Red and green fireworks light up the sky at Dix Park on July 4, 2022. | Photo by J. Cutt
It’s not often that July 4th also falls on a Friday — and trust us, there’s a lot going on. In addition to the usual lineup of live music, artists, vendors, and food trucks, downtown Raleigh’s First Friday will feature a screening of Top Gun: Maverick in Moore Square. Bonus: It’s Ladies Night at the Merchant.
🧨 Fireworks
Cary Presents: Independence Day Celebration | Friday, July 4 | Starts at 3:30 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Free | The North Carolina Symphony will play patriotic tunes before a dazzling fireworks display over Symphony Lake.
City of Raleigh’s 4th of July Fireworks Display | Friday, July 4 | Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. | Lenovo Center | Celebrate Independence Day in Raleigh — there will be no vendors, stage, or festival activities.
Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration | Saturday, July 5 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, Holly Springs | Free | Enjoy live music, food trucks, games, and of course, a show-stopping fireworks show.
Forgive Us, Gustavito | Saturday, June 28-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.
Special Event: Hannibal Buress | Saturday, June 28-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Goodnights Pop-Up Club | $45+ | You know him from collaborations with Eric Andre and his roles in various movies -- grab a laugh with him in Raleigh.
Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Walk | Sunday, June 29-Sunday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Williams Courtyard | $15 | This spooky tour shares some of Raleigh’s scariest true crime and ghost stories.
Yoga at Compass Rose Brewery | Sunday, June 29-Sunday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | Compass Rose Brewery | $5+ | Bring your own props for this invigorating class.
Monday, June 30
Wine Down Mondays | Monday, June 30-Monday, Aug. 4 | 5 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge | $0 | There’s no better way to wine on the first Monday of the year — enjoy 50% off wine paired with small plates.
Cary-based food truck Merkato Cafe made it onto Yelp’s list of Top 100 Food Trucks 2025, coming it at No. 79. Follow the truck that specializes in Injera and other Ethiopian dishes via social media.
Try This
On the hunt for a luxe pool? Try using Resort Pass, a tool where you can find day passes to hotel pools across the Triangle. We’re eyeing a private cabana for up to 8 of our friends at Unscripted Durham.
Ranked
Raleigh came in at No. 5 for most affordable commutes in a recent study published by SIXT. Reportedly, this ranking was informed by gas prices ~$2.99 per gallon + average commute times around 23 minutes (backups on the Wade Extension notwithstanding).
“Jaws,” often credited as the original summer blockbuster, is now 50 years old. Steven Spielberg’s thriller debuted on June 20, 1975, but it seems a comeback is lurking. The film will return to local theaters this summer, starting Aug. 29. (USA TODAY)
The Buy
An anti-slip bath mat. Built with a strong rubber backing, the mat is engineered not to lose its grip even after repeated cycles in the wash — and its soft chenille fabric feels great under feet.
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.
While the humans in our house have always loved a big fireworks display, our dogs never enjoyed them. A friend recommended the Thundershirt to help with their anxiety during holidays and storms, and I have to say — it worked.
}})
}})
