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Hello Raleigh! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Watermelon day freebies, a cryptid meet and greet, and a bubble fest + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Raleigh help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Celebrate a summer staple: North Carolina Watermelon Day will fill Raleigh's State Farmers Market Thursday, July 23, with free watermelon samples, giveaways, and chances to meet the farmers behind the state's signature summer crop -- get the event details.
Classic rock under the stars: TOTO will headline Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with Christopher Cross and The Romantics. Expect sing-along hits and big-summer nostalgia under the stars -- get tickets and contest details.
A major downtown project: Trees were cleared and construction began on a street extension and underground parking garage at the south end of downtown Raleigh, signaling the City Gateway district’s redevelopment has begun -- see the downtown plans.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Google your own name and you'll probably find your home address: It's sitting on a people-search site right now, next to your age, your relatives, and your phone number, free for anyone to look up. Aura gets it taken down. It contacts 420+ data brokers on your behalf, uses privacy laws to legally demand deletion, and keeps resending requests so your information doesn't creep back online. No hours of opt-out forms, it runs quietly in the background — remove your data.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Brunch with a soundtrack: Make a plan this week to let Irregardless handle your hunger while local musicians handle the vibe, a Raleigh original since 1975 serving globally inspired, locally sourced plates with ample vegan and gluten-free options, plus a weekend brunch that turns catching up into lingering.
Classic Raleigh Playtime: Need a low-stress weekend plan that still feels like a win, swing by Pullen Park for a carousel spin, a mini-train lap, and lazy pedal boats around the lake. Let the kids burn energy while you sneak in nostalgia, trees, and maybe a snack.
Furniture glow up alert: Started in 2018 out of a Durham apartment, Sun West Furniture has become a local go-to for sofas, dining, bedrooms, outdoor and more, with same day or scheduled delivery plus optional assembly, so your weekend energy goes to relaxing on the couch, not hunting for an Allen key.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here. You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in Home Depot, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh →
Once your car passes 50,000 miles, the odds of a big repair climb fast. That's usually right when your factory coverage starts running out. Engine, transmission, electrical, they fail on their own timeline, and the bills run into the thousands. An extended warranty covers them before they hit. You receive a free year of Elite Benefits, plus 30 days to change your mind. *$300 off right now →
A window quote that takes an hour and costs you nothing. No showroom, no sales runaround, no obligation to buy anything. A design consultant comes to you, measures your windows, walks you through the options, and leaves you with an exact price and timeline, that's the whole visit. Keep the quote as long as you like and decide whenever you're ready, or don't. Booking takes about a minute. *Book your free visit →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐉 The Lost Monster Files Meet and Greet @ Jim Graham Building, NC State Fair Grounds | Friday (7/24) at 11:00 AM – Carolina CryptidFest is taking over the Jim Graham Building with Discovery Channel investigators, live Q&As, meet and greets, and photo ops. Think Comic-Con energy, but cryptid, with cosplay encouraged, dry humor approved, and just enough Bigfoot lore to make the Fairgrounds feel normal.
🎁 Squishies Giveaway Day @ United Skates of America | Friday (7/24) at 6:00 PM – United Skates Raleigh is leaning into the squishy craze with a glow skate, trading zone, music, and prizes, plus a free squish toy with admission. Bring the kids, overflowing toy bin, and questionable balance, then bribe everyone with pizza and call it quality time.
🚚 NC Throwdown Food Truck Rodeo @ Triangle Town Center | Saturday (7/25) at 11:00 AM – Call it the mall or Triangle Town Center, this food truck rodeo turns the Dillard’s and Barnes & Noble lot into a 20+ vendor tasting tour. Kids bounce while you graze under covered seating. It’s free, it’s local, and the asphalt has never tasted better.
🎒 2B's Back To School Giveaway & Resource Fair @ Walmart Supercenter #5292 | Saturday (7/25) at 11:00 AM – This back-to-school giveaway hands out free backpacks, supplies, and a little peace of mind, courtesy of the neighborhood. Expect community resource tables, helpful info, and no sticker shock, because those supply lists are not getting shorter. Registration required, then easy pickup.
🎪 Circus and a Movie @ Triangle Cinemas | Saturday (7/25) at 6:30 PM – Triangle Cinemas is going full big top with Cirque Adventure flipping overhead, then a screening of Madagascar 3 to keep the sugar crash gentle. It’s a rare win-win, the kids get acrobats and giggles, you get cushy seats, popcorn, and blessed sitting.
🫧 The Bubble Fest @ Moore's Square | Sunday (7/26) at 11:00 AM – Moore Square is going full soap opera for the second annual Bubble Fest, with a magical bubble show, face painting, and hands-on reptiles. Food trucks, cotton candy, frozen treats, lemonade, and kettle corn keep spirits high. Let the kids chase suds, you supervise with snacks.
🫖 Black Farmers Market @ Montague Plaza | Sunday (7/26) at 1:00 PM – Weekend in Raleigh means wandering the Black Farmers Market, sipping herbal tea, and pretending errands count as self care. Angelica Wellness Shop is pouring wellness drinks while you browse Black-owned farmers, makers, and small businesses across the Triangle, family friendly, and refreshingly low drama.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Raleigh report Weather forecastToday — High: 90°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 70%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 98%
Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. This house is wildThis nearly new English Arts & Crafts estate in North Ridge spans about 5,399 square feet on a wooded 0.612-acre homesite. Built by Raleigh Custom Homes and designed by Tony Frazier, it pairs rich millwork, marble finishes, and Wolf and JennAir appliances with a private theater, oversized screened porch, and fully furnished, turnkey luxury presentation.
Take a peek inside → |
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