by Carlee Nilphai | Aug 31, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
Make your last summer bash one to remember with a foam party.
Foam fun: found. Looking for a trendy and fabulous way to commemorate the end of summer? Look no further than the “it” activity of summer—foam parties. Enter Foam Fabulous, Raleigh’s up-and-coming vendor lathering up something new and exciting for all ages—and guaranteed to earn you a rep for throwing a heck of a party.
Frothing from the mind of Nathan Morris, the co-founder leans on his decade of experience in the event biz amid his latest endeavor. “I’m always trying to create fun things for my kids and the neighborhood kids,” says the professional effervescent party planner, “and I happened upon a random video of a foam party—and it really stuck with me. I think a day or so later I decided if I was still thinking about it, it must be a hit!”
Blowing ahead with the idea, Morris and his wife, Ashley, quickly realized going with their gut would pay off big. “A few weeks later, we did our first Foam Fabulous party for the neighbors and our kids,” he recalls, “and we knew we had something really special that families would love.”
First-time foamer? “A Foam Fabulous party is the coolest, most unique way to celebrate an event,” explains Morris. “We pump out billions of bubbles from our industrial-size foam cannon and shoot them across the party space, stacking foam over 6 feet tall. It’s like a giant bubble bath without the water—and an instant spectacle.”
Keeping the good vibes going without bursting any bubbles, the foam festivals require zero host setup or cleanup. To boot, the foam is hypoallergenic, scent- and allergen-free, making it safe for kiddos and even pets.
Adding to its bubbling repertoire, Foam Fabulous also now offers Snow Fabulous and Bubble Fabulous parties as well—aka the same foam fun with bubbles or snow swapped in. Pop off!
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 21, 2023 | Do, June 2023
Through 7/1
National Women’s Theatre Festival
Make a scene at the eighth annual festival featuring workshops, performances and industry conservations supporting women and other underrepresented genders in theater. Props! womenstheatrefestival.com
6/22
Beyond Water Screening
Water you even doing if not attending the screening of this docu highlighting the value of clean water at Marbles’ IMAX Theatre?! Let’s flow! eventbrite.com
6/22
Folds of Honor
Hey, Bud(weiser)! Feast your eyes on the famed Budweiser Clydesdales at the weekly Midtown Beach Music Series while celebrating Folds of Honor, a nonprofit org focused on helping families of fallen/disabled U.S. service members obtain educational opportunities. Can we get a yay and a neigh?! foldsofhonor.org
6/22
Joy Porch Party
If combining fashion and philanthropy while supporting women emerging from vulnerable situations is something right up your alley, join local nonprofit Designed For Joy at a porch party feat. their vibrant leather bags and jewelry. Let’s flaunt fashion for a good cause! designedforjoy.com
6/22
Properly Planting Perennials & Veggies
Just growing your green thumb? This event’s for you. Learn all the basics of gardening, from the best mulch and soil to how to plant and install your outdoor vegetation. It’s time to veg out (!). logantrd.com
6/22
Reimagining Blackness
Make yourself an ally at Artspace and take in the curated exhibit, Maroon while expanding your understanding of Black identity via a lineup of guest panelists from multiple art backgrounds highlighting what it means to be Black and queer. artspacenc.org
6/22
The Ries Brothers
There’s no need to be blue(s). Check this musical duo hailing from the Sunshine State for beats blending rock, blues, funk and reggae. thepourhousemusichall.com
6/23–25
The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within
Tough gals wear pink. Find Manhattan-based solo show artist Valerie David telling her story of hope and inspiration throughout her battle (and success in beating!) cancer not once, not twice, but three times (!)—plus enjoy an audience talkback after the show. So strong, indeed. womenstheatrefestival.com
6/23–25
Village District Sidewalk Sale
Stroll and shop this way! Spend the weekend shopping at all your fave Village District retail spots for sales on sales on sales. facebook.com
6/23
GAG Presents Girls Room Pride
I’d U-Haul with you. … Post up at Junction West with the girls for this queer women nonbinary-focused party with four queer DJs droppin’ beats hosted by local queer party organizer GAG in partnership with Charlotte-based Girls Room for a party created and curated by queer women as a safe place for all. raleighpridenc.com
6/23
My Brother, My Brother and Me
Dishing live advice are three brothers, Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy, of the My Brother, My Brother and Me podcast, whose modern wisdom and advice will surely help you out of any pickle. Don’t be shy! martinmariettacenter.com
6/23
PineCone People’s Square Dance
Don’t be a square… or maybe do (!). Lace up those groovin’ shoes and dance the night away at Transfer Co. Food Hall. May the dancing commence! pinecone.app.neoncrm.com
6/23
Raleigh Burlesque Sweet 16 Anniversary Show
“It’s burlesque!” Celebrate 16 years of burlesque with legendary local dancers at Lincoln Theater via a swanky black-tie event including raffles, cocktails, exclusive VIP gifts and kitschy decor. Dance is how we do it! lincolntheatre.com
6/23
TR in Concert Series
Kick off the premiere of Theatre Raleigh’s newest series with two-time Tony award winner Norbert Leo Butz. The series features Broadway stars as well as Raleigh performers. Ready to break a leg?! theatreraleigh.my.salesforce-sites.com
6/23
Turning Red Outdoor Movie
You just red our mind! Grab some popcorn and, ahem, turn in at the North Carolina Museum of Art for their outdoor screening of Pixar’s Turning Red. ncartmuseum.org
6/24
Botanist and Barrel 6th Birthday
She’s so six-y! Cheers to six years of Botanist and Barrel with wine, popsicles, food truck fare from chef Ade’s Beninese food truck, and live tunes. botanistandbarrel.com
6/24
GAG, Queen
We’re all born naked and the rest is drag. … This one’s for the dancing queens. Post partying at Out! Raleigh Pride, werk it over to The Ritz as Raleigh Pride and Live Nation go all out for their biggest party with a GAG-hosted drag queen dance extravaganza—followed by a steady flow of Raleigh-based drag queen performances. Slay! livenation.com
6/24
NC Hops Fest
Feeling hoptimistic? Get a taste of North Carolina’s best brews at the third annual Hops Fest at the NC State Fairgrounds feat. ciders, beers, live music and vendors. Cheers! shoplocalraleigh.org
6/24
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 scores of live entertainment, artists, vendors, activities, a KidsZone—and bites and brews—all to benefit the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Pride is for everyone! outraleigh.com
6/24
PrideFest 2023
Be loud, be proud and embrace diversity and inclusion at this year’s Fayetteville PrideFest. And celebrate the LGBTQ+ community right with vendors, live entertainment, food and art displays. fayettevillepride.org
6/24
Sorcerers Soiree
Feeling spellbound? Hop on your broom and fly on over for a few rounds of magical trivia, craft vendors and delish eats from a slew of food trucks. tapyardraleigh.com
6/24
Summerfest: Harry Potter vs. Star Wars
In a battle of wands vs. light sabers, who will reign supreme? You be the judge as NC Symphony performs ballads from two of the biggest film franchises. “Do or do not, there is no try…” ncsymphony.org
6/24
Vinyl & Vino
Willing to dig for vinyl? Grab a glass of vino complements of Chatham Hill Winery and sort through thousands of CDs, LPs and more. Please don’t stop the music! theraleighmarket.com
6/25
Brunch at The Casso
On Sundays we brunch! Belly up to The Casso for a Sunday funday that’ll fill your belly with sourdough French toast, grilled corn, petitas eggs, mimosas and more. thecassoraleigh.com
6/25
Let’s Have a Kiki!
Let me be perfectly queer… there’s no better way to slay Sunday Funday than for this love-out-loud dance party at Cuya feat. themed cocktails, guests from the drag community, and DJs. To boot, a portion of all proceeds from Let’s Have a Kiki! Drag Is NOT a Crime will go to the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund. @cuyaraleigh
6/25
Triangle Vegfest
It’s not easy being green. Whether you’re a plant-based eater, health conscious or simply “veggie curious,” this fest is sure to produce some wholesome and healthy fun that can’t be beet. trianglevegfest.com
6/28
Escape to the Island Patio Party
Change your clock to island time and enjoy a boozy Caribbean-themed cuisine at Plates feat. rums from Outer Banks Distilling. Ready to rum-ble? plateskitchen.com
6/28
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
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 21, 2022 | Do, June 2022
6/23
Peach Truck Tour
How peachy! The highly anticipated Peach Truck Tour is stopping in the City of Oaks during its 10-year anniversary to deliver fresh handpicked peaches from some of the best growers in the Southeast. thepeachtruck.com
6/23
Red Bull BC One Raleigh Cypher
Tap into the most prestigious breakdance competition in the world, with the top B-boys and B-girls in the region competing for a chance to move on to the National Finals later this summer at Whitaker and Atlantic. May the best moves win… redbull.com
6/23
Taste Tour of Ukraine
Inspire your taste buds while raising funds for the Ukrainian community with a multicourse chefs’ dinner highlighting the tastes of Ukraine courtesy of Vidrio chef Saif Rahman. vidrioraleigh.com
6/23, ongoing
Thriving Thursday
Head to Fenton every Thursday to sweat your stress via a free (!) fitness class hosted by instructors from Club Pilates, Athleta, lululemon and more. fentonnc.com
6/23
Willard Wine Tasting Class: Northern Spain
Wine not partake in The Willard’s wine tasting class focused on Northern Spain and its regional varietals—with a small cheese and charcuterie plate for grazing on to boot. thewillardraleigh.com
6/23–25
Kevin Nealon
Like your fave uncle telling a story at Thanksgiving, Kevin Nealon—famed for the likes of Saturday Night Live and Weeds—takes the stage at Goodnights for three nights of can’t-miss dry, casual, deadpan humor. goodnightscomedy.com
6/24
H.E.R.
The best part? Five-time Grammy-winning R&B sensation H.E.R. is about to “come through” Red Hat as part of her Back of My Mind Tour—and we’re feeling “every kind of way” about it (but mostly uberexcited). redhatamphitheater.com
6/24
Outdoor Films: Encanto
If your minis (or you) can’t get enough of Disney’s magical Encanto (and its viral catchy songs by award winning Lin-Manuel Miranda), we’ll see ya on the lawn. ncartmuseum.org
6/24
Rupi Kaur
BYOT (tissues!) as poet, artist and performer Rupi Kaur serves up rhymes at DECPA. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
6/25
Backstreet Boys
Backstreet’s back, alright! The boys are back in town as part of their DNA World Tour—and pretty sure everybody “wants it that way.” walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
6/25
James Taylor
Carolina is on his mind indeed as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Songwriters Hall of Famer returns to town—and, oh, how sweet it is. pncarena.com
6/25
Out! Raleigh Pride
This inclusive family-friendly event celebrates its 10-year anniversary with a plethora of activities, live entertainment, local vendors and artists, a KidsZone, eats, and a beer garden. Oh, how we love love! outraleigh.com
6/26
Macrame Plant Hanger Class
Knot your ordinary event… Bella Ruth Co. owner and macrame-maker extraordinaire Kat McDaniel is teaming up with Copperline Plant Co.’s Anna Grace Fitzgerald to teach plant moms and dads how to make their own macrame plant hanger—plus you’ll get your very own potted houseplant to to hang in its new home. copperlineplants.com
