Weekend Picks: May 8th – 11th

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The fun continues this weekend with several opportunities to catch some great live music, stroll local gardens, gaze upon the stars, and enjoy some sweet treats at a new dessert spot in Raleigh.  My weekend picks:

Thursday May 8th

Midtown Beach Music Series at North Hills – Band of Oz
The midtown beach music series at North Hills has grown to become a favorite Thursday evening activity drawing fans from all over to enjoy the most famous beach bands around. This week’s band is the Band of Oz. The best parking for this event is located in the Cap Trust Tower. Event info

Sarah P. Duke Garden in Bloom
Now is the perfect time to visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Not just this Thursday but really anytime this week and the entire month of May. The colors should really be popping at this point on the 55-acre oasis at Duke University. Admission is free. For more info about the garden visit http://gardens.duke.edu.

Friday May 9th

Bittersweet – Dessert & Cocktail Lounge Grand Opening
Bittersweet officially opens it doors this Friday at 5pm. They serve desserts, cocktails, and counter culture coffee. This is the kind of place where you can get “bourbon with your pie, champagne with your cake. and Irish whiskey with your coffee”. In otherwords, a place you should definitely check out! Bittersweet is located at 16 East Martin Street in downtown Raleigh. http://bittersweetraleigh.com

Second Friday Art Walk in Chapel Hill
The 2nd Friday Artwalk takes place in Carrboro and Chapel Hill from 6:00 – 9:00 pm on the second Friday of every month. It’s a great opportunity to explore the many arts venues and businesses in both towns as well as socialize with other art lovers in the community. Many of the galleries will have live music and other art related entertainment. http://www.2ndfridayartwalk.com

Duke Teaching  Observatory Open House – 9pm
The Duke Teaching Observatory is a teaching facility for the Duke Physics Department. It is also an active site for science outreach to the community. They will hold an open house viewing this Friday starting at 9pm. Depending on the weather you may be able to gaze upon planets like Jupiter, the star Castor, as well as the Ring Nebula and Cigar Galaxy. Click here for a map of the observatory location in Duke Forest. Check here for an update on the status of the open house (they cancel when weather does not cooperate). Visit their website for additional Open House Info

Saturday May 10th

Second Saturday Brunch at Rebus Works
Special saturday Brunch prepared by Captain Ponchos Tacos with music from a live Mariachi Band. Doors open at 10:30am. To purchase your tickets and additional information including the full menu visit their website here.

PopUp Market at Sola Coffee
Sola is hosting another handmade crafts and art  “pop-up” market featuring local artisans this Saturday from 9:30am-1:30pm. Then later that evening check out some internationally acclaimed Irish music by Colleen Raney and Han Zaraki. Music starts at 7:30 w/ $5 cover. http://www.solacoffee.com

Sunday May 11th

Free Yoga with Lululemon at Midtown Park in North Hills
Join Lululemon Athletica this Sunday 11-12 for free yoga on the lawn of the new Midtown Park at North Hills. Event Info

Jazz Brunch with Justin Johnson at Weaver Street Market
Amazing guitar player Justin Johnson will perform this Sunday on the lawn in front of Weaver Street Market. Justin is a wizard with the guitar and plays incredible instrumental blues and jazz. These Sunday Jazz Brunches (grab food and drink inside Weaver Street Market) are a springtime favorite of mine. Event Info