by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 26, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
Through 7/30
Mary Poppins
Craving a spoonful of sugar? For plans that are “practically perfect in every way,” float on over to North Carolina Theatre’s magical musical —with returning star Kara Lindsay as Mary Poppins a la NCT’s Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s fame . How super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious! martinmariettacenter.com
Through 8/28
Experience Art + Science at Dix Park
Bring artist Oliver Lewis’s immersive installation to life via viewer participation, light and shadows over at Dix Park. And that’s watts up. @raleigh_arts
7/27
Champagne & Friends
Good things come in twos, and this mantra remains true for booze and its buddies. Learn all about Champagne and its “friends” via this bubbly class. Cheers! vitishouse.com
7/27
Jingle in July
Let’s party like it’s 1993 (!). Kick it old school and celebrate 30 years of giving with Capital City Clauses at its ’90s-themed summer party. Drinking for a good clause? Count us in. capitalcityclauses.org
7/27
Season Ticket Open House
Take warning, Caniacs! Tour PNC arena (including the locker room!), secure your season tickets, and plan the perf gameday outfit with a discount at the team store to build up hype for hockey season. carolinahurricanes.formstack.com
7/27–30
GalaxyCon
Venture to new galaxies when you take a trip to this out-of-this-world fandom festival starring panelists, cosplayers, artists and creators celebrating sci-fi, anime and fantasy. How stellar! galaxycon.com
7/28
Foodie Fridays
We prefer our Friday evenings sun(flower) side up. Grab your friends and fam to wind the week down at Flowers Field with fare from Poblano’s Tacos and Sweet Treats, plus live music. dixpark.org
7/28
Taylor Swift Trivia Night
Think you know Miss Swift all too well? Speak now! Test your knowledge while painting an enchanted masterpiece and sippin’ on some wine. wineanddesign.com
7/28–30
Hockey Players of Color (HPOC) Movement
Break the ice with a diverse community of hockey players, ranging from youth to pros, at this three-day camp promoting improved accessibility of the sport. carolinahockey.org
7/29
Counting Crows
Accidentally in love? We’re counting down the days until these San Franciscan rockers venture to the City of Oaks for a jam sesh sure to transport us back to the ’90s. Ready to board the big yellow taxi? redhatamphitheater.com
7/29
Disability Pride Parade
Let your pride shine through! Make your way to Downtown Durham to celebrate Disability Pride Month in a sensory-friendly space. newsobserver.com
7/29
Honey Cask Finished Bourbon Batch 5 Release
This bourbon is the bee’s knees. Preview the first pour of the batch, a collab between Baxter’s Bee’s and Olde Raleigh Distillery, for tastes of a one-of-a-kind “vintage” honey unique to NC. Drink up! olderaleighdistillery.com
7/29
Kamasi Washington and Sun Ra Arkestra, with Dawn Richard: An Afrofuturist Concert
Support Black artists at the NCMA’s trifecta performance showcasing a wide range of talent celebrating Afrofuturism. visit.ncartmuseum.org
7/29
NC Courage vs. Orlando Pride
Craving kicks and giggles? Score some sick soccer plans to see our fave females face off the Pride. nccourage.com
7/30
Barndance
Hay, there! Take a jaunt over to country music jamboree feat. “expert fiddling, dynamic lead guitar and on-the-money vocals.” May the honky tonkin’ commence! thepourhousemusichall.com
7/30
Sunday Meditation & Mimosas
Need some Zen? Indulge in a blissful art meditation, then follow that flow with a mimosa or mocktail. Name a better way to spend your Sunday—we’ll wait. bottlemixx.com
7/30
Porron Pool Party II
Porron yourself another drink and kick back with live music, wine cocktails and food from Mala Pata. Good vibes only! theraleighwineshop.com
8/1
Michael Daughtry
“Drive all night” with this NC-native singer-songwriter who ventures through jazz, folk and pop. brooksidebodega.com
8/1
Sam Smith
We see writing’s on the wall… and it’s telling us to see this breakthrough singer/songwriter slay the night away. Gimme (!). pncarena.com
8/2
Malbec & Empanadas
Can we get an empanad-yeah?! Sample wine and have a good time via this educational—and, most importantly—sip-sational class. vitishouse.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 19, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
Through 7/23
Agave Festival and Summer Open Garden
Succa for botany? Juniper Level Botanic Garden is hosting its first festival honoring agave, aka the “plant of life,” complete with over 80 different species of the plant (!). jlbg.org
7/20
Paws for Pugs
Had a ruff day? Take a minute to paws—and help local pugs in need find a forever home!—at this beginner-friendly pug yoga class. momence.com
7/20
Take 6 and Chrisette Michele
Ya like jazz? Then listen up for this 10-time Grammy-winning a cappella group taking the stage sans background sound, obv. And don’t miss singin’ icon Chrisette Michele starting the night off strong. ncartmuseum.org
7/20–23
Paragon Barbie Party
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! See the highly anticipated movie in style and channel your fashion Barbie—or “Kenergy”—with a fab themed ’fit for games, prizes, photos and more. Let’s get dolled up! @paragon_theaters
7/21
2023 Women’s World Cup Live Viewing
Kick back at Moore Square to watch the U.S. Women’s soccer team take on Vietnam in their first match of the World Cup while playing knockerball, human foosball and your own game of soccer. Plus, check out other local watch parties here. Score! raleighnc.gov
7/21
CJ Monet
Think of musician CJ Monet’s live recording sesh at House of Art like a live version of Tiny Desk Concerts or Sofar Sounds. Listen up! @houseofartnc
7/21
Nickel Creek
“That’s all folks!” … For vibes feat. folk/root sounds: pull up. Penny—er, nickel for your thoughts? ncartmuseum.org
7/22
Dog Daze of Summer Market
It’s the dog days of summer… so mark your cal and head to the yard for a pop-up market and sweat sesh with Burn Boot Camp—followed by mimosas (!)—plus a special adoption event in partnership with Freedom Rescue Ride. Ready to go all paws in? tapyardraleigh.com
7/22
Killjoy’s Anniversary Throwback Prom
Ready to relive the most magical night of your life? Strut your stuff in your wildest prom ’fit and don best dancing shoes to get jiggy with it at this all-day retro experience celebrating Killjoy’s third anny. @killyjoycocktail
7/22
Lisette Glowdowski
Spoil yourself with a night of melodies admiring the way you are—written and performed by the award-winning lyricist, composer and actress. theatreraleigh.com
7/22
Barbie Pink Party & Fashion Show
Pink-ies up! Celebrate the release of the iconic doll’s new film with a day at the Dreamhouse. Come dressed as your favorite Barbie (the possibilities are endless) for a chance to win. “This is the best day ever!” fentonnc.com
7/22
Peach Road Party
A moment for the mural (!). Welcome new public art by Akira Dudley to Peach Road Park while enjoying food vendors, musical ensembles, painting and games. raleighnc.gov
7/23
Dominic Fike
Feel like the “king of everything” by joining the singer, songwriter and actor (this one’s for you, Euphoria fans!) for upbeat alt tunes and new tunes from his latest album. What could possibly go wrong? (IYKYK.) redhatamphitheater.com
7/23
Horses for Hope Fundraiser
What’s sweeter than supporting a good cause? Roll up to Geluna Gelato for scoops in support of Horses for Hope of Raleigh—a nonprofit org with a mission to provide therapeutic horse riding lessons for kids/adults with disabilities. gelunagelato.com
7/23
The Smoking Bull – A Fundraiser for Randy Lewis
A plethora of F&B folks from across the state are coming together to raise money for one of the last dairy farmers in the area following his literal run-in with a bull in May. Show your support to the Ran-Lew Dairy legend while chowing down on eats from the likes of Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood, Tie Whittaker of Buttermilk Boutique and more. craftenfood.com
7/25
Candles & Corks
Lighten up with Usu Company Candles at its hands-on candle making workshop. Make scents of the step-by-step process,followed with wine and snacks. It’s gonna be lit! usucompany.com
7/25–30
Mary Poppins
Craving a spoonful of sugar? For plans that are “practically perfect in every way,” float on over to North Carolina Theatre’s magical musical —with returning star Kara Lindsay as Mary Poppins a la NCT’s Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s fame . How super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious! martinmariettacenter.com
7/26
Black Power Rangers Comedy Tour
A group of sharp, insightful, Black comedians from the South are coming together at Watts & Ward to blend pop culture and social commentary for a night of hilarity. willsmaxwell.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 12, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
7/13
Label Our Lager
Raleigh Mag and Crank Arm Brewing are teaming up for Hops for Hope—and we need your help naming our custom collab beer! Join us from 5 to 8pm at Crank Arm to choose your fave name. Cheers to charity! @raleighmagazine
7/13
Juke Joint Celebration
Channel Taylor Swift and “shake it off” at this “music-and-story-soaked symposium exploring the history, significance and timeless outlaw appeal of juke joint.” Ready to get jumpin’? cityofraleighmuseum.org
7/13
Nick MacDaniels of Big Something
Something big is brewing—aka bops and bangers of the pop, funk and improvisation persuasion at NC State’s Centennial Campus. Buckle up for one heck of a musical journey! thatstation.net
7/13
Trees of the Prairie Ridge Arboretum
Care for a promenade into the prairie? Learn all about roughly 10 types of trees at this nature play day. Alexa, play “Let it Grow,” from The Lorax stat. naturalsciences.org
7/13–15
Durham’s Oyster Fest
Aww, shucks! Get clammy with NC oysters (plus, cocktails and live tunes) on The Durham rooftop for the second year running. Sea you there? thedurham.com
7/15
Cumulus: a day party at House of Art
Keep your head in the clouds during a six-hourlong day party highlighting DJs spinning deep electronic dance bops. Go on, bop to it! between2clouds.com
7/15
Stitching and Embroidery Workshop
Bad bitches get stitches. Amp up your embroidery expertise with Aliyah Bonnette—and create a sketchbook cover sure to slay. We’re on pins and needles! ncartmuseum.org
7/16
Mojo Brookzz
Uh oh… there’s a Thawt in My House. Find this video skit sensation, impersonator and, ahem, Sugardaddy, breaking out the sillies onstage. goodnightscomedy.com
7/16
Rooftop Jazz Brunch With Andia’s
“’Cause I’m on top of the world…” Enjoy sweet views and three courses of sweet treats complements of Andia’s Ice Cream atop The Willard. Belly up for the bites, stay for the views! thewillardraleigh.com
7/16
Young the Giant
If you need “something to believe in,” let it be a fun-filled night crooin’ to tunes that will def get your body moving. redhatamphitheater.com
7/18–23
Carolina Mudcats vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Take us out to the ball game (!). See the Mudcats take on the Cannon Ballers for a slew of matchups that are sure to hit home. Batter up! milb.com
7/18
BBQ & Bourbon Event
Grab your barbe-boo and come hungry for a three-meat BBQ buffet, plus a guided tasting of a slew of bourbons: Blanton’s, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, 1792 Small Batch and Stagg Jr. Ready to go hog wild? samjonesbbq.com
7/18
Soul Journey
Bop over to the Bodega for strummin’, swayin’ and sippin’ on the patio—aka a summer night well spent! brooksidebodega.com
7/19
Parlor Pizza Night
Wanna pizza this? Grab a slice of fresh Neapolitan style pizza compliments of chef Alejandro Contreras of Tepuy Pizza. And don’t miss the Italian-inspired cocktails, Italian wine list and local beers. Cheers, indeed! @heightshouseparlor
7/19
Spin Doctors with Adam Pitts
If you’re lookin’ for little miss can’t be wrong or even two princes to kneel before you, find ’em on Fayetteville Street while you rock out for this final installment of Live After Five version 2.0. … What’cha gonna do to get into another one of these rock ’n’ roll songs? downtownraleigh.org
by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 5, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
7/7
First Friday Market + Movie Night
“Is there anyone here who’s not an alien?” Pull up to Moore Square’s pop-up for food trucks, games and a free screening of Men in Black. @popupcarolinas
7/7
Rachel Bay Jones
“Today, no matter what else, today at least you are you.” Appreciate the Dear Evan Hansen alum as she takes the stage at Theatre Raleigh in Concert. theatreraleigh.com
7/7
TayTay Party
“This night is sparkling, don’t you let it go.” Swifties are bound to have the “best day” at this Taylor Swift-inspired dance party. Be sure to dress as your fave era! lincolntheatre.com
7/7–9
2023 North America Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Qualifier
Got (card) game? Find this qualifying competition bringing in card connoisseurs by the droves—and highlighting the “first and largest major esports competition for a card game genre to be held in Raleigh’s history”—with winners having the chance to travel to Tokyo for the world championship round. Ready, set, duel! raleighconvention.com
7/7–9
Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival
Get inked up—literally; and by some of the world’s best tattoo artists at that—at the world’s largest tattoo convention tour at the NC State Fairgrounds. Also making their mark are vendors, sideshow entertainment and live human suspension. worldtattooevents.com
7/8
Dirty Dancing Outdoor Movie Showing
“So I carried a watermelon?” Fete the cult-classic film and have the time of your life with this showing under the stars at NCMA. Nobody puts Baby in a corner… ncartmuseum.org
7/8
RBC Summer Party
Summer’s in full swing… so spend the afternoon enjoying live tunes, yard games, food truck fare and warm weather fun at Raleigh Brewing Company. Let’s brew this! raleighbrewing.com
7/8
Summerfest: Tango Caliente
Wanna dance? Move those feet over to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for a tango performance sure to excite. ncsymphony.org
7/8
Tears For Fears & Cold War Kids
Find us careless in our summer clothes, splashing around in the muck and the mire as the indie rock band brings the house down. walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
7/11
Barcelona Wine Bar Benefit
Wine down for a good cause at this uncorked event celebrating unsung bottles that deserve a bit more recognition—with a portion of each purchase/ticket benefiting A Place at the Table. Cheers to charity! barcelonawinebar.com
7/11
Brennan Clark
Bop over to the Bodega for strummin’, swayin’ and sippin’ on the patio—aka a summer night well spent! brooksidebodega.com
7/12
Matchbox Twenty
There’s no feeling “unwell” when this rockin’ band is around! Forget about the real world for a while and jam the night away at Walnut Creek. concerts.livenation.com
by Raleigh Magazine | May 17, 2023 | Do, May 2023
Through 6/30
Tasty
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
5/18–20
Maz Jobrani
Ready to go “back to school?” Join comedian, actor and podcast host Jobrani—who also makes regular appearances on the likes of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, among others—at one of his five (!) stellar shows. Let’s get laughin’! improv.com
5/18–21
Sleeping Beauty
Spellbinding smooches are on point in Robert Weiss’ retelling of the famed tale based on the work of the Brothers Grimm, feat. music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. carolinaballet.com
5/18
Malbec & Empanadas
Can we get an empanad-yeah?! Sample wine and have a good time via this educational and, most importantly, sip-sational class. Cheers! vitishouse.com
5/19
A Sneaker Ball
Feelin’ sneaky? Raise awareness for kidney disease via the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association’s elegant soiree with a purpose complete with dinner, live entertainment, raffles/giveaways, dancing and karaoke. Let’s kick it! allevents.in
5/19
Okey Dokey
Okey dokey, artichokey. Show up and show out for an eclectic mix of indie rock, psychedelia and early ’60s pop that’s sure to get you groovin’. thepourhousemusichall.com
5/19
The Wood Brothers
Let’s take it back to the root(s). The Wood Brothers’ acoustic beats are sure to hit the head and heart—and make the hips sway the night away. ncartmuseum.org
5/19–21
Got to Be NC Festival
Oh, for the love of NC! It doesn’t get more Carolina than this fest feat. three down-home days digging all things NC via family entertainment, agricultural shows, live music, local food and bev vendors, and more. gottobencfestival.com
5/20
Bootcamp for Biscuits
Burpees are a bit more bearable with biscuits to look forward to afterward (amirite?!). Belly up for a bootcamp-style workout followed by the flaky delicacy—all benefiting A Place at the Table. Ready to work up an appetite? tableraleigh.org
5/20
Brunch Fest
On Saturdays, we brunch (!). Come starving for local brunch-themed bites and sips via a slew of your fave local vendors. How delish! facebook.com
5/20
Peggy Payne Book Reading
Calling all bookworms! Flip on over to Quail Ridge Books for a meet and greet with author Peggy Payne as she debuts her new novel, My Life On Earth And Elsewhere! Happy reading! mcintyresbooks.com
5/ 20
The Purple Flower
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” Set your sights on this immersive performance of Marita Bonner’s award-winning one-act play about the years post-slavery in America at Shelley Lake Park… with predictions about the future. blackandunknownbards.com
5/20
Woofstock
Woof, there it is! Have a howling-good time via the first annual Woofstock feat. live music, catered fare, free caricatures and giveaways. How paw-some! @weststdog
5/20–21
Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival
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. artsplosure.org
5/21
Gettin’ Piggy With It!
Feelin’ porky? See what all the hogwash is about with Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbecue at Trophy Brewing’s Maywood Hall & Garden via this event touting tons of fun via phenom pitmasters, local brews and live tunes. The best part? It’s all in support of the Frankie Lemmon School. Pig out for charity! @gettinpiggy_nc
5/21
Plant911
What’s your emergency? If your plant is in dire need of some TLC, bring it over to the experts for repotting, pest treatment and more. Two green thumbs up! copperlineplants.com
5/21
Annual Gala and Online Auction to End Human Trafficking
“Committed to ending human trafficking through empowerment, prevention and advocacy,” Shield North Carolina is hosting its second annual gala and online auction with Mark Boyle of WRAL on the mic. Take up your shield. shieldnc.org
5/21
Supper Club
There’s no party like a dinner party—so take your dinner plans to new heights via Height’s House’s always-classy supper soiree. Come hungry! heightshousenc.com
5/23
Adaptive Tai Chi in the Park
Have a yen-ing for tai chi? Pull up for an evening of adaptive martial arts all about mastering intentional and mindful movements. How slow can ya go? ncartmuseum.org
5/24
The Loop Raleigh Opening Event
Calling all social butterflies! For fun on repeat, join The Loop’s inaugural event at Bowstring Brewyard feat. food, drinks and jewelry shopping via Heir Raleigh. Ready to meet some gal pals? @theloopraleigh
5/24
Rafi Bastos
Tall, funny and with an accent like Dracula (really), this trailblazing Jewish-Brazilian comedian is bringing his quick wit and observational humor to the City of Oaks. goodnightscomedy.com
5/24, 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