Plus, Beyoncé, Lake Crabtree Park + Electric Flamingo.
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95º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 5:59 a.m. | Sunset 8:34 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report


Editor’s Pick

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The Common Market has three Charlotte locations and one in Durham. | Rendering courtesy of Graham Worth
A Charlotte-based market is coming to Seaboard Station and touts itself as Raleigh’s living room. The Common Market — which you might know from its Durham location or three Charlotte outposts — will feature curated grocery items, local goods, grab-and-go options, coffee, beer + wine, made-to-order sandwiches, and a full-service bar.

“We’re so excited to bring The Common Market to Raleigh,” owner Graham Worth said via a press release. “Our goal has always been to create a welcoming space where folks can gather, grab a bite, shop local, and feel part of a community. We can’t wait to connect with our new neighbors at Seaboard Station.”

The Common Market will open in early 2026 at 807 Halifax St. behind the Ace Hardware.

⛰️ Escape to one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go

Presented by Explore Asheville
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Plan a trip to experience what makes summer in the Blue Ridge unforgettable. | Photos courtesy
ICYMI, Asheville was named one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2025. The city is back and better than ever, thanks to the community’s dedication to helping one another in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

But don’t just take our word for it, road trip to see for yourself. From crisp mountain air to Asheville’s vibrant downtown, here are the top things on our WNC itinerary this summer:

Outdoor adventures

Mountains and waterfalls galore | Use the hike finder tool to filter by features like kid + pet friendly, possible wildlife encounters, lakes and waterfalls, and difficulty level

The NC Arboretum | Frolick through colorful summer blooms in the gardens, or mountain bike through the Arboretum’s vast trail system (Psst…it’s also dog friendly)

The Blue Ridge Parkway | 300+ miles of the iconic Parkway are now open for visitors to drive or bike

Award-winning dining in “Foodtopia”

Chai Pani | Try something new at this James Beard-winning Indian street food spot

Farmers markets | Pickup fresh produce from local WNC farms (you’ll likely be shopping among Asheville’s top chefs sourcing farm-fresh menus)

Too many breweries, cideries + rooftop bars to count | Sip everything from local microbrews and creative cocktails, to nationally recognized names like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada

Arts, culture + live music

River Arts District | RAD was one of the hardest hit areas of Asheville in the storm last fall — stroll + support local artists at galleries, open studios, and interactive exhibits

The Big Crafty | This July festival has been voted “Western North Carolina’s favorite art festival” 16 years in a row

Asheville Yards | Catch outdoor concerts by favorite artists like Caamp, Iron & Wine, and Vance Joy
Plan your mountain vacay

Asked

Poll: Which Asheville summer activity are you hitting up first?

A. Waterfall hike
B. Mountain-view patio
C. Farm-fresh brunch
D. Rooftop dinner + drinks
This or that?

Events

Wednesday, June 18

“Peter and the Starcatcher” | Throigh Sunday, June 22 | Theatre Raleigh | $33+ | This whimsical Tony Award-winning retelling of “Peter Pan” is fit for the whole fam.

Wednesday Night Music Bingo | 7-10 p.m. | Wolf & Porter | Free | Test your music knowledge for prizes like Wolfe & Porter gift certificates.

Thursday, June 19

Juneteenth Day Party | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | John Chavis Memorial Park | Free | Celebrate Juneteenth with yard games, sidewalk chalk, a blood drive, and local food trucks.

Friday, June 20

Out! Raleigh Pride | Friday, June 20 + Saturday, June 21 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Fayetteville Street | Free | This two-day Pride fest will feature iconic drag performers, local vendors, and family-friendly fun.

Summer Solstice Sunset Yoga | 7:30-9 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | $25+ | Welcome summer on the longest day of the year with an invigorating flow.

Saturday, June 21

Blue Whales | Times vary | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $14+ | Learn more about these 110 feet aquatic giants with a heart the size of a small car.

Pride Night @ NC Courage | 6 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | $30+ | Show your pride or support the LGBTQ+ community as an ally as the Courage takes on the Houston Dash.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

Biz

✈️ Let your finances take flight

Presented by Coastal Credit Union
A family stares at a small green plane being held by a child. They all sit in a field.
Federally Insured by NCUA. | Photo courtesy Coastal Credit Union
Money worries shouldn’t ground your financial goals — or your summer travel.

Whether you’re flying high for a beach getaway or road-tripping with the fam, skip the financial turbulence with Coastal Credit Union.

Their team helps Raleighites overcome financial stressors with real support, extended branch hours, and digital tools that simplify life. From daily spending to major life milestones, and everywhere in between, they help guide you toward smoother skies.

See all the ways banking better helps your goals take flight.
Smooth sailing ahead

News Notes

Announced

Seventy acres of Lake Crabtree Park will remain open to the public after Wake County approved a new lease agreement with RDU, but 130 acres of trails will retain airport ownership. RDU previously said it will look for a developer to create an entertainment district near the airport. (The News & Observer)

Open

A little bit of Miami has arrived in RaleighElectric Flamingo, an ‘80s inspired pop-up bar from local influencer Magnolia Megan, among others, is now open near Death & Taxes and Copperline Plant Co. Expect Cuban bites, Instagram-worthy drinks, and a vibe that will have you partying all night long.

Watch

In honor of Pride Month, tonight, The Rialto is screening “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” complete with drag performances. Tickets are still on sale — don’t miss out on this exclusive Queen Bey celebration.

Try This

All aboard. Hop onto the Historic Raleigh Trolley for a tour of downtown Raleigh highlighting Oak City’s Black heritage this Saturday, June 21 at Mordecai Historic Park. The tour includes stories of historic homes, churches, schools, and businesses important to Raleigh’s Black history. Register to ride.

Eat

If you’re a loyal RALtoday reader, you might have noticed an influx of national taco spots coming to the 919. Keep track of what to expect at each taco spot with this handy list from The News & Observerour mouths are already watering.

Outdoors

Wake County officials approved the design for Lake Myra County Park in Wendell + eastern Wake, and the 218-acre park will include boardwalks, constructed wetland, a boat launch, and trails. The park is scheduled to open in 2027, and we can’t wait to bird watch on the boardwalk.

Plan Ahead

Does your business have an upcoming event? Promote it in RALtoday. Head to our self-service ad portal to find an option that works for your budget — from eye-catching banner ads to engaging social posts.

Home

Still climbing ladders to clean your gutters? HomeBuddy installs premium gutter guards in just a few hours — and it’s 100% no-clog guaranteed. See your local offer.*

The Buy

A reversible couch cover that’s waterproof, machine washable, and pet hair resistant. Bonus: It seamlessly converts into an outdoor blanket.
More worth The Buy

Games

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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Allie

This weekend, I was craving an impromptu beach trip but decided to keep it local with a trip to Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary. I kayaked around Bond Lake for an hour and scratched the itch to go in the ocean without using a full tank of gas.

Psst... CLTtoday Newsletter Editor Maria let me know that The Common Market has a fantastic chicken salad sandwich, so I already know what to order.
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Kayak rentals at Bond Park in Cary start at $8.

Photo by RALtoday

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