African American Cultural Festival 2025: Two Days of Art, Music & Flavor in Downtown Raleigh

Celebrate culture, creativity, and community this Labor Day Weekend.

Downtown Raleigh is about to come alive with rhythm, art, and flavor as the 15th Annual African American Cultural Festival takes over Fayetteville Street, August 30–31. Expect a mix of live music, dance, visual art, theater, and mouthwatering bites from local vendors. Bring the whole family—it’s free, it’s fun, and it’s basically a cultural block party you don’t want to miss.

This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just think Fayetteville Street looks even better when it’s filled with community spirit. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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📖 Your life story—or your parents’—deserves to be told beautifully.

We’ve all said, “Someone should really write this down” after hearing an incredible story from a parent or grandparent. But life gets busy, and those memories start to fade. That’s why we love what MemoirGhostwriting.com is doing.

They make it easy to turn a lifetime of memories, lessons, and stories into a beautifully written memoir—whether it’s for yourself, your parents, or someone else in your family. Through warm, personal interviews and the work of experienced writers, they create a book you’ll be proud to pass down.

It’s not just about history—it’s about identity, legacy, and love. It’s never too early—or too late—to get it all down.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These $1 Taco Deals at Frito’s Burgers & Tacos 🔥

Every Tuesday, tacos are just a buck. No catch—order, eat, repeat.

📍Where: Frito’s Burgers & Tacos
📅 When: Tuesdays

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,416 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $269,950
Just minutes from Capital Boulevard and I-540, this updated Riverside townhome in North Raleigh offers a convenient floor plan with space for cooking, gathering, working, and relaxing.* Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,605 SQ FT | .11 ACRES | $335,000
Charming two-story corner-lot home in Walnut Creek with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, stylish LVP flooring on the first floor, and a cozy living room fireplace.* Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,532 SQ FT | .12 ACRES | $415,000
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial-style home in North Raleigh’s desirable Brittany Woods, blending modern updates with timeless charm and located within walking distance to the pool, tennis courts, and playground.* Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 4,336 SQ FT | .25 ACRES | $1,730,000
Stately brick two-story on a quiet cul-de-sac, built by John Dougher, featuring a dramatic entry, gracious formals, and a light-filled family room with open kitchen and breakfast nook.* Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Jalwa Indian Bistro’s Chilean Sea Bass Moilee is a perfectly crusted sea bass served in gently spiced moilee gravy over a medley of colorful vegetables.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: MOANA | DOG | 3 MONTHS | FEMALE
Moana is a confident, friendly pup with a gentle, low-energy nature who loves people, enjoys playing with other dogs, adores cuddles, and patiently waits for her walks. Check her out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to South Raleigh on August 30 at 9AM for a wide variety of treasures including home goods, furniture, antiques, vintage toys, clothing, wedding gowns, collectibles, appliances, and more. More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Summer Sendoff Flower Arranging Class at Gizmo Brew Works on August 28 at 6PM. 
Summer Send-Off Flower Arranging Class offers guided instruction and supplies to learn the basics of floral design using local NC blooms. Sign up here →

🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: HESYA ORBATN

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Me Like Bees | Rock
Me Like Bees is an indie rock band from Joplin, Missouri, known for their energetic performances, quirky style, and catchy, guitar-driven sound. | The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop | August 28, 8PM | Get tickets here

🎤 Plan Ahead: Alex Warren | Pop
Alex Warren is an American singer, songwriter, and social media personality known for his emotional pop music and YouTube presence. | Red Hat Amphitheater | October 1, 8PM | Get tickets here

Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)

When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.

Call them and tell them we sent you!*

✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.

✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.

✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.

✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.

✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.

✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.

✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.

✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!

✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!

✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.

✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!

✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.

✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.

✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.

Let’s Get Laughing:

🎤 This Week: Bubba Dub at Goodnights Comedy Club | August 31, 7PM | Bubba Dub is an American comedian and internet personality best known for his “Trashh Talk” sketches, viral catchphrases, and energetic stand-up comedy. Get tickets here

😂 Plan Ahead: Steve Hofstetter at Goodnights Comedy Club | November 30, 7:30PM | Steve Hofstetter is an American stand-up comedian, author, and YouTube personality known for his quick-witted crowd work, sharp social commentary, and viral heckler interactions. Get tickets here

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 The Raleigh Bridgerton Ball @ Raleigh Lace Museum and Kristin S Conrad Lace Center | August 30 | 6:30PM
An enchanting Regency-era event awaits with music, dancing, food, a horse and carriage ride, and a best-dressed contest, all set in a Jane Austen–inspired atmosphere of elegance and romance. Get details here →

🤝 Dinner with Strangers @ TBD | August 27 | 7PM
A dinner series that brings strangers together for a fun night out at different local restaurants, fostering connection while supporting small businesses and combating loneliness. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

ZincHouse is where you go when you want wine, beer, and wide-open views without leaving town. Big porches, firepits, food trucks, and live music make it feel like Raleigh’s backyard getaway.

Andrew, a longtime reader

Oak City Job Openings:

💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: 3Play Media is seeking a Spanish Transcriptionist.

🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Equivity VA is seeking a Virtual Litigation Paralegal.

🤝 RALEIGH JOB: Kimley-Horn is seeking a Communications Analyst.

💼 RALEIGH JOB: Light & Wonder is seeking a Deployment Specialist.

💸SIDE HUSTLES:

Interested in promoting your business or event to 11,265 trendsetters in the Triangle?

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. Tell us what you need here.

Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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