More than 1.5 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Raleigh area’s $95.6 billion economy. But have you ever wondered about the City of Oaks’ heaviest hitters?
The major players
Whether you’re job hunting (or just “casually prospecting”), here are six major employers — all that employ more than 10,000workers.
Duke University and Duke Health Systems
43,108 employees | Education and Health Services | Search jobs
As one of the state’s largest health systems, Duke Health operates three hospitals including Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital.
State of North Carolina
24,083 employees | Government | Search jobs
From the Appalachian Mountains to the sandy beaches off the Atlantic, the Tar Heel State tends to a population of more than 11 million residents.
Wake County Public School System
17,000 employees | Education | Search jobs
From substitute teachers and bus drivers to administrative positions, there are plenty of careers that support the ~159,000 students in the county.
August’s 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.
Zinfandel Tasting | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $20 | Taste a wide variety of wines made from the same grape.
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.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Kirby Derby 2025 | 3 p.m. | Harvey Hill at Dorothea Dix Park | Free | The theme of this year’s wacky soapbox race is Metaphorical Mishaps & Wreckless Wordplay — come early to see all the racers in a parade.
Packapalooza | 2-10 p.m. | Hillsborough Street and the NC State Belltower | Free | Students, alumni, staff, families, and locals are welcome at this street festival ringing in the new Wolfpack school year.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Room 861 at Goodnights: Comedy N Dice | 5 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club | $25+ | Bring your whole adventuring crew to this “Dungeons & Dragons” themed comedy night with live action roleplaying.
Summer Garden Soiree Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Atlantic Gardening | Free | Even Lady Whistledown would approve of this fete with yard games, drinks from the garden bar, and 30 local artists + makers.
🍁 Meet Burnsville, NC: Your ultimate fall destination
Presented by Explore Burnsville
Burnsville has everything you need for a perfect fall weekend, from pumpkin picking to shopping small businesses to sipping seasonal local brews. | Photos by Explore Burnsville
We’ve got an itinerary started for every kind of fall retreat:
Romantic weekends | Slow down together with a secluded + unplugged mountain stay.
Family-friendly getaways | Favorite fall activities, outdoor expeditions, retro toy shops, and a brand new Kid Mountain playground offer fun for all ages + cherished family memories.
Historic adventures | Burnsville has a rich history — did you know the American flag on the moon was made in Yancey County?
After closing earlier this year, 42nd Street Oyster Bar could reopen as early as February with a new ownership group, including longtime general manager, Hunter Correll. A Facebook post by the restaurant with “I’m Still Standing” also caused a stir this week. Can we preorder? (Triangle Business Journal)
Weather
Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency this week ahead of Hurricane Erin. While the storm isn’t expected to make direct landfall in NC, it could bring tropical storm conditions, extreme surf, and rip currents to the coast. Read our guide to stay prepared for hurricanes in Raleigh and follow CBS 17 for the latest weather updates. (The News & Observer)
Development
Pacific Elm Properties hosted its first workshop for the former Lake Crabtree space, and many residents expressed wanting to keep the space as green as possible, and others suggested an amphitheater or the Whitewater Raleigh concept. Read more about what locals are hoping for this space. (INDY Week)
Closed
Crabtree Valley Mall’s Brio abruptly closed after 15 years in Raleigh. The Italian chain now only has one location in NC at Harrah’s Casino Resort in Cherokee. Fill the pasta-shaped hole in your heart at a local spot like Anthony’s La Piazza. (The News & Observer)
Sports
After his recent retirement, the Canes hired former player Jesper Fast as a development coach. Fast signed with the Canes in 2020 after seven seasons with the Rangers and totaled 36 goals with Carolina over four seasons.
Active
Ready your paddles. A new set of pickleball courts is opening at Sanderford Road Park, and there will be a grand opening celebration next Saturday, Aug. 30 with a live demonstration and free instruction for new + seasoned pickleballers. Yep, time to update our pickleball guide.
Try This
Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Man’s Best Friend” is out soon, and Pour House is hosting a listening party next Saturday, Aug. 30 to celebrate. The record starts spinning at 3 p.m., and the store + music venue will be giving out goodies and exclusive vinyl records.
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Giveaway
The giveaway clock has nearly struck midnight. Enter while you can for a chance to win $1,050 in local goods + gift cards from The Butcher’s Market, The Wine Barrel, and other Wake Forest hotspots.‡*
Our Self-Service Ad Portal makes it easy to purchase and run ads on your schedule - no back and forth, just results. | Graphic by 6AM City
Our Self-Service Ad Portal isn’t just simple. It’s your local legends’ favorite hack. From food banks and real estate pros to indie markets and arts orgs, community partners like Banker Exchange, God’s Pantry, and Urban Craft Uprising keep coming back.
Why? The portal is low lift, high return, and gatekeeper-free.
To put it simply: “I wish all advertising was this easy.” – Alana Claxton, Banker Exchange
First-time customers, use code NEW15 for 15% off at checkout.
Are we losing our marbles? On her behind-the-scenes TikTok account, pop star Katy Perry introduced fans to Marble, her tour’s new mascot made by her daughter at, you guessed it, Marbles Kids Museum while she was in Raleigh. Read up on more activities fit for even a pop star’s kid in our kid-friendly activity guide — but we can’t promise you’ll see Katy Perry.
A great way to whiten teeth from Lumineux. Go for peroxide-free whitening, which helps fight common stains from coffee, tea, and wine without leading to tooth and gum sensitivity. The starter set comes with 14 whitening strips + a two-pack of whitening toothpaste, all formulated with good-for-you Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and lemon peel oil.
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.
Remember a few months back when I introduced you to my friend Mari and her movie, “Growing Pains”? NC State is hosting a free screening next Wednesday, Aug. 27 at D.H. Hill Library. This free screening will also include a discussion after with Mari about the film’s inception. See you there!
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