Our seasonal Parents’ Gift Guide is in the works, and we want to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations.
🍹 Village District just got even more spirited
Pop by on a nice day and stroll with a bev. | Photo by RALtoday
One of the Southeast’s oldest shopping centers + Raleigh’s first mixed-use development is now allowing guests to drink while they shop at 21 retailers. Here’s what you need to know before you Sip n’ Shop at Village District.
How it works
Guests 21 and older can purchase alcoholic bevs from eight approved spots, and drinks will be served in a 16 oz cup with a special Sip n’ Shop sticker. Beverages are only permitted in the far west and middle blocks of the Village District — home to spots like Cape Fear Seafood Company and Shake Shack, respectively. The blocks, including Fresh Market, Village Deli, Chick-fil-A, and shops on Oberlin Road, are not included in Sip n’ Shop.
Once you’ve got your drink in hand, you can shop at any of the 21 businesses, including Sephora, Great Outdoor Provision Co., and Uniquities from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
If that sounds like a lot to remember, don’t worry. Businesses are clearly marked with their Sip n’ Shop policies, and more info is available on Village District’s website.
25 Years Celebration Skate | 4:30 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $25 | Celebrate 25 years of this local arena by skating with friends, family, and the community — don’t forget to grab a picture with Stormy.
Burning Coal Theatre Presents “Merrily We Roll Along” | Times vary | Burning Coal Theatre Company | $20 | Explore the story of a successful composer as he navigates new notoriety + wealth while juggling personal relationships.
Journey to Space | Through Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $12+ | Launch rockets, operate a robotic arm, and explore a rotating re-creation of the International Space Station’s Destiny Lab at this science-focused special exhibition — on display through April 27.*
Friday, April 11
The Art Inside the Bottle: Seeing Red | 7 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | $150 | Explore the art of red through various mediums, including wine, history, symbolism, and art.
Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | NC State Fairgrounds | $12 | See HGTV’s Leslie Davis + Lyndsay Lamb of “Unsellable Houses” work the room at this three-day home show.
Room 861 at Goodnights: Kevin Bozeman | Through Saturday, April 12 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $29 | Grab a laugh to kick off the weekend with this popular comedian.
Saturday, April 12
Tea Cupping with Dona Tea | 1-3 p.m. | Willow House | $10 | Have a spot of tea at this afternoon tea gathering.
2025 Down Home Concert Series: Scythian | 7:30-10 p.m. | A.J. Fletcher Theater | $18+ | Traditional tunes meet rock show energy with Scythian, a quartet known for blending Celtic, Ukrainian, and American folk sounds into a unique, unforgettable whole.*
Treat yourself + your taste buds at this South Florida resort
Presented by The Seagate Hotel
The Seagate includes access to a private beach, multiple waterfront dining options, a championship golf course, full-service spa + two pools. | Photos courtest Leo Diaz, The Seagate
The affordable housing proposal from the foundersofRaleigh staple Irregardless in southwest Raleigh advanced with a 5-3 vote from the Raleigh Planning Commission. The plan includes a mixed-use development centered around a community garden. While concerns about future developers and affordable housing conditions remain, the project will proceed to city council for final approval. (INDY Week)
Community
The City of Raleigh is considering a food-waste composting pilot program to reduce landfill waste. City leaders are debating between curbside pickup and community drop-offs for food scraps. While some favor drop-off locations, others express concerns about contamination and logistics. The city is exploring potential third-party partnerships. (The News & Observer)
Environment
Raleigh City Council is considering eliminating its curbside leaf pickup program due to rising costs and demand. Support is growing for using existing yard waste bins instead, which would reduce expenses and improve other city services. Some members remain cautious, citing concerns about residents who rely on the current service. (WRAL)
Biz
The City of Raleigh is inviting small business owners with 50 or fewer employees to participate in the 2025 Small Business Survey, open until April 25. The survey aims to gather insights to support small, start-up, and minority-owned businesses.
Plan Ahead
GalaxyCon will return to the Raleigh Convention Center from July 24 to 27 with a free outdoor street festival at City Plaza on July 26. The GalaxyCon StreetFest, in partnership with WRAL, will feature vendors, live music, celebrity appearances, and family-friendly activities. Grab your tickets while you can. (WRAL)
Civic
Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies will require a REAL ID, passport, or other approved ID for domestic flights and secure federal buildings. Although May 7 is not a deadline for getting a REAL ID, it’s the enforcement date. Travelers have more time if they’re not flying immediately. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Easter eggs. They’re easier than you think to make, and the kids love to help. Bookmark this recipe to make fun memories dyeing eggs with the fam this spring.*
Number
5. That’s how many minutes it takes to read 1440’s daily newsletter — an unbiased, fact-centric digest of global events, culture, business, and beyond. Subscribe for free.*
Pets
$3,500. That’s how much dough you might have to drop if your dog eats their chew toy. Yes, pets are expensive, but they’re worth it — and this pet insurance could reimburse 90% of those expenses.*
Category
Plan Ahead
🗓️ Decisions, decisions
Catch the Canes against the Maple Leafs this Sunday. | Photo by RALtoday
This weekend is the Triangle’s busiest in April with six major events in two days. If you’re looking for something to do, we’ve got you covered — like always.
Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark the full article and come back; we update our guide monthly.
Pimento Cheese Festival | Saturday, April 12 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park, Cary | Price of purchase | Explore 50+ vendors and taste creative pimento cheese-infused dishes, from empanadas to ice cream.
More local events
Pay-What-You-Can Food Truck Rodeo | Sunday, April 13 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | A Place At The Table | Price of purchase | This food truck rodeo supports A Place at the Table’s mission. Pro tip: You can purchase meals ahead of time for those who can’t afford them.
Raleigh, I have a question — is it spring or not? The Triangle is expecting another week of cold temps, and I’m not feeling it. Personally, I need nature to wrap this up so I can start choosing the patio option while dining out. Scratch’s mostly sunny patio is calling my name.
The Buy
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
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