What’s going on with Red Hat Amphitheater’s potential move
Plans include relocating Red Hat Amphitheater. | Rendering by LMN Architects
It’s decided, folks. After a city council vote, Red Hat Amphitheater will remain downtown. As part of the Raleigh Convention Center’s plans for expansion, Red Hat Amphitheater is planning to move one block south and expand by 1,000 seats.
Originally built in 2010 as a temporary venue, Red Hat Amphitheater is set to move by 2026 to 205 W. Lenoir St. and increase its capacity from 6,000 to 7,000 with additional backstage space and concession areas; the move will also permanently shut down the adjacent block of South Street.
If the amphitheater were to shut down or move out of downtown, there may have been a significant economic impact — the venue’s 2023 shows reportedly generated $17.5 million for the city. Plus, many downtown businesses rely on shows + events like Crank Arm Brewing, who told The News & Observer they see business double to triple on event days.
According to a city staff memo to the Raleigh City Council, without a venue the size of Red Hat, acts + artists would skip Raleigh entirely in favor of Wilmington and Charlotte. Plus, venues like Koka Booth and a potential Dix Park amphitheater might not be able to absorb the totality of Red Hat’s traffic.
Asked
What was nearly the name of Red Hat Amphitheater?
A. Wells Fargo Amphitheater B. Bud Light Amphitheater C. Cisco Amphitheater D. WakeMed Amphitheater
Summer Suspense Movies: “The 39 Steps” | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Cary Regional Library | Free | This Alfred Hitchcock spy thriller is full of suspense.
An Evening With CAKE | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $60-$85 | Don’t forget your short skirt and looooooong jacket when you see this rock band.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Girls Night Out: Pure Barre | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | AVA Rooftop Bar, Cary | Free | After an invigorating barre sesh, enjoy half off wine flights and $7 espresso martinis.
The Oak City Salsa Social | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Transfer Co. Ballroom | Free | This family-friendly event teaches you the ropes of salsa dancing with live music.
Thursday, Aug. 8
Jazz in the Square | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | The summer jazz event is back — this week, watch Gastón Reggio Group with wine + beer, food truck bites, and more.
Corteo by Cirque du Soleil | Thursday, Aug. 8-Sunday, Aug. 11 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena | $75-$125 | View a unique production of theater and acrobatics.
We’re tracking Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall in Florida yesterday as a Category 1 and then was downgraded to a tropical storm. Raleigh has a marginal chance of flooding today — read our hurricane preparedness guide to be ready for potentially strong winds + heavy rainfall. (The Weather Channel)
Traffic
A new ramp at the Wade Avenue and 440 interchange opened this weekend. The ramp takes drivers from the eastbound Beltline to westbound Wade Avenue with a new traffic light. (The News & Observer)
Sports
NC State football ranked No. 22 in the preseason coaches poll. Only two of the Pack’s 2024 opponents are also ranked — Clemson and Tennessee — and the Wolfpack is one of four ACC programs that made the top 25.
Community
A Raleighite is in need of a kidney transplant, and you might be a match. Gustav Melich works in special effects for movies and video games and was diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2023 — check out his donation page to see if you’re able to provide a life-changing living kidney donation. (ABC 11)
Trending
Raleigh Olympian Veronica Fraley posted on X, formerly Twitter that she couldn’t pay her rent even though she’s competing on the world’s biggest stage — and rapper Flavor Flav replied that he would cover it. Fraley unfortunately did not qualify to compete for a medal in discus, finishing just outside of the top 12. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Want to feel at home (or show off your fave local spots to friends + family) while coming or going to your traveling adventures? See what we love most about the familiar Raleigh favorites opening soon at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.*
Asked
🛻 Truckin’ along
Raleigh’s favorite food trucks
The Triangle is host to plenty of delicious food trucks of various cuisines. | Photo by RALtoday
From food truck rodeos and events to street festivals and local restaurants, Raleigh’s food truck scene is hopping. With so many local options to choose from, we want help making a comprehensive guide with your favorites. Here’s a few to get your wheels turning.
Baltic Bites | Lithuanian food | This food truck says it’s the first and only in the country serving up Lithuanian food, including bites like cepelinai, Lithuania’s national dish, cabbage wraps, and chicken dumplings.
Golden K Dog | Korean food | Have you tried a Korean corn dog? Made with a hot dog or mozzarella and often rolled in potatoes and sugar, these are a treat you can enjoy at almost any festival in the 919.
Gym Tacos | Mexican food | Even with two brick and mortar locations, you can still find this local fave hitting the road with high-quality tacos, tostadas, and more.
Colorful felt tip pens, patterned file folders, and a rolling utility cart — because it’s back-to-school shopping season, aka the perfect time to stock up on office supplies and organization essentials.
During Sunday night’s deluge, my boyfriend and I were happily taking cover at Postino in Village District with bruschetta, a cheese board, and plenty of wine. We’ll have some menu recommendations soon, but I might need a second trip just to be sure.
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