Happy Saturday, Raleigh — it’s Allie. Before the new shop opens, I’m celebrating the expansion of Benchwarmers Bagels to Rockway Raleigh at its Transfer Co. location with a bacon, egg, and cheese on the shop’s za’atar bagel and a pep in my step. Keep reading for more foodie news plus the best events to make this weekend unforgettable.
Break a sweat, not the bank | Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. Explore the different ways to get active in Oak City.
Events
This Weekend
Hum Sub Diwali | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 9 a.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Free | Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with cultural performances, shopping, and more — this Diwali celebration is the largest of its kind in the Southeast.
NC State Football vs. Syracuse | Saturday, Oct. 12 | Carter-Finley Stadium | $35+ | The Pack will look to keep its season going against the Orange.
Tappin’ The Gourd Pumpkin Passport | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 12-6 p.m. | Tap Yard Raleigh | Free admission | Punch your pumpkin pass for tastes of six fall-inspired brews.
A Benefit Show for WNC Mutual Aid | Monday, Oct. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Kings Raleigh | Donate what you can | The Triangle’s music scene is coming together to support our WNC neighbors.
Jungle — The VOLCANO World Tour | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 7 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $40+ | Dance the night away with this band’s groovy tunes, including “Back on 74.”
Carolina Ballet Presents Jekyll & Hyde | Thursday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $30+ | This show explores the duality of man through beautiful ballet.
Timber Pizza Co. will open near J Betski’s at 627 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Grab the first slice of inventive pies from this DC-based pizzeria — we’re eyeing the Lucy and Pretty in Pepperoni.
Coming Soon
Whataburger is moving forward with plans to expand in Raleigh, targeting sites on Six Forks and Falls of Neuse roads. The Applebee’s on Six Forks and PDQ on Falls of Neuse will be demolished to make way for the eateries, complete with drive-thrus. (Triangle Business Journal)
Eat
Benchwarmers Bagels is expanding with a new 4,000 sqft location at Rockway Raleigh, a mixed-use development from Kane Realty, set to open in 2025. This marks the restaurant’s first independent space, featuring an expanded menu of bagels, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas.
Try This
The NC State Fair has a bevy of new bites this year, including a fried cheesy croissant from LaFarm Bakery, pickle Dr. Pepper, and an Alaskan King Crab on a stick. Read up on all the fair’s offerings this year and what you need to know before you go. (The News & Observer)
Outdoors
Wake County’s nature preserves — Robertson Millpond, Sandy Pines, and Turnipseed — are now open daily, providing year-round access. Previously open seasonally, they now align with the county’s parks, operating 361 days a year. This change aims to foster greater community engagement with nature.
Plan Ahead
It’s finally fall, meaning our calendars are packed with events like the NC State Fair. Find more fun near you this season with our ultimate guide to RAL’s top October happenings. We’ll see you there.
Travel
Want to make sure your next vacation takes off without a hitch? Check out our guide to RDU for a full food rundown and to know just how early you should arrive to get through security. Bon voyage.
Wellness
Posture check — this is your weekly reminder to straighten your back. If that felt good, imagine how nice a stretch at YogaSix would feel. Find your flow at these Raleigh yoga studios.
Read
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City Guide
Picture this on a Raleigh postcard
Raleigh’s most iconic landmarks
This Raleigh icon stands proud in the middle of downtown. | Photo by RALtoday
Take in the charm of these 20 picture-perfect Raleigh landmarks and see how their history has impacted Oak City.
Carter-Finley Stadium
Address: 4600 Trinity Rd.
Nearby: Lenovo Center, UNC Rex Hospital
Home of Wolfpack football, this 56,000-capacity stadium has hosted large acts like Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd since it opened in 1966.
The Creamery
Address: 410 Glenwood Ave.
Nearby: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Glenwood South
The Creamery was once home to the Pine State Creamery, a dairy farmers’ cooperative. Soon, the historic building will be redeveloped with multi-use developments flanking it.
Giant Acorn
Address: City Plaza, 201 S. Blount St.
Nearby: Raleigh Marriott, Element Gastropub
Standing at 10 feet tall and 1,250 pounds, this copper acorn was commissioned for Raleigh’s bicentennial celebration in 1992 and is now dropped at midnight to ring in the new year, City of Oaks style. Insider scoop: Artist David Benson is also the owner of The Third Place coffeehouse.
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