📰 In the news

More charter schools on the way: Wake County could add five new charter schools by 2026 as part of a statewide push to expand nontraditional public education. See what these proposed schools have planned.

New training rules for hotels and rentals: Starting July 1, North Carolina’s hospitality businesses must train staff to spot and report human trafficking under new state law. A new website offers free tools and resources to help businesses prepare — here’s what to know.

Local population surges: Garner’s population has grown by more than 10%, landing it among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing cities in the US. See which other cities made the list and what’s driving Garner’s rapid rise in the full Census report breakdown.

Other highlights this week:

• Ride in silence to honor cyclists
• Hear locals debate Wake issues
• Learn butterfly ID at this adult class
• Support wellness at this block party
• Dine to help rescue beagles
• Billie Eilish announces Raleigh tour dates

✨ We got your back

Hole lotta love: When your carb cravings hit a 10, New York Bagels & Deli comes through with the kind of chewy, golden perfection that demands a schmear (or six). Sweet, savory, stacked sky-high—we don’t judge. We just hope you get there before the everything bagels are gone.

Sip happens: Craving something cold, chewy, and dangerously addictive? The drinks at Cha House are equal parts caffeine, fruit, and snack—all in one cup. Customize your order like a boba sommelier or stick with the house fave, but fair warning: that first slurp might become a full-blown personality trait.

Plot twist! You walked in just to browse… and somehow left Quail Ridge Books with a towering TBR pile, a tote bag, and deep emotional attachment to a story you haven’t even read yet. Cozy, chaotic, or cat-adjacent—whatever your genre, the shelves here never disappoint.

Green thumbs up: Whether you’re a seasoned plant whisperer or the kind of person who needs a succulent with a survival guide, Logan’s Garden Shop has what you need to make your home 47% leafier. Warning: side effects may include impulse-buying a fiddle-leaf fig and naming it.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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🔔Coming soon

Raleigh’s International Food Festival | June 7th

If your passport’s feeling neglected, Raleigh’s got the cure. This all-day street feast features over 120 food and dessert trucks slinging global bites—from bao to baklava and everything in between. Think of it as a culinary world tour minus the jet lag.

Add two stages of live performances, a massive outdoor dance party, kids’ games, pet-friendly vibes, and yes—wine and beer from across the globe—and you’ve got yourself a Saturday. It’s free to attend, but your taste buds will be spending freely. Here’s the lineup and details.

Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber | June 7th

This is it—the final chamber. Wu-Tang Clan is rolling into town for one last legendary lap around the globe, and they’re bringing Run the Jewels along for the ride. Expect iconic tracks, rare cuts they’ve never performed live, and a whole lot of Wu wisdom, all wrapped up in a show crafted by RZA himself.

Doors open at 7PM, the mic drops at 8PM, and your chance to witness hip-hop history starts right here.

📆 Around town

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Know of an event we should include? Submit it here for free.

This week

🍃 Nature Play Day @ Nature PlaySpace | Tuesday (5/20) at 10 am – Forts, bubbles, paint, and mud — it’s all fair game at this freeform outdoor play event designed for the under-7 crowd. Come dressed for the mess and let the kids go wild with curated supplies and a playful facilitator on hand to guide the chaos.

🌭 45th Anniversary Celebration @ Taylor’s Wine Shop | Wednesday (5/21) at 11 am – Taylor’s is turning 45, and they’re celebrating the only way that makes sense: with free hot dogs. Swing by the shop, snag a dog, and toast to nearly half a century of local flavor.

🏎️ Car Club Event @ Carolina Exotic Car Club | Wednesday (5/21) at 5:30 pm – Exotic cars, Scouting stories, and a bit of wisdom from North Carolina’s State Auditor? Count us in. This laid-back evening comes with food, drinks for purchase, and the chance to win some very cool door prizes — no uniform required.

🧘 Gentle Mat Yoga @ North Regional Library | Thursday (5/22) at 10 am – Ease into your day with a mellow yoga flow led by certified instructor Ben Clarke. This session’s all about the basics — think mindful movement, calm breathwork, and simple meditation.

🎌 Animazement @ Raleigh Convention Center | Friday (5/23) at 9:30 am – Raleigh’s biggest anime bash is back, and Friday’s when things really start heating up. Expect wall-to-wall cosplay, rare merch, and panels that go from wholesome to downright wild.

🧟‍♂️ Carolina Fear Fest @ NC State Fairgrounds | Friday (5/23) at 3 pm – This three-day scream-fest is Raleigh’s answer to summer blockbusters, but way bloodier. Rub elbows with horror celebs, creep through the vendor market of spooky treasures, get your scream on at the film fest, or join a séance if you’re feeling bold.

This weekend

🦎 Repticon @ NC State Fairgrounds | Saturday (5/24) at 9 am – From slithering snakes to exotic frogs, Repticon is the go-to expo for reptile lovers and curious onlookers alike. Meet experts, snag pet supplies, and maybe leave with a new scaly friend (or two).

✨ Fireflies & String Art @ Prairie Ridge Outdoor Classroom | Saturday (5/24) at 1 pm – Science meets craft time in this adult workshop where you’ll document fireflies and create your own glowing string art panel. No prior skills needed — just a creative spark and a love of nature. Registration is $25, supplies included.

🌙 Night Market @ North Hills | Saturday (5/24) at 4 pm – Shop, sip, and stroll your way into the weekend at this family-friendly evening market. Over 30 local vendors, food trucks galore, and mead from Williamson Brewing make this a perfect Saturday night out — and did we mention it’s free?

🍰 NC Sugar Rush @ City Plaza | Sunday (5/25) at 12 pm – Calling all dessert lovers: NC Sugar Rush is back to sweeten your Sunday. Dive into a sugar-soaked paradise with endless dessert vendors, live music, and interactive games for all ages. It’s like a candy store exploded — and you’re invited.

🎬 Memorial Day Movie Night @ Six Forks Cinemas | Sunday (5/25) at 8 pm – Get ready for a retro night under the stars with an ’80s & ’90s car meet followed by an outdoor screening of License to Drive on a 30-foot screen. Bring your boom box, bust out the neon, and relive the glory days of teen flicks and FM radio. Bonus points if you quote the Coreys.

🎶 Live music & comedy

• 5/20 Murphy Campbell @ Bowstring Pizza – 6:30 pm
• 5/20 Mary Selvidge @ Local 919 – 6:30 pm
• 5/21 Weekend Excursion and more @ City Plaza – 6 pm
• 5/21 Amyl and The Sniffers @ Ritz Raleigh – 7 pm
• 5/22 Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot @ Midtown Park – 6 pm
• 5/22 Derek Webb @ High Country United Church of Christ – 8 pm
• 5/23 Late Night Lowlights @ Sitti – 7 pm
• 5/23 Rauw Alejandro @ Lenovo Center – 8 pm
• 5/23 8-Track Minds @ Tap Yard Raleigh – 8 pm
• 5/23 Night Brew @ Korner Pocket Sports Bar – 8 pm
• 5/23 Vacant Company and more @ Kings – 8 pm
• 5/23 Barstool Rodeo @ Lincoln Theatre – 8:30 pm
• 5/23 RAAD O.G. @ Hero’s Pub – 9 pm
• 5/23 Stephen’s Pharmacy and more @ Slim’s – 9 pm
• 5/24 An Evening of Bob Dylan @ Lincoln Theatre – 8 pm
• 5/24 Sunflower Bean @ Kings – 8 pm
• 5/24 Klippee @ Chapel of Bones Coffee – 9 pm
• 5/25 RIFF RAFF @ The Lincoln Theatre – 7 pm
• 5/25 Runaway Gin and more @ Bowstring Pizza – 5 pm
• 5/25 TR Sings Disney @ Cabaret Theatre – 7 pm

🏠 This house is wild

*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.

Listed by: Rebekah Lindsey (Real Broker, LLC – Carolina Collective Realty)

This four bed, four bath brick beauty in Stonemoor sits on a cul-de-sac lot over an acre, with 5,024 square feet of polished luxury and a saltwater pool that’s straight out of a resort (yes, it has a slide and diving board). Built in 2005, it boasts a chef’s kitchen, two-story family room, screened porch, and a spa-worthy primary suite.

Remote-controlled blinds? Check. Walk-in closets everywhere? Naturally. Bonus room, flex space, and walk-up attic? Of course. HOA is $145/month, and the roof was just replaced in 2022. Privacy, style, and space—all in one dreamy package.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →