Brains, Costumes & Short Films: Zombiepalooza Invades Downtown Cary
Short films, spooky costumes, and zombie-approved laughs.
Shannon
October 18, 2025
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Grab your fake blood and best zombie shuffle — Zombiepalooza is back for its 10th year! This undead celebration of local filmmaking takes over Downtown Cary Park on October 24, featuring short zombie films, costume contests, and even zombie musical chairs (because why not?). Expect scares, laughs, and surprisingly wholesome chaos.
Curious about the full schedule of eerie entertainment? See the full lineup here.
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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
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Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Brigs Restaurants’ Autumn Avocado Toast is the perfect rainy-day pick-me-up, topped with pear, Gorgonzola, and cinnamon-toasted walnuts, and served with two eggs any style.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: JEANNE | DOG | 6 MONTHS | FEMALE
Jeanne is an adorable, curious, and happy little girl who loves attention, belly rubs, and cuddles—especially when she can nap in your lap or listen to your voice. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Traverse Drive, Fuquay Varina on October 19 at 8AM for box gadgets, kitchen and household items, men’s gifts, tools, furniture, bikes, pet supplies, and more from multiple homes—plus everything is half price on Sunday. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Sunset Yoga + Sound Bath at Shelley Lake Park on October 20 at 6PM.
A beginner-friendly vinyasa flow followed by a restorative sound bath set against the serene backdrop of Shelley Lake at sunset. 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: HEREACRS NGTLEIAR PARK
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Senior Bingo @ Rolesville Community Center | October 22 | 10AM
Senior Bingo is a free, fun event for ages 40+ with prizes, door giveaways, and plenty of excitement—no registration required, though encouraged. 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: Open Mic with a Live Band
Step on stage at Slim’s Open Mic and perform with a full live band ready to back any song you throw their way.* | Slim's Dive Bar | October 21, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Walker Hayes | Rock
Walker Hayes is an American country-pop singer-songwriter, best known for his viral hit “Fancy Like” and blending humorous, everyday storytelling with catchy melodies. | DPAC | November 12, 7PM | Get tickets here →
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Mike Epps at Raleigh Improv | October 24-25 | Mike Epps is an American stand-up comedian and actor from Indianapolis, known for his bold, observational comedy and roles in films like Next Friday and The Hangover. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Rickey Smiley at Raleigh Improv | December 4-6 | Rickey Smiley is an American stand-up comedian, actor, television and nationally-syndicated radio host, renowned for his prank phone calls and long-running “Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Play Board Games @ Gamers Geekery & Tavern | October 22 | 6:30PM
Game night takes place every Wednesday at Gamers Geekery & Tavern, starting at 6:30, with a casual and welcoming atmosphere for anyone to drop in and play. Get details here →
🤝 Halloween Social: Paint, Sip & Treat @ Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory | October 23 | 6:30PM
Halloween Social: Paint, Sip & Treat offers a cozy, fun evening at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Brier Creek to relax, laugh, and celebrate the season with friends. 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:
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💼 RALEIGH JOB: Pandora Jewelry is seeking a Seasonal Sales Associate.
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