CaribMask Carnival Returns With a Burst of Color, Music & Flavor
Downtown’s biggest summer street party is back.
Shannon
August 10, 2025
First time reader? Join 11,008 other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
Downtown Raleigh is about to trade its business suits for feathers and sequins—because the 12th Annual CaribMask Carnival is taking over City Plaza on August 16 from 12–8 p.m. Expect a full Parade of Bands, live music from international and local artists, DJs that won’t let your feet rest, plus food, arts, and craft vendors to keep the party (and your taste buds) going. Curious how this dazzling tradition began? Learn more about the history of CaribMask Carnival here.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you if it was). We just like good street parties. (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.
🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
18 Exciting Weekend Getaways Within 2 Hours of Raleigh, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with charming small towns, scenic escapes, foodie hotspots, and unexpected adventures perfect for a quick reset. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These $1 Taco Deals at Frito’s Burgers & Tacos 🔥
Every Tuesday, snag tacos for just a buck at Frito’s—no code, no catch, just show up hungry.
📍Where: Frito’s Burgers & Tacos
📅 When: Every Tuesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,262 SQ FT | .05 ACRES | $295,000
Nestled in a charming North Raleigh neighborhood, this 2 bed/2 bath end-unit townhome offers comfort and style with an open living area, cathedral ceilings, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,400 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $312,900
Well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in Alexander Place at Brier Creek, offering just under 1,400 square feet of comfortable living space.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,588 SQ FT | .47 ACRES | $424,900
This home offers a spacious floor plan filled with natural light, a modern kitchen with updated appliances, and a cozy living area perfect for relaxing.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 4,200 SQ FT | $1,150,000
The Raleigh Royal is a 5-bedroom, 3-bath luxury estate on 2 private acres within city limits, featuring over 4,200 square feet of upgraded living space, a pool, fire pit, and no HOA.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Peregrine’s Saigon Tuna is a vibrant dish featuring fresh tuna paired with tangy nuoc cham, creamy avocado, crisp seaweed, and crunchy radish.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: EVERETT | DOG | 8 MONTHS | MALE
Everett is a lovable, energetic lab mix with a sweet personality, currently around 35 lbs and still growing, ready to bring his playful teenage charm to a family of his own. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Chapel Watch Village on August 16-17 at 9AM for plus-size women’s business attire, women’s shoes, holiday inflatables, outdoor holiday décor, and a variety of furniture. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Learn How to Start Real Estate Investing at an Online Class on August 12 at 12PM.
This free online class covers the basics of real estate investing, explaining how beginners can get started and build long-term wealth—even while maintaining a full-time job. 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: DVREII OCAHEOTCL RYACTFO
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Shag Athlete | Indie Rock
Chapel Hill’s Shag Athlete blends indie refrains with alt-rock rhythms, channeling the spirit of bands like The Replacements and The Velvet Underground with a lineup built for timeless originals and standout covers. | Slim's Dive Bar | August 11, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Nine Inch Nails | Rock
Nine Inch Nails, the industrial rock project led by Trent Reznor, is known for its raw, haunting sound and groundbreaking live shows, shaping the genre with influential albums like The Downward Spiral and Pretty Hate Machine while earning a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. | Lenovo Center | September 5, 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.
✔️ 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: Nicole Byer at Goodnights Comedy Club | August 15-16 | Nicole Byer is a dynamic force in comedy, known for her work as an actress, comedian, writer, author, and podcaster, and is best recognized as the host of Netflix’s Emmy-nominated baking competition series Nailed It!. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Rickey Smiley at Raleigh Improv | December 4-5 | Rickey Smiley is a legendary comedian and radio host known for his decades-long career, iconic characters, and heartfelt humor, blending stand-up, TV, film, and bestselling books into a legacy that continues to resonate across generations. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Board Game Night @ Game Theory Duraleigh | August 12 | 6PM
Enjoy a casual evening of gaming, with a mix of player-brought games and a store library, plus friendly instruction before play begins. Get details here →
🤝 Korean Alphabet Class for Beginners @ Caribou Coffee | August 16 | 5:30PM
A great chance for beginners to learn the Korean alphabet from scratch—just bring a notebook and pen, and maybe meet a few new friends while you're at it. Get details here →
Daily Planet Café is right inside the science museum, but it’s not just for kids or tourists. The food’s fresh, local, and surprisingly good...think coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and craft beer. It’s a quiet spot to chill before or after exploring downtown.
—Belle, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: WriterAccess is seeking Professional Writers.
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Daily Transcription is seeking a Subtitler & Captioner.
🤝 RALEIGH JOB: North Carolina State University is seeking an Accounting Technician.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Reggie Jackson Airport Honda is seeking a Salesperson.
Want to work find more ways to work from home? Check out our guide to legit remote jobs hiring in Raleigh—part of The Raleigh Bundle. Find it here →
Interested in promoting your business or event to 11,008 trendsetters in the Triangle?
Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. Tell us what you need 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? |