You might catch a familiar jolly face at Pullen Park’s Holiday Express. | Photo via the City of Raleigh
One of Raleigh’s most in-demand holiday events is switching up how to get tickets. Pullen Park’s Holiday Express tickets will now be sold on Ticketmaster to prevent glitches and long lines. Holiday Express will be Dec. 2 through Dec. 18, and all guests over 1 year old require a ticket. Here’s how to get your hands on one of the 37,000 tickets.
Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and will be $17 each. Pro tip: Sign into your Ticketmaster account in advance and have your payment information ready to go. Tickets have previously sold out in just minutes, so time is of the essence.
Plus, there’s even an event just for adults this year. On Nov. 29, Pullen will host Merry and Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups, an adults-only festive experience that will benefit Play it Forward to provide financial assistance to families + locals. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 1 on Ticketmaster.
“This program has the potential to transform lives and uplift communities across our state.” That’s what NC State chancellor Kevin Howell said about the new guaranteed admission program for community college students who maintain a 3.0 GPA from three community colleges, including Wake Tech. Learn more.
Community
You can help shape the City of Raleigh’s 2027 fiscal year budget with a number of in-person and virtual listening sessions between Oct. 1 + 16. Register at least three days in advance to receive free childcare and interpretation services. We’re eyeing the Oct. 16 session with free pizza at State of Beer.
Transit
Before BRT takes off, GoRaleigh has found a use for its new bendy buses. Called articulated or accordion buses, the 60-foot buses will call Route 1 down Capital Boulevard home till BRT launches, which sees nearly 1 million passengers per year. (The News & Observer)
Eat
Sam Jones BBQ is nominated for the best Carolina-style barbecue in a USA Today contest, and they’re up against some stiff and tasty competition. Cast your vote for Sam Jones or another spot that satisfies your Carolina ‘cue craving.
Try This
Brunch is coming back to Fiction Kitchen this October. Every Sunday, the plant-based spot in Gateway Plaza will serve up Southern-inspired breakfast classics, a rainbow mimosa flight, and more you might remember from the restaurant’s Dawson Street days.
Watch
Head to Durham to see Monty Python’s John Cleese and a special screening of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” at the Carolina Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 1 as part of a 50th anniversary tour. As part of Cleese’s “Not Dead Yet” tour, expect behind-the-scenes tales, a Q + A session, and plenty of laughs. (The News & Observer)
Something new is coming to Woodhouse Spa North Hills. Opening Oct. 1, The Club offers exclusive perks, monthly treatments, and a personalized spa experience tailored to you. See all the luxe benefits.*
Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*
Home
Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now.This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
If the MLB postseason has you itching for more baseball, grab tickets for Battle at The DBAP on Oct. 16. UNC + NC State will face off in this fall exhibition game, and all proceeds will directly benefit the two teams.
“We encourage our fans to come out and show our 2026 team the loyal support our past teams have enjoyed and appreciated so much,” said NC State baseball head coach Elliott Avent in a press release. “The long tradition of Wolfpack fan support is as consistent as the winning that NC State baseball has produced over the past 60 years.”
This is NC State’s fifth straight appearance at DBAP and their first fall exhibition in Durham against the reigning ACC champion Tar Heels. All tickets are $19.
Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
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.
When did “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” first come to Raleigh?
According to the comments on Olde Raleigh - N.C.'s Facebook post, folks attended the first screening in 1977 at a theater in Colony Shopping Center. Catch the next screening at the Rialto on Friday, Oct. 3.
The Wrap
The Wrap
From Allie
Speaking of GoRaleigh, I’ve had fun spotting the special wrapped buses that have been driving around town to celebrate 50 years, including the shiny gold bus and the Raleigh trolley-inspired one. Have you spotted them?
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