Art Heist Dinner at NCMA Blends Mystery, Food, and Fun
Follow the clues, enjoy dinner, and uncover the hidden stories behind the art.
Shannon
July 18, 2026
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Dinner and a mystery? That's a combination worth investigating. The Art Heist Dinner: The Mystery of History transforms the NCMA Café into an interactive evening where guests solve clues inspired by the Knowing the West exhibition while enjoying dinner stations at their own pace. Rather than chasing a stolen masterpiece, you'll uncover the myths, legends, and hidden stories behind the artwork on July 24 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
A portion of every ticket also supports Saddle Up and Read, a local nonprofit helping young readers thrive through equine-based programs. Curious what mysteries await? Snag your tickets here.
Not sponsored—we're just suckers for a good mystery and a good meal. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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One Brewery, Three Very Different Experiences
Some breweries stick to one taproom and call it a day. Clouds Brewing has taken a different approach, creating three distinct places to experience its North Carolina-brewed beer.
The brewery's North Raleigh taproom is home to its 15-barrel brewhouse, where visitors can enjoy fresh pours, rotating specials, and small-batch experimental releases available only on-site. In Durham's Brightleaf Square, Clouds combines craft beer with a full-service restaurant and a "Brewcade" filled with arcade games, TVs, and comfort food. Meanwhile, Storm Cellar in downtown Chapel Hill offers an underground setting with craft cocktails, pool tables, darts, board games, and live entertainment on weekends.
Founded in 2014, Clouds Brewing began with a focus on German-inspired, American-made beers and now distributes throughout North Carolina while continuing to brew in the Triangle.
Whether you're looking for a quiet taproom, an arcade-filled night out, or a hidden bar with board games, there's a Clouds location built around each experience.
Want to get your business in front of 17,134 active Raleighites? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss Happy Hour at Cucciolo Terrazza 🔥
Happy hour starts daily at 4:30PM—no secret code required, just show up ready for good drinks and an early start to the evening.
📍Where: Cucciolo Terrazza
📅 When: Daily at 4:30PM
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 841 SQ FT | $274,900
Move-in-ready townhome-style condo with hardwood floors, updated finishes, abundant natural light, and a private fenced patio. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 997 SQ FT | $331,000
Charming home featuring a covered patio, fully fenced backyard, and inviting outdoor spaces designed for everyday comfort and relaxation. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,857 SQ FT | $420,000
Charming 3-bedroom home in Falls River offering a functional layout, comfortable living spaces, and a desirable Raleigh location. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,716 SQ FT | 0.43 ACRES | $1,050,000
All-brick Wakefield Plantation home overlooking the golf course, featuring spacious living areas, a home office, and a prime cul-de-sac location. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Stewart’s Bistro’s Dubai Chocolate Waffle is a decadent treat topped with chocolate and pistachio drizzle, whipped cream, and crispy kataifi for a rich Middle Eastern-inspired finish.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: GECKO | DOG | 4 MONTHS | FEMALE
Gecko is an affectionate, playful puppy who loves adventures, learns quickly, and is ready to become a fun-loving companion for her forever family. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to All Points Biew Way on July 25 at 8:00 AM for a moving sale featuring Ethan Allen furniture, a mid-century barrel table, boho décor, home furnishings, lighting, and other unique household finds. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Outdoor Yoga at Fred Fletcher Park on July 21 at 6:00 PM.
All-level outdoor yoga class offering a welcoming space to move, stretch, and connect with the community in Fred Fletcher Park. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase and reply with the correct answer. First person to answer correctly earns eternal Raleigh bragging rights: AKLE ERCTREBA
📸 Raleigh Through Your Lens
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We can't wait to see Raleigh through your eyes. Submit your photos to [email protected].
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Senior Comedy Night @ Fuquay-Varina Arts Center | July 22 | 7:00 PM
Senior Comedy Night is a lively showcase of humor, storytelling, and laughter featuring performers sharing wit and life experience from the senior community. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Golden Corral | Early Bird Senior Special
Golden Corral offers an Early Bird Senior Special with discounted buffet pricing during select hours.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Cleophus James | Rock
Cleophus James is a Richmond, Virginia-based band known for its genre-blending mix of psychedelic rock, funk, soul, and improvisational live performances. | Slim's Dive Bar | July 24 | 9:00 PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Shaboozey | Country, Hip-Hop
Shaboozey is a genre-bending artist known for blending country, hip-hop, and rock into infectious anthems and high-energy performances that defy expectations. | Red Hat Amphitheater | September 22, 8:00 PM | 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: Ian Lara at Goodnights Comedy Club | July 19 | Ian Lara is an American stand-up comedian known for his laid-back delivery, sharp observational humor, and appearances on shows like The Tonight Show. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Marlon Wayans at Raleigh Improv | September 18-19 | Marlon Wayans is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his energetic humor, hit comedy films, and stand-up performances. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Village Wednesdays: Midweek Reset @ Wright Note Cafe | July 29 | 10:00 AM
Village Wednesdays is a midweek coworking and networking event where entrepreneurs, creatives, and remote workers can work, connect, and recharge in a collaborative community atmosphere. Get details here →
🤝 Pottery Painting Night @ Mad Splatter Apex | July 24 | 6:30 PM
Inclusive pottery-painting social for young adults with IDD, offering a creative and welcoming space to connect, have fun, and design a personalized ceramic keepsake. Get details here →
You have to check out Howling Cow if you haven’t already. It's this tucked-away dairy spot on NC State’s campus where you can actually see the cows and then grab some of the freshest ice cream around. It’s got that wholesome, farm-meets-campus vibe, and the scoops? Legendary.
—James, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Verblio is seeking a Freelance Content Writer.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Triangle Rock Club is seeking Floor Staff.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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