Raleigh Weekend

02/20/2025

We hope you all enjoyed the snowy weather this week! I know I thrived watching the snow fall from the cozy comfort of my couch… ahh, I love a snow day! But now, it’s time to dust off the flurries and get amped for the weekend, as there’s lots of winter fun to be had around town. So, bundle up and head out for your Friday Five!

02/20/2025

In honor of the month of love, we’ve teamed up with one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar, for their annual Love Story Contest. Have a lovable memory at Mulino? Share your story by Friday, Feb. 28, for your chance to win a $50 gift card!

02/20/2025

Live from Raleigh—and Players Retreat—it’s College GameDay! In honor of the NC State women's basketball team hosting Notre Dame this Sunday, Feb. 23, as part of ESPN's College GameDay by State Farm, PR is extending its hours to 10 a.m.–3 p.m. so people can come before or after the game or, of course, watch it there with a delicious meal paired with a mimosa or bloody mary in hand!

02/20/2025

Meet some ~pawsitively~ adorable pups at Killjoy via Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue’s Puppy Love Adoption Event on Saturday, Feb. 22! Drink some drinks while petting some floofy doggos looking for a forever home. Who knows, you may just fall in love with one to take home!

02/20/2025

Calling all “The Office” fans! The Studio in Apex is hosting A Day at The Office on Saturday, Feb. 22, a themed event consisting of 25+ local artists and seven vintage vendors, trivia, handmade goodies, fresh soft pretzels, and Angela’s cat adoption with Facilitate Rescue. Facilitate Rescue will also be accepting kitty litter and food donations. Grab your World’s Best Boss mug and join in on the fun!

02/20/2025

Wake Forest’s Paul & Jack Bakery has arrived in Raleigh! The pastry shop is officially open in the old Layered Croissanterie location on North West Street, serving up croissants, cookies, cheesecakes, and other baked goods—including their signature bomboloni, an Italian doughnut filled with cream or fruit. There’s also coffee, tea, espresso, and hot chocolate! Yummm 😋

02/20/2025

Finally, an excuse to pop the cork on those wine bottles you’ve been saving for a “special” occasion… Saturday, Feb. 22, is Open That Bottle Night! We urge you to celebrate the day by gathering your friends and getting zozzled at home or heading out to one of Raleigh’s many restaurants offering corkage options (pro tip: Players Retreat does not charge a corkage fee!). Learn more and see where to pop your highly awaited bottles by clicking the button below.

Finally, an excuse to pop the cork on those wine bottles you’ve been saving for a “special” occasion… Saturday, Feb. 22, is Open That Bottle Night! We urge you to celebrate the day by gathering yo…

02/12/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! 💘 This week’s Friday Five has a little bit of everything—date nights, girls’ nights, cats (yes, really), and we’re wrapping it all up with a special guest appearance from my Galentine, Lisa Jeffries. So, without further ado… will you be my Raleigh Weekend reader?

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! 💘 This week’s Friday Five has a little bit of everything—date nights, girls’ nights, cats (yes, really), and we’re wrapping it all up with a special guest appearanc…

02/12/2025

We are doing things a little differently this month and showing some love by teaming up with one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar, for our February contest. They are hosting their annual Love Story Contest and giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky storyteller. Have a lovable memory from Mulino? Share your story by Friday, Feb. 28, for your chance to win!

We are doing things a little differently this month and showing some love by teaming up with one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar, for our February contest…

02/12/2025

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sip (or three) at Dram & Draught on Friday, Feb. 14! Whether you’re raising a glass with your Galentines or toasting with your Valentine, they have a selection of special flights to commemorate the occasion. I can't wait to try the Espresso Martini Flight but if you are not a coffee fan, they also have red, white, and sparkling wine flights and a whiskey flight. However you celebrate, make it a night to remember—one delicious sip at a time.

02/12/2025

Celebrate love at Downtown Cary Park's free Valentine’s Date Night in the Park on Friday, Feb. 14! This cozy and creative evening is perfect for couples looking to connect and have fun. Enjoy the enchanting live music of guitarist Alex Gordez, who will set the mood with a blend of classical, Latin, Tango, Flamenco, Gypsy, and Jazz tunes. Get hands-on with mini terrarium building led by Izzy Hall of Garden & Gather, or take on the fun ‘Paint Your Partner’ challenge with Lauren Likes. Couples will also be able to enjoy a variety of free crafts together. ‘Empanadas and More’ food truck will also be onsite to satisfy your cravings....

Celebrate love at Downtown Cary Park’s free Valentine’s Date Night in the Park on Friday, Feb. 14! This cozy and creative evening is perfect for couples looking to connect and have fun. Enjo…

02/12/2025

Not feeling the Valentine’s Day vibes? Killjoy’s got you covered with an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party on Saturday, Feb. 15! From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., drown out the heartache with non-stop breakup anthems, sip on killer cocktails, and belt out your feelings. Whether you're celebrating your independence or just here for the drama, this is the perfect place to let it all out!

Not feeling the Valentine’s Day vibes? Killjoy’s got you covered with an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party on Saturday, Feb. 15! From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., drown out the heartache with non-stop breakup anth…

02/12/2025

Get ready to purr-use some of the finest felines around—It’s TICA Time is bringing its annual cat show to the NC State Fairgrounds! On Saturday, Feb. 15, head to the Holshouser Building to watch majestic pedigreed cats and fabulous household kitties compete for top titles. Meet breeders and exhibitors, cheer on your favorite feline, shop with vendors, and even adopt a cat or kitten from local shelters. Whether you’re a cat connoisseur or just looking for a paws-itively fun day, this is the purr-fect event for you! (P.S. Sorry for all the puns, but I had to.)

Get ready to purr-use some of the finest felines around—It’s TICA Time is bringing its annual cat show to the NC State Fairgrounds! On Saturday, Feb. 15, head to the Holshouser Building to watch m…

02/11/2025

Ever find yourself holding onto a special bottle of wine for just the right occasion—only for that occasion to never quite come or you just let the bottle go to waste before savoring it? That’s exactly why "Open That Bottle Night" exists! This annual celebration, created by two Wall Street Journal wine columnists, is all about making the moment special instead of waiting for one to come along. This year, Open That Bottle Night falls on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, making it the perfect excuse to gather friends, visit a favorite restaurant, or finally uncork that vintage you’ve been saving solo in some well-deserved downtime. Over on Raleigh Food & Wine, I took a deeper dive into the history of the event, plus shared some fantastic local spots where you can make the most of it....

Ever find yourself holding onto a special bottle of wine for just the right occasion—only for that occasion to never quite come or you just let the bottle go to waste before savoring it? That’s ex…

01/30/2025

Happy Friday, Raleigh! 🥳 If you've been powering through Dry January like myself or just patiently waiting for your friends to stop talking about it—WE (almost) MADE IT! Whether you’re celebrating with a well-earned cocktail or just looking for a fun way to kick off February, we’ve got your weekend plans covered. From shopping to sipping and everything in between, let’s dive into the best things happening around the City of Oaks!

Happy Friday, Raleigh! 🥳 If you’ve been powering through Dry January like myself or just patiently waiting for your friends to stop talking about it—WE (almost) MADE IT! Whether you’re celeb…

01/30/2025

February is for leveling up your fitness, too! Today, Jan. 31, is the final day to enter our wellness giveaway... You could score a $50 gift card to The Bomb Bar, Raleigh’s newest smoothie hotspot, AND a $50 gift card to Arrichion Hot Yoga + Circuit Training next door. It’s the perfect way to fuel your body and mind! Don’t miss out—enter before time runs out.

01/30/2025

It’s Triangle Restaurant Week! This weeklong celebration of food and culture wraps up on Sunday, Feb. 2—so get those reservations in before it’s too late! Don’t miss your chance to snag a table at some of your favorite downtown Raleigh spots offering special menus and unbeatable deals. We’re especially excited to check out La Terrazza, Mulino, 10th & Terrace, Leo’s Italian Social, SushiO, and so many more! 🍷

01/30/2025

On Saturday, Feb. 1, at 7 a.m., one of NC State’s most legendary traditions returns—the Krispy Kreme Challenge! Whether you're lacing up your running shoes or just here for the spectacle, this race is as wild as it gets: 5 miles, 12 doughnuts, 1 hour. Online registration is closed, but you can still sign up on-site at the NC State Memorial Belltower or just cheer on the brave participants tackling this ultimate test of endurance (and digestion). Plus, it’s all for a great cause—supporting UNC Children’s Hospital!