Today is 919 Day (Sept. 19, get it?). We’re sharing the history of Raleigh’s area code that’s sure to get you recognized as a Raleighite wherever you go.
On Jan. 1, 1954, the 919 area code was first introduced for the Central and Eastern regions of NC, but in 1998, the 919 code was split and numbers serving the Eastern part of the state — near Rocky Mount and Greenville — were updated to the 252 area code.
As the Raleigh metro area continued to grow, officials identified the fact that we would eventually run out of phone numbers. The 984 area code was first proposed in 2001 to accommodate increasing cell phone use + a significant population boom, however implementation was deferred (thanks to number pooling). The 919 area code now covers roughly 733,736 phone numbers across Raleigh and beyond.
Wanna celebrate in style? Head to NC State’s Centennial Campus for a 919 Day concert featuring food trucks, vendors, and local artists like Chatham County Line.
With a stellar location near just about everything (think: Brier Creek Commons, North Hills, Research Triangle Park), and warm living spaces that you’ll fall in love with on sight, we have a feeling these six won’t be around much longer, either.
A new mixed-use development is coming to Hillsborough Street at the intersection of West, Edenton, and Hillsborough. Expect 200+ apartments and 10,000 sqft of retail and restaurant space — and stay tuned for more. Get a glimpse.(Raleigh Magazine)
Civic
You can play a part in the future of Raleigh with the Planning Academy, a five-week class that will teach you how planning works and how to get involved. Apply to get started by Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Community
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month next week at the Raleigh Tamale Festival. On Saturday, Sept. 27, try a wide variety of tamales made by locals, watch cultural performances, and help crown the best tamale in Raleigh.
Eat
Still hungry? Head to Raleigh City Farm’s Harvest Dinner on Oct. 12 and enjoy many courses of seasonal locally grown produce with chef Jeff Seizer of Ponysaurus. Bites include a roasted root salad, porchetta with kale and sweet potato, and a chocolate banana bread pudding. Reserve your seat.
Try This
Hey, Panthers fans. You can catch an Amtrak train to seven home games this season that will arrive by kickoff and have you home from Charlotte by 11. Read about our experience taking the train to and from Charlotte and book your ride to BofA Stadium. (The News & Observer)
Arts
Need some creative inspiration? Check out five art exhibits across the Triangle this fall, including pressed flowers from Henry David Thoreau’s personal collection, vibrant oil painting depicting the Black South, and poignant photojournalism. (INDY Week)
Concert
Rapper + singer-songwriter MGK is bringing his Lost Americana tour to Coastal Credit Union Music Park with Wiz Khalifa and De’Wayne in June 2026. Presales start as early as next Tuesday, Sept. 23, and you can sign up now to get access.
Posting on RALtoday’s local job board is like using GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
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Seasonal
Seasonal
Holiday savings are here early
Graphic by 6AM City
Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is making a comeback, and we want to feature your business.
We know, we know — it’s only September. But the early bird gets the worm, right?
That’s why we’re offering 20% off inclusion in our 2025 guide now through Wednesday, Oct. 1. Secure your spot to promote your business’ one-of-a-kind gift, festive product, or unique service.
Dix Park is growing more than ever, but you gotta get there to enjoy it. The park shared some tips + tricks to park when visiting to enjoy Gipson Play Plaza and the rest of the park.
Did you know? There’s a special Park and Ride lot near a Western Boulevard enterance with a shuttle to Gipson Play Plaza on the weekend. Visiting a state-of-the-art playground has never been easier.
A great way to get a sparkling clean toilet: Splash Foam Cleaner. Clean stains, toilet rings, and more without forceful scrubbing thanks to Splash Foam’s revolutionary cleaning formula. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. Bonus: It leaves your bathroom smelling clean.*
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.
Happy Friday + 919 Day! There’s so much happening this weekend, and I hope you get out and have some fun. Have you noticed what’s different with our events section? We’re foregoing descriptions in favor of including more events, and I’m a fan. If you’ve got a hot take on it, I want to hear it.