We’re never going to forget moments from the Dreamville Festival. | Photos by @quanvuitton; @samshapiromedia
We’ve reached the end of an era, Raleigh. Dreamville Festival, founded by NC native + Grammy-winning artist J. Cole, will host its fifth and final event on April 5 and 6 at Dix Park.
Dreamville, known as one of the biggest events in Raleigh, has attracted more than 100,000+ attendees since its debut in 2019.
Dreamville’s conclusion marks Raleigh’s second major music event leaving recently. IBMA Bluegrass Live!, the world’s largest bluegrass festival, hosted its last Raleigh festival in 2024 after 11 years.
Both festivals contributed to Wake County’s 18.5 million visitors in 2023, which saw a 3.9% increase in visitation over 2022, and a record-breaking $3.2 billion spent by tourists.
“Cinderella” | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Raleigh Little Theater | $30 | Celebrate 40 years of this classic rendition at this community theater.
PineCone Old Time Jam | 7-9 p.m. | Riparian Provision Company | Free | Listen in or join this circle jam.
Santa’s Trolley | Through Sunday, Dec. 15 | 5-8 p.m. | Mordecai Historic Park | $15 | Hop aboard the Raleigh Trolley to help find Santa — arrive early or stay after to enjoy a s’more.
Save the Queer Bar Party | Through Saturday, Dec. 14 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Ruby Deluxe | $10 | This LGBTQ+ community space is asking for Raleigh’s help — keep the bar afloat by donating to or attending this party.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Start Making Sense | 8:30 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre | $20+ | This must be the place to see some of the Talking Heads’ top hits performed live.
Winter Lantern Walk | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free | Make your own lantern (sans flames) to bring on this serene, quiet walk through the museum park.
Maker’s Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Logan’s Garden Shop | Free | Complete your holiday shopping list with a collection of unique handmade goods from local artisans.*
From specialty cocktails and locally brewed craft beers to dips, spreads, and custom charcuterie boards, you’ll find familiar Carolina flavors with an elevated twist in every dish + drink.
We’re especially excited about the Carolina Class Act: A mouthwatering ensemble of premium prosciutto, zesty olive tapenade, creamy burrata, and a freshly baked baguette (from Union Special, of course).
Traveling with little ones? Carolina Craft has you covered with cookies, fruit cups, and non-alcoholic drinks to keep everyone happy. Plus, every item on the North Carolina Oak Board menu is available to go, making it easy to bring your faves along for the flight.
Stop by and see for yourself next time you’re at RDU.
Six-time Super Bowl Champion Bill Belichick will be the next coach of UNC football. UNC will pay Belichick $30 million over three years. Belichick’s father was an assistant coach to the Tar Heels, but Belichick has no prior experience in collegiate football. (CBS Sports)
Edu
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has revoked Saint Augustine’s accreditation. SAU hasn’t resolved its financial issues but said the decision acknowledges its progress since being placed on probation. The school will return to the accreditor in February to prove financial progress has been made. (WUNC)
Development
A historic building + its land near 400H will become two to three new downtown restaurants. The land, which was formerly a CrossFit gym + office, will become Garden West. The $1 million transformation anticipates completion in fall 2025 and will feature outdoor seating in its 10,000 sqft. (Triangle Business Journal)
Coming Soon
A former gas station in downtown Cary will become Lloyd’s Full Service, a new eatery from the folks at The Durham + Mayton Inn hotels. Named after the historic auto shop that once called the corner home, the restaurant plans to open in 2025 — more details on food and concept are in the works. (The News & Observer)
Announced
In more Dix Park news, the park’s conservancy has hired Ruffin Hall as its new CEO after former CEO Janet Cowell left the position to pursue the mayoral office. Hall is “deeply passionate” about the park and wants to help contribute “great things” to Dix Park + Raleigh. (The News & Observer)
Seasonal
As the nights grow longer and you ignite festive lights and candles, make sure to exercise caution and not cause a house fire with these tips from the NC insurance commissioner. Make sure to keep wires away from heat sources and never leave candles + fireplaces unattended.
Travel
Amazon is now selling cars in Raleigh. We’re not joking — Amazon Autos is available in just 48 metro areas, meaning you can shop Hyundai vehicles online and pick them up at a local dealer. Or just take an Amtrak train.
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Raleigh seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Feel Good
Do you love RALtoday? We’re calling on you to help support our mission to create free, unbiased local media. Donate now — your generosity will help support us, your RALtoday team.
Shop
Looking for a gift the kiddos will actually use? Enter: Dribbleup’s Smart Basketball. It features guided coaching sessions so they can train anytime, anywhere. Psst — it’s 60% for the holidays.*
Category
Finance
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Fruition can help you achieve your financial goals. | Photo by Fruition Financial
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Is anyone else already thinking about their New Year’s resolutions? Among other things, I’m looking for a new hobby, and I think it’s time for me to get into pottery. If you’re feeling like getting crafty, we’ve got an article for that.
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