Watch Selection Sunday, this Sunday, March 16 on CBS at 6 p.m. to see which teams will play in this year’s tournament and in Raleigh. What we know so far? A that a No. 1 seed will make an appearance in Raleighwood.
Whether you plan to watch the action courtside at Lenovo or catch the game at a local spot, we’ve got some tips to amplify your experience.
Wine Tasting: Italian Nobility | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $44+ | Indulge in a tour of aristocratic Italian wines.
Cary Inklings Writing Group | 6:30-8 p.m. | Cary Regional Library | Free | Get your creative juices flowing with curated prompts and a workshop filled with other writers for support.
Chappell Roan Single Release Party | 8 p.m. | Ruby Deluxe | Free | Enjoy a night of exclusive music and performances by Kiara Mel, Nebula + more.
Friday, March 14
Chef’s Table: Pre-emergent Art in Bloom Dinner | 6-9 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | $175 | Enjoy an intersectional event of art and food through a multi-course dinner prepared by chef Rich Carter.
Special Event: Michael Colyar | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $32+ | Watch this actor and comedian take center stage while laughing the night away.
Saturday, March 15
Art in Bloom Community Day | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free | Experience an active community day filled with activities like lawn games + creative workshops.
Sunday, March 16
Raleigh Foodie Fare | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Moore Square | Price of purchase | All foodies are welcome at this tasty market + food truck rodeo.
Upscale Drag Brunch | 1-3 p.m. | The Matthews House | $44 | Enjoy a Japanese buffet and top-notch queens.
We can’t think of a better way to spend a spring weekend. | Photos provided by Visit New Bern
New Bern may be best-known for its stunning coastal views and oh-so-cozy downtown, and understandably so, but the NC community continues to bloom in another important way: as a thriving arts hub.
From symphonies and theater to mural painting and art walks, you’ll find events and activities every day across the city. Here are a few we’re especially excited about:
Baroque Orchestra | April 5 | Hear Vivaldi, Bach and other masters played on period-accurate instruments. Garden Lovers Weekend | April 11-13 | Stroll through Tryon Palace’s 21 lush acres, featuring tulips, irises, and so many more. New Bern Follies | April 26 | Laugh, cry, and cheer during this evening of classic Vaudeville variety theatre.
Psst… To really soak up the festivities, make a weekend getaway of it with an overnight stay (we hear the brand-new waterfront hotel is pretty spectacular).
Just in time for Pi Day. Slice Pie Company is moving to a new location next to Oakwood Pizza Box on North Person Street and will open tomorrow, March 14. The space will be shared with Sugar Euphoria, a bakery offering specialty cakes. (Raleigh Magazine)
Civic
Mayor Janet Cowell will head the State of the City Address at CAM Raleigh on Wednesday, March 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. Parking is available in the adjacent lot, on the street, and in The Dillon Parking Garage.
Eat
Pizzeria Faulisi in Cary has transitioned into Faulisi Caffe & Enoteca, a cafe offering breakfast + lunch with pastries, sandwiches, and salads. According to the owners, they want to explore new culinary creativity, and the restaurant will serve limited pizzas on weekends. (The News & Observer)
Concert
Willie Watson, former Old Crow Medicine Show member, is returning to Raleigh for a PineCone Down Home concert on Friday, March 21. Enjoy an evening of heartfelt songs from this folk singer. Get tickets and more info at PineCone’s website.
Community
Skaters in Raleigh are asking city council to provide underused park land for a new DIY skate park after the closure of Graveside DIY, a former park with skating areas. The skaters are seeking a space to build and maintain a park themselves, aiming to foster community + inclusivity. The city is considering the proposal, with more details expected this summer. (The News & Observer)
Environment
Brood 14 cicadas will emerge in western NC in late April or early May after 17 years underground. These loud, harmless insects are concentrated in counties like Buncombe and Henderson. Periodical cicadas will leave by mid-May, while annual cicadas will appear statewide later this summer. (The News & Observer)
Wellness
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Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
You deserve a vacation — and Going will notify you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. Try for free and watch the deals roll in.*
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Trending
🍫 Chocolate delights
Feast your eyes on a few of Champloo’s Dubai chocolate desserts. | Photo by Champloo Desserts
Popularity of Dubai chocolate has grown beyond social media and landed in Raleigh. The dessert is a milk chocolate bar filled with a center of pistachio cream and kataifi, a crispy shredded phyllo dough.
Since its viral moment, Dubai chocolate’s presence has continued to increase and show up in various shops. Here’s where you can get a taste in Oak City.
Champloo Desserts | 8320 Litchford Rd., Ste. 150 | Grab your chocolate along with a boba tea or smoothie to wash it down.
Al-Basha Market & Grill | 501 Method Rd. | In addition to carrying the popular chocolate, this local spot is a market + restaurant with bites like chicken shawarma.
This top-rated hair and scalp oil as seen in Vogue and Vanity Fair. It features a dynamic blend of organic ingredients that boost shine and strength, smooth split ends, tame frizz, deeply hydrate the scalp, and encourage hair growth.
There’s nothing brunch with friends can’t fix. | Photo by RALtoday
The weather was so beautiful this past Sunday that I went to brunch at Madre with a friend. We both ordered the chicken and Tepuy donut plate for our individual entrees and the pork belly hash to share. Pro tip: Order multiple dishes to share — the portions are definitely enough.
If you’re looking to explore Oak City through your taste buds while enjoying the upcoming beautiful weather, check out our brunch or outdoor dining guides.
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