4th of July shenanigans, bubble fest, AI policy debate, a storytelling mural, seasonal flights, shrimp ban pushback, and more. 
Happy Fourth of July, 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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AI policy 🤖
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New flights ✈️
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4th of July 🎆
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Wake school board debates AI policy: The Wake County Board of Education debates its first generative AI policy today to set standards for ethical, effective classroom use. Catch the details — read the full story.
Downtown gets a storytelling mural: The final streetery mural by Sean Kernick, celebrating Raleigh’s century of local storytellers, is now on display outside Raleigh Times — see it here.
Aeromexico adds San Juan & Raleigh: Aeromexico will launch seasonal flights from Mexico City to San Juan on October 29th and from Cancún to Raleigh on December 18th — read more about it here.
Compare rates for free: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us” — this comparison tool can save you hundreds.
Highlights this week
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Senate to scrap carbon reduction target
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Inshore shrimp ban faces pushback
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$6 bubbly at PourWorks tomorrow
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Summer music series at Raleigh Brewing
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ARTernative Market popup at Chapel of Bones
🫶 We got your back
Twist and shout: Knead an excuse to carb-load? At Flying Saucer, every pretzel is hand-rolled into a symphony of salty satisfaction. Whether you’re into classic sea-salt twists, cheese-stuffed bombs, or the seasonal cinnamon-sugar spin-offs, they’ve got the doughy goodness to keep your taste buds dancing.
Frankly fantastical franks: When you need a quick bite that packs a punch, Char Grill is the reigning champ of mustard, relish, and risk-it-all topping combos. Think loaded chili-cheese dogs with a dash of sriracha and pickled jalapeños—because sometimes comfort food needs a kick.
Up, up, and away: Triangle Party And Crafts has everything you need to keep your celebration floating high. From jumbo latex and foil balloons to streamers, plates, napkins, and even those sneaky confetti poppers, they’ve got the basics (and the bounce) to make any party pop.
Energy efficiency on a budget: New windows and doors may not seem glamorous, but they can deliver real savings — windows can reduce utility bills by 7-15% and doors by up to 35%. To sweeten the savings, Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 off per door right now.
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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
🍖 Fourth of July Grill Out @ Ponysaurus Brewing Co. | Friday (7/4) at 1 pm – Fire up your holiday with house-made slushies and two cookout classics: the all-beef Carolina Dog piled high with chili and slaw or the San Gennaro Sando’s sweet Italian sausage, peppers, and onions. Served with chips from 1–9 pm (or until sold out), it’s the perfect laid-back hangout—grab a table, grab your crew, and let Ponysaurus do the grilling!
🍔 Star Spangled Block Party @ Brier Creek Commons | Friday (7/4) at 8 pm – DJ McNally will spin the soundtrack for face painting, giveaways, dancing, and lawn games all night. When darkness falls, snag a chair for one of the area’s biggest fireworks shows—tune into KIX 102.9 for the perfect choreographed blast. July 4 never looked so good under the stars.
🎆 City 4th of July Fireworks Display @ Lenovo Center | Friday (7/4) at 9:30 pm – Catch a sky-high fireworks-only extravaganza launched from NC State property along Trinity Road, lighting up the Stadium Complex with dazzling bursts. No vendors or festival activities—just bring a blanket, stake out a spot outside the closed arena grounds, and enjoy the show with convenient portable restrooms on site.
This weekend
🦋 Butterfly Walk (8 and up) @ Prairie Ridge Ecostation | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Lace up for a prairie stroll as you learn to ID fluttering beauties and chat butterfly behavior. No signup needed—just bring water, weather-ready gear, and your curiosity for nature’s winged wonders.
🐶 Adoptable Puppy Meet n Greet @ Morgan Street Food Hall | Saturday (7/5) at 2 pm – Puppies, bites, and your next best friend all under one roof at Morgan Street Food Hall. Mingle with adoptable pups, grab tacos or craft cocktails, and maybe head home with a new tail-wagging roommate.
🍹 Thirty Plus Open Bar Saturdays @ Loop Bar and Lounge Raleigh | Saturday (7/5) at 7 pm – Kick off your weekend with a grown-up twist on the classic open bar: free entry for the 30-and-up crew and complimentary pours until 11 pm. Sip your first drink on the house from B. Rose, claim a VIP booth for you and five friends, and choose from hookah or tasty bites while the DJ spins the vibes. It’s the perfect blend of laid-back luxe and Saturday-night energy—no drama required.
🦇 Batcave | Last Millennium Dark Alternative Dance Party @ The Wicked Witch | Saturday (7/5) at 8 pm – Dust off your leather and lace for a night devoted to the goth, industrial, and darkwave classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, all spun on original vinyl by 20th Century Boy. Show up at 6 pm to catch a sparkling amateur drag showcase hosted by Ruby Liqueur, then dive into the abyss on the dance floor when the beats drop at 8 pm. It’s the ultimate Batcave revival—no speed demons, just spine-tingling grooves and midnight mischief until 1 am.
🫧 North Carolina Bubble Fest @ Moore Square | Sunday (7/6) at 12 pm – Get ready for an epic bubble bonanza with giant wands, bubble machines, and floating magic in downtown Raleigh. Fuel your bubble-chasing with food trucks, craft sips, and live local jams while florals and crafts keep the vibe fresh.
🕺 Sunday Afternoon Ballroom & Evening Dances @ Raleigh Elks Lodge | Sunday (7/6) at 3 pm – Start with two-line ballroom lessons at 3 pm, then glide through social dancing from foxtrot to salsa on our spacious wood floor. Stick around for beginner and intermediate swing sets, lessons included, no partner needed. One-price admission ($15 public, $10 students) gets you afternoon and evening fun plus a cash bar, lite snacks, and free parking.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/4 Donnie Deneil @ Raleigh Times Bar – 7 pm
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7/4 3WB @ Compass Rose Brewery – 7 pm
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7/4 Den Of Wolves and more @ Chapel of Bones – 9 pm
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7/4 Table Two @ Hero’s Pub – 9 pm
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7/5 Jared Place @ Raleigh Brewing – 3 pm
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7/5 Kevin Lee @ Salty Turtle Beer Raleigh – 6 pm
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7/5 Beow’s Comedy Series @ Beow’s Books & Brews – 7 pm
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7/5 Excitable and more @ Lincoln Theatre – 8 pm
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7/6 Open Mic Night @ Gizmo Brew Works – 3 pm
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7/6 Heather Rogers @ Salty Turtle Beer Co – 6 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.
Listed by: Megan Hackley (Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s Int)
JGMA’s custom English cottage struts Tudor vibes with steep gables and curved brick accents, spilling into a gourmet kitchen where the scullery shouts organized chaos and a sprawling center island begs for spilled espresso. The family room perches around a chic fireplace while a dedicated office and tucked-away media lounge whisper productivity…or midnight movie marathons.
Head upstairs to a versatile loft and spa-inspired baths, then wander onto the screened porch’s second fireplace, gazing at manicured greenery. A spacious rec room and secret nooks prove that 2114 Cowper Drive is all about blending storybook charm with 2022’s smart-luxury swagger.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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