ICYMI, Raleigh is getting its first social district (!). And Raleigh is super thrilled about it—a game-changer for the area and just the first step in making Fayetteville Street more attractive to bars, restaurants and consumers, and bringing more foot traffic to the area. The pilot program gives the city a chance to gather feedback and assess what is and isn’t working—and could lead to additional social districts throughout the city. But beyond all the brouhaha are a slew of lingering questions about the rules, what areas are included in the district, etc., so we talked to Raleigh City Council Member Jonathan Melton to get to the bottom of it all. Read on for what you need to know. Then, we’ll see you on the streets—designated to-go cup in hand, natch—starting Aug. 15!
What is a social district?
Specified areas where “people just walk around with a glass of wine or a beer, going into a store, sitting on a bench, etc.,” says Melton.
Where will Raleigh’s first social district be?
Fayetteville Street District—specifically Fayetteville Street from Capitol Building to Duke Energy Center, including Red Hat Amphitheater and City Market (borders = South, Blount, Morgan, Dawson), plus Warehouse District from Dawson to Union Station.
What are the rules?
The social district is effective seven days a week, from the hours of 11am–10pm.
You will only be able to carry a max 16 oz. designated cup (you cannot carry around a cup from home).
No glass is allowed.
You cannot bring a cup from one business to another.
Cups must be recycled upon exiting the district.
What’s included?
Several bars and restaurants are included in the designated social district, as well as Red Hat Amphitheater and Duke Energy Center. “An idea for the social district is that folks could go to dinner before a show, get a drink to go, and then walk down to the venue and finish the beverage before entering inside,” says Melton.
Why aren’t parks included?
Moore Square and Nash Square are NOT included in the social district at this time, based on city staff’s recommendation, says Melton. “I think they preferred we take an incremental approach to the social district and avoid areas that might be conducive to folks trying to bring their own alcohol into the social district, which isn’t allowed under the state law,” he expands. “Moore Square also already has its own ABC permit associated with the Square Burger on site. It’s a pilot program though, so we will continue to gather feedback and examine the boundaries over the next few months.” According to Melton, the city would have to construct a barrier to separate Square Burger from the rest of the park due to social district rules and the permit.
… for a “house party” at DTR’s new “interactive social museum”—aka the House of Art pop-up bar that promises to be your new fave drinks (and art + music!) destination.
There’s a new pop-up bar near Moore Square hosting an adult “house party” every weekend—and everybody’s invited. Formerly known as The Outpost, House of Art puts unity, diversity, art and music at the forefront—along with fair-priced drinks, natch, that all mix to make for a killer-good time.
“The No. 1 thing we’re trying to do is create a space where everyone’s comfortable, whether you’re Black, white, gay, straight, old, young, male, female. … it doesn’t matter,” says owner Mikhail Wright. “We just want everyone to come in and feel comfortable, so that’s why we put so much work into the interior design.”
The “interactive social museum” features incredibly ’Grammable rooms designed by interior designer Brittany Singer—think colorful neon lights, balloons, vibrant art, walls made of cloud material and even a room designed to look like an igloo (and it’s either actually colder in there or your mind is playing tricks on you…).
Dante Jones Photography
And in an effort to help bring more culture into the city, House of Art hosts a variety of local music artists every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additionally on Sundays, they’re teaching the “art of yes” through different experiences like BYOI (bring your own instrument), local vendors and more. “We let artists do whatever they want,” says Saul Parada, who helps book entertainment for House of Art (as well as for Watts & Ward). “There are so many young, talented artists in this town… we want them to be able to have a space and give power back to the people.”
You can expect House of Art to keep it fresh—along with rotating entertainment, the spot will change up its decor and name (you might’ve known it as St. Nick’s Christmas House during the holiday season). But the one thing that won’t change is its dedication to the community. Says Wright, “We’re just trying to figure out a way to make Raleigh the ‘City of Art.’” @housofartnc
Anchored by Moore Square park, which underwent a $12.6 million renov and reopened in fall 2019, this district serves as a hub for residential development, some of the city’s best sup spots, nightlife and entertainment… not to mention the GoRaleigh Transit Center.
Burritos, bagels, cookies, empanadas… oh, my! Not to mention the huge patio (hello, spring!) and seasonal outdoor bar for boozy lounging. @transfercofoodhall
Go on a pantless run (really), drink a bottle of vino for National Drink Wine Day, channel your inner Shaun White, and more via these fun-filled events around Raleigh.
2/17 Drake Night on the Rooftop
Party like it’s 2010 with Drake-inspired cocktails and photo ops to celebrate Drizzy, while DJ KJB keeps the dance floor hot all night long. tinroofraleigh.com
2/17 NC State vs. Wake Women’s
Wake is gonna need a wake after the Wolfpack women kill ’em at Reynolds. gopack.com
2/18 National Drink Wine Day @ Transfer Co.
Get on Cloud Wine and celebrate National Drink Wine Day at Transfer Co. Food Hall with half-price on select wine-derful bottles.transfercofoodhall.com
2/18–19 Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
They told him he could use any weapon he wanted—so he chose cannons. Take in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Chee-Yun on violin alongside the Douglas Boyd-conducted North Carolina Symphony—with Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 to boot.ncsymphony.org
2/18–20 Michael Colyar
“It’s 2 o’clock. Do you know where your testicles are?” The House Party III comedian (also famed for his roles on Black-ish and The Princess & The Frog, among a slew of others) is bringing his unique and hilarious brand of comedy to Goodnights.goodnightscomedy.com
2/19 Bazaar for Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month at Transfer Co. Food Hall—while treating yourself to some retail therapy!—through an afternoon of Black-owned businesses and local vendors in the ballroom. transfercofoodhall.com
2/19 Cupid’s Undie Run
No pants, no problem. The nation’s largest pantless party and mile-ish run for charity is back in Raleigh! Brave the cold and pound the pavement to help raise awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF)—a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body—and fundraise for NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation. my.cupids.org
2/19 Flannels & Frost
Tired of being cooped up because of the cold weather? Head to Moore Square for s’mores, crafts, curling, inflatable axe throwing and snowboarding, and moore. Maybe you can even live out those olympic dreams (wink, wink). downtownraleigh.org
2/19 Great Backyard Bird Count
No angry birds here. Birders of all ages can enjoy birder workshops, a birding hike with Park Ranger Amber Williams, crafts, a touch table, hot chocolate, s’mores and fam-friendly games at this free im-peck-able event. capefearbg.org
2/19 Live From the Studio: Ivana Beck
Channel your inner artist while getting schooled on the art of sculptural work through this virtual live studio visit with artist Ivana Milojevic Beck. ncartmuseum.org
2/19 TriangleRAD’s OutRun the Winter
Think a little less Ford vs. Ferrari and a little more burned paint, cracked dashes and mismatched body panels. Maybe even some sweet popup headlights (hey, Popup Zone). Rock your parachute pants or baggy flannels and bring ’80s/’90s swag for “Rad cred” in this totally rad ’80s and ’90s car show. @triangle_rad
2/19 Umphrey’s McGee
“It’s not us”… “it’s you.” Get ready Ralegih—the “zonkey” jam band is set to return to rock out the Ritz. ritzraleigh.com
2/19–20 Monster Jam
Fancy mayhem? You’re in luck. Backflipping, two-wheeling, high-flying 12,000-pound four-wheel racing machines take over PNC arena for two days of can’t-miss fam-friendly fun that promises to crushyour weekend. monsterjam.com
2/20 Harlem Quartet
Pluck this—the head-turning NY-based Harlem Quarter (billed as “one of the greatest string quartets”) performs in Raleigh as part of the NCMA’s Sights and Sounds Concert Series. ncartmuseum.org
2/23 Maud 2.23
If you see something, say something. Pound the pavement with Raleigh Brewing Run Club for change via this run by Together We Stand NC. Started in June 2020 in response to Ahmaud Arbery’s case, the org works to “build awareness to the daily plight of people of color… and remind people of all races what can happen in America on any given day,” says founder Tyrone Irby, who created this Maud 2.23 run in partnership with 22 NC breweries and running clubs. See you there. strongerandfasterdurham.com
2/23 NC State vs. Boston College
Fly home, Eagles. We’ll keep this W in Raleigh. gopack.com
Just months after opening AC Hotel in Glenwood South, Summit Hospitality Group has announced designs for a new apartment/hotel project near Moore Square.
If you thought Summit Hospitality Group peaked with its development of the new AC Hotel and The Willard rooftop lounge in Glenwood South, think again. The veteran Raleigh developers have partnered with Williams Realty & Building Company Inc. on a new seven-story apartment and luxury hotel project situated between Person Street and South Blount Street—just two blocks from Moore Square.
The apartment complex—dubbed The Acorn—will have three stories of shared parking below four stories of apartments boasting 106 units, plus amenities like a fitness center, clubhouse and a fourth-floor pool with Downtown views. Set to open in the summer of 2023, construction on The Acorn is slated to begin before the end of 2021.
Meanwhile, Marriott TownePlace Suites will feature 138 hotel rooms spanning seven stories, with a lobby bar and fitness facilities said to have outdoor terrace access. Summit Hospitality Group has announced plans to begin construction on the hotel in the summer of 2022 (and fingers crossed for another rooftop bar…).
The plans for the development come after an LLC in care of Williams Realty & Building Company bought the site (currently an undeveloped—and not so glamorous—parking lot) for $3.5 million in 2018. Raleigh-based Cline Design was contracted as the project architect, with Withers Ravenel responsible for the engineering and planning. While Summit Hospitality Group’s new apartment/hotel complex is just one of the many developments in the works around Moore Square, it’s sure to make the area all the more exciting. summithospitality.com
