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94º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:39 a.m. | Sunset 7:56 p.m.

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🎤 We have no clue what will happen

The return of the Chicago/Raleigh Improv Festival

The Capital City Culture Club will perform at the festival. | Courtesy of ComedyWorx

More than 15 years ago, comedians from Raleigh and Chicago first gathered at ComedyWorx’s downtown theater to take the stage for a weekend of improvisation. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-standing Chicago/Raleigh Improv Festival is returning this spring.

“It’s almost like a new festival, because it’s in a new space [on Hillsborough Street] under new ownership, with a lot of new, very cool indie teams that started during the pandemic,” ComedyWorx long-form producer Adam Bakst told RALtoday.

From Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29, more than 16 long-form improv teams from the City of Oaks and Windy City will perform in six shows. Look out for groups like the Capital City Culture Club (who often bring out local celebrities), Mmm Hmm, and the Chicago/Raleigh Super Group.

Bonus: Bring your funniest (or weirdest) ideas, because teams will take suggestions from the audience.

“Everything is made up on the spot,” Adam said. “It’s never been done before and it will never be done again. Every show you see is a unique experience, only for the people in that room at that time.”

Additionally, comedians and improv coaches Joe Bill and Elizabeth Byland will lead three workshops, and Newt Work is hosting an improv jam on Saturday.

Come to watch, or come to join in. And definitely come to laugh. Browse all of the events and purchase tickets, including all-inclusive weekend passes, online. Tickets are expected to sell out, so don’t wait.

Can’t get enough of local comedy? Check out more places to catch a show in Raleigh.

Events

Monday, April 24

Bingo Night | Monday, Apr. 24 | 7-9 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel, 300 N. Dawson St., Raleigh | Free | Play Bingo on the patio to win prizes.

Tuesday, April 25

NC State Baseball vs. East Carolina | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Doak Field at Dail Park, 1081 Varsity Dr., Raleigh | $66-$166 | Cheer on the Wolfpack during ALS Awareness Night.

Wednesday, April 26

Acrylic Earring Workshop | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $49 | Learn how to craft and decorate earrings.
Discovering Ursula Parrott: An Evening with Marsha Gordon and Tift Merritt | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary | $4-$6 | Enjoy the launch of “Becoming the Ex-Wife: The Unconventional Life & Forgotten Writings of Ursula Parrott” with a screening of “The Divorcee” + a conversation with author Marsha Gordon and Tift Merritt.*

Thursday, April 27

Midtown Beach Music | Thursday, April 27 | Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park, 4011 Cardinal at N. Hills St., Raleigh | $5 | Bring a blanket or chair to listen to local party band The Catalinas perform.
Waverly Place Wine & Brew Walk | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 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 support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Plan a fun week in Raleigh

Click here to have your event featured.

Health

🗓️ Add to cal: Family-friendly health fair this Saturday

Raleighites can come out to the the Brier Creek Commons Clock Tower this Saturday for the Health Fair & Blood Drive. | Photo provided by Brier Creek Commons

Who says health fairs can’t be fun? In partnership with Kix 102.9 and Kix Cares, Brier Creek Commons is hosting the Brier Creek Health Fair and Blood Drive on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

The Blood Connection will have their mobile unit on site for pre-scheduled appointments + walk-ups until 2 p.m.

The event will also feature:

Music
Health-related community partners
Fitness demos + giveaways
An interactive hula hoop jam
Face painting for kids
And more*

Join the fun

News Notes

Open

Wake County ABC is now open in North Hills. The liquor store, located next to REI and the “Look for the Best in People” mural, is one of the Wake County Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s 25+ retail stores.

Coming Soon

Ten new dining concepts are coming soon to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at RDU. Among the upcoming dining options are Adios! by Oscar Diaz, Crawford’s Genuine by Scott Crawford, and Guy’s Pizza Joint by Guy Fieri. Check out the full list.

Sports

After last weekend’s games, the Carolina Hurricanes are up 3-1 against the New York Islanders in the first round of the NHL playoffs. Game 5 of the next-of-seven series is tomorrow, April 25 at 7 p.m. in PNC Arena. (The News & Observer)

Asked

“Please excuse our dazzling.” That’s a line still wowing us from our recent poetry contest. Be part of the judging panel and vote for your favorite poem. Fun fact: All the words in our finalists’ poems came from one of our newsletters.

Award

The Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center (think: local 911 professionals) was named the communication center of the year by the NC Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association. This top honor recognizes the center for its collaborative work, continuous learning and stewardship, and staff empowerment through training.

Featured Deal

Get out of your house and (co)work from downtown. The Loading Dock is offering 50% off your first month of coworking when you select one of the “Coworking Promos”. Not sure yet? Take a tour and receive a free day of coworking to try it out. Snag the deal.*

Drink

Hydration is key this time of year. Need to buy some water that will actually make you want to drink water? Meet Hint and use code 6AMCITY for over 45% off. (Hint: We love the Watermelon and Peach Raspberry flavors.)*

Travel

Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This romantic chateau in Nova Scotia is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.

Holiday

Get excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our online shop (Six & Main). Cheers with this Margarita Bundle from Simple Times Mixers, and treat your taste buds with Sobremesa, a small-batch mole and salsa company.

Outdoors

🎉 Let’s get wild

How to plan an event in a national park

Mountains in the distance that look blue, with two close up leafy plants in front.

Mount Pisgah might just take your breath away. | Photo by @gvl.girl

If you’re planning a party — be it a family reunion, a wedding, or just because — we’ve got an idea that’s a breath of fresh air. Why not give your guests a gorgeous view by hosting an event in a national park? Follow these guidelines to make party planning a walk in the park.

Pick a park

Whether you want a local favorite like the Blue Ridge Parkway or something a little more niche, there are 424 national parks to choose from.

Get a permit

Most parks require a permit for special events. Fill out the application well in advance to avoid any delays. Pro tip: Some parks grant a permit up to a year before the event.

Spread the word

If your festivities are open to the public, let the community know by submitting an event to our website. We’d be delighted to attend.

Party on

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Anne

From the editor

Anna Grace, the owner of Copperline Plant Co., saved my houseplant’s life last weekend. When I stopped in for the shop’s Earth Day sale, she gave me the best advice to help me rehabilitate my Bird of Paradise. Now, it’s looking better than ever (with way less root rot).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? The Triangle DEI Alliance is building a more inclusive community.

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