Artsplosure 2025: Raleigh's Ultimate Art & Music Festival
Two days. 175 artists. Endless inspiration.
Shannon
May 13, 2025
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Get ready to immerse yourself in creativity at Artsplosure 2025, a two-day explosion of art, music, and community vibes right in the heart of downtown. Happening May 17-18, 175 juried artists will transform Fayetteville Street into an open-air gallery featuring everything from handcrafted jewelry and ceramics to bold photography and whimsical fiber art. Want to know which artists are featured and what tunes are setting the vibe? Check out the lineup and festival playlist here!
This isn’t sponsored. We just think 175 artists turning the street into a masterpiece is pretty cool. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
The Ultimate North Carolina Bucket List: 50 Things Not to Miss, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with must-see spots, iconic experiences, and local favorites that showcase the best of the Tar Heel State. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t miss this pay-what-you-want King Lear performance 🔥
Experience betrayal, madness, and raw human emotion in King Lear, a pay-what-you-want production by South Stream Productions. Grab your tickets here.
📍Where: The Ridge
📅 When: Weekends, May 2–18
Raleigh Real Estate:
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A newly built modern duplex condo near Five Points featuring a bright open floor plan, screened porch, fenced yard, and upscale kitchen finishes, with walkable access to restaurants and downtown Raleigh.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3,364 SQ FT | .41 ACRES | $1,150,000
A beautifully updated ranch home with a finished basement, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, cathedral ceilings, and multiple living spaces, located just minutes from North Hills and the greenway.* Take a look here →
👨 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES OR OTHERS IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? TEXT OR CALL RYAN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION…
Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…
been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report
accumulated 595 Google reviews and a 5-star rating
been voted the Triangle's best real estate company by INDY Week
Whether you're buying or selling, he and his team are ready to help you navigate the fast-moving Triangle market. Don’t wait—reach out today!*
Contact Ryan and mention Raleigh.com sent you and he’ll send you a FREE $6 Starbucks gift card!
📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: RaleighRealty.com
🏡 View Homes in Raleigh: RaleighRealty.com/raleigh
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Winston's Grille’s Bourbon Street Medley is a flavorful seafood dish featuring a mix of shrimp, scallops, and other shellfish, sautéed with Cajun spices, vegetables, and often served over rice for a rich, hearty meal.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: STEWIE | DOG | 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH | MALE
Stewie is a sweet, playful young hound with a gentle spirit and boundless curiosity, ready to charm his way into an active and loving home. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 5509 Frenchman’s Creek Dr on May 17-18 for a huge storage unit and garage sale featuring furniture, kitchen items, clothing, collectibles, tools, and more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Summer Fare at Flour Power North Hills Midtown Park on July 25 at 6PM.
This class teaches you how to make simple summer dishes like quiche, bread, salads, and frozen fruit desserts in a relaxed, hands-on setting. 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: EYRBWRE VAANABH
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Frank Longino | Blues, Jazz
Catch Durham's own Frank Longino, a multi-instrumentalist blending technical skill with an easygoing vibe, live on stage. | Slim’s Dive Bar | May 15, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Tate McRae | Pop
Tate McRae is a Canadian pop singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her emotionally charged lyrics, captivating vocals, and dynamic choreography-driven performances. | Lenovo Center | October 25, 7:30PM | 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.
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✔️ 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.
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Ginger Billy at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 16, 7PM | Ginger Billy is a Southern comedian whose over-the-top, blue-collar humor and backwoods antics poke fun at country life, fitness, and everyday absurdities. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Leah & Andrew Rudick at Goodnights Comedy Club | August 6, 7PM | Leah and Andrew Rudick bring their viral wit and high-energy absurdism from your screen to the stage, blending wealthy woman antics and Midwest charm for a comedy experience that’s both wildly relatable and utterly unique. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Health and Wealth FUNshop @ 3050 North New Hope Road | May 24 | 10AM
This interactive, in-person workshop teaches seven fun wellness practices to reduce stress and prevent burnout while connecting with like-minded people. Get details here →
🤝 Pitch A Friend @ The Avenue | May 29 | 7PM
An upbeat social event where singles can mingle, enjoy lighthearted friend-pitch presentations, and make new connections in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Get details here →
Boylan Bridge is one of those spots locals love to keep hush-hush—it's got the best skyline view in Raleigh, especially at sunset. You can catch the trains weaving through the tracks below while the city lights start to glow. It’s the kind of place you bring out-of-towners to impress them!
—Elaine, a longtime reader
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