Plus, NC's new Music Office.
 
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Today’s Forecast

95º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:00 a.m. | Sunset 8:35 p.m.

 

🧨 Baby, you’re a firework

Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in Raleigh

Red and green fireworks explode against the black sky with the silhouettes of two onlookers.
Red and green fireworks light up the sky at Dix Park on July 4, 2022. | Photo by J. Cutt
The Fourth of July is almost here, and we’re ready to celebrate with high-flying fireworks around town + beyond. Here’s where to catch stunning Fourth of July fireworks in Raleigh this year.

Fourth of July Fireworks at Dix Park | Park downtown and take a free shuttle to the park for family activities, a food truck rodeo with 40 local vendors, live music, and, you guessed it, fireworks.

Star Spangled Block Party at Brier Creek Commons | This fireworks show is choreographed to music for an extra patriotic display. Plus, there will be giveaways, face painting, and shopping to enjoy

Fourth of July Celebration at Wye Hill | Book your spot in advance to watch fireworks from Boylan Bridge along with a build-your-own slider + hot dog bar, snacks, shareables, and desserts from Wye Hill’s kitchen, and an assortment of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Independence Day Celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre | The North Carolina Symphony will perform live as fireworks dazzle above the amphitheater — plus, general admission is free for this event.

Celebrations without fireworks

Fourth of July at the NC State Capitol | During the day, the Capitol will host an outdoor naturalization for new citizens, a reading from the Declaration of Independence, and more.

Joel Lane Museum Open House | Celebrate America’s independence at this home built before the Declaration of Independence was signed with a free event including a craft for kids + demonstrations.

Enofest in Durham | This annual event celebrates the Eno River with a juried craft show, tons of live local music, and plenty more fun in Bull City.
Asked

What are your plans for the Fourth of July?


A. Going out to watch fireworks
B. Hanging out by the pool
C. Traveling out of town
D. Something else
Share your plans
 
Events
Tuesday, June 25
  • North Carolina’s Funniest: Preliminary Round | Tuesday, June 25 | 4 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $10-$18 | Help crown the funniest person in the Tar Heel state.
  • Sam Jones BBQ & Bourbon Dinner | Tuesday, June 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Sam Jones BBQ, 502 W. Lenoir St., Raleigh | $140 | Try a selection of high-end bourbons, a three-meat barbecue buffet, and go home with a swag bag.
  • Senior Cooking: It’s all Greek to me | Tuesday, June 25 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Wyntons World Cooking School, 969 N. Harrison Ave., Cary | $65 | Master Greek cuisine in this class intended for older adults -- you’ll make moussaka, Greek salad, tzatziki, and more.
Wednesday, June 26
  • Acrylic Paint Pouring 102 | Wednesday, June 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $65 | This class is intended for those with an intermediate knowledge of paint pouring looking to learn more about the art form.
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers: Unlimited Love Tour | Wednesday, June 26 | 7 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh | $180-$600+ | You know this rock band from songs like “Californication” — see the rockers live in Raleigh.
Thursday, June 27
  • Artist Notes with 95.7 That Station | Thursday, June 27 | 6-8 p.m. | The Corner, 941 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh | Free | Learn more about musicians Matthew Mayes & John Myer from Jupiter Coyote with food trucks and live music.
Friday, June 28
  • “Blues for an Alabama Sky” | Friday, June 28 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Burning Coal Theatre Company, 224 Polk St., Raleigh | $30 | This play follows a struggling blues singer in Harlem during the Great Depression.
  • Final Friday | Friday, June 28 | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Enjoy a free Tidal Intervals class fit for the whole fam along with a local market + food trucks.
More fun things to do
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Cause

3 impactful ways to support your Food Bank (besides donating)

Two volunteers stand in a Food Bank warehouse in front of Food Lion donations.
1 in 5 children in the Food Bank’s service area are facing food insecurity this summer. | Photo provided by The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
Summer is an especially tough time of year for NC kids experiencing food insecurity, since school is out + meals aren’t always available.

That’s why we rounded up three ways you can help Stop Summer Hunger that don’t require paid donations.
  1. Volunteer your time: One volunteer shift can produce 160+ meals.
  2. Give food and goods: The Food Bank accepts more than just non-perishables — you can donate hygiene + cleaning items or paper products.
  3. Spread the word: Raising awareness is critical to the Food Bank’s mission.
Join the fight this summer
News Notes
Civic
  • Starting next Monday, July 1, prices are going up at the DMV. About 90 fees will increase by an average of 19% due to state law — regular driver’s liceneses will go from $44 to $52. (The News & Observer)
Coming Soon
Drink
  • Also coming soon to the 919, Charlotte’s self-service beer + wine bar Hoppin’ will be coming to Raleigh late 2025. Although no location has been set for the new concept yet, we’re sure it’s going to be, well, hopping. (Axios Raleigh)
Sports
  • Another member of the Wolfpack is en route to Paris. NC State head swimming and diving coach Braden Holloway will be an assistant coach for Team USA for the 2024 Olympics. Holloway was named the ACC men’s swim coach of the year after winning the team’s third-straight ACC title. (The News & Observer)
Jobs
  • Drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk is expanding its Johnston County operations and plans to create 1,000 new jobs. The Clayton facility manufactures in-demand medications including Wegovy and Ozempic, and the minimum average wage for these jobs will be $69,000 in the next 12 years. (Triangle Business Journal)
Concert
  • Koka Booth Amphitheatre will welcome band The Roots + Macy Gray Aug. 30 for a concert benefiting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. You might know The Roots as the house band for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” — tickets go on sale this Friday, June 28 at 10 a.m.
Health
  • What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: the award-winning Horizon hearing aid. Join 385,000+ people hearing better than ever with a 45-day, no-risk trial.*
 
Arts

🎶 Alexa, play “Carolina in My Mind”

North Carolina establishes NC Music Office

The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts lit up at night with bluegrass banners.
IBMA World of Bluegrass is four days of bluegrass fun right here in Raleigh. | Photo provided by IBMA and Pinecone
Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that a new office within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will be established to promote + celebrate NC’s music. The NC Music Office was announced by Cooper on June 21, Make Music Day.

The new office will:
  • Facilitate music-related programming and investments across the state.
  • Attract music industry investments (think: festivals like Dreamville, Lovin’ Life, and Merlefest).
  • Increase awareness of NC’s music scene + history.
North Carolina will be one of just a few states with a dedicated music office, joining Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas.

“We are excited to expand our resources and opportunities for the state’s thriving music industry — one that creates jobs and improves quality of life in all 100 counties,” said DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson in a press release.

We have to say, we’re big fans of NC’s music scene too. Check out our playlist featuring songs about Raleigh + NC and artists who hail from the Tar Heel State.
The Buy

The Buy 6.25.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Stylish men’s summer shirts made from cotton and linen. They come in demure colors like khaki, olive, and gray and are $30 a pop.
 
The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof

Today’s edition by:
Allie

From the editor
I can’t believe Fourth of July is next week — this summer is going by far too fast + hot. I’m trying to head to Surf City for the holiday, but if those plans fall through, you can find me at Wye Hill next to the dill pickle pimento cheese.
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