We’re officially in the dog days of summer, which means it’s the perfect time to get some quality time in with your pups. We’ve compiled a list of over 50 restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and even hotels that your pup is more than welcome to join you to.
2025 First and Main Bridal Show | 5-8 p.m. | First and Main, Knightdale | $13 | Calling all brides — don’t miss this show with plenty of vendors, bridal trends, and more inspiration for your big day.
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.
PineCone Old Time Jam at Riparian | 7-9 p.m. | Riparian Provision Company | Free | Join in on this jam session or kick back and enjoy the bluegrass tunes.
Friday, Aug. 15
North Carolina FC vs. Detroit City FC | 7:30 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | $24+ | Our men’s soccer team will take on Motor City in this can’t-miss match.
Special Event: Nicole Byer | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $35+ | You know this comedian from “Nailed It!” — laugh with her in person.
Saturday, Aug. 16
The Red Clay Strays: Get Right Tour | 7 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $100+ | This Alabama-based band will play its country rock hits like “Wondering Why” and “Wanna Be Loved.”
Over 200 electric-assist bikes are coming to downtown Raleigh with the help of Spin and Lime. Unlike Cardinal Bikeshare, which is shutting down, these bikes can start and stop anywhere, not just a docking station. Enjoy a discounted ride when pilot program starts Monday, Aug. 18.
Development
The Raleigh Planning Commission unanimously recommended rezoning a parcel off Peace + West streets for up to 30 stories. The land, near the future Smoky Hollow Park, would house 900 apartments, plus restaurants and other businesses. Some Raleighites worry the development will bring extra traffic near their homes. (CBS 17)
Active
The Triangle’s only Megaformer fitness studio is expanding with a new location in downtown Cary. Mega offers mat Pilates, low-impact cardio on individual trampolines, and Lagree method strength training, and it was founded in 2019 by Fitness entrepreneur Alicia Belle. Sign up for email updates about the new studio.
Trending
Hey, Swifties. Celebrate Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl” at Taylor Swift Drag Brunch at Raleigh Improv on Sunday, Aug. 24 — we’re betting there will be a few Vegas showgirl-inspired fits. Hosted by Marsha Mellow, don’t forget your own Taylor-inspired shirts + friendship bracelets.
Watch
A new NC-set drama is coming from the creators of “Outer Banks” following a group of Wilmington teens trying to make it big as a rock band. “The Runarounds” will premiere on Monday, Sept. 1 on Prime Video, and as long as it doesn’t feature a ferry to Chapel Hill, we’re sat. (The News & Observer)
Coming Soon
Wake Forest is about to get a bit more artsy. Wine & Design is opening a new franchise near Paul & Jack and Sam’s Club and is just one of the dozens of BYO art studios across the country. Wine & Design is based in Raleigh and even appeared on “Shark Tank” with an investment from Kevin O’Leary. (Triangle Business Journal)
Sports
In November, NC State Athletics expressed interest in a naming sponsor for Carter-Finley Stadium, and with three weeks to go before kickoff, it doesn’t look like we’ll see a name change just yet. We’re hoping for something local, like Cheerwine or Bojangles Stadium. (The News & Observer)
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For jam-packed days, these five on-the-go essentials keep us sane:
👜 This stylish + functional crossbody boasts multiple pockets and a soft leather feel for under $35.
💦 We stash these deodorizing body wipes in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick refresh.
👟 When rushing out the door, these slip-on canvas sneakers are our go-to kicks.
🌬️ This styling cream + wand stays in our purse to quickly tame frizz and flyaways that pop up on humid days.
🪫 We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once.
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.
All this rain really aggravates my seasonal allergies, but did you know? Some researchers believe that locally harvested honey can help alleviate symptoms thanks to trace amounts of local pollens. Thanks, bees! Find some local honey at a farmers market near us.