City Editor Anne here. 🍹 If you’re forgoing alcohol this month, I recommend stopping by Umbrella Dry Bar’spop up this Friday — they’ll be pouring “That Sober Glow” in City Plaza from 5-8 p.m. Then on Saturday, up your alcohol-free skills during a mocktail mixing class at Current Wellness from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cheers to the weekend.
Looking to make more fun plans? Check out nine additional events below, happening from Friday, Jan. 6 to Sunday, Jan. 8.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Friday, Jan. 6
First Friday | Friday, Jan. 6 | 5:30 p.m. | City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Head downtown for First Friday celebrations featuring free outdoor group fitness classes, a walking route through art installations, non-alcoholic cocktails, and more.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival | Friday, Jan. 6-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 6-10 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphiteatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $11-$35 | It’s the last weekend to see this collection of 40+ displays, all crafted by Chinese artisans and comprised of hundreds of parts and thousands of lights.
Special Event: Donnell Rawlings | Friday, Jan. 6-Saturday, Jan. 7 | Times vary | Goodnights Pop-Up Club, 511 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $28-$40 | Laugh out loud with this comedian recognized for his sketches as Ashy Larry on “Chappelle’s Show.”
Saturday, Jan. 7
Winter Wedding Show | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Jim Graham Building, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $15-$60 | Plan your wedding with help from local professionals, watch a runway fashion show, and explore displays featuring popular trends.
Voices of the Carolinas Opening Ceremony | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | The Chapel at Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | Free | This curated, month-long exhibition by the Raleigh Film and Art Festival showcases unique artistic expressions from across North Carolina.
North Carolina Symphony - Beethoven Lives Upstairs | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 4 p.m. | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $29 | Explore the world of Ludwig van Beethoven with music from his greatest works.
7th Anniversary Party & Bonfire | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 12-8 p.m. | Oak City Brewing Company, 616 N. First Ave., Knightdale | Free | Celebrate the brewery with glassware giveaways, beer releases, a giant bonfire, live music, and food trucks.
Sunday, Jan. 8
Pride Flow | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Current Wellness, 219 S. East St., Raleigh | Free | Join this yoga class to support the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
Plant Sale | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 1-3 p.m. | The Optimist, 100 Brookside Dr., Raleigh | Free | Shop unique plants from Dirtbag Gardens and bring plants to swap with other shoppers.
Craving an espresso martini? Swap it out with the Everything Nice mocktail.
Photo courtesy of The Willard
Opening
New year, new restaurants. Check out our running list of eateries opening in Raleigh this month. 🍴
Outdoors
In case you missed it, 2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC. This campaign celebrates our state’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways. Learn more and participate in Raleigh. 🥾
Drink
Who said alcohol-free drinks have to be boring? We rounded up 5+ bars around the City of Oaks that serve delicious mocktails.
GREAT ESCAPES
Our guide to Hollywood, CA
Great Escapes: Our guide to Hollywood, CA
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is a must-see landmark in Hollywood. | Photo by 6AM City
Need a getaway in the new year? Plan a trek to Hollywood, CA — the famous hub for creatives and entertainment fanatics alike. From the iconic Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Walk of Fame, to the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater, there’s so much to see in Tinseltown. It’s showtime. 🎬
Outdoors: Gaze at the iconic Hollywood Sign from various vantage points — like the 3-mile loop along the Hollywood Reservoir — or use these trails to hike to it, including Mt. Hollywood Trail.
Tickets: Try to attend a live taping to experience true Hollywood magic. You can sign up for free tickets to TV shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” at El Capital Theater or “America’s Got Talent” at Dolby Theatre.
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
SHOP
Travel
How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to St. Croix). 🌴*
Wellness
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.*
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