This concert series will take place on one Wednesday per month starting May 21. | Photos courtesy of Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Downtown Raleigh is heating up this summer as Live After 5 makes its long-awaited return to City Plaza on Wednesday, May 21 — mark your calendars and get ready to dance the night away. Presented by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, this signature concert series + block party is set to bring high-energy performances and community spirit to the heart of the city.
The 2025 lineup includes:
May 21 | Weekend Excursion and Tre. Charles
June 18 | Rissi Palmer and Duck
July 23 | Kooley High and Charly Lowry
Aug. 20 | Chatham Rabbits and Jack The Radio
Beyond the music, attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with food trucks, local vendors, beer + wine eligible for Sip N’ Stroll, and special offerings from downtown businesses. Pro tip: Bring a chair to enjoy the shows comfortably.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time attendee, Live After 5 promises an unforgettable summer soundtrack for all ages.
Events
Events
Friday, May 2
Holly Springs International Food Festival | 5-8 p.m. | Holly Springs Cultural Center | Free | Taste your way around the world at this food fest and enjoy family-centered entertainment + cultural performances.
Fiber Friends Night | 5-7 p.m. | Parcero Studio | Free | Gather with other fiber fanatics + bring your own drink to this artistic gathering.
Yoga & Donuts | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Ebb & Flow Yoga, Garner | $2+ | This family-friendly yoga flow will get you ready for the weekend — with a sweet treat at the end.
Mom & Me Class: Make a Cutting Board | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, Cary | $99 | Create a gift made to last and a memory to cherish at this hands-on workshop.
The Market at NCMA | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free | Shop this local artist series every first Saturday in the museum park.
Have you heard? DorotheaDix Park ranked No. 10 on USA Today’s 10 Best City Parks list. USA Today noted the park’s green space, sunflower + daffodil fields, and community events as contributing factors to its ranking. Maybe this is your sign to spend more at Dix Park or one of Raleigh’s other 30+ parks.
Community
Yoga Soullective is moving just a few blocks to a new studio at 400 W. Morgan St. and will begin classes at the new location on Saturday, May 31. After four years on West Martin Street, the new space offers added amenities like a shower, no stairs, and plenty of space to get into the flow.
Eat
Chido Taco has been voted the Triangle’s top taco spot, winning The News & Observer’s contest with over 63,000 votes. Known for its vibrant mercado-style decor and fresh street-style tacos, the Raleigh-based taqueria run by seasoned culinary cousins outshined 45 contenders across the region.
Drink
Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen joined culinary figures like Chris Cosentino and Sarah Grueneberg to release Aftershift, a limited-edition nonalcoholic brew with Athletic Brewing. Featuring lime leaf and yuzu, the NA beer supports the Southern Smoke Foundation, which aids food + beverage workers with free mental health care. (Raleigh Magazine)
Watch
City Editor Allie is repping RALtoday on CBS 17’s “My Carolina”, sharing the latest Raleigh headlines and this weekend’s can’t-miss events. Watch the segment online.
Biz
Mecca, a downtown staple and diner, celebrated 95 years in business yesterday, and we wanted to wish it a huge happy birthday. Stop by this weekend for breakfast or lunch and show them some support. City Editor Danyale here, I recommend the Which Fish Plate.
Arts
Shakespeare’s “King Lear” storms into Raleigh starting today, May 2, through Sunday, May 18, at The Ridge. This timeless tragedy explores betrayal, power, and madness as Lear’s misguided trust in flattery unleashes chaos. Shows run Fridays through Sundays with evening + matinee options, and it’s pay what you want.
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Travel
The “Jewel of South Carolina,” aka, Lake Murray Country, is full of outdoor activities — from tubing, hiking, and fishing to award-winning attractions and museums. Supported by DiscoverSC, this laid-back destination is the perfect place to stay + play.*
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
Category
Edu
⭐ Chalk it up to great teachers
A view of City Editor Danyale’s classroom and students from Enloe Magnet High School. | Photo by RALtoday
City Editor Danyale here. I taught as an English teacher in Wake County Public Schools for three years before my role with RALtoday — and now I want to spread the love for Teacher Appreciation Week.
The time I spent in education was some of the most fulfilling and challenging years of my life. I had the privilege of teaching at Enloe Magnet High School and Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, nurturing our teenage youth. Teacher Appreciation Week remains close to my heart because it encourages us to take a moment to appreciate educators and the meaningful work they do every day.
And that’s exactly what we’re encouraging you to do. Take a second to fill out this form and leave kind + encouraging words for your favorite local teachers. Plus, stay tuned for your shoutout in an upcoming newsletter.
Good morning, Raleigh. I checked our May plan ahead and saw that this weekend is the busiest weekend of the month. If you’re stumped for plans — no worries, we got you. Don’t forget to bookmark the article.
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