This year’s Kirby Derby will be the biggest yet. | Photo by Beth Khalifa
Kirby Derby, Raleigh’s quirky soapbox derby event, is back this weekend at Dix Park. This Saturday, Aug. 23, Harvey Hill will be swarmed with quirky + inventive soapbox cars racing and crashing all in the name of community fun.
This year’s theme is Metaphorical Mishaps and Wreckless Wordplay, so expect fun floats filled with malapropisms + twists on common phrases. Keep reading for the whole schedule of events — it’s all free.
3:30 p.m.: Kids pinecar races begin
4:30 p.m.: Soapbox parade starts
5:30 p.m.: Soapbox derby starts
Plus, expect food + beer from local vendors, and plenty of local fun. Allie here — get to Dix Park early to make the most out of your day. I especially love the first few rounds of the derby with plenty of crashes. I’ll see you at the racetrack.
Asked
Asked
Which of these wasn’t a previous Kirby Derby theme?
A. End of the World B. Holidazed and Confused C. Kirbaby Shower D. Pirates of the Kirbybbean
Lunchbox Lecture — Freedom Park | 12-1 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum | Free | Learn more about NC Freedom Park’s dedication to the African American community with park director Khadija McNair.
Uncruel Summer — A Girly Pop Dance Party | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall | $12+ | Boogie to top hits by Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Gracie Abrams, Chappell Roan, and plenty more.
Friday, Aug. 22
Falling In Reverse | 7 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | $40+ | These rockers are coming to Raleigh on their God is a Weapon tour.
Special Event: Ron Funches | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $40+ | You know him from the “Trolls” movies — laugh with him live in Raleigh.
A new hotel is planned for the parking lot behind Players Retreat on Hillsborough Street from Graduate by Hilton, a college-inspired brand — Chapel Hill has its own Tar Heel blue stay. The hotel is set for seven stories across from the Belltower. Next step: approval from the city. (Triangle Business Journal)
Traffic
Construction is set to begin next month for Bus Rapid Transit along New Bern Avenue after construction delays. The 5.4-mile route will have dedicated bus lanes and 10 stops connecting downtown to WakeMed + New Hope Road, and will be completed in approx. 2 years. (WRAL)
Community
The first of three workshops about the future of Lake Crabtree Park —136 acres of which were partially sold to Pacific Elm Properties — is set for tonight from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cary Senior Center. We previously shared the Whitewater Raleigh concept that would replace the wooded acres and cycling paths. (The News & Observer)
Edu
Saint Augustine’s University has filed a lawsuit against its accrediting agency after the school was removed from its membership, and a judge has ordered the accreditor to reinstate the school’s status for federal student aid. Virtual classes start Tuesday, Sept. 2 — SAU reported 175 enrolled students in the 2024-2025 school year. (Triangle Business Journal)
Holiday
Have some previous Halloween costumes your kiddos have grown out of? Little Oak Collective, a local children’s consignment boutique, is now accepting lightly used costumes for this year’s trick-or-treat festivities. Consigners earn 40% on items priced up to $49 and 50% on items $50 or more.
Gallery
If Katy Perry’s Lenovo Center concert this weekend was the one that got away, don’t fret. Check out pics from the iconic pop songstress’s night in the 919 and the video game-inspired setlist.
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Wellness
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Category
Sports
🐺 Wolfpack basketball double header
Remember the 2024 NCAA tournaments? We’re hoping the Pack runs it back this season. | Photos provided by NC State Athletics; left photo by Andrew Yates
College football is nearly here, but basketball is on the horizon. NC State is doubling up on exhibition games in Greensboro on Oct. 26, making for a can’t-miss day of hoops at First Horizon Coliseum — only a 90-minute drive from downtown Raleigh.
First, catch NC State’s women’s team dribble against Maryland at 2 p.m. — the Terrapins fell to runner-up South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament last year, but not before putting up a good fight. Just like the Pack, Maryland lost in the third round, and we have a feeling this will be a good one.
After the women’s game, catch new men’s head coach Will Wade in his debut game against South Carolina at 4:30 p.m. Neither team made it to the tournament last year, but both are aiming for another shot this season.
For the gym: Shop this strappy sports bra for a cute, ribbed look that’s non-padded and stretchy for extra comfort. For v-necks: This best-selling deep v bra features no underwire, seamless edges, and a material that’s soft on skin. For tees: Calvin Klein’s Invisibles comfort bralette is made from soft and smooth microfiber and is lightly lined for coverage.
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.
Over the weekend, I had a girls night at Moon Room, and it’s got me on the lookout for more photo booths in Raleigh. If you know of any, send them my way! I’ll share my findings and best pics with you soon.
