Plus, Village District's first cocktail bar is close to opening.
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92º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:11 a.m. | Sunset 8:30 p.m.

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Editor’s Pick

Sunflowers in a field at Dix Park
You only have ~2 weeks to catch the sunflowers blooming at Dix Park. | Photo by RALtoday
It’s been a rainy stretch in Raleigh, but the sunflowers at Dix Park are loving it. The 5-acre field is blooming, looking like a sea of sunshine right in the heart of the city. You’ve got about two weeks to take it all in, so don’t wait too long to stop by.

The field is open daily from dawn to dusk. Pro tip: On weekdays, use Public Parking Lot A. On evenings and weekends, all lots are open for public use. Psst… here’s what I’d bring: bug spray, sunscreen, water, closed-toed shoes, and a local read to soak in the view of sunflowers and colorful Zinnias.

Asked

How many sunflower seeds did crews plant this season at Dix Park?

A. 50,000+
B. 125,000+
C. 200,000+
D. 85,000+
Stay golden + take a guess

Events

Wednesday, July 16

Haiti As It Was | Wednesday, July 16-Thursday, July 31 | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C Fine Art | Free | Tour this selection of Haitian art curated by gallerist Charlene Newsom.

Joint Exhibition: “Quiet Carolina” & “Waters Edge” | Wednesday, July 16-Tuesday, July 22 | Times vary | Cary Gallery of Artists, Cary | Free | See the new collection of paintings by Disney Master Artist Kevin-John + coast-inspired clay sculptures by Leslie Foster.

The Head and the Heart - Aperture Tour | 6:30 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $50+ | From “Rivers and Roads” to “Honeybee,” hear the musical stylings of this indie folk band during this outdoor show.

Irregardless’ 1995 Dinner | 4:30-9 p.m. | Irregardless Cafe | $75 | Book a reservation to enjoy a menu inspired by 1995, featuring dishes like gazpacho, duck breast with grilled peaches + matcha creme brulee.

Pay-What-You-Can Farmstand | Recurs July 23 + 30 | 4-7 p.m. | Raleigh City Farm | Pay-what-you-can | Get produce like strawberries, tomato bouquets, blueberries, and more at this local seasonal market.

Pollinator Party | 10-11:30 a.m. | Prairie Ridge | From bees and butterflies to birds and bats — observe native pollinators in their environment.

Wednesday Night Music Bingo | Wednesday, July 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Wolf & Porter | Free | Test your music knowledge for prizes like Wolfe & Porter gift certificates.

Thursday, July 17

Women’s Monthly Raleigh Networking |10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Panera Bread, 6201 Glenwood Ave. | Cost of purchase | Meet local women and build community through regular meetups and talks.

Counting Crows | 7:30 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $30+ | The Complete Sweets! Tour comes to downtown Raleigh.

Friday, July 18

All-Female AC/DC ROCKS | 7 p.m. | Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard | $15+ | Bring your rock-loving friends for pizza and music.

Tuesday, July 22

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | 6:30-8 p.m. | Cloer Family Vineyards, Apex | $65 | Learn how to elevate your invitations and thank you cards with this timeless art.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

Seasonal

🛍️ Summer savings (up to 75%) start tomorrow

Presented by North Hills
Shots of sale items from last year's Summer Sidewalk Sale in North Hills.
The Summer Sidewalk Sale is one of the district’s biggest events of the year. | Photos courtesy North Hills
Sun’s out, deals are out with the return of North Hills’ annual Summer Sidewalk Sale, taking over the neighborhood tomorrow, July 17, through Sunday, July 20.

Look forward to savings up to 75% on designer brands, local goods, and everything in between during this four-day sunny sale featuring more than 20 participating retailers.

We’re not just talking clothes, either. Books, accessories, home decor, and more will fill the sidewalks each day, letting visitors stroll, sip, shop, and save.

$500 shopping spree giveaway

But wait, there’s more. The return of the Sidewalk Sale also means the return of North Hills’ wildly popular Instagram summer shopping spree giveaway.

Head to their post and follow the giveaway instructions for a chance to sweeten your shopping experience with a $500 North Hills gift card.

Plus, the page is a great way to stay up-to-date on new openings, upcoming events, weekly deals, and all things North Hills.
$500 giveaway + sale details

News Notes

Open

James Beard-nominated Chef Preeti Waas and her daughter Amy just opened Nanny Goat, the first retail spot at Horseshoe at Hub RTP. This boutique bodega will dish out chef-prepared meals, local goods, fresh produce, baked treats, coffee, and more. In their words: little store, big personality — we can’t wait to shop.

Coming Soon

Back in January, we shared that Village District planned to welcome its first cocktail bar, Mr. Henry, in the former Which Wich space. Now, we’re getting a sneak peek at the expertly crafted drinks coming soon. Which cocktail are you trying first? Stay tuned — we have a feeling opening day is close.

Opening

Planning for out-of-town guests? Cary’s new Hive House boutique hotel opened this week at 1121 Ledsome Ln., near Noodle Blvd. The extended-stay spot features 45 two-bedroom suites, a lounge with billiards and chess, and a fitness center. It’s owned by Cary-based CMC Hotels — and yes, reservations are open for July stays. (Triangle Business Journal)

Try This

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are trotting into Durham for two special appearances supporting nonprofit Folds of Honor. Catch them at Kotuku Surf Club on Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m., and before the Durham Bulls game at 500 West Corporation St. on Friday, July 25.

Plan Ahead

Get ready to swing over to Moore Square — Jazz in the Square is back for its fifth season. The first free concert is Thursday, August 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Pro tip: Bring a blanket or chairs to settle on the lawn.

Arts

Stay hydrated, RAL. The NCMA just dropped Park-inspired Nalgene water bottles featuring artwork by local illustrator David Eichenberger. New or renewing members who contribute $25 or more to the NCMA Park Fund will receive the exclusive bottle. Each purchase supports Museum Park sustainability initiatives.

Beauty

Add a touch of glow before your summer getaway with these custom-blended spray tans. At-home appointments are available, so it’s easy to fit into your busy pre-vacation schedule.*

Food

Did you know that now through Monday, Aug. 11, you could be scoring points + winning prizes... just for eating local? Grab your Hillsborough Street Food Walk Passport and read our breakdown of how it works.*

Try This

Your next big event could use some attention. Get a crowd in the room by letting us help you spread the word. Our self-service ad portal can put your event in front of our highly engaged local audience in a matter of two days. Get started now.

Today Is

🌭 National Hot Dog Day

Two hot dogs with chili and mustard next to a glass bottle of Coca-Cola.
Don’t miss the “hot weiners” at this iconic Raleigh spot. | Photo by RALtoday
We’re here to help you celebrate right, Raleigh — plan your lunch outing with our list of nine spots to grab a classic dog around town.

The Roast Grill | Slingin’ dogs since 1940, this hole-in-the-wall serves glass bottle sodas, homemade Greek baklava, and classic flattop-grilled dogs. Pro tip: Look for the iconic “Hot Weiners” sign, bring cash, and never ask for ketchup.

Cloos’ Coney Island | Complete with checkered floors, this retro spot specializes in hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and cheese fries. Try this: The Coney Dog topped with chili, mustard + onions.

Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More | This spot has been a Raleigh staple since 1978. Unless you specify, your dog will be topped with mustard, chili, and onions. Pro tip: The marquee lights up with funny sayings.

Jerry’s Grill | This long-standing (since 1986) mom and pop shop serves classic dogs and sides like crinkle-cut fries, tater tots, and crispy onion rings.
Still hungry? Try 5 more spots

The Buy

In case you missed it, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is underway. We’ve sifted through hundreds of deals, and two of our favorites are $70 off these Rothy’s Mary Jane flats and 34% off this ultra-soft, underwire-free t-shirt bra.
See all the deals

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: Cat Gillihan

Hey friends, Cat here — long time no… write to? I finally got to try LaGana (right next to Paul and Jack) the other night with my friend Anna. The service, food, and ambiance were all top-notch.

For the table, you have to order the Mr. Thick — a big-ass French fry (not my words, but it totally fits). For my main, I went with the Textbook: a wagyu beef patty topped with “the sauce” and Yankee cheddar — a delicious smash burger. Of course, I paired it with a cocktail featuring Conniption Gin from Durham Distillery, which was sublime.
A double cheeseburger on a plate with orange and white paper.

Visit LaGana at 911 North West St. — and don’t skip a slice of cake for dessert.

Photo by RALtoday

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