• IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Main Stage | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 7 a.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $25+ | Enjoy the last year IBMA will be in Raleigh with live performances + lots of activities.
• Artsplosure & Bluegrass Weekend Tasting of Non-Alcoholic Spirits | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Umbrella Dry Bar at the Self Care Marketplace | Free | Explore various nonalcoholic spirits through a guided tasting.
• Rooftop Yoga | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 10-11 a.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge | $25 | Get into a refreshing Sunday flow while enjoying the cityscape views.
• Sunday Football Watch | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 1 p.m. | Sports & Social Cary | Price of purchase | Watch Sunday football on a 42 ft big screen.
• Fall Tea Tasting Flights | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Steep Right Up, Garner | $35 | Taste autumn through various teas and other baked treats.

• Wine Down Mondays | Monday, Sept. 30 | 5 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge | Price of purchase | There’s no better way to wine on a Monday — enjoy 50% off wine paired with small plates.
• Blossoms & Balance Series, Gentle Candlelight Flow | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The English Garden Raleigh Florist | $55 | Craft a spa-inspired flower bar in candle light while enjoying light refreshments.

• Durham scoop shop Simons Says Dip This will join Bloc[83] alongside tenants Dram & Draught, 321 Coffee, Vic’s Pizzeria, and more. The ice cream shop will open later this fall and feature fully customizable cones, stuffed cookies, 1990s-style decor, and more. (Raleigh Magazine)

• Raleigh and Wake County are investing $32.2 million to build three new affordable housing developments, creating 454 rental units. This initiative supports Raleigh’s goal to add 5,700 affordable units by 2026 and Wake County’s aim to create 2,500 units by 2029. (INDY Week)

• RDU is experiencing significant growth in international travel, with an 88% increase year-over-year. Air Canada will double its nonstop flights to Montreal starting May 2025, and nearly 5.1 million passengers have boarded flights this year, prompting ongoing expansion. (Triangle Business Journal)

• Go Banking Rates rated Raleigh as one of five cities where you might see the most affordable home listings as a result of rates dropping. Raleigh had a 5.2% gain in affordability with healthcare, utilities, and transportation costs lower than the national standard. Learn more about Raleigh’s cost of living.

• Dorothea Dix Park unveiled its new metal sunflowers, made from two new electric poles, a creative nod to the park’s sunflower gardens. The project is part of the Gipson Play Plaza transformation, which aims to make the park a unique destination. (CBS 17)

• Giorgios Epicurean Market is now open at East End in Raleigh. Offering a blend of shopping + dining, this European-inspired market features fresh foods and a full-service kitchen led by Executive Chef William D’Auvray.

For the ones who want a night out on the town

• Prove your sense of humor with a trip to Goodnights Comedy Club for a stand-up show from local and national comedians.
• During hockey season, head to PNC Arena for a Carolina Hurricanes game + enjoy local food options from your seat.

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

• Impress your beau with a classic Angus Barn steak dinner. Don’t forget to make a holiday reservation in advance to enjoy the cozy, festive ambiance.
• Chef Cheetie Kumar’s hip new Five Points joint Ajja is a perfect place to bond over new food together — plus, it’s a 2024 James Beard semifinalist.