Hopscotch Music Festival fills the streets of Raleigh. | Photo by Garrett Poulos
July is nearly here, and our Plan Ahead guide is bursting with all the best events. We’ve got everything from fireworks galore to live music you won’t want to miss.
Raleigh’s Summer Beats Festival | Saturday, July 12 | Groove to this outdoor extravaganza with food trucks, an ice cream rodeo, a cutest dog contest, and so much more for the perfect day in Raleigh.
North Carolina Bubble Fest | Sunday, July 27 | Pop on over to this family-friendly bubble fest with live music, vendors, and of course, bubbles upon bubbles.
Live music
Mumford & Sons | Tuesday, July 29 | We love this British folk rock band for songs like “Little Lion Man” and “I Will Wait” and can’t wait to see them live.
Thomas Rhett | Thursday, July 31 | This country music star is headed to Raleigh on his Better in Boots tour.
Looking for a fun summer roadtrip in July? Asheville has a summer music series you won’t want to miss. Keep reading for more.
“Forgive Us, Gustavito” | Through Sunday, June 29 | Burning Coal Theatre Stage | $10 | This funny noir play follows the seedy underbelly of a zoo after the death of a beloved animal resident.
Left Hook Coffee’s Kickstarter Launch Party | 4 p.m.-12 a.m. | Wolf & Porter | Free | Help this local coffee shop raise $150,000 to open a brick-and-mortar location in East Raleigh.
Rocket League Championship Series | Saturday, June 28-Sunday, June 29 | Lenovo Center | $32+ | Sixteen of Rocket League’s best teams will compete for their share of the $351,000 prize pool.
Solve a Cruise Control Murder | 7-10 p.m. | Red Bird | $80 | Solve a fun murder mystery at this dinner party on the high seas.
Sunday, June 29
Margaux’s Lobster Fest | All day | Margaux’s Restaurant | Price of purchase | Call ahead to get your spot with plenty of claws.
Raleigh is feeling the brunt of this heatwave and is seeing the highest heat indexes in the nation. Today, we’ll be seeing the heat index rise up to 103 degrees. Continue staying in air-conditioned spaces, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and reducing strenuous activity. (Washington Post)
Sports
From a Blue Devil to a Maverick. ICYMI, Duke’s Cooper Flagg went No. 1 in the NBA Draft to Dallas and makes history as the second youngest No. 1 pick ever, just eight days younger than when LeBron James was drafted. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Catch fireworks a week before everyone else at the A.E. Finley YMCA this weekend for the Finley Freedom Festival. On Sunday, June 29, all are welcome — not just members — for an evening of lawn games, food trucks, Two Roosters Ice Cream, and fireworks at dusk.
Show
Enter Sandman. Comedian Adam Sandler is coming to Raleigh on his You’re My Best Friend tour on Sept. 11 at the Lenovo Center. Tickets go on sale today at 12 p.m.
Tech
NC State researchers have invented an electric bandage that heals chronic wounds 30% faster than typical bandages. The electric bandage is activated by water with no fancy electronics, making it user friendly. We’re hoping to see these on shelves soon. (The News & Observer)
Jobs
Do you have what it takes to be a professional Caniac? The Hurricanes are hiring their next Canes Crew, a group of brand ambassadors that you might see entertaining the crowd during games. Once you apply, you’ll potentially be invited to an audition in August to join the team.
Athleta’s Semi-Annual Sale is on. Take up to 70% off bestsellers, workout staples, and everyday favorites built to move with you. Hurry — the sale ends Sunday, June 29.*
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.
Hopscotch just dropped its venues for the 2025 fest — in addition to City Plaza and Moore Square, expect shows at Lincoln Theatre, Kings, The Pour House, Neptunes, Slim’s, and Transfer Co. I’m still patiently waiting for that lineup, though.
Indie rock band Japanese Breakfast closed out Hopscotch 2023 with a bang.
