Category Archives: Weekend Picks

Weekend Picks: April 30th-May 3rd

Sax

The weather forecast this weekend is looking quite nice which is great because there are a lot of fun events planned. I’ve included a number of activities in my picks this week. This week there is everything from sunrise yoga in downtown Raleigh to a market in Saxapahaw. No matter what you end up doing I hope you make it a great weekend!

Thursday April 30th

North Hills Beach Music Concert Series
The North Hills Beach Music series continues into its second week this Thursday from 6-9pm with a live music by Liquid Pleasure. This is a FREE concert series that takes place each Thursday on the courtyard at North Hills from April through the first week of August. It draws a big crowd so get there early! http://visitnorthhills.com/event/midtown-beach-music-series/

Friday May 1st

Sunrise Yoga at Happy & Hale UPDATE: Rescheduled to May 15th due to weather.
Free sunrise Yoga in downtown Raleigh this Friday at 6:30am. Class will be taught on the turf next to Happy & Hale by Carrington Jackson, featuring musical accompaniment by Petals String Duo. There will also be free coffee from Raleigh Coffee Company and a pop up shopping experience from Edge of Urge. Plan to arrive early, space is limited. 

First Friday and Crude Bitters Open House
There is always lots to do in downtown Raleigh on First Friday. From checking out art studios to fire dancers on Hargett Street. I also recommend checking out the Crude Bitters Open House showcasing their classroom bar. We’ll have FREE Crank Arm Brewing Company beer and light snacks. https://www.facebook.com/events/1844266819130904/

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 Tornado Blues Band. 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/

Saturday May 2nd

Wake Forest Meet in the Street & Lobster Food Truck Debut
The 35th Annual Meet in the Street festival will take place Saturday, May 2, at 10 am in historic downtown Wake Forest. Meet in the Street offers a day filled with food, fun and entertainment, including live music and children’s activities. Admission is free. Also bee on the look out for the debut of a new Lobster Food Truck – Cousins Maine Lobster.

Saturdays in Saxapahaw
The Saxapahaw Rivermill summer series starts up again this year in May. The weekly festivities include performances by top bands featuring bluegrass, back porch, blues, folk, gospel, latin, celtic, funk, roots, americana and old time music and a thriving Farmer’s Market with fresh local produce, cheese, eggs, baked goods, flowers, honey, organic meat, locally produced wine, hand made arts and crafts and more.  Festivities take place every Saturday from 5pm-8pm through the end of August. Admission is free though donations are appreciated.  http://www.rivermillvillage.com/saturdays-in-saxapahaw-2

Mystery Brewing Public House 2nd Anniversary – Hillsborough
Mystery Brewing in Hillsborough celebrates their 2nd anniversary this weekend. May 2nd is our Pub’s 2nd anniversary! A day long celebration on Saturday will feature food from Al’s Burger Shack from 12pm to 3pm, music by Juliana Finch at 6pm and Scott Barkan at 9pm. Of course there will be plenty of their beer with 16+ beers on tap including some new releases.  https://www.facebook.com/events/1575154876074615/

Gizmo Brewworks 2nd Anniversary – Raleigh
In Raleigh Gizmo Brewworks is also celebrating their 2nd year. They’ll have Beer, Food Trucks, and Live Music. Food trucks scheduled are BO’s kitchen, King’s Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, Arepa Culture NC, and Cockadoodlemoo Truck. They’ll also be releasing a special anniversary beer, a special cask ale, and a commemorative pint glass. https://www.facebook.com/events/1591919377686828/

Sunday May 3rd

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
Downtown Raleigh will play host to another huge Food Truck Rodeo on Sunday from 1-6pm. Trucks will line Fayetteville Street from the Capital Building to City Plaza. Over 50 trucks are schedule to attend. You can see the full truck lineup here:  http://www.downtownraleighfoodtruckrodeo.com/food-trucks.html

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. You can view the full music schedule here: http://wakeforestarts.org/events/six-sundays/

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Weekend Picks: April 23-26th

Seeds

I can’t believe April is already almost over.  Fortunately there is plenty to do this weekend to end the month with a bang. Saturday is a particularly busy day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. In the meantime see my rundown below of things to check out this weekend. Happy Exploring!

Thursday April 23rd

North Hills Beach Music Concert Series
The North Hills Beach Music series kicks off the 2015 season Thursday from 6-9pm with a live music by The Embers. This is a FREE concert series that takes place each Thursday on the courtyard at North Hills from April through the first week of August. It draws a big crowd so get there early! http://visitnorthhills.com/event/midtown-beach-music-series/

Friday April 24th

Art of Cool Project Festival
The Art of Cool Festival is a three-day music festival in Durham with two outdoor stages, five indoor venues and more than 30 world-class performances presented by Art of Cool. This is a ticketed event, but things launch Friday with a free Kick-Off Party from noon-5pm with live music and a food truck fest at Durham Central Park. This event is one of the premiere music events in the Triangle and I highly recommend checking out the group of great musicians it brings together for one special weekend in Durham.  http://aocfestival.org.

Front Porch Music Series at the Carolina Inn Chapel Hill
Fridays on the Front Porch features the music of some of North Carolina’s best bands for 27 consecutive Fridays from 5-8pm through late October. One of the area’s most popular musical groups, Big Fat Gap, starts things off this Friday. A new feature this year is the addition of food trucks. This Friday Chick-n-Que and the Chirba Chirba truck will be there to feed the crowd. http://www.carolinainn.com/about/chapel-hill-event-calendar

Live Music at Sola Coffee
Sola Coffee & Cafe remains one of my favorite places to see live music in North Raleigh. They schedule music almost every Friday & Saturday and have a great menu of food, coffee drinks, as well as craft beers and wine. This Friday they will have a cool indie folk duo based out of Montreal, Quebec called Bride & Groom playing guitar and cello. http://www.solacoffee.com/new-events/

Saturday April 25th

Brewgaloo NC Beer Festival
A huge celebration of North Carolina Beer is going down this Saturday 2-10pm all along Fayettville Street. The event will have over 300 beers on tap from 70 NC breweries, over 45 local food trucks, and live music from 17 bands. Drink ticket pre-sales are available at local stores, Ray Price Harley Davidson and Galatea Boutique or online at http://shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo/. Tokens will be on a special sale of 5 tokens for $20 through April 24! Pre-sales will also be able to arrive early to get their tokens, wristband and cup on the day of the event.

Seeds Pie Social in Durham
On Saturday from 1-5pm visit the SEEDS’ garden at 706 Gilbert Street in Durham for the 7th annual DIG Pie Social. There will be games, face painting, activities, music, and of course pie! Suggested Donation = $10 for 4 tickets. With your tickets you can get pie slices, and participate in games and activities. https://www.facebook.com/events/684754264981286/

Midtown Music Fest at North Hills
Rescheduled to June 7th due to weather
North Hills has more live music on Satrday from 3-9pm as they celebrate everything Raleigh. Midtown Music Fest will feature local vendors from around the area, a spring fashion show, and Raleigh bands including The Jason Adamo Band, Four Founders and American Aquarium.
http://visitnorthhills.com/event/midtown-music-fest/#sthash.h6GWoYWz.dpuf

Mordecai Market
Craft market and plant sale from 10am-2pm at 1 Mimosa Lane in the Historic Mordecai neighborhood in downtown Raleigh. Craft and plant vendors, live music, and the Bull City Foods food truck! https://www.facebook.com/MordecaiMarket

Sunday April 26th

Pop-Up Sunday at Ornamentea
POP-UP Sunday is this Sunday from 12-5pm in the Ornamentea Parking Lot. This event is an open air market, chock full of vintage clothing and housewares, recycled local art, food trucks and more. POP-UP Sunday is a FREE pet and family friendly shopping experience in downtown Raleigh that partners with local businesses to raise awareness for needs in our community. Always a fun time and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
http://popupsunday.com/

Looking Ahead to Next Weekend:

Lobster Food Truck Debuts at Wake Forest May 2nd
Earlier this week local food truck blogger The Wandering Sheppard broke the news that the Triangle’s newest food truck, Cousins Maine Lobster, will make its first public appearance in Wake Forest at their annual “Meet in the Street” event on Saturday May 2nd. This is a new and exciting addition to the local food truck scene and I’m sure it will quickly become a fan favorite. To stay on top of all the breaking local food truck news and read in depth stories about the trucks and people behind them I recommend checking out The Wandering Sheppard’s blog. You can also follow him on facebook and twitter at @RUWandering.

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Weekend Picks: April 17-19th

Shakori

Shakori Hills Music Festival ~ Pittsboro, NC

As we enter the third weekend of April outdoor events and festivals are in full swing. There is a lot going on this weekend with everything from an Herb Festival in Wake Forest to a Food Truck Rodeo in Cary. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next weekend when local favorite Brewgaloo returns to downtown Raleigh with tons of local brewers and food trucks on Saturday April 25th!

Friday April 17th

Wake Forest Herbfest (Friday-Sunday)
This annual event returns to Festival Park in downtown Wake Forest April 17-18-19 and April 24-25-26. Organic Herbs, Heirloom tomatoes and vegetables; Two consecutive weekends. The Herbfest is a great local source to help start your garden and it a fun way to spend the afternoon in downtown Wake Forest. http://www.herbfest.net/

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (Thursday-Sunday)
A music lovers’ paradise, Shakori Hills is a family-friendly celebration of Music, dance, art, & education. 4, days, 4 stages, & over 60 bands in beautiful Chatham County. Make sure you stop by the Coffee Barn for some Larry’s Beans Coffee! http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/

Saturday April 18th

Cuegrass Festival Downtown Raleigh
The 7th Annual Cuegrass Festival returns to the Warehouse district in downtown Raleigh on Saturday April 18th 12-6pm. In past years a nice crowd has gathered along Davie street outside The Pit BBQ for the jam-packed day of great ‘cue, local brews and toe-tappin’ bluegrass music! It only costs $5 at the gate to enter (food & beer additional). http://www.cuegrass.com/

Counter Culture 20th Anniversary Party in Durham
Counter Culture is a local coffee roaster based out of Durham. This Saturday they are throwing a party to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. The celebration will be held in Durham Central Park from 3-7pm with live music, lots of great coffee, tasty food from some of their local partners, and fun stuff for kids.  https://www.facebook.com/events/874555325950088/

Sunday April 19th

Chatham Street “Chowdown” Food Truck Rodeo in Cary
This will be the 2nd official “Food Truck Chowdown” hosted by the town of Cary. The fun goes down this Sunday from 12-4:30pm on W. Chatham Street in downtown Cary between Academy Street and Harrison Avenue. 17 local trucks are scheduled to feed the hungry crowd. While your there I recommend walking over to the new Pharmacy Craft Beer Bottle Shop. https://www.facebook.com/pharmbottlebev

 

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Weekend Picks: April 10th-12th

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Looks like another packed weekend ahead. Here are a few of my top picks for things to do around the Triangle!

Friday April 10th

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham
This event runs Thursday through Sunday. Annual international event dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of non-fiction cinema. Each spring Full Frame welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from around the world to Durham for a four-day, morning to midnight array of over 100 films as well as discussions, panels, and southern hospitality. http://www.fullframefest.org/

Live Music at “Live & Local” Chapel Hill
The Live & Local Music and Art Series beginning Friday April 10 runs every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. from April 10- June 19, so start planning your attendance today.
http://www.downtownchapelhill.com/downtown-blog/2015/3/30/live-local-series-kicks-off-fri-april-10

Art in the Evening at NCMA w/ Tea Cup Gin
The perfect start to your weekend. Share small plates with friends. Wander the galleries. Relax with a glass of wine and live music from local bands. The lobby-turned-lounge in West Building is a great place to gather with friends before enjoying a special exhibition or classic film. Small plates and beverages, including wine, beer, and nonalcoholic options, are available for purchase. 5:30pm.
http://ncartmuseum.org/calendar/event/2015/04/10/art_in_the_evening_tea_cup_gin/1520

Saturday April 11th

Second Saturday in Downtown Raleigh
A monthly celebration of local food and community Through monthly exhibitions, showcases, events and demos inspired by a monthly theme, participants will explore ways new ways to engage with and support local food.
https://www.facebook.com/events/673426059435950/

Hillsborough Street Music Festival with NOLA’s Rebirth Brass Band
FREE  family-friendly event  2-9:00 p.m. More than 15 performances featured on three stages.Bouncy houses, food trucks, environmental workshops and over 60 vendors are just a few of the featured attractions. Headlining band is the Rebirth Brass Band out of New Orleans! http://www.hillsboroughstreet.org/earthday2015

SolaPopUp Market
Local designers and artists are selling their handcrafted wares. 9am-1pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/397806183731916/

Sunday April 12th

EuroBike Show
Sunday from 11am-3pm The Shops at Seaboard Station in Raleigh will fill its parking lot with hundreds of motorcycles from brands such as Ducati, BMW, MV Agusta and Triumph as well as current-model and vintage café racers and scooters from around the world.. Open to Public & FREE. Also attending are local food trucks Porchetta and Chirba Chirba! https://www.facebook.com/events/1556933794547992/

Carrboro Open Streets
The event is held annually in April on Weaver Street.  The community is invited to dance, do yoga, ride their bikes, climb a rock wall, make smoothies on a bike blender, and participate in many other activities in a public space that not many ever thought of as a place to partake in recreation.
http://www.ci.carrboro.nc.us/745/Carrboro-Open-Streets

Rock-n-Roll Raleigh Marathon & Half Marathon
Head downtown on Sunday to cheer on the thousands of Runners racing through the streets of downtown downtown Raleigh! The race kicks off at 7am. Here is a link to the official course. http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/

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Weekend Picks: April 3rd-5th

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This weekend is going to be absolutely beautiful! Here are some fun things to do this to get outside and enjoy the incredible weather. Remember, in addition to these fun events most of the local farmers’ markets start their regular hours this weekend. My two favorite local markets are the Durham Farmers’ Market and the Carrboro Farmers’ Market. Happy Exploring!

Friday April 3rd

Live Music at Gizmo Brew Works
April is NC Beer Month and there is no better way to celebrate than to visit a local brewery and catch some live music over a few beers. On Friday from 7-10pm enjoy Erin Mason perform soulful country and folk-pop and grab dinner from BO’s kitchen (Korean Street Food) food truck. https://www.facebook.com/GizmoBrewWorks

First Friday in Downtown Raleigh
First Friday is a free self-guided tour of downtown’s cutting edge cultural hot spots. Local art galleries, art studios, alternative art venues, and museums stay open late the first Friday of every month to welcome thousands of art-seeking enthusiasts downtown. I recommend stopping by Brushstroke Studio which will feature photos by Felicia Perry. The Baguettaboutit Food Truck will be parked at the studio and free beer from Nickelpoint Brewery will be available. 6-9pm. Other places to visit are the market that takes over Hargett Street in front of Raleigh Times and Brew Coffee Bar at Seaboard Station which will feature live music.
http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/first-friday-raleigh

Saturday April 4th

Slingshot Coffee Weekend Coffee Service
Slingshot Coffee will be serving pour over coffee and their cold brew coffee at their headquarters in downtown Raleigh this weekend. Join them this spring & summer  Saturdays and Sundays from 8a-2p for chill vibes on the patio, delicious drinks and tasty treats. https://www.facebook.com/SlingshotCoffeeCompany/

Cedar Creek Gallery Glass & Potter Festival
The glass and potter festival at Cedar Creek in Creedmoor runs Friday-Sunday. Includes demos, workshops, local vendors and daily food trucks. http://www.cedarcreekgallery.com/47thSpringFestival2015

Beer Olympics at Raleigh Brewing Company
Six local breweries compete in events including feats of knowledge and strength. Food trucks onsite as well. https://www.facebook.com/events/1404305033212330/

Deep River Brewing Company 2nd Anniversary Saturday:
Deep River turns 2! Celebration featuring 15+ employee made casks on tap starting at 2pm. For $15 you get a custom sampling glass and unlimited samples of the casks. The first 100 customers of the day get a free anniversary glass with purchase, Jared Place hits the outdoor stage 2-5pm, E-Train & the Rusted Rails takes the outdoor stage from 6-9p, CJ’s Street Food and MacUrRoni will be there all day serving asian fusion tacos and mac n cheese! https://www.facebook.com/events/416160961877734/

Sunday April 5th

Pittsboro First Sunday
Pittsboro’s First Sunday is an artisan market featuring handmade crafts, music, and food every first Sunday of the month from March through December. Sunday 12-4 p.m. in Pittsboro’s historic downtown.
https://www.facebook.com/PittsboroFirstSunday

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