We have Little Free Libraries around town, but what if there was a central library — outdoors? | Photo by RALtoday
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
According to the official city website: “The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting.”
The space features chairs, rentable books, and is divided into zones — think: concert spaces, play + reading areas, and a pop-up zone for vendors.
Where would one go in Raleigh?
Our vote? Pullen Park. Known for being the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the US, it already has some of the zones covered with its playgrounds, carousel, and Theatre In The Park. Just look at all of the space for reading on the map.
Canine Kahuna | 1-3 p.m. | Bond Brothers Beer Co., Cary | Free+ | Shop local vendors for your four-legged beach buddy or meet a new adoptable pal from the Wake County Animal Center.
Battle of The Bartenders | 4-8 p.m. | Fresh Collective | $10+ | Local mixologists are bringing the “Chopped” experience to you in this friendly competition where you get to taste test.
Amber Autry | Saturday, Aug. 9-Sunday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $34+ | Come out to laugh with this Nashville-based comedian who has been featured on Peacock TV, Drybar Comedy, and Don’t Tell Comedy.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Dueling Dinosaurs Sensory Friendly Mornings | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Nature Research Center | Free | Bring your kiddos, noise-reducing headphones + fidgets to enjoy a self-guided tour of the exhibit space without the crowds.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Five Points Short Film Festival | Thursday, Aug. 14-Friday, Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. | The Rialto | $28+ | Enjoy local filmmaking with other local cinephiles at this two-night film fest.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Raleigh Durham Fashion Week | 6-11 p.m. | The Fairview Raleigh | $45+ | See models dressed by returning celebrity designer, Matthew T. Mucha, who will be creating the pieces the day of the show.
83. That’s how many days there are until Halloween, but you can get your phalanges on this Ultra Skelly from Home Depot right now. (Engadget)
The Word
"Coolcation.” A travel trend to beat the heat + take a trip to cooler regions of the world, like Iceland, Norway, and Alaska. Pack extra layers and travel like a pro through RDU. (Scripps News)
Watch
The MTV Video Music Awards 2025 announced its nominees, and Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar are the artists with the most noms. The ceremony will air on networks like MTV + CBS on Sunday, Sept. 7 — but these award-worthy songs with local ties can be streamed right now.
Eat
Are Gen Z cereal killers? Sales of the boxed breakfast have fallen by 13% in the US compared to 2021 — a decline attributed to changing preferences in young Americans. But who can blame them when they have local brunch options like this? (New York Post)
The Buy
Downy’s best-selling wrinkle release spray. Grab a pack of travel-sized bottles perfect for quickly de-wrinkling clothes on the go or at home.
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.
If you’re like Edit Beer Co., then you love finding any reason to have fun — especially for a good cause. Today, the brewery will host a Van Goghing Away Party from 2 to 5 p.m., in celebration of donating its 1995 Ford Windstar to Kars4Kids. Stop by to help paint the car in a community art project + snack on free hot dogs.
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