Raleigh, you’re a work of art 🎨

20 colorful murals to see around Raleigh

A colorful mural with a child holding a letter.

“Parks for the People” is next to The Roast Grill. | Photo by Gabriel Eng-Goetz

We all know that Raleigh has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about CAM or the NCMA. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Raleigh itself.

The City of Oaks is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find murals that really paint a picture of our city.

“From the Ashes,” 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | By Taylor White

Look up to see this mural — it’s wrapped around The Willard Rooftop Lounge (and can be spotted from the street below). The piece was inspired by the botanical collection of the late William Willard Ashe, a forester, botanist, and UNC graduate who grew up in a home behind the hotel.

"Look for the Best in People" mural in North Hills. — Find this mural near REI and a soon-to-be ABC store. | Photo by RALtoday

"Look for the Best in People,” 4261 The Circle at North Hills St., Raleigh | By Shannon Snow

This is Georgia-based artist Shannon Snow’s first mural. It took three days to create this bright pop of positivity between the Bank of America and REI in North Hills.

“Parks for the People,” 415 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | By Gabriel Eng-Goetz

Painted in 2022, this mural was inspired by Dorothea Dix Park to encourage viewers to reflect on the park’s past while also looking toward its future. The imagery tells the story of emancipation, mental health, and Indigenous people in the park and features Dix’s signature sunflowers and ginko tree.

The Sir Walter mural inside The Casso hotel. — Find this piece in the lobby of The Casso. | Photo by RALtoday

"Sir Walter,” 603 W. Morgan St., Raleigh | By Spence Townsend

This moody mural, completed in 2020, is tucked away inside the lobby of The Casso hotel. It features the City of Oaks’ namesake, Sir Walter Raleigh.

“Spill,” 524 N. West St., Raleigh | By Maya Freelon, Artie Barksdale, and Jay Coachman

This interpretive mural, inspired by Maya Freelon’s original artwork of the same name, was unveiled in September 2022. You can find it in Smoky Hollow across from Midwood Smokehouse.

Click below to discover more local murals.

10 MORE MURALS

A new mural has just been commissioned by the city, and you’ve been chosen as the artist. You:

A. Panic — I can’t draw for my life
B. Use this opportunity to paint a giant portrait of your family pet
C. Pass off the project to your favorite local artist
D. Roll up your sleeves and get to work on your dream mural

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, March 1

Stargazing at The Willard Rooftop | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Grab a cocktail from the bar and take in starry skies with the Raleigh Astronomy Club; Venus and Jupiter might be visible.

Thursday, March 2

Lunchtime Trivia | Thursday, March 2 | 12:15-12:45 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Quench your mid-day thirst for knowledge with a bite-sized trivia game and a chance to win prizes.
Wine 101 Classified “R” | Thursday, Mar. 2 | 6:30-8:15 p.m. | Vitis House inside Loading Dock Raleigh, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | $99 | Learn the basics of wine history, wine production, and the main grape varietals, and taste rare wines during this beginner-friendly class.

Friday, March 3

First Friday at GLOW | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | GLOW Fitness, 1924 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | Free | Support local artists at this market-style event featuring vendors and open mic performances.
Spring Plant Sale | Friday, March 3-Saturday, March 18 | Times vary | Homewood Nursery & Garden Center, 10809 Honeycutt Rd., Raleigh | Free | Get 25% off all shrubs, trees, and perennials during the Spring Plant Sale, where sales staff can help you pick the right plants for your landscape.*

Saturday, March 4

Black History Day Trip to DC | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. | Pick up in Raleigh | $108-$136 | Join the RDU Chapter of the NBMBAA to tour the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

Sunday, March 5

Neptunes Comedy | Sunday, Mar. 5 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Neptunes Parlour, 14 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $10-$15 | Local comedians Jordan Huggins and Spencer Bland host this stand-up show featuring local comics.

Plan Ahead

In Her Shoes- Lunch & Learn Panel Discussion with Dress for Success | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | City Club Raleigh, 150 Fayetteville St., Ste. 2800, Raleigh | $65 | On International Women’s Day, hear from Sonal Patel, Tarkisha Poole, Judith Street, and Sophie McMillian on the pivotal moments, unexpected twists and turns, and sisterhood that sustains them.*

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

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Weather

75º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of rain ⛅

Opening

East End Bistrot, located in the East End Market development, near Dock 1053, is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, March 7. This Giorgios Hospitality Group concept is a French bistro and will feature in-house butcher, raw bar, and seafood selections. Make a reservation. 🍽️

Community

Heads up: Your water may soon taste a little different. Starting today, March 1 through Tuesday, April 11, Raleigh Water will switch to chlorine-only water. If you detect a slight chlorine taste and odor, or even discoloration, that’s normal. 🚰

Eat

Compass Rose Brewery is opening its new kitchen on Friday, March 3, starting at 1 p.m. Come to the celebration for live music, drink specials, and lots of food. Arrive early for freebies like coupons and T-shirts. 🍻

Concert

Grammy Award-winner Jacob Collier is bringing the Djesse World Tour to the NCMA’s Theater in the Museum Park on Tuesday, June 13. The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is known for songs like “Never Gonna Be Alone” and “All I Need.” Tickets go on sale Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. 🎶

Active

Yoga in the Park returns to Flowers Field at Dix Park on Monday, March 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. This weekly, outdoor flow is free and registration is encouraged. Psst... bring a yoga mat and water. 🧘

Shop

On Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fayetteville Street will be lined with 100+ vendors for the Ma & Pa Market. This event, curated by The MAKRS Society, will also have food trucks, drinks, live music, and family activities. 🛍️
What we’re eyeing: Zulily’s sneaker shop and some fresh kicks for spring. Shop street styles from Nike, versatile New Balance picks, or fashionable Tory Burch sneakers all on sale now. 👟*

Award

On Monday, the NC Restaurant & Lodging Association celebrated its 2023 Stars of the Industry. Chef Scott Crawford was named Restaurateur of the Year and Steve Thanhauser and Van Eure of Angus Barn were recognized for their service to the community. See the full list of winners.

Travel

What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*

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Dreamville Fest’s star-studded lineup 🎶

Dreamville Fest’s star-studded lineup

Dreamville Festival has rocked Dorothea Dix Park since 2019. | Photo by Julian Bajsel via Dreamville Festival

Dreamville Fest — one of the largest artist-run festivals in the US — announced its 2023 lineup. World-famous hip-hop and R&B artists J. Cole, Drake, and Usher will headline the third-annual music festival April 1-2 in Dix Park.

Other performers include Burna Boy, Lil Durk, Sean Paul, Waka Flocka Flame, Summer Walker, and Earthgang. See this year’s full lineup of 25+ musicians.

Fayetteville native and hip-hop superstar J. Cole launched the annual spring festival in 2018, but it was postponed a year due to Hurricane Florence. After dubbing itself “the world’s most resilient festival,” the festival returned in 2022 after being pushed back twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately 80,000 people attended last year’s event, which featured artists like Kehlani, Wiz Khalifa, T-Pain, and Lil Wayne. The event generated $6.7 million in direct economic impact to Wake County, according to the DRA.

Two-day tickets start at $250, plus fees.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: Cooking for the Kids is in full swing and Cat and I had the pleasure of attending Round One last night. Chefs Kyle Fletcher of Bodega Tapas and David Mitchell of Plates Kitchen brought the heat to raise money for Overflowing Hands. Attend the next match-up. 🔪

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We have the latest Seaboard Station updates.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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