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🐦⬛ A new tune in East End Market
Songbird will join a stacked lineup at East End Market. | Illustration provided by Songbird
Songbird, a new daylight-to-dusk bar, is set to open in June and will focus on seasonality, zero- and low-proof beverages, and ingredient-driven fare. Plus, it’s coming from hospitality pros Charlie Blue Arm and Meg Paradise, a name you might recognize from Umbrella Dry Bar.
Spreading its wings in East End Market, Songbird will have Willow House coffee, candlelit dinner service from Longleaf Swine’s chef Dave Mitchell, and zero-proof, low-ABV, and full-strength cocktails made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
“We think of the menu as offering multiple lanes,” said Paradise in a press release. “Guests can stay in one, move between them, or choose something different each time. It doesn’t matter which path they take. Our job is to make each one feel equally considered.”
Hand-picked finishes, sustainable design, and an A+ location in Chapel Hill have made the new Twinleaf Townes a high-demand community for families + first-time homebuyers.
Working professionals will love:
Quick commute to Research Triangle Park, Duke, and UNC hospitals
Raleigh might see a potential record high of 76 degrees tomorrow, Feb. 20, 10 to 15 degrees above the historical average for that day. Is it a case of fool’s spring, or is the warm weather here to stay?
Coming Soon
JD Sports, a popular athletic retailer, will open its first Raleigh store at Crabtree Valley Mall this spring. JD carries Nike, Hoka, Adidas, New Balance, and other fitness faves and will be across from Hollister on the lower level. (The News & Observer)
Civic
Wake County approved $23.5 million in hospitality tax funds to 13 county projects, including nearly $1 million to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for Welcome Hall improvements and an administrative + event HQ for NCFC Youth at WRAL Soccer Park.
Health
Wake County EMS will make changes this year, including an improved 911 call system and reduced lights + sirens for certain types of emergencies. Wake County EMS celebrates 50 years in 2026, and this new plan intends to improve efficiency, safety, and patient care — you can learn more at seven upcoming listening sessions.
Starting May 1, every Friday is food truck day at John Chavis Memorial Park. Grab a bite from a rotating selection of Raleigh’s best food trucks before working out, enjoying the splash pad, or letting the kids play on the jungle gyms.
Plan Ahead
Head to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham on March 5 for an adults-only Mystery at the Museum night. Solve a sciencey whodunnit alongside a cast of characters + investigators. Tickets start at $40.
Announced
Bad news for “Stand By Me” fans: The March 15 live show at the Martin Marietta Center with Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and Wil Wheaton has been canceled due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts. All tickets will be automatically refunded.
Biz
Next week, we’re excited to launch BizBrief, a new local, weekly business-focused newsletter from RALtoday. We’ll keep you up-to-date on all the latest developments, trends, and opportunities + pro tips and insights from Raleigh’s top movers and shakers. Look for it in your inbox starting Monday + feel free to forward to a friend.
Play
Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in future.
You don’t need to hit a breaking point to start therapy. If you’re replaying conversations or overthinking decisions, Octave Therapy can match you with a vetted, fully licensed therapist. Octave is in-network with many major plans + the average session cost is $28 out of pocket. Find your in-network therapist today.*
Answered
Answered
Which Canes legend has an Olympic gold medal?
It’s Eric Staal. Staal won gold with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and his jersey was retired in 2025.
As an NC State alum, you already know I’m happy with NC State’s big win over UNC men’s basketball. Even if this hasn’t been the Wolfpack’s best season, plenty of bracketologists have the team in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. I can’t wait for March.
We’ll never forget NC State’s historic rise to the Final Four in 2024.
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