Plus, last-minute date ideas.
 
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Today’s Forecast

58º | Clear, periodic clouds | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 5:54 p.m.

 

🫂 You’ve got a friend in Raleigh

How to make friends in Raleigh

Players high five after knocking down a Kubb.
Raleigh Kubb was established in 2018 and has been growing ever since. | Photo by RALtoday
Let’s be real: making friends can be hard. Connect with other Raleighites who have similar interests with these groups ranging from silent book clubs, niche sports, and networking. Read on to learn how to make friends in Raleigh.

For the explorers + adventurous types

Raleigh Kubb | Various dates in warmer months | This Scandinavian lawn game is easy to pick up and almost always ends in a round of beers.

Raleigh Revelers | Various dates | This group is for those 25 to 45 looking for all sorts of fun around the 919. Join other bold Raleighites for game nights, escape rooms, pottery painting, and plenty more.

Women of the Triangle Hiking Club | Various dates | Besides offering multiple hikes per week of varying difficulty + terrain, this group for women also holds monthly social events to connect with those you’re hiking alongside.

Bonus: Explore the City of Oaks’ beer + wine scene with eight groups dedicated to the best bevs in the city.

For the bookworms

The owners of Blackbird Books & Coffee in front of their new shop.

Say “hi” to these friendly faces during Silent Book Club.

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Photo by RALtoday

Silent Book Club at Blackbird Books & Coffee | Every second Friday, 5-7 p.m. | Bring whatever is at the top of your to-be-read shelf — or pick something new — and join others in a silent gathering of reading as part of the international Silent Book Club phenomenon.

Quail Ridge Books book clubs | Various dates | With 18 clubs to choose from, you’re sure to find the right group + selection of books for you. We’re eyeing contemporary fiction, the Saturday morning club, and Quails From the Crypt.

Read up on a dozen more book clubs.

For making new girlfriends

Crowded Table_Kaftans and Cocktails_Sandra Davidson-49 copy

The Crowded Table Club is just one way to make friends with other women in Raleigh.

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Photo by Sandra Katharine Davidson

The Crowded Table Club | Monthly events | This group hosts events for women to connect + make new friends in the area — always with a fun theme and activity.

The Raleigh Girls Club | Monthly events | Join this group for charitable events around the 919 while making lifelong friends.

For the business professionals

Check out our list of 10 groups to mingle + network with other folks in your industry, and maybe make a few pals along the way.
 
Events
Tuesday, Feb. 13
  • Raleigh Girls Club Galentine’s Party | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 6-10 p.m. | Devolve, 304 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $10 | Shop local vendors, dance to girl power anthems, and support charity Mobilizing African American Mothers through Empowerment at this lively + loving party.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
  • Swift Me Away: A Taylor Swift V-Day Dance Party | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh | $13-$18 | Swifties, jam to Taylor in your most bejeweled fit.
  • Drew Morgan | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary | $25-$75 | Laugh along with this stand-up comedian.
Thursday, Feb. 15
  • Tarot & Toast | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Unlikely Professionals, 212 E. Franklin St., Raleigh | $30 | Have your tarot read and enjoy free wine samples at this monthly event.
Friday, Feb. 16
  • NC State Softball vs. North Dakota State | Friday, Feb. 16 | 2-4 p.m. | Dail Softball Stadium, 2007 Cates Ave., Raleigh | $3-$7 | Join the Wolfpack for its first home games of the season with a double header against North Dakota State and Campbell.
  • Haha Happy Hour | Friday, Feb. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Pine State Public House, 410 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 300, Raleigh | $5-$10 | Comics from around the country will come to make you laugh.
  • Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour | Friday, Feb. 16 | 8 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $33-$250 | This legendary comedian will take the stage in Raleigh.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Arts

Celebrating 10 years of Art in Bloom, presented by PNC

A flower display during Art in Bloom at the NCMA.
Proceeds from Art in Bloom help fund future programming + exhibitions. | Photo provided by the North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art’s annual flower festival, Art in Bloom, Presented by PNC, returns Wednesday, March 13-Sunday, March 17.

The tenth edition of this highly-anticipated fundraising event features stunning floral creations by local, regional, and national designers inspired by the People’s Collection.

In addition to showcasing the decked-out art galleries, the museum is hosting a variety of floral-themed events like afternoon tea, workshops, and demonstrations. Plus, there’s limited-edition Museum Store merch.
Snag tickets soon (they always sell out)
News Notes
Development
  • A Durham developer purchased the remaining lots for a new 12-story building in the Warehouse District near Sam Jones BBQ. This development’s site plans show 298 residential units and 8,000 sqft of first-level retail — no timeline for this project yet. (Triangle Business Journal)
Announced
  • The MAKRS Society will start a new foodie + artisan market at Raleigh Iron Works on the first Saturday of each month starting in March called The Raleigh Foodie Fare. We’re excited for a mini food truck rodeo and local vendors in this blossoming area.
Try This
  • Get ready to refresh your home at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show this week at the Raleigh Convention Center. Friday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 18, speak with over 200 exhibitors and hear from Clint Harp from the Magnolia Network.
Cause
  • Lace up for Second Chance Pet Adoptions’ Racing for Rescues on May 5 in Holly Springs. Register to race the 5K with or without your pup and shop a local vendor village.
Coming Soon
  • Raleigh Parks will hold a public open house on March 2 to showcase current plans for Smoky Hollow Park at 1014 N. West St. near Layered Croissanterie. Attendees can also speak with city staff about the project and survey the future passive park.
Trending
Giveaway
  • May the luck of the Highlands smile upon you. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Highland Brewing is giving away a $900 Gaelic prize package that includes camping supplies, a Highland hammock, a voucher for “Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins” + more. Enter for free right here.*
Eat
  • Love is in the air at Brier Creek Commons. From a Galentine’s Day Hot Chocolate Social and Heart-Shaped Alfajores to a 4-course Valentine’s Day Menu, there’s plenty to enjoy tonight and tomorrow. See the full breakdown of holiday events.*
Shop
  • No need to guess – a massage is always a Valentine’s Day gift success. Through tomorrow, Feb. 14, snag a $100 gift card at The NOW Massage in Midtown and enjoy a $20 promotional card for custom massage enhancements or future self-care sessions. Details this way.*
Open
  • Brahmin’s Triangle debut. The luxury handbag and leather goods designer recently opened a new fashion-forward boutique at Crabtree, just its seventh location in the US. The 1,200-square-foot includes opulent fixtures + lavish accents. Stop by and see for yourself.*
Holiday
 
Plan Ahead

💘 It’s never too late...

Date night ideas for every type of Raleighite

A comedy club.
Laugh with your partner or date at a local stand-up show. | Photo by RALtoday
We hope you didn’t forget that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Of course, you’d never miss planning a date for your beau... but your secret’s safe with us if you did. These ideas don’t require a reservation or still have tickets available.

Prove your sense of humor with a trip to Goodnights Comedy Club for a stand-up show from local and national comedians — a couple’s package for Wednesday’s show includes two seats, champagne, dessert, and prime seating.

You can’t go wrong with a pizza date. With over 40 pie places waiting for you, we’re sure you can find one with toppings you both agree on.

Want an excuse to sit and talk? Grab a drink + app while waiting for a table at the reservation-free Stanbury. This menu is ever-changing, so make it a regular spot for a variety of food.

Rent a bike or scooter and roll through downtown in style — maybe take our art tour while you’re at it.
Date ideas all 365 days of the year
The Buy

The Buy 2.13.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This margarita mixers bundle, since National Margarita Day is coming up on Thursday, February 22 and we’re trying to be as prepared as possible, thank you very much. Get four margarita flavors to play with including “Simple Margarita” and “Blood Orange Margarita.”
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The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof

Today’s edition by:
Allie

From the editor
If you haven’t made your way to the new Downtown Cary Park, you’re missing out. This park, especially the dog park and Bark Bar, is a game changer. Plus, head there tomorrow for a romantic V-Day event with jazz, food trucks, and couples crafts.
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