Category Archives: Weekend Picks

September 26, 2013 · 8:07 am

Weekend Picks! Sept 27-29th

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Weekend Picks for Sept 27-29th

As the we come to the end of September we are neck deep in incredible local festivals here in the Triangle. This weekend has something for everybody – from bluegrass to wrestling, to food trucks. Check out my weekend roundup of things to do in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill below for more information about this weekends top picks. The weather should be excellent this weekend so get outside and enjoy!

Friday September 27th

Wide Open Bluegrass Festival (Day 1) – Raleigh
There are two parts to the Bluegrass Festival. The first part is a ticketed event with headlining acts on the Convention Center and Ampitheater (view lineup here). The other half of Wide Open Bluegrass is a FREE street festival noon until 11:00PM Friday and Saturday. With three music stages, a youth talent stage, the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship, Dance Tent, and many more things to see, do and eat! For the FREE Street Fest band schedule check the link provided below.
http://www.wideopenbluegrass.com/music-schedule

Music on the Streets w/ The Bulltown Strutters – Carrboro
The “Music on the Streets” program is offered during the week leading up to the Carrboro Music Festival. This will be a week of free concerts in various locations throughout town. The concerts will have a “front porch” feel to them. People will be encouraged to hang out on the lawn, parking lot, and front porch to hear local bands perform. Each night will feature a different style of music from Jazz to Rock. On Friday, my band The Bulltown Strutters will be performing this Friday from 6-8pm in the Modern Fossil Parking Lot.
http://www.carrboromusicfestival.com/

Live Music at Sola Coffee w/ Chris Hendricks – North Raleigh
Sola Coffee regularly hosts live music each Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm. This Friday they play host to Chris Hendricks. I’ve had the honor of hearing Chris play before and he is a talent not to be missed.
http://solacoffee.com/

Meals on Wheels Food Truck Rodeo – Carrboro
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Meals on Wheels is having their second annual Food Truck Rodeo fundraiser on Friday. Come join them at the Carrboro Farmers Market location between 4:00-8:00 for some excellent food from  ten local food trucks! Steel String Brewery will also be there selling their locally crafted BEER!  There will be a silent auction, music, and bake sale and 10% of  food truck proceeds will be donated to Chapel Hill-Carrboro Meals on Wheels to help feed our homebound neighbors!
http://www.chcmow.org/food-truck-rodeo-sept-27th-2013/

Saturday September 28th

Carrboro Music Festival (Day 1)
Carrboro’s weekend  long, free festival featuring over 180 performing acts at 25 indoor and outdoor venues. In the space of a few hours within downtown Carrboro, a listener can hear Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, Country, Rock & Roll, Classical, and World Music. This is Carrboro’s effort to showcase Triangle area performers and the varied musical styles they represent.
http://www.carrboromusicfestival.com/

Wide Open Bluegrass Festival (Day 2) – Raleigh
There are two parts to the Bluegrass Festival. The first part is a ticketed event with headlining acts on the Convention Center and Ampitheater (view lineup here). The other half of Wide Open Bluegrass is a FREE street festival noon until 11:00PM Friday and Saturday. With three music stages, a youth talent stage, the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship, Dance Tent, and many more things to see, do and eat! For the FREE Street Fest band schedule check the link provided below.
http://www.wideopenbluegrass.com/music-schedule

Food Truck Rodeo with Gouge Wrestling – Raleigh
Enjoy a night of beer, body slams, and food! GOUGE will present a night of highly entertaining sports entertainment featuring brawlers, luchadors, nice guys, vampires, cowboys, Roman conquerors, nerds, grapplers, sheiks, and Amish ruffians! Hank Sinatra will play in the ring at 6pm with wrestling to follow! Not a rasslin fan? Check out the great food from 7 local food trucks, locally brewed cold beer and a nice spring evening outdoors and some really cool art at Rebus as well.
https://www.facebook.com/events/267049096718513/

Tir Na Nog Irish Festival – Raleigh
Raleigh’s Irish Music Festival for 2013 is scheduled for Saturday, September 28 in downtown Raleigh at Moore Square, adjacent to the 200 block of S. Blount Street. The festival is free. It begins at 11AM and runs through 7PM. It will feature a diverse variety of entertainment for the whole family. Irish musicians, Irish bands, and Irish dancers will perform throughout the day. Children’s entertainment, and a wide variety of food and refreshments will be available as well.
https://www.facebook.com/events/354123411381955/

Fresh Roots Festival – Hillsborough
Kick off the fall season with the second annual Fresh Roots Festival featuring live music by yepROC Records artists. Join us Saturday, September 28for a celebration of Downtown Hillsborough shopping, dining, art, music and more!
http://www.freshrootsfestivals.org/

Rocktoberfest at Guglhupf – Durham
Now in its 4th year, Guglhupf’s family-friendly “Oktoberfest-with-a-twist” features live music, delicious German street food and specialty beer on tap! Originating in Munich, Germany in the early 1800’s, Oktoberfest is now celebrated around the world.
http://www.guglhupf.com/special_events/

Cask & Keg Fundraiser, Deep River Brewing Co. – Clayton
The great people at Deep River Brewing are coming together with the community for a fundraiser event to benefit an employee who was recently hurt in a car accident. This Saturday from 1-9pm the brewery will be hosting a KEG AND CASK TAPPING EVENT. They will have one-off casks on the bar and a variety of kegs donated by local breweries. Plus live music from the Carolina Island Boys 6-9pm. 100% of the proceeds from the casks and kegs will go to the employee to help them cover some of their basic expenses while they are out of work.
https://www.facebook.com/events/214969938664621/?ref=22

Sunday September 29th

Last Weekend of Raleigh Flea Market Before State Fair!
Seems like every year I forget about this. The Raleigh Flea Market closes after the last weekend of September to make way for the State Fair when it comes to town in October. Don’t worry, the flea market will come back in November, but get out there this weekend if you want to enjoy the market on a nice warm fall day. It is going to be beautiful this weekend!
http://www.raleighfleamarket.net/

Carrboro Music Festival (Day 2)
Carrboro’s weekend  long, free festival featuring over 180 performing acts at 25 indoor and outdoor venues. In the space of a few hours within downtown Carrboro, a listener can hear Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, Country, Rock & Roll, Classical, and World Music.
http://www.carrboromusicfestival.com/

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September 20, 2013 · 8:08 am

Weekend Picks! September 20-22nd

centerfest

It has been a busy week, but here is a quick list of some fun things to check out this weekend in the Triangle. Links to more information about each event are provided below. The Wiener Dog Races at Lafayette Village and the “Barks & Recreation” event at North Hills sound particularly fun and are sure to be winners for dog lovers. Enjoy!

Friday September 20th
9th Annual Capital City BikeFest
http://www.capitalcitybikefest.com/

Saturday September 21st
Wiener Dog Races at Lafayette Village (Oktoberfest)
http://www.lafayettevillageraleigh.com/events/

Centerfest Durham
http://centerfest.durhamarts.org/

Clayton Harvest & Music Festival
http://www.claytonchamber.com/

Apex Jazz Festival
http://www.apexjazzfestival.com/

Chris Hendricks Performance at Peace University
http://www.peace.edu/news/university-news/2007.php

8th Annual Fall Harvest Celebration at Yates Mill Park
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill/Pages/fallharvest.aspx

Sunday September 22nd
Midtown “Barks & Recreation
http://www.midtownbarksandrec.com/

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September 13, 2013 · 9:00 am

Weekend Picks! September 13-15th

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Weekend Picks! September 13-15th

There are so many fun things going on this weekend it is really hard to narrow it down to just handful of picks! My picks span from local beer in Wake Forest to a fashion show in downtown Raleigh to a pepper festival in Oxford and live music in Chapel Hill. No matter where you are in the Triangle this weekend there are great things going on!

Friday September 13th
Sparkcon – circusSpark Circus Under The Sea – Raleigh
Sparkcon is going on all weekend but this is my top pick for Friday night. Starting with circusSPARK showcase: Under the Sea Friday at City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh from 8-9p. This event is a showcase for all circus talents in the Triangle– clowns, magicians, jugglers, fire performers, hoop dancers, aerialists, unicyclists, mimes, make up artists, acrobats, belly dancers, stage hands, costume designers, balloon twisters, etc…
Info: website

Live Music at Motorco – Dirty Bourbon River Show – Durham
An awesome band playing is at Motorco in Durham tonight at 9pm! The Dirty Bourbon River Show is comprised of Noah Adams (vocals, piano, guitar, accordion, trumpet), Charles “Big Charlie” Skinner (vocals, trombone, wind toys), Matt “Slyfox” Thomas (vocals, tenor, bari and Mississippi saxophone, clarinet), Jimmy Williams (bass, sousaphone) and Dane “Bootsy” Schindler (drums). See website below for ticket information.
Info: website

North Hills Friday Night Tribute Music Series – Raleigh
Every Friday from September 6th through October 11th, Midtown Events will be hosting a block party from 7-9pm on Park Street at North Hills. This new series will pay tribute to some of your favorite music legends and is sure to have something for everyone! This Friday enjoy the tunes of Jimmy Buffet tribute band Coconut Groove.
Info: website


Saturday September 14th
Big Boss Brewery Tour – Raleigh
Guided by the staff of well-oiled brewers, tours of the brewery take place the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. The 30-minute tour takes you through the entire facility where you will learn about Big Boss’s beer-making process. And afterward you can try a few sample brews for $1 each (limit three). There are usually a handful of food trucks there as well. Please bring a valid ID. They must ID everyone!
Info: website

Friends of Wake County Animal Shelter Mega Adoption Event – Raleigh
Mega Adoption Event for the Wake County Animal Center Saturday Sept 14 and Sunday Sept 15th at the Capital Bld PetSmart (2800 Milbrook Road) . Come out from 10am-4pm to meet animals from the shelter who are up for adoption. The shelter has a goal of 100 Adoptions in 2 days!
Info: wesbite

Spakcon – fashionSpark Runway Show – Raleigh
fashionSPARK runway show!at City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh from 8-9:30 pm. Activities all day lead up to the fashion show with a Main Stage line-up of music, dance and theater, street painting on Fayetteville Street and an art bazaar in City Plaza. Fashion show and film to screen in the evening. Galleries featuring design, art and new media/digital work in multiple venues.
Info: website

North Carolina Hot Sauce Festival – Oxford
The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors.   North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and  barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historical streets. Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest. Watch as Artist Dan Nelson creates our Festival on Canvas.  NC Hot Sauces and Barbecue Sauces, all will be competing for the title of North Carolina’s Best!!!!!!!
Info: website

Live Music at The Bar – Beauty Operators – Durham
Great music and fun with an all ladies band playing rock, blues, and funk this Friday at “The Bar” in Durham 8-10pm w/$5 cover.
Info: website

Sunday September 15th
White Street Brewing 1st Anniversary Celebration – Wake Forest
Wake Forest’s White Street Brewery Celebrates its one year Anniversary Sunday September 15th! Noon-9pm There will be a full day of live music, food trucks, raffles & prize give-aways and much more! Alivia’s and Red, Hot, & Blue food trucks, Lumpy’s ice cream. Music by Todd Harris, The Andy Coats Trio, and The Will McBride Group. 96.1FM broadcasting live from 12-2pm and giving away prizes every 5 min for an hour. $3.00 pints (most beers) and $6 growler fills all day! All About Beer Magazine on site to give away World Beerfest tickets and a subscription to the magazine.
Info: website

Sundays at Six Music Series – Chapel Hill
FREE Sunday evening concerts, beginning each week at 6 pm at Southern Village in Chapel Hill.  Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, and to bring a picnic, or purchase food from any of the Southern Village food establishments. All performances are free, and will be held on the stage at the Village Green in Southern Village.This Sunday’s performer is  Bluegrass Battleship.
Info: website

Magnificent Mile Race – Raleigh
The 8th annual Magnificent Mile Race will be held in Raleigh, NC on Sunday, September 15, 2012 to benefit the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation.The Magnificent Mile features a men’s and women’s competitive mile, a recreational mile, and two kids’ races. The race begins at 2 pm at 330 Hillsborough Street. The Magnificent Mile is part of the fall portion of the Second Empire Grand-Prix Series. Food courtesy of The Q Shack and Whole Foods, as well as face-painting, a bouncy house, a mobile video-gaming van,  and great door prizes.
Info: website

 

Looking ahead to October
Pepper Festival in Chapel Hill on  October 6th!

pepper

Make sure you save the date and get your tickets today for the 6th annual Pepper Festival. It is a celebration of sustainable agriculture, farmers, renewable energy, and the creativity of the Piedmont’s chefs, brewers and artisans! Live Music by Big Fat Gap, Loamlands, and Steph Stewart and the Boyfriends!  Cash bar with pepper-infused beers, wines, and liquors!  Interactive exhibits & kids’ funzone with face-painting, giant bubbles, circus performers!

When
Sunday, October 6th, 3-7pm at Boulder Park in Briar Chapel, Chapel Hill, NC
 
Tickets
$25 before Sept 13 at midnight, $30 after Sept 13, $35 at the gate.  Kids under 12 get in free! With your ticket you get an endless supply of pepper-themed dishes from some of the Piedmont’s best chefs and food artisans, made with locally-sourced pepper varieties! You can buy tickets here. For more details about the Pepper Festival website.

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September 5, 2013 · 3:34 pm

Weekend Picks! September 6-8th

Weekend picks

(i>Weekend Picks – September 6-8th, 2013

September is here and there are tons of things going on this weekend. By now I’m sure you have heard all about the Hopscotch Music Festival going on in downtown Raleigh all weekend long. There are also many other things going on alongside that great event and in other corners of the Triangle this weekend. Here are the fun things that peaked my interest this week and made my weekend picks!

Friday September 6th
Yellow Dog Bread Company Grand Opening Party
Yellow Dog Bread Company will celebrate their Grand Opening this Friday from 6-9pm. I’m really excited about this bakery coming to downtown Raleigh (near the Mordecai neighborhood). I don’t have many details about the grand opening festivities but I bet it will be fun to check it out and imagine samples may be involved. Once they are up and running they will offer an assortment of baked goods, fresh breads, and coffee and espresso drinks as well. A bakery is a welcome addition to downtown Raleigh and I look forward to being a regular Yellow Dog Bread!
Info: website

ShopScotch at Rebus Works (Fri & Sat)
This outdoor event in downtown Raleigh’s Boylean Heights area will feature wide range of artists, crafters, and designers showcasing a variety of fine handcrafted wares alongside some great live music. There will also be several food trucks present both days. See the link below for details about band schedule and food trucks for each day
Info: website


Saturday September 7th
NCMA Movie Night – “The Big Lebowski”
Movie on the Lawn night at NCMA! “The Dude Abides” Movie Party. There will be giant lawn bowling, White Russians, food trucks, and a costume contest. Fun starts at 6:30 pm when Baguettaboutit, Mama Dukes, American Meltdown, and LoYo food trucks roll in. Wear a costume and take your picture in the Lebowski Lounge or leave a message on the Donny tribute wall.  Bring chairs or blankets so you can kick back and what have you when the movie starts at 8:30.
Info: website


Sunday September 7th
MJ’s Mobile Dinner Food Truck at Brook Street Bowling 
MJ’s mobile diner will be joining Brooks Street Bowl in Wake Forest for Sunday Funday this week! Catch Opening day of the NFL Season, and grab some lunch or a snack! Drink specials, bowling specials (after 5pm), and every NFL game! Check out the Menu here!
Info: website

Sunday Brunch at Joule Coffee
I plan on paying my first visit to Raleigh’s newest coffee shop this weekend myself. I hear the weekend Brunch, served 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday is fantastic. Brunch menu has everything from peach pancakes and huevos rancheros to shrimp and grits. They also serve up locally roasted Counter Culture coffee with a full menu of coffee and signature espresso drinks. Can’t wait to check it out!
Info: website

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August 15, 2013 · 12:06 pm

Weekend Picks! August 16-18th

Full Steam Brewery - Durham, NC

Fullsteam Brewery Anniversary Celebration this Weekend!

So the cooler weather this week has a lot of people thinking of Fall, but it is still summer in the Triangle and there are plenty of fun things going on this weekend. My picks this week range from a late summer baseball game, to live music, classic cars, and a gluten free food expo. Honestly, there is so much going on the next few days you shouldn’t have a trouble keeping busy. Here are my picks for things to check out. Have fun exploring!

Friday August 16h
Beauty Operators at Casbah Bar in Durham
Great music and fun with an all ladies band playing rock, blues, and funk this Friday at the Casbah in Durham.
Info: website

“Art in the Evening” NCMA Museum
Experience the NCMA after dark. Share small plates with friends. Wander the galleries. Relax with a glass of wine and live music. Lobby-turned-lounge in the new West Building is a great place to kick off the weekend!
Info: website

Comedy Show at Sola Coffee
Looking for a clean comedy show the entire family can enjoy? Check out the Sola Coffee this Friday night at 7pm for Mick McKenna’s All Clean Comedy Club. Sola has also rolled out a new weekend evening menu featuring Neapolitan Pizza, cheese plates, bruschetta, and  now offers select local craft beers and Italian wines Thur-Sat after 5pm.
Info: website

Carolina Mudcats Baseball and Friday Night Fireworks
Mudcats vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Catch some fun minor league baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. Free Fireworks show after the game on Fridays!
Info: website


Saturday August 17th
Gluten & Allergen Free & Wellness Event
The second annual Raleigh/Durham Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event at the Durham Convention Center is this Saturday from 10am-4pm. Event is open to the community, and caters to those who avoid multiple allergens, such as gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, grains, etc. Admission is $10 per adult; kids 13 and under are free, and college students receive $3 off admission with student identification.
Info: website

Fullsteam Brewery 3rd Anniversary Party
Fullsteam is turning three and they are celebrating with the community. Expect music, food trucks, costume contests, featured NC food products, and of course great beer! Celebration runs from noon-2am. Check their facebook page below for more details & updates!
Info: website

Wrecked Raleigh w/ Author & Blogger Jeff Goins
Well known author and blogger Jeff Goins gives a two part talk for aspiring writers. “Startin from scratch: How to build a powerful platform with words, passion, and people” and “How your story can change the workd”. Event is being hosted by Help OneNow. Registration still open. Space is limited.
Info: website

Mordecai Market Downtown Raleigh
Mordecai Market features handpicked local artists and artisans presenting handmade arts and crafts as well as food trucks. The  Market takes place in the Person Street area off Pace Street as well as in front of the Anson Howard Hair Salon at 711 North Person Street in Raleigh from 9:00 am to 1:00pm one Saturday a month beginning in June.
Info: website

Live Music w/ Chris Titchner at Sola Coffee
Chris Titchner returns to Sola Coffee this Saturday night at 7:30 with his acoustic guitar &  lyric-driven tunes. Yes, I have Sola on my pick list twice, but that’s because it is such a great place & Chris is a fantastic local musician. I highly recommend you catch him perform.
Info: website


Sunday August 18th
Ackland Art Museum – Outside Music 
This Sunday, enjoy music outside the galleries, on the steps of the Ackland Art Museum. Local rock trio Supercollider will share their signature “gnarl-pop” sound through a mix of original tunes and cover songs. Supercollider is Chris Reali (guitar, vocals), John Brackett (drums), and Allison Portnow (bass–but better known as the Ackland’s Public Programs Manager).
Info: website

Ornamentea PopUp Market
POP-UP Sunday is a monthly event that gives local businesses, artists and the community a chance to mingle. This Sunday’s market will feature several artist vendors, Aviator Beer,  Food Trucks, and Down To Earth Aerials for an aerial silks demonstration that will leave you breathless.
Info: website

Carolina Classics Car Show (Saturday & Sunday)
The Fourth Annual Carolina Classics at the Capital runs Saturday through Sunday at the Raleigh Convention Center. Featuring the Southeast’s largest indoor car show. Activities will include Ford Model T assembly demonstrations, Capital Auto Group’s “Modern Muscle” display, dozens of vendors, and more.
Info: website

Chirba Chirba Food Truck at Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro
Sunday is Dumpling Day in Carrboro! You don’t need to wait until the next food truck rodeo to try these amazing dumplings from one of the Triangle’s most popular food trucks. You can find the Chirba Chirba truck parked at Cliff’s Meat Market on Main Street in Carrboro this Sunday from noon-8pm! Make it a Sunday tradition!
Info: website

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