This year’s final First Friday ✨

Downtown Raleigh’s final First Friday of 2022

This new biz could cater to audiences at Moore Square events, like free movie screenings + festivals. | Photo courtesy of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance

If you haven’t made it out to a First Friday in a while — or ever — this is your sign. During this monthly event, art galleries, creator studios, and local businesses stay open late for special exhibits, talks, and performances. Bonus: Most events are free.

The last First Friday of the year is Dec. 2 and there are plenty of opportunities to explore our city’s creative community. Here are five events we’re looking forward to:

Illuminate Art Walk | All evening | Fayetteville Street + Glenwood South districts | Free | It’s opening night for this outdoor exhibit of 10+ locally and nationally-recognized light installations. Pro tip: Use this map to plan your walk.

Holiday Party & Market | 4-8 p.m. | The Burrow, 119 E. Hargett St. | $5-$10 | Shop local vendors while enjoying drinks and live music.

Market & Movie Night | 5-9 p.m. | Moore Square Park, 200 S. Blount St. | Free | Watch “The Muppets Christmas Carol” at sundown, shop local vendors, and roast s’mores over a fire pit.

Cirque de Vol | 6-8 p.m. | South Salisbury Street | Free | Watch LED hula-hooping performers across from the Raleigh Convention Center.

“Something for Everyone” Opening Reception | 6-9 p.m. | 311 Gallery, 311 W. Martin St. | Free | Explore this visual art exhibit featuring artworks of all styles that incorporate the shape or concept of squares and cubes.

Pro tip: Friday’s weather forecast is looking clear, but bring a jacket — temperatures could drop to the mid-40s.

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Grand Opening Party at MODE Consignment | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 4-7 p.m. | MODE Consignment, 510 Daniels St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate the store’s new spot with a designer trunk show, raffles, drinks, and more.
Elf the Musical (Touring) | Thursday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | DPAC, 123 Vivian St., Durham | $15-$83 | Buddy the Elf travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father during this hilarious Christmas tale.

Friday, Dec. 2

Miracle at The Haymaker | Friday, Dec. 2-Friday, Dec. 30 | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Haymaker, 555 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Sip on holiday drinks like the Yippee Ki Yay served in Santa’s boot at this holiday pop up bar.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Brier Creek Commons, 8181 Brier Creek Pkwy., Raleigh | Free | Meet at the Clock Tower to see Santa light the tree.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Christmas Sing-a-long | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7 p.m. | Sola Coffee Cafe, 7705 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh | Free | Join other carolers on the patio while you sip hot cider and munch on popcorn.

Sunday, Dec. 4

An Evening with Chatham Rabbits | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $19.50-$25 | Listen to this Americana duo from NC perform live.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

You won’t want to miss this (virtual) beauty event

Everything you love about an in-person event, but virtual + BYOB. | Photo provided by Synergy Face + Body

Looking to have a be-yule-tiful holiday season? Synergy Face + Body has you covered with Double Feature — its virtual beauty event happening Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6-9 p.m.

Hosted through the Synergy app (available for iOS and Android), this event brings all the fun of demos, Q+As, and (virtual) swag bags right to your phone Think: Everything your love about beauty events, minus the crowd.

Oh, and there will be giveaways, too. The grand prize: a weekend for two at the Umstead.*

DOWNLOAD THE APP + RSVP

Weather

53º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain ☀️

Development

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance released its latest Quarterly Market Report on Wednesday. In downtown, there are currently 19 developments under construction or in site preparation, and there is $6.89 billion in the downtown Raleigh development pipeline. 🏗️

Coming Soon

Local chef and restaurateur Scott Crawford has joined the lineup at Raleigh Iron Works. His newest restaurant, Brodeto, will explore the food, wine, cocktails, and culture of Italy and Croatia. The concept is expected to open in 2023. 🍽️ (Raleigh Magazine)

Closing

On Tuesday, Barrel Culture Brewing and Blending announced that both of its Raleigh and Durham locations are closing at the end of the year. The craft beer company opened in 2017 and was named one of the best new breweries by BeerAdvocate in 2018.

Concert

Greta Van Fleet announced it is bringing their Dreams In Gold Tour to PNC Arena on March 13, 2023. Tickets for the 2022 date will be honored, and some are still available to purchase ($44.50+). ✨

Drink

Three new winter drinks have debuted at Jubala Coffee. Stop by any of the three cafes to try the Tiramisu Coffee, Smoked Sea Salt Caramel Latte, or Peppermint Mocha (psst, it’s made with Videri dark chocolate). ☕

Outdoors

Have you seen or smelled smoke in the air in North Raleigh? It’s likely due to an unintentional fire that broke out at a Wake County landfill off Interstate 540 last Friday. Raleigh officials said that the now-contained flames are expected to be put out in the next day or so. (The News & Observer)

Seasonal

The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in Raleigh by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking holiday tic tac toe sets, personalized coloring books, and adult and child-size matching ear warmers. Get shopping.

Shop

If you work from home like us, you’ve likely become accustomed to having stiff muscles at the end of a workday due to prolonged sitting. Combat this with a little office upgrade — an electric standing desk paired with a sleek under desk treadmill. Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Free tool for finding (vetted) financial advisors 💰

SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area. | Photo provided by SmartAsset

This is not your dad’s financial planning service. Founded by a Princeton grad to disrupt the finance industry, SmartAsset is helping people plan for retirement with its free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: Right before Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of joining Chef Ashley Christensen in her kitchen to learn how to make Beasley’s iconic Pimento Mac and Cheese Custard. ICYMI, check out the recipe here. 🧀

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Make holiday plans with these 45+ winter events happening around Raleigh.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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