The essentials

The ultimate Raleighite initiation

• Beginner Calligraphy | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, 201 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh | $70 | Sip & Script will lead this pretty lettering class — a beginner’s calligraphy kit is included in the price.

• National Puppy Day & Movie Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Bring your furry friend to shop from pet-themed vendors, enter your pup in dog contests to win prizes, and watch “Best in Show” at 7 p.m. on the lawn.
• Beyoncé Night - A Beyoncé Inspired Dance Party | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 10 p.m. | Tin Roof, 300 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Don’t miss this dance party featuring Queen Bey’s tunes.

• The Petty Thieves: A Tribute to Tom Petty | Friday, Mar. 24 | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh | $10-$12 | Listen to this band play Tom Petty favorites.

• Marchtoberfest | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 2-9 p.m. | Clouds Brewing, 1233 Front St., Raleigh | $10-$15 | Celebrate the brewery’s anniversary with traditional German music, a tapping-of-the-keg ceremony, and stein holding contests.
• Yoga Event Celebrating lululemon’s Grand Opening | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 9:15-10 a.m. | Crabtree, Center Court, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Athletes and beginners alike can join Crabtree and lululemon for a free yoga event in Crabtree’s Center Court — Registration at lululemon is required.*

• Jazz Brunch with Aaron McCoy | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | $15-$20 | Grab brunch and head to The Ballroom for a performance by an esteemed saxophonist who’s performed with acts like Mary J. Blige.
• Raleigh Night Market | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 1-5 p.m. | City Market, 306 Parham St., Raleigh | Free | Shop locally-made goods and enjoy live music and bites from food trucks.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 5 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $108-$400 | Watch the Canes play as they honor their heritage on Whalers Night.

• 59º | Cloudy | 20% chance of rain

• On Thursday, March 23, GoTriangle and Triangle Family Services are hosting an open conversation to help community members better understand and assist riders who may be experiencing homelessness. Learn about best practices through presentations, resources, and discussions from 8-10 a.m. at the GoTriangle Plaza Building in Durham.

• The Wake County Public School System is considering breaking the NC school calendar law to start classes in early August. Yesterday, administrators presented two options to the school board. One option would follow the calendar law and begin on August 27 and the alternative would begin on August 7. The official vote will happen on Tuesday, April 11. (The News & Observer)

• NC State football will face the University of Tennessee in the Duke Mayo Classic on September 7, 2024. The game will be played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Ticket information has not yet been announced.

• Glasshouse Kitchen is hosting a conversation with local hospitality industry leaders on Monday, March 27. The Allyship in Hospitality event will feature leaders such as Ashley Christensen, Paula De Pano, and Angela Salamanca, and highlight how allyship plays a unique role in hospitality. Tickets are $45-$55 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket.

• Theatre Raleigh revealed a signature cocktail lineup for its 2023 Main Stage season. Each show will feature a playful cocktail like the Walk Like a Manhattan, a bourbon drink inspired by the showing of “Jersey Boys” from April 5-23.

• This evening marks the start of Ramadan, a month of reflection and fasting in Islam. Observe and learn more by visiting the Islamic Association of Raleigh’s website. We wish you all a peaceful month, and we’ll see you on Eid al-Fitr starting Friday, April 21.

• Time to spring clean those closets, Raleigh. Merz Aesthetics and Dress for Success Triangle are collecting gently used purses + professional bags at the Dress for Success Confidence Boutique at WakeMed Stadium this Saturday, March 25 at 12:30 p.m. Bonus: Get discounted tickets for the NC Courage home opener.*

• Springtime allergies got you so stuffed you can’t see straight? Hydrate Medical’s IV hydration therapy can help you recover from whatever has got you feeling less than 100% (think: jet lag, migraines, allergies, the flu.) Bonus: First-timers can score their First Drip for $89. See how Branded Copywriter Garcelle’s first treatment went.*

• Recruiting is hard. It’s even harder if you’re unfamiliar with today’s complex job market. Our advice? Get access to full-cycle recruiting services to help attract, find + hire top talent that’s needed to stay competitive as part of ExtensisHR’s PEO (read: professional employer organization) solution.*

• ICYMI, Lululemon at Crabtree expanded its upscale apparel, yoga + fitness lineup at Crabtree and opened a new permanent location last Friday, March 17. The Crabtree store evolved from a pop-up to its permanent location near the main entrance off Glenwood Ave. on the Upper Level and features technical athletic apparel.*

• Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, this wipeable tablecloth is just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.

• Raleigh Arbor Day Festival | Saturday, March 25 | 12-4 p.m. | John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh | Free | Support trees and the natural environment at this event featuring live music, food trucks, trivia, and free trees.
• Spring Festival | Saturday, March 25 | 2-6 p.m. | Brookside Bodega, 1000 Brookside Dr., Raleigh | Free | This neighborhood block party by Brookside Bodega + The Optimist will include beer from Trophy Brewing, live music, local vendors, games, and food trucks.
• The NC ‘Cuegrass Festival | Saturday, April 15 | 12-6 p.m. | Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Free | Join this celebration of all things beer and banjos.
• Brewgaloo | Friday, April 21-Saturday, April 22 | Times vary | Beer tickets start at $30 | Craft beer from 100+ breweries will be flowing over two days.
• Artsplosure | Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21 | Times vary | Free | Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Enjoy this art festival featuring an art market with approx. 175 juried visual artists, live music, installations, and arts and crafts.