Rock out at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. | Photo by RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, summer’s in full swing here in Raleigh, and our definition of a perfect summer night includes some live music. Here are some upcoming shows for you to enjoy those hot summer nights here in RAL.
Cyndi Lauper | Tuesday, July 22 | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | 6:30-8 p.m. | Cloer Family Vineyards, Apex | $65 | Learn how to do this pretty lettering technique for invites, snail mail, or home decor.
Thursday, July 24
Charleston-Inspired Porch Party | 6-8:30 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $99 | The flavors of the Lowcountry are coming to Cary — make fried green tomatoes, roasted Vidalia onion crostini, bourbon balls, and more.
Friday, July 25
Raleigh Union Bus Station Facility Ribbon Cutting & Celebration | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Raleigh Union Bus Station Facility | Free | Join GoTriangle for the official ribbon-cutting celebration of the new Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility with a free celebration that includes music, giveaways, food trucks, tours, and more.*
Saturday, July 26
Summer Slam | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | John M. Brown Community Center, Apex | $50 per team | Assemble your starting five for this friendly basketball competition — prizes include basketballs signed by Wolfpack player Casey Morsell and a $125 Zaxby’s gift card.
Movie Night: “The Lion King” | 6-10 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park, Cary | Free | Bring the whole family to this classic Disney movie.
Monday, July 28
PineCone Youth Bluegrass Jam Camp | Page-Walker Arts & History Center Garden, Cary | Kids will learn how to jam like a real bluegrass musician.
Don’t let the warmth of August pass you by. | Photos courtesy Visit New Bern
Not quite ready to hang up the flip-flops?
There’s still time for a scenic drive to the NC coast for an end-of-summer August escape in New Bern. Here’s how we’d soak up every last drop of the season:
Start with a waterfront stay
Wake up in the heart of downtown — steps from cute coffee shops, splashy activities, local bites, and stunning summer views — at the new Tryon Riverfront Inn, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
Take a peek at this early rendering for Whitewater Raleigh. | Rendering via RDU
Announced
Land formerly home to Lake Crabtree Park near RDU may become an outdoor entertainment destination dubbed “Whitewater Raleigh,” modeled after Charlotte’s Whitewater Center. The project could attract 1 million guests to the 919 a year. We’ll share more later this week. (Triangle Business Journal)
Coming Soon
A new bar + restaurant is coming to Bloc[83] called 83 South, and restaurateurs Anthony Rapillo and Katsuji Tanabe from Flour & Barrel are joining in, too. Expect a day-to-night spot with brunch, upscale bites, and a lounge environment. (Raleigh Magazine)
Trending
Do you know Labubus? The cute-but-scary dolls are taking Gen Z and celebrities by storm, and you can find them right here in the Triangle. Sold as blind boxes, you never know which doll you’re going to get. Grab your own at Eloise, Superior Heat, or Niche & Dime to get in on the fun. (The News & Observer)
Mansion Monday
This modern home near Falls Lake is a modern estate with outdoorsy elements that make the woods feel like home. We’re obsessed with the top-notch kitchen appliances and the spa-like primary bath. See how much it costs.
Number
10. That’s how many more days Triangle homes sat on on average on the market in June 2025 than June 2024. Explore our real estate coverage to stay in-the-know on localtrends and trendy homes. (Newsweek)
Try This
The secret is out. Starbucks launched a “secret menu” option on its app, including items like “Dragonfruit glow up.” The coffee chain also launched a contest for customers to submit their own customized drink. Who needs a secret menu when we’ve got so many local shops to sip from?
Travel
Do you know someone who puts the “bomb” in “bombshell?” While the country is still coming down from its collective “Love Island USA” hysteria, the producers are already looking for Season 8 applicants. If you’d like to see Fiji without the drama, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a good place to start.
Pets
Listen up, cat lovers. CatVideoFest is coming to the Speed beginning Friday, Aug. 1 with a top-notch compilation of feline shenanigans. But if you think your cat is a star, you can snag them some screen time by submitting a video. Get the details on how to submit.
Giveaway
There’s still time to win two symphony season tickets(worth $1,600+) to the upcoming classical concert series. Enter our giveaway before Wednesday, July 23, at noon for a chance to experience all 14 performances up close and in person.*
Jaguar Bolera is located in Raleigh Iron Works. | Photo by RALtoday
Love is in the air. Grab your beau and try one of our 50+ local date ideas fit for every type of Raleighite.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Grab a bev at Dram & Draught, and if you get hungry, order a pie from Vic’s Pizzeria next door to enjoy at the bar.
Want an excuse to sit and talk? Grab a drink + app while waiting for a table at the reservation-free Stanbury. This menu is ever-changing, so make it a regular spot for a variety of food — plus, it’s doubling its footprint soon.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
Get in on a variety of games + fun at eatertainment spot Jaguar Bolera, including duckpin bowling, darts, and karaoke.
Psst. Wondering what everyone bought during this year’s Prime Day? Here are the top most shopped items that The Buy team recommended — and some of them are still on sale:
👀 Slip into a soft pair of high-waisted leggings with NexiEpoch’s light-compression pair.
👀 It’s hard to say no to a two-in-one vacuum and mop roomba from iRobot, especially with features like “Clean While I’m Away.”
👀 Your under-sink storage space gets a lot more functional when you use these pull-out cabinet organizers that can fit around plumbing.
👀 Anker’s magnetic charging station charges devices two times as fast, all while replacing messy cords.
👀 The perfect lipstick doesn’t exi — ope, we nearly forgot about Clinique’s sheer, flattering Almost Lipstick.
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.
ICYMI, Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer is back, and our local spots have some can’t-miss tomato creations that pair perfectly with the classic Southern mayo. My heart is set on State of Beer’s summer sammy with black pepper chicken, basil, pickled onions, arugula, and local heirloom tomatoes — grab it at the Hillsborough Street location. See the full lineup.
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