🐖 Barbecue superlatives | Barbecue is more than just a meal in the Carolinas — it’s a point of pride. Explore nine local spots with lots of personality.
👋 Keith Lee bids Raleigh farewell | He came, he ate, he supported — see where Lee visited during his food tour stop in Raleigh and the gifts he left behind.
Events
Events
Saturday, May 24
Saturday Run Club at Dorthea Dix | 8:30-9:15 a.m. | Starts at 1251 Goode St. | Pay-what-you-can | Run with this club where all paces are welcome and prioritized.
ReptiCon Raleigh | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | NC State Fairgrounds — Exposition Center | $15+ | View live reptiles and exotic animals from around the world.
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.
Animazement 2025 | Saturday, May 24 + Sunday, May 25 | 6-5 p.m. | Raleigh Convention Center | $70+ | Mingle with fellow Japanese animation and culture appreciators at this three-day event.
Room 861 at Goodnights: Seeing Double | 7:30 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club | $13+ | Laugh the night away at this comedy showcase featuring Myles Patton and Jack Crissey.
Monday, May 26
Bingo Night | 7-9 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel, Raleigh | Free | Play a friendly game of Bingo and compete for prizes.
Monday Karaoke Night | 8-11:45 p.m. | Raleigh Beer Garden | Unwind after a long day with a karaoke session made for singing out loud.
Thursday, May 29
Fish Four Ways Cooking Class | 6-8:30 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $99 | Learn four ways to cook the season’s freshest catch from baking to pan-searing.
$3.08. That’s the projected national average price for a gallon of gasoline heading into Memorial Day weekend — 50 cents lower than last year’s average. If you’re taking a trip out of Raleigh this weekend, you’ll likely pay less because gas in North Carolina is below the national average. (GasBuddy)
Travel
Airbnb just launched a new in-app feature that allows you to book services and activities. Do you think they’ll offer any of these wellness trends around Raleigh?
Arts
We have “American Gothic” at home. That’s something more people may be saying after Samsung acquired the rights to ~50 works from the Art Institute of Chicago, now available for download on Samsung Smart TVs — it also has pieces from the MOMA + the Met. But can they compete with our local art museums?
Job
Job hunting? Find your next opportunity close to home. Our community job board features local roles from employers who value hometown talent. Start searching now.
City Guide
City Guide
Tasty bites for less
Pro tip: This popular spot isn’t as busy during the week. | Photo by RALtoday
Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Raleigh. Check out this list of 25+ places where a lunch for one costs $12 or less.
Fast and casual
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More, multiple locations | Grab a famous hot dog combo with fries and a drink — or take advantage of one of the daily specials like half off dogs on Tuesdays.
Sandwiches and wraps
Lunchbox Deli | Everything here comes out to less than $12, including the build-your-own sandwiches.
Southern fare
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey | Don’t miss the chicken salad sandwich with an added piece of crispy chickenskin.
Vegan and vegetarian
Happy + Hale | For a light lunch, order a smoothie like the City of Oats for $7 and boost it with chia seeds or whey protein for an additional cost. Plus, new pop-up 70 and Sunny is serving Happy + Hale bowls for $10 in Smoky Hollow.
Your favorite summer find during Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Deals subject to change.
⭐ With 40% off Sloosh pool floats, you’ll be bobbing in the water with back and head support.
⭐ Take 36% off women’s sun protection shirts, great for blocking UVA + UVB rays during summer hikes, pickleball games, and beach walks.
⭐ Deck out the patio with 46% off solar-powered outdoor string lights.
If you’re looking to treat your sweet tooth this weekend, stop by the NC Sugar Rush dessert rodeo tomorrow, May 25, from 12 to 6 p.m. in City Plaza. Local sweet spots like Mr. A’s Beignets and Mama Churros will be in attendance. Pro tip: Grab a mini bundt from Bundts by Brenee, you’ll thank me after the first bite.
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