Nairobi is home to the Nairobi National Park, which is inhabited by animals like zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and baboons. | Photo by Alexmbogo via Wikimedia Commons
Raleigh really knows how to put the all in y’all. Since 1986, the city has been affiliated with Sister Cities International, an organization that connects cities with one another to create global partnerships and promote peace.
What are sister cities? They’re municipalities that partner with each other in order to promote human connection, mutual respect, cross-cultural contact, understanding, and cooperation. Sister cities often engage with each other across activities and programs, including those related to healthcare, business, education + the arts. Read up on Raleigh’s sister cities below.
Kingston-upon-hull, England (Partnered in 1986)
A longtime British supply base + port, this city is located on the River Hull in Yorkshire, about midway between London and Edinburgh, Scotland in the UK. Hull (as it’s often called) is home to the Queen’s Gardens and has partnered with Raleigh for visual arts and agriculture exchanges, beer collaborations, and Guy Fawkes night celebrations.
Compiegne Park is named in honor of the Raleigh sister city partnership with Compiègne, France.
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Photo provided by City of Raleigh
Nairobi, Kenya (Partnered in 2012)
Known as the capital and the largest city in Kenya, Nairobi has dense tree cover, parks + green spaces, not unlike Raleigh. The National Museums of Kenya have collaborated with with NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and the partnership also creates a lot of engagement with the large Kenyan population in the Triangle.
The Rock of Gibraltar stands ~1,400 ft tall and is made of limestone.
This British Overseas Territory is located on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula. Because of its “commanding position at the western gateway to the Mediterranean Sea,” Gibraltar has served as an important international naval base for 1,000+ years. Raleigh is Gibraltar’s first sister cities relationship, and the partnership is geared towards highlighting each location’s commitment to education, technology, and diversity.
Learn more about the org’s partnerships and how you can get involved. Also, sign up to attend the org’s upcoming event, Bike Ride to NC Museum of Art, on Saturday, June 1.
Gallery Exhibitions at Sertoma Arts Center | Friday, May 17 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sertoma Arts Center, 1400 W. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh | Free | See creations by local artists in this unique gallery space.
Concerts at the Crossroads: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard | Sunday, May 19 | 4-7 p.m. | Flowers Crossroads, 67 Flowers Xrds Way, Clayton | Free | Bring a lawn chair + jam to the band that laid the groundwork for what has become known as “Beach Music” in the Carolinas and beyond.*
Saturday, May 18
Raleigh City of Oaks Walking Tour | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m. | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | $16-$20 | Learn more about Raleigh by taking a stroll with Tobacco Road Tours.
Holly Springs Farmers Market | Saturday, May 18 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs | Free | Come shop with local vendors for produce, meats, and artisanal foods.
Sunday, May 19
Rooftop Yoga | Sunday, May 19 | 10-11 a.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $20 | Do yoga and have mimosas on a beautiful rooftop with Oak City Yoga.
Pop Up Headshots — A GRL Market Event | Sunday, May 19 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Self Care Marketplace, 12 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $80 | Register for your spot to get professional headshots.
That’s a wrap on the Canes’ run for the Stanley Cup. Last night, the team lost to the New York Rangers by a score of 5-3 in Game 6, Round 2 of the playoffs. The Rangers will now go on to play in the Eastern Conference Final.
Ranked
Our community is expanding — and ranking highly among other top cities. Our city’s population percentage increase puts us at No. 3 among largest cities according to a recent US Census report. Raleigh’s population has increased by more than 8,000 in a year, topping both Charlotte and Washington, DC. (Triangle Business Journal)
Eat
Atlanta-born burger chain Smalls Sliders is set to open nine locations in North Carolina with Raleigh debuting as one of the first markets, no sooner than 2025. The eatery offers a condensed menu with queso to enhance its specialty burgers and waffle fries. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Artsplosure returns to downtown Raleigh tomorrow, May 18 through Sunday, May 19. The annual arts festival is free to attend + will feature an Art Market with over 170 artists from across the US, live performances, a silent disco, an interactive “song confessional” experience, kids activities, and more. Get directions and parking info.
Sports
Ernest Ross will return to NC State’s men’s basketball team after previously committing to a transfer to UT-San Antonio. The 2024-25 season will be Ross’ end of eligibility and hopes are high due to his sophomore year performance — Ross averaged 3.5 points and 2.5 rebounds across 34 games.
Opening
Curry Up Now, a fast casual concept that offers a menu featuring Indian street food and snacks, is celebrating the grand opening of its Durham location on Thursday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. The first 523 guests will receive a free burrito + the first 50 will receive one free burrito a week for an entire year. RSVP to attend.
Coming Soon
Popular Chinese retailer Miniso is opening a store in Crabtree Valley Mall this July. The retailer sells toys, electronics, fashion accessories, and more. This will be the first Miniso location in the Triangle + and the third in NC — there are already storefronts in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. (Triangle Business Journal)
History
Bittersweet news for our local history FUNatics. The historical home of Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, a prominent Raleigh citizen of the early 1900s, is closed to the public until August 2024 for repairs. Until then, venture over to the City of Raleigh Museum to explore other local exhibits and artifacts.
Wellness
This may be Synergy Face + Body’s best new patient perk yet. First-timers can get big discounts on all Botox treatments, plus an additional $100 off with Alle.*
Arts
Hey, art lovers: Get your dose of culture and creative expression by checking out Fayetteville’s art scene. Need tips on where to go? From pottery to photography to paintings + more, here are six art galleries you should put on your radar.*
Finance
Ah, the art of the balance transfer. This card offers not one, not six, but 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, giving you nearly two years to save big. (Plus, you can earn 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee.) Learn more and apply.*
Eat
🛻 Food truckin’
Brier Creek is bringing food + fun to spring
Brier Creek is hosting a spring food festival. | Photo by Tap Yard Raleigh
Are you looking for something fun this Sunday for the whole family? Consider coming out to the Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival. The free-to-attend event includes 40+ food truck vendors, live music, and many activities to keep kids entertained.
A few tasty and local food favorites to look for are:
The Jones BBQ
Hot Chix
FatBoys Kitchen
Bull City Eatery
The weekend event will take place May 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 8010 Arco Corporate Dr., in the heart of the north Raleigh shopping center.
Small biz. Celebrate National Small Business Month by exploring our retail shop, Six & Main, featuring local brands from across the country. Find unique gifts for your friends or treat yourself to something new.
Did you know that it’s National Pizza Party Day? Celebrate by grabbing a slice at one of these local spots. And while I have your attention, I’m wondering — are you for or against pineapple on pizza? Personally, I love it (don’t come for me), but it’s not always my go-to. My favorite toppings include caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and roasted garlic. How do you top your pizza? Tell me via our inbox.
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