First Friday is nearly here. | Photo courtesy of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Believe it or not, this Friday is the first of August — and First Friday is back in Moore Square, City Plaza, and throughout downtown Raleigh. Here’s what you need to know about this Friday’s packed schedule.
Jam out at Raleigh Shop & Rock: Battle of the Bands in City Plaza; bring a lawn chair and enjoy a food truck rodeo, local artist + vendors, and free live music with host Adam Lee Decker. Music starts at 2 p.m.
A free screening of “Inside Out 2" will start at Moore Square at 7:30 p.m. — arrive early to secure your spot on the lawn.
Certain downtown businesses are open late to celebrate, including Designed for Joy, Curate Raleigh, Origami Styling, and more.
Events
Events
Monday, July 28
Brewery Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh | Free | Grab your friends, a pint, and pizza to test your knowledge — we recommend arriving early to snag a table.
Raleigh Romance Readers | 7 p.m. | Quail Ridge Books | Free | This month’s book is “Love and Other Conspiracies” by Mallory Marlowe — read it and discuss with fellow romance lovers.
Tuesday, July 29
Beginner Mahjong in the Afternoon | Tuesday, July 29-Thursday, July 31 | 1-4 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $225 | This three-part series will teach you everything you need to know about the game that’s sweeping the nation.
Karen White, “That Last Carolina Summer” | 7-9 p.m. | Quail Ridge Books | $35 | This book is about sisterhood, secrets, and one woman’s reckoning with the past in South Carolina — get it signed by the author herself.
Tuesday Night Trivia | 7-10 p.m. | Wolf & Porter | Free | Test your knowledge + compete for prizes like Wolfe & Porter gift certificates.
Mumford & Sons | 7:30 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | $55+ | 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.
Thursday, July 31
Pony Run | 6 p.m. | Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh | Free | Lace up for this friendly run — and reward yourself with a pint.
Thomas Rhett: Better In Boots Tour 2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | $41+ | This country music star is headed to Raleigh on his Better in Boots tour.
Friday, Aug. 1
Make & Take a Raleigh Acorn Bell | 5-7 p.m. | Designed For Joy | $15 | As part of First Friday, make your own Oak City keepsake.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival | Friday, Aug. 1 + Saturday, Aug. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $55+ | It’s all in the name — grab a souvenir glass and taste as beer + bourbon from across the country responsibly.
Another painted bunting was found at Dix Park in November 2022.
Environment
Local birders have flocked to Dix Park to spot a rare painted bunting outside of its usual habitat. Painted buntings have a population along the NC coast, but this male bird has found its way to Oak City near the blooming sunflowers. Read up on how to spot it.(The News & Observer)
Sports
After a stellar rookie season, Jackson Blake has signed an eight-year, $45 million contract with the Canes. Blake notched 34 points in his first year, including six game-winning goals, the most in team history by a rookie. Plus, he had a great showing in the playoffs with six points.
Try This
Pasta spot Figulina is now offering grab-and-go lunch options Wednesday through Friday, including hot focaccia sandwiches, pasta salads, and fresh, uncooked pasta + sauces to bring Figulina home with you. Meet us for lunch?
Mansion Monday
If you’re like us, you might have dreamed of having your own castle, and this home delivers. With hand-painted fresco ceilings + walls, grand living spaces, a wine cellar, and backyard with a stone bridge, this home is fit for Raleigh royalty. See the price tag for this 5 bed, 6 bath home.
Ranked
The Raleigh metro area is one of the best places for college graduates to move, according to a recent ranking by ADP Research. The ranking looked at factors like annual wage estimates, hiring rates, and cost of living. Share our article on top local employers with a college grad you know.
Stat
9%. That’s how much the cost of beef has risen in the US since January. This price increase has caused some people to dub beef the new eggs, so we’re thinking a trip to a local vegetarian restaurant might help keep our stomachs and wallets full. (CNN)
Number
90 million. That’s how many people are under heat alerts across the US as a heat dome persists, from the Upper Midwest toward the East Coast, through tomorrow, July 27. While high temps stick around, stay safe and plan a fun day indoors around Raleigh. (NWS)
Eat
Here’s the scoop: North Carolinians love Salted Brown Butter Cookie ice cream. That’s the most popular flavor in the state, based on a study of Google data by Beach.com. If you’re feeling more adventurous, we recommend trying one of the unique flavors that you’ll find at a local scoop shop.
Theatre
Experience the Tony Award-winning musical, adapted for ages 10+: “Hadestown: Teen Edition” is running now through Sun., Aug. 10 at Raleigh Little Theatre’s historic Sutton Theatre. The adaptation maintains the full-length story and high-quality, live production, featuring some of the Triangle’s most talented young artists. Buy tickets.*
Featured Home
This soaring Summit at Homestead communitytruly has it all — gorgeous gourmet kitchens, high ceilings, and private primary suites — all sitting next to the running trails + green space of the Carolina Forest. Take a peek inside.*
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, RALtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Home
Mold, roof leaks, foundation cracks — clogged gutters can cause costly home damages. Get HomeBuddy’s top-rated gutter guards installed over your existing gutters in under a day.*
Finance
More central banks are stocking up on gold. Want in on the gold rush? Gold IRAs can be a good way to own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks. Prospect for gold — no miner’s helmet needed.*
Take a visit to the Pope House, the historic home of one of Raleigh’s most prominent African American families.
Museums are the cultural hubs of Raleigh — we’re known as the Smithsonian of the South, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the City of Oaks or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 18 museums to visit in our city.
History
City of Raleigh Museum | The City of Raleigh Museum preserves the capital city’s unique history. Exhibits include a general history of Raleigh and an overview of the local political scene, as well as ever-changing galleries.
Pope House Museum | This home belonged to Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, the only African American person to run for mayor of a Southern capital, Raleigh, during the Jim Crow era. This 20th-century home and its 3,000 artifacts have been preserved for visitors and is blocks away from the NC State Capitol.
This best-selling titanium cutting board. Take this as your cue to swap out your grimy old cutting boards for this highly rated upgrade — praised by reviewers for its easy cleanup, durability, and everyday functionality.
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.
I’ve been working ahead on our August Plan Ahead guide, and you are not ready for all the fun next month has in store. From college football kickoffs to art festivals, you’re gonna have a busy month. If you just can’t wait, start planning with our events calendar.
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