Animazement Returns to Raleigh With Cosplay, Concerts & Collectibles
A full weekend of anime, art, panels, and expertly crafted costumes.
Shannon
May 15, 2026
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Animazement returns May 22–24 with three packed days of Japanese animation, gaming, concerts, cosplay, artist booths, educational panels, and unique merchandise. Whether you’re deep into anime culture or just looking for something different to do over the holiday weekend, the convention brings together live entertainment, creative talent, and an impressive amount of detail-packed costumes under one roof.
You can browse the full event schedule and grab tickets here—there are concerts, workshops, and special events happening throughout the weekend.
Not sponsored. We’re just impressed by anyone willing to glue that many accessories onto one outfit. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🍎 Support Wake County School Meals Through the Angel Fund
The Districtwide Angel Fund helps students who don’t have enough money to purchase school meals. Donations provide assistance to ensure every child has access to healthy food at school.
💳 How to Give
Individuals or organizations can contribute by sending their donation with the donation form. You can make a single gift or set up recurring support to help sustain this important program.
📢 Spread the Word
Community members can also help by sharing the Angel Fund flyer and encouraging others to participate in this effort.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Cocktail Deals at The Big Easy 🍹🔥
Get $2 off all specialty cocktails every Wednesday—just show up and order your favorite. It’s that easy.
📍Where: The Big Easy
📅 When: Every Wednesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,429 SQ FT | $275,000
Charming Midtown Raleigh townhome with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a bright living area with fireplace, and a private deck overlooking a peaceful wooded setting. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,275 SQ FT | $315,000
Charming ranch-style home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, featuring an open layout and a cozy wood-burning fireplace for comfortable, easy living. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,436 SQ FT | .32 ACRES | $595,000
This home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a versatile bonus room, a 400 sq ft walk-up attic for storage or expansion, and an oversized two-car garage with ample workspace. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,912 SQ FT | .45 ACRES | $1,250,000
Nearly 4,000 sq ft with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this home features a flexible layout including two main-level bedrooms ideal for guests, a home office, or multigenerational living, with potential for a first-floor primary suite. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Coquette Brasserie’s Goat Cheese Parisian Gnocchi is a rich, pillowy dish with shrimp, peas, fennel, spring onion, and silky tomato butter.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: ALF | DOG, LABRADOR | 5 MONTHS | MALE
Alf is a playful, social lab mix who loves adventures, gets along with dogs of all sizes, and thrives on fun and affection. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 1201 Mount Pisgah Church Road on May 16 at 8AM for furniture, bikes, electronics, Disney collectibles, board games, children’s toys, household items, and plenty of hidden treasures from multiple households. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Soft Girl Pilates at JETSET Pilates in North Hills on May 17 at 3:30PM.
A relaxing wellness event featuring movement, music, smoothies, and connection in a gentle, uplifting atmosphere. 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: ICTY AEKMTR
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Chair Yoga @ Rolesville Community Center | May 18 | 11:30AM
A senior-friendly chair yoga class offers gentle stretching, breathing, and balance exercises in an accessible, community-based setting to support flexibility and well-being. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Denny’s | 15% Senior Discount Menu
Denny’s offers 15% off for AARP members (up to $10) and a special senior menu for guests 55+.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Santigold | Fusion
Santigold is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her eclectic style blending new wave, reggae, electronic, and hip-hop influences. | The Ritz | May 19, 7PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Forrest Frank | Pop
Forrest Frank is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his uplifting blend of pop, hip-hop, and Christian music, both as a solo artist and former member of Surfaces. | Lenovo Center | June 16, 7PM | 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: Emo Philips at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 17, 4PM | Emo Philips is an American stand-up comedian known for his surreal one-liners, eccentric delivery, and distinctive high-pitched voice. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: George Lopez at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | June 19, 7:30PM | George Lopez is an American comedian and actor known for his observational humor about Latino culture and his sitcom George Lopez. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Shelf Indulgence @ Athens Drive Community Library | May 21 | 5PM
A cozy book gathering where readers share recommendations, discuss current reads, and connect over tea and conversation. Get details here →
🤝 FTGOR Bachata Dance Night @ Cuya Cocktail Bar | May 21 | 7PM
A beginner-friendly bachata class focused on learning dance, having fun, and connecting with community. Get details here →
Amedeo’s is where Raleigh locals go for hearty Italian dishes served with a side of Wolfpack pride. The walls are a shrine to NC State history, and the lasagna tastes like it’s been perfected over decades—because it has. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of place that feels like home the minute you walk in.
—Julia, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Liveops is seeking Healthcare Support Representative.
💼 CARY JOB: Wake Dental Care is seeking an Associate Dentist.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
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