What’s your favorite coffee shop in the City of Oaks? | Graphic by 6AM City
With the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments just around the corner, we’re joining the fun of bracket competitions with a faceoff of our own with our RALtoday coffee shop bracket.
But first, we need your help nominating the spots you think should be in the bracket.
Using the nomination form below, submit the local spot that has your favorite cup of joe, and we’ll use your nominations to create a bracket and battle it out in our newsletter and on socials.
Need help brainstorming? Check out our coffee shops guide to get started.
Cooking for the Kids | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | Times vary | 1705 East, 1705 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh | $100-$150 | This cooking competition features premier chefs competing against each other, there will be six delectable courses to vote on, with proceeds going to Overflowing Hands — use code RALtoday for $25 off.
Mountainfilm + Fly Fishing Film Tour | Wednesday, Feb. 28-Thursday, Feb. 29 | Times vary | The Rialto Theatre, 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $20-$35 | Great Outdoor Provision Co. and Chair 8 are hosting this two-night fest featuring films that connect the audience with the great outdoors.
Thursday, Feb. 29
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin: The Trilogy Tour | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $55-$595 | You’ll be livin’ la vida loca during this electric performance featuring three pop stars.
Exhibition Opening Reception: To Take Shape and Meaning | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 7-9:30 p.m. | NC Museum of Art, East Building, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh | $20-$25 | View works by 75 Indigenous artists from over 50 tribes, including eight from NC, and have the chance to meet guest curator Nancy Strickland Fields.
Friday, March 1
Sheryl Underwood | Friday, March 1-Saturday, March 2 | Times vary | Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary | $55-$118 | Laugh along with this comedian best known as the co-host of the Emmy award-winning CBS show “The Talk.”
Saturday, March 2
HIGHVIBE — Dance party + wellness event | Saturday, March 2 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | CAM Raleigh, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $45-$50 | Immerse yourself in this rejuvenating wellness experiences — dance, drink NA Umbrella Dry Bardrinks, snack on good eats, and leave with good energy.
Raleigh Foodie Fare | Saturday, March 2, Saturday, April 6 | Times vary | Raleigh Iron Works, 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | Free | Show up hungry to this mini food truck rodeo featuring food + art vendors, drinks, live music, and more.
Sunday, March 3
Neptunes Comedy | Sunday, March 3 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Neptunes Parlour, 514 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $5 | Head to this basement bar for a hilarious comedian lineup.
Second chance for WCPSS Magnet Schools: Apply March 4-15
Contact the Magnet office to see which schools have priority seats available. | Photo of Smith Magnet Elementary provided by Wake County Public School System
With 61 schools offering diverse themes like STEM, arts, global studies, language immersion, and more, WCPSS Magnet School programs are tailored to students strengths and interests while providing a framework for well-rounded, critically-thinking students.
As a result, this award-winning program (as in a record-breaking number of awards) develops above-average students prepared to succeed in a changing world.
💻 Second chance to apply
If you missed the initial 2024-25 application deadline in January, there’s still time to secure a spot. Families can submit transfer requests during the Transfer Period of March 4-15 — available for select schools that have priority seats available for Fall enrollment.
Don’t missthis reopened door, RAL parents. To see the list of schools with open seats and initiate a transfer request, contact the Office of Magnet and Curriculum Enhancement Programs at magnetcenter@wcpss.net.
Boxyard RTP recently welcomed its newest tenant, New Wave Capitol Suites, a full-service barber lounge, and the third cohort of PopBox grant recipients. The PopBox program is a group of rotating pop-up-style 320-sqft spaces inside Boxyard RTP — new residents include a florist, jewelry maker, and secondhand shop.
Community
Dix Park is hosting its fourth annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow on Saturday, May 18, and is seeking native competitors for the Tribal Dance Competition. The all-day event will bring together members of NC tribes to experience competitive dancing, music, food, and vendors. Interested dance participants can enter on-site from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Seasonal
Southern Picnics is setting the scene — meet the luxe event planning company at Dix Park’s Flowers Field this Saturday, March 2 for a daffodil photoshoot. From 1 to 3 p.m., take your own photos or bring a photographer to snap shots in front of a vintage picnic setup surrounded by yellow flowers + the Raleigh skyline.
Kids
Swing by Fred Fletcher Park with your kiddo on Saturday, March 16 for a children’s book + art festival. Participate in author and illustration workshops, performances, art installations, crafts, and more at this outdoor family celebration.
Sports
On March 30, baseball advocacy group MLB Raleigh is throwing an Opening Day party at Trophy on Maywood. There will be specialty merch available, beer flowing, food from Longleaf Swine, and sweets by Two Roosters Ice Cream.
Shows
DPAC announced eight new productions for its Broadway 2024-25 Season, beginning Sept. 3 with “Clue.” Among the impressive musical lineup is "& Juliet,” “Shucked,” and “Back to the Future.” Individual show tickets will go on sale later this year.
Asked
Here’s your chance to hear from a certified industry professional on all things beauty and aesthetics. From sun damage and skin tightening to laser resurfacing and injectables, nothing is off limits. Reader’s top questions will be featured in an upcoming Q + A with Synergy Face + Body CEO Anna Churchill.*
Plan Ahead
Give your next destination meeting a touch of magic at Graylyn Estate + Conference Center. This historic backdrop on 55 idyllic acres provides everything you need to maximize your team’s productivity, from modern conference areas and Chef-curated dining to professionally led team-building activities. See the space + start planning.*
The Number
$9,000. That’s how much eligible Duke Energy customers can receive in rebates when they install a home solar + battery system. Pair that with the existing Federal Tax Credit, and you can save more than 50% of the total system cost. Get a Free Solar + Battery Assessment today.*
Finance
Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate monthly payments.*
Try This
💚 Here’s to local women-owned businesses
Kick off Women’s History Month with Feminist First Friday
Visit Moore Square to show your support for local women-owned businesses. | Photo by RALtoday
Women’s History Month begins this Friday, March 1 — the Downtown Raleigh Alliance is celebrating with a packed Feminist First Friday lineup.
From 5 to 8 p.m., the Moore Square event will highlight women-owned businesses in our community featuring sips from The Hippo Wine Bar, bites by Golden K Dog + The Kupkake Fairy, and fun activities.
Celebrants are welcome to get crafty and participate in an interactive art installation with Artspace, put on thinking caps for an educational activity with Marbles Kids Museum, and shop from nearly 20 local women-owned businesses like TG Floristry + Sarah Rosa Glickman Art.
Make sure to dress sharp — there will also be free professional headshots available with five minute hair + makeup touch-upscourtesy of Hightide Salon.
Plus, help our neighbors in need by bringing brand new clothing and sanitary supplies to donate to local nonprofit No Woman, No Girl.
Your must-have Stanley Quencher accessory (yes, water bottle accessories are a thing). There are straw cover caps, personalized name plates, water bottle carrier bags, and even a snack bowl that fits around your Stanley.
Last weekend, I attended my first Adult Nights at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. The theme was Taylor’s Version, and everything was clearly executed by a mastermind. This adults-only event featured Taylor Swift-themed activities, science experiments, snake interactions, and bejeweled cocktails — the museum hosts a slew of different themed 21+ nights throughout the year.
I’ll be patiently waiting until the next Adult Nights announcement is made.
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