Beans & Bumpers Chili Cook-Off & Car Show in Downtown Varina
Free admission, competitive chili, and a showcase of classic and custom cars.
Shannon
February 27, 2026
First time reader? Join 12,275 other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
Rev up your appetite: Beans & Bumpers rolls into the Varina Parking Lot on Saturday, March 7 from 12–4 PM with a chili cook-off and car show that’s equal parts spicy and shiny. Admission is free, but if you want to taste and judge the chili contenders, you’ll need a ticket. You can grab your judging tasting tickets here (go on, your taste buds are curious).
Browse classic and modified rides, vote for Best in Show, and cast your chili ballot like it’s a civic duty.
Not sponsored (we’d say so if it were). We just respect a good slow simmer and a polished hood. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
FYI:
Move this email to your Primary Inbox so you don’t miss the next edition.
Also, please forward this to a friend; it's how we grow.
🍎 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:
Start Your Week with $3 Sips at Chubby’s Tacos 🔥
Every Monday, Chubby’s serves up $3 house margaritas—no password or secret handshake required. Just show up, order your marg, and enjoy the start of your week with a little extra lime.
📍Where: Chubby’s Tacos
📅 When: Every Monday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,287 SQ FT | $275,000
A charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath North Raleigh townhome with new LVP flooring, granite countertops, fresh paint, a fenced backyard, HOA-maintained exterior, and a bright living area with a cozy fireplace. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,290 SQ FT | $330,000
A secluded ranch end-unit townhome backing to the woods, featuring a peaceful deck setting and walkable access to North Ridge Shopping Center for dining, fitness, and everyday conveniences. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,367 SQ FT | .48 ACRES | $425,000
A thoughtfully designed home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Eagle Ridge featuring three main-level bedrooms and an open layout that seamlessly connects the living, kitchen, and dining areas for comfortable living and easy entertaining. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,955 SQ FT | .75 ACRES | $1,250,000
Meticulously maintained Raleigh estate set on nearly one acre of landscaped grounds, offering comfort, functionality, and convenience just minutes from I-540, shopping, dining, and parks. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Little Bull’s Birria Dumplings are filled with tender goat birria and served with rich consomé, onion, cilantro, and chile oil for a bold, savory bite.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: POTATO | DOG | 3 MONTHS | MALE
Potato is an irresistibly cute grey, tan, and white hound mix with expressive tiny eyebrows, a playful spirit, and plenty of growing left to do beyond his current 7 pounds. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Five Points on February 28 at 12PM for a record sale featuring multiple vendors and a massive selection of vinyl to browse and discover. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Large Fairy Garden Workshop at Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop on February 28 at 5PM.
A beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop to design and build a large fairy garden using live plants, decorative elements, and step-by-step guidance. 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: YOAOTCRMRNEP TAR MEUSMU
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Senior Lifestyle, Health & Home Expo 2026 @ Kerr Family YMCA | March 25 | 10AM
A free expo for older adults featuring health resources, wellness info, screenings, and vendors tailored to lifestyle and aging-in-place support. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Burger King | 10% Senior Discount
Burger King offers 10% off for seniors, plus extra drink discounts for guests 60 and older.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Brett Young | Country
Brett Young is a country singer-songwriter known for his smooth vocals, romantic ballads, and contemporary country-pop sound. | DPAC | March 1, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Zara Larsson | Pop
Zara Larsson is a Swedish pop singer known for her powerful vocals and global hits like “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You.” | The Ritz | April 3, 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: Jaron Myers at Goodnights Comedy Club | February 28, 4PM | Jaron Myers is a comedian and speaker known for his clean, insightful humor and engaging storytelling that often draws from everyday life and personal growth. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: KC Shornima at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 27-29 | KC Shornima is an Indian-American stand-up comedian and writer known for sharp cultural commentary, dry wit, and smart observational humor. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Mahjong & Wine @ Unwined on White | March 1 | 3PM
An afternoon mahjong social at Unwined on White featuring sweet treats, laughter, and relaxed connection around the table. Get details here →
🤝 Heart & Art Sip and Paint @ ELLA Grace Collective | February 28 | 12PM
A fun, in-person sip-and-paint experience filled with good vibes, great company, and a relaxed space to get creative—no experience needed. Get details here →
The Willard’s rooftop is one of those places you take friends when you want to show off the city. Think panoramic views, laid-back drinks, and the kind of sunset that makes Raleigh feel bigger than it is.
—Nigel, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Belay Solutions is seeking a Bookkeeper.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Intellistars ABA is seeking a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
Refer a business that goes on to advertise in the Raleigh.com newsletter and earn 20% of the advertising revenue. To find out more, email [email protected].
Alternatively, refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend (you'd collect around $4,140 on an average project). Find out more here →
Interested in promoting your business or event to 12,275 trendsetters in the Triangle?
Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. In select cases, we’ll run ads on a commission-only basis—meaning we only make money if you do. Find out more here.
Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
If you’ve scrolled this far, you probably enjoy what we’re doing. The best way to support us? Share the love. Forward this newsletter to a friend or click this link to share it on Facebook, X, etc.—every share helps us grow.
What did you think of today's newsletter? |