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🐖 ‘Cue talk
Barbecue in any form is our favorite — sandwiches and all. | Photo by The Pit BBQ
Barbecue is more than just a meal in the Carolinas — it’s a point of pride. From vinegar-based bites to mustard- and tomato-based meats run deep in the veins of NC. We’re serving up a list of local joints that keep the fire burning.
Corner Boys BBQ brings smoke + flavor to the Raleigh barbecue scene with their mobile pop-ups.
Pro tip: Head toThe Cookout, the barbecue spot’s solo event at Fenton, today from 4 to 8 p.m. — the first 20 customers get a free meal, courtesy offood critic Keith Lee.
Whether you’re pro-Eastern or pro-Lexington style, you’re bound to find something to love — or disagree about — over brisket, ribs, or the pit sampler.
Sunset Social | 5-9 p.m. | The Bend Bar | Free | Socialize at this market featuring 20+ local artisans, live music, and drink + bev specials.
Tequila Ocho Cocktail Class | 7-9 p.m. | Wolfe & Porter | $45 | Learn how to create bartender-approved cocktails with Plato, Reposado, and Anejo.
Friday, May 23
Nash Square History Stroll | 11 a.m. | Nash Square | Free | Get an in-depth guided tour of one of Raleigh’s original community spaces.
Movie Night: “Moana 2" | 4-11 p.m. | Peck & Plume, Cary | Free | Pop in for a “Moana” themed cocktail like the Hei Hei, a mix of rosé, citrus, and raspberry, then head over to the park for a free viewing.
Saturday, May 24
Do The Red, White, & Brew Pub Crawl in Raleigh | 4:30-9 p.m. | Standard Beer + Food | $19 | Take part in this downtown crawl equipped with challenges and drink specials at various watering holes.
Whether you’re a pilates pro or just starting your fitness journey, the new studio offers individual training and group classes at all skill levels.
The RALtoday team recently attended our first class: Follow along and check out our reel for a sneak peek of what to expect. Spoiler alert: We’re still sore.
What we tried
Before class, we met with instructors Marina and Raven for individual intro support. We got full a rundown on the equipment, including BK’s reformers. From the moment we entered, our team felt totally at ease despite our (total) lack of experience.
In the group class, a Reformer Classic Flow, we worked on introductory movements that challenged our core, flexibility, and our mind + body connection.
Psst: If you want to give pilates a try but aren’t sure what class is right for you, consult BK’s helpful guide before you book.
Raleigh’s proposed $1.78 billion budget for 2025–2026 includes pay raises for city staff, investments in Dix Park, and affordable housing without raising property taxes, but with a slight increase in utility fees. Residents can provide feedback at the Tuesday, June 3 public hearing, and the budget will be adopted by June 30. (INDY Week)
Plan Ahead
The City of Raleigh will light up the night on the Fourth of July with a fireworks show at the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium instead of Dorothea Dix Park. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 9 p.m. Stay tuned for more details about parking and general need-to-knows.
Sports
The Canes will hit the ice against the Florida Panthers for Game 2 tonight at the Lenovo Center after losing Game 1 with a score of 5-2, but it isn’t over yet.Tickets for the 8 p.m. match are still available.
Closing
Carolina Furniture Direct, a family-owned store on Glenwood Avenue, is closing after 41 years. The going-out-of-business sale begins today, May 22. Expect percentages of up to fifty percent on rugs, furniture, and other home decor. (The News & Observer)
Edu
The Wake County school board preliminarily approved a policy to limit student cellphone use during school hours. Final details, including enforcement plans and school-level flexibility, are still being debated. A final vote may occur on Tuesday, June 3, with implementation in the 2025–2026 school year. (The News & Observer)
Kids
Greystone Recreation Center is now accepting registrations for half-day specialty camps for children ages four to 11. Camps run from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., with fees ranging from $125 to $165. Check out the eight programs and register online.
Transit
GoTriangle has earned a Platinum Hermes Creative Award for its promotional 2029 FISU World University Games bus wrap designs. The eye-catching design, created by Cary-based Hummingbird Creative Group, was recognized internationally for its creativity + impact.
Number
$4,000. That’s how much an ounce of gold is expected to cost in 2026. And since gold thrives in unstable markets, its rally appears far from over.Check out gold IRAs, which let you own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks.†*
Try This
Perfect your putting, grab a latte, go for a run on scenic green trails, and get your car detailed, all in a day’s work. Perimeter Park is an office-flex development rich with tenant amenities that max out work-life balance. Watch our Instagram Reel for a virtual tour.*
Get your craft on solo, with a friend, or bring the whole family. | Photos provided by Hello Yellow
North Hills just got a lot more colorful with the arrival of Raleigh’s first art bar, Hello Yellow Art Studio, near Kilwins Ice Cream. This is Hello Yellow’s second location, and it’s celebrating with an opening weekend event on Saturday, May 24 + Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The studio offers various make-it-and-take-it crafts, including a hat bar, shell trinket dish, and small ceramics for all ages + group sizes will be offered. The studio is a place for both the kiddos and parents, offering 20+ different crafts.
This weekend, snacks and beverages for the kids will be available for purchase, and adults will receive a complimentary local beer or wine with the purchase of a craft during the celebratory event. Talk about a two for one.
Pro tip: Ask about the Kid’s Night Out drop-off program before your next date night. Here’s a glimpse of what a crafty visit to the studio looks like.
The Buy
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
If you’re as chronically online as I am, you might’ve seen that the ice cream brulee by local ice cream spot Andia’s is becoming increasingly popular — but the real star is every iteration of the lavender ice cream. Stay tuned for an upcoming conversation with the founder and owner, Andia Xouris. Let us know what you want us to ask.
When the lavender ice cream isn’t available, my go-to is the peanut butter fudge.
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