JC Raulston Arboretum features numerous summer programs for all ages. | Photo provided by JC Raulston Arboretum
We know it’s still winter, but believe it or not, summer camps fill up fast. Whether you have a future scientist, explorer, athlete, or artist on your hands, use this to give your kiddo the gift of fun and to plan your family’s summer.
For the artist
Artspace Summer Camp | Ages 5+
Choose from eight sessions between June + August to let your little artist shine. From learning color theory to unpredictable painting workshops, art has no limits here.
For the athletes
Arts Together’s Summer Dance Classes | Ages 13+
Arts Together offers summer dance Master Classes for teens of all experience levels with style choices including modern, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, and creative choreography.
For the explorer
Summer Garden Camp | Ages 4+
This camp through JC Raulston Arboretum offers the chance to learn, create, and explore nature through hands-on activities in the garden through several week-long camps ranging from Nature Detectives to Backyard Farm.
Wine Wednesdays | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Sitti Authentic Lebanese | Price of purchase | Enjoy half-priced wine while unwinding with friends.
Special Event: Craig Conant | 8 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club | $32+ | Add a dash of joyous laughter to the work week with this comedian + find out why he was recently fired from Trader Joe’s.
Thursday, March 6
Knit One — Crochet, Too | 2:30-4 p.m. | Cary Regional Library | Free | Bring your current projects and craft among other stitchers.
The Travelin’ McCourys | 8-10:30 p.m. | The Rialto | $40+ | Jam out with some of Bluegrass’ finest.
Friday, March 7
Movie Night at Downtown Cary Park: “Barbie” | 12 p.m. | Peck & Plume, Cary | Free | View this award-winning film + Barbie-themed cocktails like the Bubble Gum Martini and the Pink Spritzer.
Whether you’re craving Irish cheer, literary inspiration, or delicious eats, these Columbia, SC festivals are worth the drive. | Photo provided by Experience Columbia SC
Get ready for road trip season. The perfect destination? Columbia, SC, a vibrant city with southern charm, delicious eats, and festivals that will make your trip unforgettable.
Add these five festivals to your itinerary:
Five Points St. Pat’s Festival | March 5 | Don your best green outfit at one of the Southeast’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Expect live music, a festive parade, and plenty of spirit.
Read Freely Fest | March 28-30 | A celebration of literature, free speech, and diverse voices, this festival brings authors, activists + book lovers together for a weekend of thought-provoking conversations.
Tartan Day South | April 3-6 | Embrace Scottish heritage with highland games, bagpipes, and traditional food — kilts encouraged.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival | April 22-25 | A must for foodies, this event showcases the city’s best chefs, restaurants, and wineries.
SC Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival | May 17 | Indulge in a delicious feast of gourmet food trucks paired with craft brews from across the Palmetto State.
Ready to make the most of your road trip? Explore even more fun things to do in Columbia, and discover hidden gems, local favorites, and unforgettable experiences.
Take a look at upcoming renovations to Lenovo Center for the 2025-26 season, including the Lenovo Legend Club, bunker suites, and a 300-level View Bar. Upgrades focus on luxury seating, premium food, and enhanced fan experiences.
Development
McConnell Golf will invest $3.5 million to renovate Oak City’s oldest public course, the Raleigh Golf Association. Upgrades include a new driving range with 60 bays and lighting. Part of the course may be rezoned for residential development. The project aims to preserve affordable public golf and enhance the course’s legacy. (Triangle Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Soul Flavorscape of India, a new North Indian restaurant by chef + owner Neetu Wadhwa, will open in Glenwood South this Saturday, March 8. The new eatery will open in the former Thaiphoon Bistro space and will offer dishes like authentic curries, biryanis, tandooris, and crafted cocktails.
Eat
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato, a dessert shop, is opening soon at North Hills, near the Yard House restaurant. The shop will serve handcrafted gelato, coffee, hot chocolate, artisan chocolates, and pastries. (Raleigh Magazine)
Tech
Charlotte-based startup StreetFair has expanded its home services marketplace to Raleigh, offering a platform for homeowners to find and vet service providers. StreetFair aims to expand to more of Raleigh and surrounding areas by March 2025. (Axios Raleigh)
Concert
The rock band Red Clay Strays’ Get Right tour will stop in Raleigh at Red Hat Amphitheater on Aug. 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 7 at 10a.m. through Live Nation. Presale starts Thursday, March 6 at 10 a.m. with code FUNKY.
Real Estate
This new Durham townhome community near Brier Creek (hello, shopping + dining) features stunning open-concept spaces packed with smart features. High-tech, low-maintenance, and close to everything you need. See inside.*
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Category
Coming Soon
🛒 Gipson Play Plaza’s new market
Gipson Play Plaza has been under construction since summer 2022. | Renderings courtesy of the City of Raleigh and Dix Park
Gipson Play Plaza is scheduled to debut this spring, and the new area just got a little sweeter. Dix Park Conservancy announced the plaza will include a new grab-and-go market at the historic House of Many Porches.
The market will be stocked with products from local vendors like sandwiches, wraps, dips, coffee, baked goods, and frozen treats. Additionally, beer and wine will be available to enjoy on the lawn of the House of Many Porches. A section of the market will also offer merchandise and NC-centered items.
If you’re a local business owner and would like to have your products available at the market, email dixparkhomp@gmail.com to learn about vendor opportunities.
The Buy
The Buy
A women’s tennis dress made from stretchy, soft fabric that’s perfect for workouts or casual wear on sunny days.
Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 9, and I am so excited. One of my favorite pastimes is walking, and I’ve missed taking evening strolls during the last sunsets.