Category Archives: Weekend Picks

January 27, 2016 · 2:10 pm

Weekend Picks: January 29th-31st

NC Museum of Art – Iris Restaurant

Now that the Triangle has thawed out it is time to get out and explore. Here are a few fun events this weekend that caught my eye:

Friday
Peter Lamb and the Wolves Trio returns to the NC Museum of Art for a night of jazz music and art. The museum’s “Art in the Evening” series is free and open to the public. Music begins around 5:30pm. If you need dinner plans check out the Iris restaurant inside the museum. Reservations encouraged.

Saturday
Have you been to the Mystery Brewing Public House in Hillsborough? If not this is the weekend to check it out. Plenty of their excellent beers on tap and Curtis Eller’s American Circus & The Wiley Fosters play the taproom. Show starts at 8pm.

Sunday
The Durham Winter Food Truck Rodeo is this Sunday from 12-4pm in Durham Central Park. The event will feature 50 trucks, live music, and local brewers Fullsteam, Ponysaurus, Triangle Brewery, and Bull City Cider.

New Coffee Shop in Durham Opening This Weekend
Thanks to a post by my friend @MetroMonk on twitter earlier this week I learned about a new coffee shop opening on 9th street in Durham ~~this Saturday~~ next Tuesday February 2nd. I don’t know much about the shop yet other than that it is called George’s Java and they appear to roast their own coffee beans. I’m looking forward to checking it out soon!

Some Fun Things To Do in January

Things tend to quiet down event wise around the Triangle during January, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things to do. A few things on my list to check out this month include the M.C. Escher exhibit at the NC Museum of Art, which has been extended through January 24th. Also worth visiting is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary at the Koka Booth Amphitheater which runs through January 17th.

This weekend in Durham the Bulltown Strutters kickoff Mardi Gras season with a show at the new Blue Note Grill location on Saturday, January 9th at 8pm. It will be a night filled with New Orleans inspired music by the Strutters, Boom Unit Brass Band and MSA Cajun Band. Cover is $8.

You can also find some great music this Saturday night (Jan 9th) at Nickelpoint Brewery in Raleigh. Acoustic guitar player and singer-songwriter Zach Wiley will be playing at the brewery from 6-9pm. You can always count on a great food truck being there as well if you want to get some dinner. Some other local beer destinations to check out over the winter are the recently opened taproom at Oak City Brewing Company in Knightdale. If you are up for driving a little beyond the Triangle I hear that the new Koi Pond Brewery in Rocky Mount is also worth checking out.

Another great place to visit in January is the Durham Farmer’s Market which is open each Saturday from 10am-12pm all winter long. It’s a great spot to pick up seasonal veggies and locally made products. You can also find several food trucks there each morning along Hunt Street. Speaking of food trucks, there will be a Winter Food Truck Rodeo in Durham Central Park later this month on Sunday January 24th.

And finally, if you are just looking to get out of the house to grab a baked good and some coffee January is a great time to visit one of the great local bakeries or coffee shops around the Triangle. Two of my favorites are both in downtown Raleigh. Boulted Bread on W. South Street and Yellow Dog Bread on Person Street. There are also two “newish” coffee shops I’ve recently visited that I think are worth checking out. The first is Liquid State located on Hillsborough Street across the from the NCSU bell tower. They have great carrboro coffee and also serve wine and beer. The second is Gray Squirrel Coffee on Main Street in Carrboro. They are located inside the Yester Years brewery space. Both are great spots to explore.

If you have additional suggestions for the month of January feel free to add them in the comments section below. Happy exploring!

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June 11, 2015 · 10:35 am

Things to do in Raleigh this Weekend

This week I’m focusing in on things to do in Raleigh because there is so much happening downtown this weekend. It’s going to be a hot one, but don’t let that stop you from getting outside and exploring. Here are a few of my suggestions for things to do in Raleigh. Enjoy!

Friday June 12th

Outdoor Movie “Back to the Future” in City Plaza
Each Friday in June you can catch a classic 80’s movie in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza. In addition to the movie there are typically several food trucks as well. Festivities begin at 6 pm and end around 10:30 pm. The movie starts at sundown (between 8:15 pm-8:30 pm). There is some limited seating provided, but it is recommended you bring your own chair or blanket. No coolers allowed. http://downtownraleighmovieseries.com/

Saturday June 13th

Slingshot Coffee Co. Birthday Celebration & Pop-Up Shop
Hard to believe but this weekend Slingshot will celebrate 3 years of making their delicious cold brew coffee. They are hosting a birthday party and pop-up shop with local vendors at their HQ this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Look for an appearance from new ice cream truck Two Roosters – can you say free affogatos? https://www.facebook.com/events/767992396648752/

Sub Noir Brewing Co. 2nd Anniversary Party
Sub Noir is a local micro brewery located a little north of downtown Raleigh near Whitaker Mill Road. They are celebrating their 2nd Anniversary this Saturday with special cask offerings and food trucks from 12-8pm. You can get all the details on their facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1572048256387560/

Sunday June 14th

Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
Fayetteville Street will be lined with 50+ food trucks this Sunday from 1-6pm. There will also be local North Carolina Beer for sale. As always I recommend getting there right when the event starts to avoid longer lines. A list of trucks and event map is typically posted to the website a day or two before the rodeo. http://www.downtownraleighfoodtruckrodeo.com/

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May 13, 2015 · 8:04 am

Weekend Picks: May 14th-17th

Once again the calendar is jam-packed with lots of fun events this weekend. Saturday is particularly full making it hard to narrow down my choices, but I do my best below with a quick rundown of fun things to check out this weekend. If you are looking for music events throughout the summer remember to check out my recently updated post about upcoming spring and summer concert series across the Triangle. As always, I hope you enjoy some time outside and happy exploring!

Thursday May 14th

Back Porch Concert Series American Tobacco Campus
The legendary Back Porch Music on the Lawn series returns Durham’s American Tobacco Campus May 14-September 10th with 8 free shows. This Thursday enjoy music by John Howie Jr and Rosewood Bluff. Free Picnics and chairs welcome. Music starts at 6pm. Event Details

Friday May 15th

Got to Be NC Festival (Friday-Sunday)
A free family friendly event at the NC State Fairgrounds this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with an agricultural twist. Enjoy carnival games and rides, live music, food, animal and agricultural displays, antique tractors, and more. Festival Info

Blues on the Plaza at Northgate Mall in Durham
Northgate Mall hosts their “Blues on the Plaza” music series each Friday in May. This Friday’s musical guest is Blues Rocket. They also have at least one food truck scheduled for each event. You can view the full schedule with bands and food truck lineup here: Event Details

Saturday May 16th

Artsplosure (Friday-Sunday)
Artsplosure’s returns to downtown Raleigh this Friday, Saturday and Sunday with art, music and food. Check the event website for all the details of this great event that celebrates excellence in the performing and visual arts and brings artists and the larger community together to improve the quality of life and cultural environment. Event Details

Tour D’Coop Urban Chicken Tour
Raleigh’s city chicken owners invite you into their backyards for a first-hand look at keeping chickens in an urban environment. This self-guided tour provides the opportunity to see over 20 coops, from tiny urban gardens to sprawling suburban lots. This is your chance to glean creative ideas from neighbors who are incorporating chickens and permaculture garden designs into their home landscapes to create an inspiring urban adventure. Event Details

Gouge Wrestling & Food Trucks at Nickelpoint Brewing – Raleigh
This fun event will feature Gouge Wrestling, Craft beer, and food from local food trucks Manna, Cockadoodlemoo, Bo’s Kitchen, Chick-n-Que. The special evening starts at 5pm at Nickelpoint Brewing in Raleigh’s Five Points area. Event Details

Durham Bulls Star Wars Theme Night
One of the most highly anticipated annual Durham Bulls promotions is the Star Wars Night at DBAP. Fans can take photos and interact with their favorite Star Wars characters while being entertained by in-game features from a galaxy far, far away. During the event, the Bulls will sport full C-3PO themed uniforms, which include jerseys, pants, socks, and hats inspired by the goldenrod protocol droid. The game-worn jerseys will be available in both in-game and online auctions, with all proceeds going to the Autism Society of North Carolina. Event Details

Classic Car Show in Downtown Cary
Classic Car Show along Academy Street in downtown Cary from 9am-2pm on Saturday. There will also be activities for kids like “touch a truck” and food from local food trucks Big Mike’s BBQ, Will & Pop’s and Dusty Donuts. Event Details

Sunday May 17th

Midtown Bluegrass at North Hills
Free Live Bluegrass music this Sunday by The Vicki Vaughn Band at North Hills new Midtown Park. Relax on the grass and enjoy music from 4-7pm. Blankets, lawn chairs and coolers are allowed. However, bringing alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Beer and food will also be available for purchase at the concert. Event Details

Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo
This Sunday Wake Forest will host another big food truck rodeo with over 20 local trucks. The event takes places from 12-4pm at 405 S. Brook Street. There are tons of great local trucks schedule including the ever popular American Meltdown, Chirba Chirba, and the new Cousins Main Lobster. As always for even more food truck events check out The Wandering Sheppard’s Local Food Truck Blog for a full rundown of all the weekend food truck events.

Save the Date: May 21-25th

Photo courtesy WRAL Balloon Festival

Memorial Day Weekend WRAL Balloon Festival ~ May 21-25th
A hot air balloon festival is coming to Raleigh, Zebulon and Wake county Memorial Day Weekend. This weekend long family friendly event includes a “Mass Ascention & Balloon Glow”, Competition Flights, and Tethered Balloon Rides. Spectating at the events is free but balloon rides will involve fees charged by the individual operators. This is the first balloon festival in the area in over 25 years and something I definitely don’t want to miss! Event Details

Weekend Picks: May 8-10th

Abbotts Creek Greenway ~ North Raleigh

Looks like another weekend of great weather is coming our way. In addition to getting outside to enjoy Raleigh’s beautiful greenway this weekend I’ve put together a quick list of other local events that caught my eye. Happy exploring!

Friday May 8th

Blues on the Plaza at Northgate Mall in Durham
Northgate Mall hosts their “Blues on the Plaza” music series each Friday in May. This Friday’s musical guest is the Jimi King Trio. They also have at least one food truck scheduled for each event. You can view the full schedule with bands and food truck lineup here: http://www.northgatemall.com/mall-events/blues-on-the-plaza/

Art After Hours in Wake Forest
It’s the second Friday, and that means it’s time to head down to downtown Wake Forest for an evening of family entertainment, food, and to see what the local merchants have on offer. The event brings out a good crowd of folks, and the evening cooler temperatures are a nice excuse to get out and around downtown. https://www.facebook.com/aahWF/info

Saturday May 9th

Second Saturday PopUp Market at Sola Coffee in North Raleigh
Just in time for those last Mother’s Day gifts. Sola Coffee is hosting a PopUp Market on Saturday from 9am to 1pm featuring 20+ local artisans selling amazing handcrafted gifts, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, leather, T-Shirts, signs, candles, scarves and other unique finds. https://www.facebook.com/events/1658691151027722/

Belgian Waffology Food Truck at Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham
On Saturday you have two chances to catch one of my favorite food trucks in Durham. From 8:30-11:30am the Belgian Waffle truck will be parked at Cocoa Cinnamon making for a great breakfast option. If you aren’t an early riser catch the truck later in the day from 12-4pm at Bull City Ciderworks. http://belgianwaffology.com/

Sunday May 10th

Oaks & Spokes FrankenBike Block Party in Downtown Raleigh
FrankenBike is a bike parts swap held at Oak City Cycling Project from 1-5pm on Sunday May 10th. Bring all your bike parts that you’d like to sell or trade and get excited to buy, sell and swap! There will be food, music, beer and plenty of bikes, parts of bikes and bike-related fun! https://www.facebook.com/events/1559738290969827/

Six Sunday Concert Series at Joyner Park in Wake Forest
Bring the kids, friends, a picnic, and a blanket! The Six Sundays in Spring concert series is held on consecutive Sundays through the end of May. These free concerts are held at E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater at 701 Harris Rd. in Wake Forest. The music will be starting at 5 pm and ending at 7 pm. This Sunday will feature music by the 18 piece Casablanca Orchestra. You can view the full music schedule here: http://wakeforestarts.org/events/six-sundays/

Strawberry Season is here!

May ushers in North Carolina strawberry season and this weekend there will be plenty of berries to pick up at local area farmers’ markets. A few of my favorite markets are the Durham and Carrboro Farmers’ Market. There are also great markets in Wake Forest and North Hills in Raleigh. If you prefer to pick your own berries check out this list of local berry patches by Carolina Parent.

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Tagged as Chapel Hill, Durham, Things to do in Raleigh, Weekend Picks