At RALtoday, we share hyper-local and need-to-know information about your Raleigh faves. Meet: RALtoday’s Best. From restaurants to salons, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Raleigh has to offer. Nominations are open until Friday, October 3.
City
City
Spread the local love with RALtoday’s Best
Graphic by 6AM City
At RALtoday, we bring you the best of Raleigh — now it’s your turn to highlight the city’s top spots.
Introducing: RALtoday’s Best
From coffee shops to event venues, we want your input on Raleigh’s top businesses.
We’re celebrating local talent across various categories, including -
Food & Drink: Happy Hour, Tap Rooms, Breweries, Brunch, Fine Dining, Food Trucks, Coffee Shops
Lifestyle & Services: Spas, Gyms, Medical Centers, Home Services, Real Estate Agents
Entertainment & Culture: Music Venues, Theaters, Party Venues, Museums, Local Influencers
More: Coworking Spaces, Pet-Friendly Venues, Apartment Complexes, and more
How to Nominate:
Nominations open Monday, Sept. 15 – Friday, Oct. 3. Use your desktop or mobile to submit your nominations.
Select a category
Enter the business name or address and choose from the drop-down
Get ready to clink with Trophy’s Oktrophyfest steins. | Photo by Trophy Brewing
It’s nearly Oktoberfest, but you won’t need to hop on a plane to join the festivities. We’ve gathered just a few celebrations happening around RAL to plan for a pitcher-perfect Oktoberfest. Did we miss your favorite?Let us know.
Lafayette Village | Saturday, Sept. 20 | Free | In addition to German-inspired food + brews, watch a wiener dog race with three divisions.
Koka Booth Amphitheater | Oct. 3 + 4 | $20+ | The largest Oktoberfest celebration in NC, this one’s got it all. Wear your Bavarian best for a Mr. and Miss Oktoberfest competition, enter a Lufthansa airfare raffle, and start working out for the stein hoisting contest.
Trophy Brewing on Maywood | Oct. 18 | Free | Join in on the Bavarian fun with The Little German Band, German-inspired food trucks, and plenty of vendors. Don’t forget your dirndl.
Events
Events
Monday, Sept. 15
Cornhole Tournament | 6:30-9 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free | Head to the Hoppy Lounge & Brewcade for casual competition and high-flying beanbags.
Smut Book Club | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free | Discuss scandalous books with other romance lovers — this month’s pick: “The Deal” by Elle Kennedy.
Bingo Night | 7-9 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel, Raleigh | Free | Get five in a row B4 anyone else to earn prizes at this quirky game night.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Tuesday Night Trivia | 7-10 p.m. | Wolfe & Porter | Free | Bring your crew to compete for Wolfe & Porter gift certificates.
The Lumineers: The Automatic World Tour | 7:30 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | $65+ | Stomp and clap to “Ho Hey,” “Ophelia,” and “Stubborn Love.”
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Swift Night Out | 5:45-8 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop | Free | Watch the incredible flight of the chimney swifts with a ornithology expert as they migrate to the western Amazon region.
Backstage Night | 7-9 p.m. | Raleigh Little Theater | Free | Learn about volunteer opportunities at this community-run theater.
Maren Morris: The Dreamsicle Tour | 7:30 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $40+ | “Baby, why don’t you just meet me in the middle?”... of the Maren Morris concert in Raleigh.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Carolina Ballet presents: Raymonda Variations | Sept. 20-21, Sept. 27-28 | Times vary | A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater | $75+ | This mixed repertory program, anchored by George Balanchine’s Raymonda Variations and set to Alexander Glazunov’s radiant score, opens the Carolina Ballet season with flair.*
🎭 Raleigh performing arts center earns international recognition
Presented by Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The MMC’s full upcoming schedule through Spring 2026 is on their website now, featuring plays, ballets, comedy shows, concerts, and more. | Photos courtesy Flyboy Photo & Media
The International Association of Venue Managers recently honored our local Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts with the 2025 Venue Excellence Award.
Given to just five venues annually, this prestigious award honors venues that exemplify operational excellence, safety, professional development, and service to the community.
“We are honored to receive this amazing recognition from IAVM,” said General Manager Michelle Bradley. “This award puts an international spotlight on the passion our entire team shares for creating unforgettable experiences for our community.”
The center originally opened in 1932, and has undergone several upgrades in the last year that contributed to their success. The improvements include converting unused lobby space into The Lounge, an elevated hospitality area available as an upgrade to all ticket holders, not just donors or subscribers.
The Martin Marietta Center has also recently amplified focus on diversifying programming, increasing community impact and revenue, while consistently providing rich cultural experiences to both our community + visitors.
Viral real estate sensation Zillow Gone Wild described this home like a mullet: business in the front, party in the back. Do you see it? The owners of this home renovated it in 2018 with a modern addition to the back with floor-to-ceiling windows and a magical garden. Check the price tag.
Coming Soon
Durham’s Pizzeria Toro is coming to Seaboard Station in a shared space with The Common Market. Opening up next summer, this wood-fired pizza spot has inventive pies, like an egg, mushroom, and arugula white pizza made to order. (Raleigh Magazine)
Trending
While the legendary comedian was in Raleigh for his tour, Adam Sandler stopped by William Peace University to shoot some hoops. Is his outfit the next big fashion trend?
Try This
Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 16. While no famous Raleighites will be cha-cha or jiving their way to the Mirror Ball this year, locals can still get in on the fun by lacing up their dancing shoes at one of these local events.
Arts
Sewing is cool again, according to the New York Times. Classes in New York City have seen a recent surge in popularity, a trend that sewing experts say is happening across the country. Start the first thread in your journey with a Raleigh craft class.
Eat
What’s the best chicken sandwich in North Carolina? According to Tasting Table, it’s WNC Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack, made with pimento cheese, peach slaw, and spicy mayo. Here in Raleigh, we’ll stick with the classic chicken sandwich from Beasley’s.
Number
64 minutes. That’s how much sunlight will be lost in Raleigh over the course of September as days get progressively shorter. If you’re dreading the darkness, you still have time to make the most of bright evenings at a local park.
Pets
You insure your phone… but not your pet? One accident could cost $10,000. Pet insurance can help cover the unexpected, with plans starting at $10/month and offering up to 90% coverage. Learn more.*
Eat
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly fall day — perfect for cozy nights and easy, feel-good meals all season long.*
Got something big happening this fall? From new menus to limited-time promos, make sure your message lands in front of our 56,000+ highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Get a glimpse of Gipson Play Plaza’s layout and features. | Photos via Dorothea Dix Park
We asked, and you answered. Your favorite part of Gipson Play Plaza is Watermill Mountain. If you like that, you’re gonna love these local parks with more splash pads and water features before summer ends.
John Chavis Memorial Park
This park is on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places and has a wide variety of kid-friendly amenities. The playground is equipped with rubber safety surfacing and there is a splash pad available for the warmer months. Expect upgrades like an aquatic center in the near future, too.
Downtown Cary Park
Located in the heart of our neighbor to the west, this park features an elaborate playground, impressive waterfront views, and a dog park + bar with beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options.
Moore Square
After splashin’ around, grab a treat at Lucky Tree, play giant board games, or take a 30-minute tour of this historic greenspace.
Your go-to shoe for early fall: Birkenstock’s Buckley Suede Clog. These comfortable clogs are easy to slip off and on and are built on Birkenstock’s classic cork footbed for arch support and security.
Bonus: New HSN shoppers can use code WELCOME2025 for $15 off $35+ purchases.
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.
Even as an NC State fan, I can’t believe our football team is outperforming Duke + UNC. I have a feeling this weekend’s Wolfpack and Blue Devils matchup at Wallace Wade will be one to remember.
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