How to experience the Dreamville Festival without a ticket
This year’s Dreamville Festival is sold out. | Courtesy of Dreamville Festival
So you didn’t get tickets to J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival... you’re not alone. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to experience the music festival — happening this Saturday, April 1-Sunday, April 2 — without a ticket. Keep reading for four ways to join the fun for free.
Celebrate hip hop at CAM
Dreamville is hosting a free event at CAM Raleigh starting at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 31. “50 and Forever” will celebrate 50 years of hip hop, starting with a DJ 101 class followed by various panels featuring musicians like Ari Lennox and Timbaland.
Bump in the Warehouse District
Dreamville is hosting a free kick-off party on Friday, March 31 from 1-8 p.m. at 510 W. Martin St. The “Gold Mouf Garage” will feature DJs and live music outside of Raleigh Union Station. Bonus: There will be old school and European cars, food vendors, a bar, giveaways, and free haircuts by Vic Blends.
The festival’s concerts will be live-streamed starting at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Head to the Amazon Music channel on Twitch or Prime Video to watch artists like Usher, Drake, and our very own J. Cole perform live in Raleigh.
Pro tip: If you’re still determined to find festival tickets, visit Dreamville’s verified ticketing exchange. If you’ve already secured tickets, we hope you have the best time. Psst... don’t forget to send us photos of your festival weekend.
Events
Thursday, March 30
Wine & Brew Walk Benefiting Kay Yow Cancer Fund | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 5-8 p.m. | Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary | $25 | Sip red, white, and sparkling wines plus craft beers as you stroll, shop, and save
Better Days Live Music Series | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 6-8 p.m. | Hartwell Raleigh, 620 W. South St., Raleigh | Free | Grab dinner from Resident Oven Pizza and listen to J Candeed and Jake Potter perform with Clay Conner on the roof.
Friday, March 31
Hip Hop is Higher Ed Synposium | Friday, Mar. 31 | 4-9 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | $18 | This conference-style event features academic sessions, art, performances, and dialogue to explore the connection hip hop shares with education and the community.
Sensory-Friendly Touch-A-Truck Event | Friday, Mar. 31 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | 15501 Weston Pkwy., Ste. 150, Cary | Free | Bierman Autism Centers is hosting this event featuring the Cary Fire Department’s truck, face painting, food, and games.
Saturday, April 1
Barks and Blooms Shopping Pawty | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Saving Grace Supply Co, 4016 Durham Rd., Raleigh | Free | Find great gifts for your favorite pooch and meet dogs looking for homes.
Tacos ‘N Taps Festival | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 12-5 p.m. | Koka Booth Ampitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $39-$75 | Taste more than 60 craft beers, mezcals, margaritas, and tequilas + 30 different types of tacos.
See the historic and iconic architecture and garden landscapes of King Street, East Battery, South Battery, and the historic Ansonborough neighborhood to experience the charm of the city. | Photo provided by Historic Charleston Foundation
Ready for a getaway, Raleigh? While we love spending the spring season in our city, we do enjoy a springtime getaway. Enter: Charleston, SC — and there’s no better time for a Charleston trip than during the Festival of Houses & Gardens.
Did you know? This festival is the longest and largest Festival of Houses and Gardens on the East Coast. It’s happening now-April 16, which means there’s plenty of time to explore while enjoying Live Like a Local events that highlight Charleston’s culture, music, art, and more.
Luxury condominiums are going up in the Village District. Lambert Development is planning 53 luxury units for a five-story building at 101 Enterprise St. Reservations are open for the condos, with prices ranging from $500,000 to more than $1 million. Construction is slated to begin in the next six to 12 months. (Triangle Business Journal)
Several noticeable changes are coming soon to downtown. The Capitol Building’s blue copper dome and roof are set to be replaced this year, turning it the color of a penny. Additionally, the Bath Building and Administration Building are slated for demolition. (The News & Observer)
Community
The deadline to apply to be a Moore Square Market vendor is this Friday, March 31. Local farmers, artists, crafters, and other makers based within 90 miles of Downtown Raleigh are eligible. The 2023 season begins Sunday, May 14.
Award
Triangle Business Journal is hosting its 23rd annual 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards, honoring the Triangle’s brightest, most promising young business people under the age of 40. The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, April 24.
Biz
PNC Arena will keep its name for at least two more years. The Centennial Authority, which owns and oversees the arena, and PNC Bank agreed to a naming rights extension Wednesday. (The News & Observer)
If you need lunch plans, celebrate the DRA’s Sandwich Week by grabbing a sandwich from a downtown spot. Today’s highlighted biz: Clouds Brewing, where you can get a caprese or brisket flatbread. Offline members who were matched here got $15 off dinner or $10 off brunch. Sign up for Offline with code RALTODAY.
The Buy
“I have used these for about a month and half now and see a significant change in my skin. These are wonderful for more than just some ‘mild’ resurfacing.” - A glowing rec for the Skin by Synergy™ Resurfacing Pads from a fellow Raleighite. Pro tip:Get 10% off when you subscribe.*
Shop
If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris like it used to, it may be time for a new one. This handheld Shark vacuum is lightweight, cordless, and highly rated on Amazon. Or splurge on the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum that sucks up particles as small as allergens and bacteria.
Are your kids ready for springtime family photos? Our online store (Six & Main) features Ducks and Drakes, a children’s clothing company with tall kids at the heart of its style and designs. Shop the perfect fit now.
Play
👀 Is that J. Cole?
20 colorful murals to see around Raleigh
J. Cole is featured in “The Mount Rapmore of the 2010s” mural. | Photo by RALtoday
Brushes up. Raleigh’s wide array of murals showcases some of the most talented local artists in our region. Here are a few must-see picks.
“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.
Inspired by Mt. Rushmore, this piece honors modern rap legends. Yes, that’s local star J. Cole alongside Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Kendrick Lamar.
“What Lifts You,” 4208 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh | By Kelsey Montague
Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of this interactive and Instagramable mural. Kelsey’s wings, which are a part of her #WhatLiftsYou campaign, can also be found at Cary’s Fenton.
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