Pro tip: If you’re looking to take pictures on a Ferris wheel, the open-air one is the way to go. | Photo by RALtoday
If you’re like us, you find yourself doing the same thing at the fair every year, and while you might love your tried-and-true routine, here are some ideas for fun at the fair to get you out of your comfort zone.
City Editor Allie here. My absolute favorite activity at the fair each year is just looking around. For me, that means meeting artisans at the Village of Yesteryear, seeing any and every farm animal I can (the pigs, cows, and baby chicks are my favorite), and getting a birds-eye-view of the entire fair from the Ferris wheel.
City Editor Danyale here. What I love most about the fair are the creative foods and all the different deep fried dishes. Aside from eating, I enjoy playing games and winning prizes to cherish at home.
Here’s a few more fair activities that aren’t just rides, games, and eating your way through the fairgrounds.
Visit the botanical gardens and look through the flowers and arrangements vying for the blue ribbon.
Go through the student-submitted artwork at the Scott Building to see art from artists of all ages across the county.
Watch a tractor pull or motorsports show at the Grandstand and bring some earplugs.
Marvel at the giant produce, including literal tons of pumpkins, watermelons, and perfectly uniform sets of fruits + veggies.
Participate in the scavenger hunts + challenges to take your fair experience up a notch, including a selfie challenge and hunts for all ages.
Stick around for fireworks at 9:45 p.m. over the pond.
Monster(a) Mash | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Copperline Plant Co. | $45 | This class will teach you how to care for these tropical plants by repotting, reorganizing, and trellising — BYO monstera plant.
Adventurous Wednesdays Screening Night | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 7-10 p.m. | Unlikely Professionals | $10+ | Bring a beach chair + grab a bev for an adventure movie at this hip retailer.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Sauces, Stocks, & Autumn Vinaigrettes | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $99 | Learn how to make chicken stock from scratch and use it for a variety of autumnal recipes.
Dark Raleigh | Thursday, Oct. 24-Friday, Oct. 25 | Times vary | City of Raleigh Museum | $20+ | This frightening walking tour will share obscure true stories from Oak City past.
Friday, Oct. 25
Zombiepalooza | Friday, Oct. 25 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park, Cary | Free | More like Downtown Scary Park — join the ranks of the undead for three-legged races, a zombie playground, film screenings, and more.
That’s right, one lucky winner will get to soak up 12 months of bliss with one free 50-minute massage each month at the luxe Midtown Raleigh or Wake Forest locations. Think: 12 chances to say “ahhh” as you feel the stress melt away.
But wait, there’s more
To make the year extra extraordinary, our lucky winner can also choose 4 free enhancements to elevate their experience — because who doesn’t love a little extra pampering?
Ready to start rejuvenating? All you have to do is fill out this form now through Thursday, Oct. 31 at noon for a chance to win. Our lucky winner will be announced on Monday, Nov. 4.
Pro tip: There’s a free bonus entry waiting for readers at the end of the survey.
Area voters are receiving text messages from a Texas phone number reminding them to vote, even if they’ve already cast their ballot. According to a source, Wake County said they can’t do anything about the texts, but fraudulent election communications can be reported to elections.sboe@ncsbe.gov. (WRAL)
Community
Colorful new scooter parking corrals have been installed in Glenwood South to prevent scooters from cluttering sidewalks and the road. These corrals aren’t just a pretty place to park your ride — they use smart technology through the Lime and Spin scooter apps to guide scooter-users to the corrals.
Seasonal
The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting a family-friendly Day of the Dead celebration on Friday, Nov. 1 at the museum. Watch live cultural performances, try fun food + beer, and find plenty more to honor those who have died.
Transit
New GoTriangle stops will connect downtown Raleigh to Wendell + Zebulon, two of the fastest-growing towns in Wake County. Ten bus stops will be installed with $800,000 in federal grant funding in the towns with all-day, hourly service. (INDY Week)
Read
News & Observer writer Andrew Carter visited a variety of WNC towns after Hurricane Helene and found community, courage, and grit in the aftermath. Read his story.
Number
Five minutes. That’s how quick it is to start advertising with RALtoday using our self-service ad portal. Explore your options. Psst — no long-term contract required.
Seasonal
Will you dare to stay? Check into Sports & Social’s Live! Haunted Hotel for a night of thrills and chills this Saturday, October 26. Explore rooms filled with terror, enjoy themed drinks, live entertainment + wear your best costume for a chance to win $2,500. Get tricks tix. *
Family
Looking for the best school option for your child? Attend Wake County Public School System’s Magnet and Early College Fair — happening this Saturday, Oct. 26 and giving parents the chance to explore Magnet programs + speak to 60+ reps. Bonus: Let us know what is most important to you when school-shopping.*
Watch
Village District’s outdoor movie series ends tomorrow, Oct. 24, with Halloween fave “Hocus Pocus” — and yes, costumes are encouraged. Tickets include a drink + popcorn, and all proceeds benefit local nonprofit Comfort Zone Camp.*
Category
Arts
Warehouse District’s bright future
This vibrant on-street mural is just one step into reinvigorating Commerce Place in the Warehouse District. | Photo via City of Raleigh, mural by Mary Carter Taub
This time last year, the City of Raleigh was in talks to reimagine Commerce Place, a historic alleyway in the Warehouse District, making it a people-centered place. Recently, the first element was installed: a 4,000 sqft on-street mural, the largest in the city.
Artist Mary Carter Taub’s design took 200+ hours,100 gallons of paint, and is expected to last for two to five years. According to the City of Raleigh, the alley will be home to public art, seating areas, and overhead lighting.
During the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s November First Friday event, the Warehouse District will have snacks, live music, games, and raffles. Plus, Raleighites can share more ideas for the alleyway.
Commerce Place is flanked by The Pit on West Davie Street + Raleigh Denim Workshop on West Martin Street, and artist Anthony Ulinski has a storefront on the street called Dovetail Woodworks.
The Buy
The Buy
The only thing we love more than a trendy find is a timeless one. Check out these five fall and winter fashion must-haves you’ll be wearing for years to come:
The other day, I unexpectedly found myself in Morrisville for the morning and decided to stick around at Fount Coffee + Kitchen to see just what all the hype was about, and I’m obsessed. Pro tip: Get there before the work day starts — the whole cafe was picked over by other folks working remotely like me.
