Downtown treasure hunt, a new distillery, comedy in the dark, a puzzle swap, Southern tunes, and more. 
Happy Friday, Raleigh. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Raleigh Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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New distillery 🍸
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Downtown hunt 🗺️
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Live musical 🎭
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Ebisu draws downtown crowds: The new Japanese lifestyle shop Ebisu opened June 7 on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh, with customers lining up for home goods, snacks, toys, and skincare — read more here.
Boatman Spirits now open: Boatman Spirits Co.’s 7,000-sq-ft Mediterranean-themed distillery and restaurant opened June 13 in Seaboard Station, featuring a 240-gallon copper still for gin, vodka, whiskey, Arak and a menu of halloumi, falafel and lamb kofta — check out the full story here.
Raleigh permit rate dips: The Raleigh metro saw its recent apartment permit rate drop below its pandemic-era high, even as it remains among the nation’s leaders — read the full story.
Highlights this week
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3rd annual Ride for the Children
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Save big at this summer bedding sale
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Attend an artist talk on social justice
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Compare auto insurance rates for free
🫶 We got your back
Fresh fields, fresher flavors: Get ready to dig in—The Fiction Kitchen is where your fork meets the farm. From sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes to pasture-raised delights, every plate tells a story of nearby soil, sustainable practice, and that sweet “I-can’t-believe-this-is-good-for-you” sensation.
Steep your senses: When you need a timeout from the daily grind, Tin Roof Teas brews up serenity one leaf at a time. Whether you’re chasing floral oolongs or smoky pu’ers, they’ve got the perfect pour-over to turn any afternoon into a moment worth savoring.
Desk not required: Tired of your same old home-office setup? The Nest Raleigh hands you the Wi-Fi, the office plant (sort of), and that soft‐serve of creative energy you’ve been craving. Plug in, brainstorm, and bond over communal snacks—without the awkward water-cooler small talk.
Strike the right chord: Ready to riff? Falls River Music is your one-stop shop for everything from ukuleles that whisper to drum kits that roar. Whether you’re a fret-shy beginner or a pedal-tapping pro, they’ll have you making music—and maybe memories—before you can say “encore.”
Degrees without the squeeze: Want to help your kiddo or grandchild through college? Co-signing their student loan helps them unlock lower rates and increases their chances of getting approved. Some lenders release co-signers after enough on-time payments, so it doesn’t have to be forever. Avoid last-minute headaches by acting now!
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Raleigh happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
👻 Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour @ Wake County Courthouse | Friday (6/20) at 7:30 pm – Lace up your walking shoes and brace for a spine-tingling 1.5-mile tour through Raleigh’s darkest tales. From colonial spirits to 20th-century hauntings, expert storytellers weave local lore into an engaging, family-friendly adventure. Expect clever twists, historical nuggets, and just the right amount of thrills to keep you hooked for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Perfect for skeptics and believers alike.
🎤 Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Friday (6/20) at 8 pm – Step into a phone-free zone where comedy rawness thrives and every punchline lands without the distraction of screens. Ali Siddiq brings his sharp wit and storytelling prowess straight to Raleigh in an intimate, unplugged setting secured in Yondr pouches. Leave your devices behind, engage fully, and expect a night of laughter, surprise, and maybe a few jaw-dropping moments. Just remember where you stowed your phone when the show ends.
🎭 The Color Purple @ Raleigh Little Theatre | Friday (6/20) at 8 pm – Experience Celie’s powerful journey come to life in this musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s masterpiece, complete with jazz, gospel, and blues-infused melodies. Directed by Tia James, the production promises a soaring score and a moving tribute to resilience, love, and healing. From the first note to the final bow, expect an emotional ride that will leave your heart full and your spirit lifted. Grab your tickets before they sell out for a night of timeless storytelling.
This weekend
🛍️ Night Market @ North Hills | Saturday (6/21) at 4 pm – Shop ’til you drop with 30+ local vendors under the summer sky. Fuel up with gourmet bites from roaming food trucks and toast to small-business pride with a cold one from Williamson Mead and Brewing. Entry’s on the house, so grab your crew and make it a date night…or a family adventure!
🗺️ Downtown Raleigh Treasure Hunt @ Sir Walter Coffee | Saturday (6/21) at 6 pm – Grab your squad and crack codes across downtown Raleigh in this brain-teasing walking tour. Follow your treasure map from Sir Walter Coffee, solve riddles, and be the first to unlock the grand prize. Kids under 10 get in free with an adult ticket—let the wild goose chase begin!
🔥 DCW Bring the Heat @ DCW Asylum | Saturday (6/21) at 6:30 pm – Get ready for high-voltage wrestling action as DCW turns up the heat. From bone-crunching slamdowns to jaw-dropping aerials, this is the night to witness gravity-defying moves and championship drama. Rally your friends, stake your ringside claim, and feel the roar of the crowd!
🎵 Flatland Cavalry & Ian Munsick @ Red Hat Amphitheater | Saturday (6/21) at 7 pm – Saddle up for a night of soaring harmonies and heartland anthems as Flatland Cavalry and Ian Munsick light up the stage. Tickets went on sale Feb. 28, so don’t sleep on this one—presales flew fast! Expect boots, banjos, and plenty of sweet Southern charm under the stars.
🧩 Puzzle Swap @ Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company | Sunday (6/22) at 12 pm – Swap your summer puzzle pile for fresh brain-teasers at the taproom. Bring your completed jigsaws, pick up new challenges, and stick around for a drink-fueled communal puzzle sesh. It’s the perfect blend of craft brews and collective brainpower.
🏛️ Guided Downtown Walking Tour @ Raleigh Sheraton Downtown | Sunday (6/22) at 2 pm – Lace up your comfiest shoes and stroll through Raleigh’s storied streets with a history whiz. Unearth the tales behind every brick, park, and monument while soaking up downtown charm. Secure your ticket online and prep to time-travel through the City of Oaks.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/20 Drivin’ N Cryin’ @ Bowstring Pizza – 7 pm
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6/20 The Driver Era @ Red Hat Amphitheater – 8 pm
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6/20 Emma Rae @ Tap Yard – 8 pm
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6/20 Aint Sisters and more @ Kings Lincoln Theatre – 9 pm
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6/20 The White Stripes and more @ The Pour House Music Hall – 9 pm
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6/20 Police & Thieves Live @ O’Malley’s Pub – 9 pm
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6/21 John’s Weathered Son @ Raleigh Brewing – 3 pm
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6/21 Flatland Cavalry & Ian Munsick @ Red Hat Amphitheater – 7 pm
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6/21 Corey Smith @ Bowstring Pizza – 7 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Raleigh edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Dell Paschal and John Rines (Berkshire Hathaway HomeService) – 3 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Built in 2024 | 4277 sqft
Who needs Versailles when you’ve got five different ceilings showing off overhead, a marble fireplace with more history than your Uncle Larry’s stories, and custom cabinetry so flawless it might just make your socks roll themselves. The sunrooms practically beg for lazy afternoons, while collapsing doors and phantom screens blur the line between “inside” and “outside” seamlessly merging indoor luxury with open-air ease.
The kitchen’s fully loaded with smart tech and chef-grade tools, plus a scullery for all your secret culinary operations. Solar panels, Tesla Walls, and an EV charger keep things shockingly modern, while blue stone floors and iron-and-glass doors add just the right amount of old-school swagger. Raleigh’s grandest neighborhood just got a little more fabulous.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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