While learning all about Oak City at Raleigh Neighborhood College, I got to jump into the front seat of a real Raleigh Fire Department fire truck. | Photo by RALtoday
Hey Raleigh — Allie here. Today just so happens to be my 24th birthday, so I thought I’d celebrate by sharing my 24 favorite things in and about Raleigh. Do we share some faves? Let me know.
And for the record, these are in no particular order because I just can’t pick favorites.
The NC State Fair | There’s something special in the air during the state fair — and it’s not just the scent of kettle corn. I never miss the cute farm animals and an odd snack. Benchwarmers Bagels | If you want to be like me, order a bacon, egg, and cheese on a za’atar bagel and the seasonal fruit spread on a grits bagel to share with a friend.
State of Beer + The Bend Bar | This newer spot has the picture-perfect patio for a casual lunch with friends or an after-work Trophy Wife. Cat’s Cradle | It’s not in Raleigh, but I have to mention the best music venue in the area. Intimate, legendary, and vibey, I never miss a favorite artist’s show here.
Hiring Event | 3:30 p.m. | Lenovo Center | Free | Learn more about over 300 part-time positions — you could be working concessions, retail, parking, security, or setting up the arena.
Wednesday Night Music Bingo | 7-10 p.m. | Wolf & Porter | Free | Test your music knowledge for prizes like Wolfe & Porter gift certificates.
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
Downtown Raleigh Historian-Guided Tour | 3-4 p.m. | Starts at Jimmy V’s | $15 | Learn the ins and outs of DTR, from hotels and skyscrapers to mansions and historic estates.
First Friday Market & Movie Night at Moore Square | 5-9 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Load up the car to shop a vendors market, play lawn games, listen to live music + settle on the lawn for a screening of “Inside Out 2.”
Raleigh Newcomers Club Coffee meeting | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Raleigh United Methodist Church | Free | Meet with others who are new to Raleigh to make friends + learn more about Oak City.
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.
Don’t forget — it’s still Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week. Make a reservation at one of your favorite participating restaurants for unbeatable deals and dishes you won’t be able to try again.
Try This
Tickets are on sale now for NC Vintage Bazaar, the largest vintage clothing market in all of NC. On Sept. 6 + 7, the NC State Fairgrounds will be flooded with holy-grail vintage finds and unique accessories. Pro tip: If you’re serious about vintage fashion, splurge on the early bird ticket for less crowded shopping.
Pets
The SPCA of Wake County will waive all adoption fees on Friday, Aug. 1 for its Clear the Shelters event. Want a better chance at meeting the org’s pets? Fill out an adoption survey in advance. If you’re busy on Friday, fees will still be 50% all weekend.
Active
A Place at the Table’s walk club is coming back next month. On Sunday, Aug. 10, there will be a two-mile downtown walk from the do-good cafe, and after, you can meet with your fellow walkers back at Table with pastries + coffee. Sounds like a win-win.
Concert
It’s your last chance to get general admission Hopscotch tickets at their current price — they’ll go up from $160 on Saturday. If you’re on the fence, peek at the lineup and see what you’re getting for just over $50 a day.
Number
30,374. That’s how many fans comedian Nate Bargatze welcomed to the Lenovo Center over two days, and it’s the new record for back-to-back comedy shows at Lenovo. See what acts are coming to the arena soon — we’re eyeing Adam Sandler, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, and Tate McRae.
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Travel
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Category
Food
🐓 Dave’s is coming to roost
Two, one tender + one slider with fries meals. | Photo by COLAtoday team
A fan favorite chicken spot is crossing the road to open its first Raleigh location. Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for — you guessed it — spicy chicken sliders + tenders and has NC locations in Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Greensboro, Charlotte, and more.
At Dave’s, your chicken can be prepared with seven different heat levels, and the hottest, reaper, comes with its own waiver because it’s just that spicy.
Dave’s will open in the former home of BB’s Chicken in the Midtown East shopping center near Wegmans and Trader Joe’s. BB’s, a fast casual concept from chef Ashley Christensen, closed in early 2024. Dave’s is originally from southern California and opened its doors in 2017.
The new location is a franchise from Morrisville-based couple Russell and Loreen Hansen, who manage many other Dave’s in NC. Expect Dave’s Hot Chicken to open by Friday, Aug. 22 — we’ll be first in line.
Games
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.
Thanks for letting me indulge in some of my faves today! For my birthday, all I ask is you do something to support local this week. Whether that’s trying one of my faves or just stopping by a local bookstore instead of ordering online, it’s always a good time to support your community.
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