Bars and breweries

Casual eateries

Kid-friendly

• Girls Night Out: Mixology | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | AVA Rooftop Bar | $50 | Bring your girls to create specialty cocktails together.
• Mindful Museum: Summer Creative Self-Care | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | NC Museum of Art | $18-$20 | Connect with yourself through art and free expression in community.

• Free Float Hour | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | The Mecca Restaurant | Free | In honor of the new movie “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” filmed in Wilmington, this restaurant is handing out 50 free floats.
• Ziggy’s Vinyl Party | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | The Green Monkey | Free | Groove to old-school tunes at this bar + gift shop.
• Latte Art Throwdown | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | The Morning Times | $5 | Baristas are welcome to battle their latte art skills, and bring your friends along to cheer you on.
• Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 3-4 p.m. | Crabtree | Free | Courtside is giving away up to 1,000 free backpacks loaded with school supplies in Crabtree’s Center Court. 20 special backpacks will also include an iPad or sneakers.*

• The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre | $15-$30 | Listen to the tunes of the King of Pop.

• Scotch Symphony & Creatures of Prometheus | Sept. 12-29 | The season opener takes you to the Scottish Highlands in this Romantic Ballet tribute.
• Jekyll & Hyde | Oct. 17-Nov. 3 | See the world premiere of this iconic story that explores humanity’s shadowy depths.
• The Nutcracker | Dec. 12-24 | Experience the holiday classic, full of fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.
• Alice in Wonderland | Mar. 13-30 | Another world premiere, the fanciful tale welcomes a guest choreographer and beautifully designed sets.
• Swan Lake | May 15-18 | The famous production returns to its roots as it explores Marius Petipa’s original 1895 version.

• Chef Scott Crawford’s Crawford Brothers Steakhouse will open this fall at Fenton in Cary and promises a steakhouse experience with flair. Featuring a “glass curtain,” a custom cooking suite, and a vibrant cocktail bar, the 4,500 sqft venue will combine classic charm with modern luxury.

• RDU will invest $20.2 million in a “restroom refresh” project, updating all passenger concourse restrooms starting fall 2025. This update aims to modernize facilities that have aged since Terminal 2’s opening in 2008. Future expansions will also enhance restroom capacity in Terminal 1 and the main ticketing hall. (The News & Observer)

• As rides, games, and deep-fried treats return to Raleigh, the NC State Fair is hiring for various roles, from cashiers to security officers. Pay ranges from $15 to $50 per hour. Want to join the fun? Apply online and be part of the fair magic from Oct. 17 to Oct. 27. (The News & Observer)

• Visitor spending in NC reached a record $35.6 billion in 2023, up 6.9% from the previous year. Tourism employment also increased by 4.8%. Gov. Roy Cooper praised the surge, highlighting its positive impact on jobs and local economies across the state.

• NC will introduce new school buses with updated technology for the 2024-25 school year. DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin will demonstrate the new tech and driver training along with new safety protocols. The buses were funded by Gov. Roy Cooper’s recent budget allocation. (ABC 11)

• The NC Museum of History invites Raleigh residents to share their insights on future exhibits and help enhance how NC’s history is presented. Join the community gathering on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Chavis Community Center.

• Bojangles, an NC-based chain is kicking off football season with new chicken wings marinated in bold spices and offered in creamy buffalo, barbecue, or classic flavors. Additionally, Bojangles has added several limited-time menu items, including barbecue pulled pork sandwiches and peach cobbler. (The News & Observer)

• Get ready for Moth Night in Durham this Saturday, Aug. 24 at Hollow Rock Nature Park. Join experts from the NC Biodiversity Project + Durham County Open Space Program for an evening of moth exploration. Registration is required — currently there’s only space for attendees who can attend without vehicles. (WUNC)

• Finance experts call this card a cash rewards dream: unlimited cash rewards on purchases, $200 bonus after spending $500, long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers + more.*

• Pamper your pals with a private spa soirée at Woodhouse North Hills. Grab a group of three to eight + snag a party package with champagne and charcuterie, Himalayan Salt room session, spa concierge services, spa swag bags, and more. Private Spa Party details and bookings this way.*

• Join Trinity Partners tonight, Aug. 21, at The Mason Jar Lager Co. for Hops for Hope, a live music + silent auction fundraising event benefiting Children’s Flight of Hope. The local nonprofit provides air transportation for young patients in need of specialized medical care.*