Spend the day pouring into yourself and the small business community of Raleigh. | Photos by Naiylah H., @barebakedpizza, @leahlikesskin, @arepaculturenc, and Caitlin Antje
Spending the day frolicking in Raleigh? Let us help plan your next outing, with small local businesses at the heart of it. Psst... feel free to stop by our Small Business Week interactive map to switch out locations based on your preferences.
Morning
Start your day in Oak City by grabbing a bite + bev to fuel your morning. If you’re craving a quick start, Brew Coffee Bar offers locally sourced coffee from Black & White Coffee, teas, and more in a cozy setting. But, if you’re in the mood to linger, check out other local brunch spots like Hummingbird or Big Ed’s.
Afternoon
Unfold your afternoon with a bit of self-care at Skin&tonic with services like its quick fix facial, focusing on the specific needs of your skin. Then, unleash your creative side at Craft Habit, with workshops and quirky finds.
Find more plans as the day turns to dusk and the answer to the quiz by clicking the button below.
Cigar + Bourbon Night | 6-9 p.m. | Moon Runners Saloon, Garner | Price of purchase | Unwind with a curated pour of bourbon and a cigar alongside other aficionados.
Live Music Session | 7-9 p.m. | The Night Rider | Free | Enjoy an evening of folk music with local artists + songwriters like Charlie Craichy and Patrick Carr.
Friday, May 9
Monthly Friday Market & Movie Night | 5-9 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Gather the whole family to watch “Tangled” — plus, enjoy shopping from local vendors + food trucks.
Silent Book Club | Friday, May 9 + Saturday, May 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Blackbird Books & Coffee | Free | Enjoy a mix of peaceful reading and book chats at this local shop.
Seaboard’s Annual Pink Party | 7-8:30 p.m. | Seaboard Wine at HighPark Village | $40 | Sample various rosé wines at this annual party.
Spring Saunter in the Park | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | William B. Umstead State Park | Free | Take a stroll through the park and enjoy activities like a meet + greet with a movement activity.
Pet Moms Sip and Paint | 4-6 p.m. | Haven Farm Venue & Shoppe, Knightdale | $23 | Mingle and paint among other fur moms + babies at this workshop.
Frankie Beverly Tribute World Tour | 6-11 p.m. | J.S. Dorton Arena | $65+ | Spend an evening jamming out with the artists behind “Before I Let Go.”
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
Dispensaries are booming across Raleigh, even though marijuana remains illegal in NC. Due to a federal loophole from the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived THC products are legal — and in high demand. With bipartisan support growing and regulation on the table, big changes may be on the horizon — here’s what to know. (Raleigh Magazine)
Sports
The Greensboro Gargoyles will join the East Coast Hockey League as an affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and will start playing this October at First Horizon Coliseum. The Canes previously played in Greensboro temporarily before moving to Raleigh — tickets and season tickets are available now.
Ranked
The Tar Heel state ranked No. 5 for growth and No. 7 for best economy in the US in a study by U.S. News & World Report. NC also jumped six spots overall to No. 13, highlighting its rising profile in jobs, business climate, and livability.
Travel
Breeze Airways will launch new nonstop flights from RDU to Key West, Florida, starting Oct. 3 on Mondays and Fridays, and to Manchester, New Hampshire, starting Nov. 6 on Thursdays and Sundays. With these additions, Breeze will now serve 28 cities from RDU.
Plan Ahead
Umbrella Dry Bar will host The Great Curious Cocktail Party, the largest zero-proof social mixer in the nation, by Curious Elixirs on Wednesday, May 14, at The Self Care Marketplace. Tickets are $59 and include zero-proof cocktails, food, and sensory experiences.
Coming Soon
Dick’s House of Sport is set to replace the long-vacant Sears at Crabtree Valley Mall, bringing its interactive retail concept, featuring rock walls and batting cages, to Raleigh for the first time as part of a nationwide expansion. An opening date isn’t set, but we’ll keep you updated. (Triangle Business Journal)
Community
Wake County’s 2025 homeless count recorded 1,258 people, a 27% increase from 2024. The improved count method was made possible due to new tools, more volunteers, and expanded outreach. Officials say the more accurate data will improve planning and support efforts, despite highlighting deepening housing needs across the region.
Transit
Downtown Durham, Inc. launched the Bull Ride, a free electric six-seat shuttle operating Thursdays through Saturdays. It runs within the Business Improvement District, and riders can hail by waving it down or calling 919-682-BULL. Available to ages eight and older, the ride offers music, ambiance, and quick, convenient travel downtown. (INDY Week)
Try This
Didn’t win last week’s Apple of Our Eye Giveaway? Don’t hit delete just yet — you can still tour Tredenham’s modern townhomes on your own schedule and see why this Brier Creek community is getting all the buzz.*
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
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🍎 Teachers you appreciate
A view of City Editor Danyale’s classroom and students from Enloe Magnet High School. | Photo by RALtoday
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our local educators. We asked you to shout out local educators, and this is what you had to say.
Emmanuel Lipscomb | North Wake Early College, English | “He is a fantastic teacher who is dedicated to his students’ success in the classroom and in life.” — Erika A.
Jenny Holt | Brassfield Road Elementary, first grade | “You have given 17 years as an IA and 4 years as a teacher. Way to go and persevere... retirement soon. Congratulations!” — Melinda J.
Jennifer Bennett | Sanderson High School, ninth through 12th grade, English | “You are caring, understanding, and motivational.” — Ellie B.
Jo Diaz | North Wake Early College, English | “Jo goes above and beyond for her kids. She connects with them, advocates for them, and pushes them to be their best selves.” — Erika A.
Lisa Wang | Abbott’s Creek Elementary, intervention | “I worked with this awesome teacher and I saw the difference she made in the 4th grader lives!” — Melinda J.
The Buy
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
Jaguar Bolera is located in Raleigh Iron Works. | Photo by RALtoday
Can you believe Jaguar Bolera is turning one already? To celebrate, the entertainment venue is offering multiple specials and freebies to enjoy. I haven’t visited yet, so maybe I’ll see you there.
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