
Dolla make ya holla? Connect with community and learn about corporate social responsibility and what they’re looking for in future employers. Yay learning! invitedclubs.com
5/10, bi-monthly Whitaker & Atlantic Live Music Lounge
Ya like jazz? Join in on this recurring jazz series for sultry sounds, cocktails and eats complements of Hummingbird. Give us some sax.whitakerandatlantic.com
This internet phenom—known for his candor, celeb roasts and famed “bread and milk” bit—is shaping up to be one of America’s funniest people. … But, like, actually. How’s that for crummy comedy? goodnightscomedy.com
4/20–5/25, Thursdays Live in The District
For weekly rotations of beach music bops, local food truck fare and bodacious brews—NTM coastal, carefree vibes!—head to Park West Village. Alexa, play “I Love Beach Music!” parkwestvillage.com
4/20 Found Footage Festival
Hey, film fanatics! Don’t miss this double feature over at Alamo Drafthouse. Bring on the popcorn! foundfootagefest.com
4/20 Latte Throwdown
Pour us another! Sling some caffeine and showcase those art skills via Idle Hour’s first latte throwdown also feat. music, drinks and some of the best baristas in town, natch. @idlehour_coffee
4/20 LIVE@Lake Raleigh
All about that lake life? NC State’s free outdoor concert series returns to Lake Raleigh once again, serving up all the singin’ and swayin’ vibes. See you by the water! live.arts.ncsu.edu
4/21 The Look Salon Suites Grand Opening
Look good, feel good. Join Mayor Baldwin and the Raleigh community to welcome this new retail space to the community. #Slay! thelooksalonsuites.com
4/21–22 Brewgaloo We’re having deja brew—in the best way. NC’s largest craft beer fest and the second biggest beer fest in the U.S. is back with 110+ NC craft breweries, local food trucks, vendors and bands. Hop to it! shoplocalraleigh.org
4/21–23 2nd Annual Sandlot Revival
For a majorly good time, slide over to Historic Durham Athletic Park (where cult classic Bull Durham was filmed!) for three days of fun and friendship. Play ball! @carolinasandlotcollective
4/22 Divas! 2023
Hey, material girls! Returning for its 17th anniversary is this fierce competition among local kweens boasting glitter, glam and generosity. … If the crown fits, wear it (!). raleighlittletheatre.org
4/22 Earth Day Market
Happy Earth Day! Show your love for the planet with a shopping trip at this Earth Day market feat. local vendors and benefiting The Great Raleigh Cleanup. It’s sure to mean the world. @hartwellraleigh
4/22 NC Indigenous Artist Festival
Get inspired via this art-filled fest celebrating Indigenous artists from throughout the state feat. hands-on art making, collaborative creations, demos, performances and more. ncartmuseum.org
4/22 Socks & Undie 5k Rundie
Have a case of the rundies? For the 10th year running, local nonprofit organization Note in the Pocket is putting on its highly anticipated Socks & Undie 5k Rundie. … And we, for one, are ready to break out our best bloomers to support the cause—no side stitches allowed. noteinthepocket.org
4/22 Tour de Brew
Pedal to the metal to help solve a severe world crisis—the lack of clean water—via Outsiders Bicycle Club and Water for Good’s Tour de Brew this Saturday! The fundraiser ride starts at Crank Arm, followed by stops at Raleigh Brewing Company, Trophy on Maywood and Burial, then back to Crank Arm for beers and raffle prizes. All proceeds go toward clean water projects in the Central African Republic. tourdebrew.funraise.org
4/22 Triangle SciTech Expo
Calling all science geeks! If you’re a fan of stomp rockets, robots, drones and the like, roll up to NCMNS for an immersive experience feat. exhibits, games, crafts and more. Let’s robo-rocking! naturalsciences.org
4/23 10 Years of Trophy on Morgan Street
Cheers to 10 years of Trophy! Nosh on OG pizza pies, listen to live music from Thick As Thieves, and sip on exclusive (!) beer selects. Here’s to 10 more years of award-winning beers and ’za! @trophybrewing
4/23 Spring Into Wellness With Billie
Fitness is fab. Join certified personal trainer and fitness guru Billie Walls for a workout, compression therapy, zero-proof cocktails and more. … We can’t weight! @billzbythepound
4/25 Becoming the Ex-Wife Book Release Event
Calling all bookworms! Join NC State professor Dr. Marsha Gordon in an interview with Belle Boggs about her new book, Becoming the Ex-Wife, a biography highlighting bestselling author Ursula Parrott. Ready, set, read! soandsobooks.com
4/26 A Comedy Experiment
“All jokes, no chaser.” … Share some sillies with this lineup of local comics sure to keep ya laughin’. @wattsandward
4/26 The Hip Abduction
As Shakira once said, “Hips don’t lie”—and neither do we when we tell you to turn up the feel-good music of this granola-esque group. lincolntheatre.com
4/26, bi-monthly Whitaker & Atlantic Live Music Lounge
Ya like jazz? Join in on this recurring jazz series for sultry sounds, cocktails and eats complements of Hummingbird. Give us some sax. whitakerandatlantic.com
