Classics Under the Stars at Koka Booth Amphitheatre: A Summer Night Set to Music
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and let the orchestra handle the soundtrack.
Shannon
June 17, 2026
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Trade your usual Friday night plans for an evening of soaring overtures and twinkling lights at Classics Under the Stars on Friday, June 26, at 8:00 PM at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The North Carolina Symphony, led by conductor Kellen Gray, will perform beloved works from composers like Mozart, Brahms, and Stravinsky in an open-air setting that practically begs for a picnic basket.
Feeling competitive? Arrive by 7:00 PM with a concert-themed picnic for a chance to win the Wegmans Picnic of the Week, including gift cards announced from the stage at 7:45 PM. Bring a few flameless candles, settle onto your blanket, and enjoy a summer evening that feels straight out of a movie.
Not sponsored. We just think orchestras under the stars are pretty magical. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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June 20 — Spend a Morning Volunteering on a Working Farm
It's not every day that you get the chance to help out on a farm and go home with fresh produce. On June 20 from 9 AM to 12 PM, NC State's Agroecology Education Farm will host one of its community volunteer workdays at 4400 Mid Pines Road in Raleigh.
Three times a month, the farm opens its gates to community members who want to lend a hand with harvesting, weeding, and other farm activities. The workday is also an opportunity to learn more about agriculture, meet new people, and spend a few hours outdoors in a setting that's a little different from the usual weekend routine.
Participants leave with more than just a few hours of volunteer experience. Fresh, locally grown produce is available to take home, making the morning feel equal parts community service, learning experience, and farm visit.
You can RSVP for the volunteer workday here.
Want to get your business in front of 16,230 active Raleighites? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Juicy Burger Deals at Eastcut Sandwich Bar 🔥
Bite into $6 burgers every Thursday—no codes, no tricks, just the kind of deal that makes Thursdays taste way better.
📍Where: Eastcut Sandwich Bar
📅 When: Every Thursday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,241 SQ FT | $299,900
Private top-floor corner-unit condo with 1,241 sq ft, serene nature views, a spacious 2-bed, 2-bath layout, 9-foot ceilings, crown molding, and a gas log fireplace. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,200 SQ FT | 0.28 ACRES | $303,000
Beautifully updated Raleigh home featuring a spacious, light-filled layout with modern finishes and seamless living, dining, and kitchen spaces ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,184 SQ FT | $704,000
Charming Oakdale bungalow near Downtown Raleigh with hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, a cozy gas fireplace, and a renovated primary bath. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 5,261 SQ FT | 1.84 ACRES | $1,250,000
Beautiful brick home in Sheffield Manor, featuring spacious living areas, a fireplace, sunroom, updated kitchen, and access to community amenities including a pool, tennis courts, and scenic natural surroundings. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Matsumoto Craft Ramen’s Ramen is a comforting bowl of noodles topped with crispy garnishes and served in a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for cozying up any day of the week.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: BEGONIA | CAT | 13 WEEKS | FEMALE
Begonia is an affectionate, playful kitten with boundless energy who loves chasing toys, exploring new spaces, and showering her favorite people with head bumps and purrs. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 105 Hargraves St on June 19 at 8:00 AM for furniture, vintage treasures, clothing, kitchenware, yard tools, plants, and plenty of must-go bargains. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Mahjong 101 at The Clayton Magnolia Inn on June 18 at 6:00 PM.
A beginner-friendly American Mahjong class teaching the fundamentals step by step in a fun, welcoming environment. 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: NSHA ALLH
📸 Raleigh Through Your Lens
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We can't wait to see Raleigh through your eyes.
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bingo, Books and Bagels for Adults @ East Regional Library | June 18 | 10:30 AM
A monthly gathering for seniors featuring bagels, book discussions, and friendly games of Bingo. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: KFC | 10% Off Senior Discount
KFC gives seniors 10% off or a free small drink with any meal purchase.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Nick Vallese | Rock
Nick Vallese is a high-energy performer known for crowd-pleasing covers, upbeat live shows, and keeping the party going from the first song to the last. | Tin Roof Raleigh | June 18-19, 10:00 PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Guns N' Roses | Rock
Guns N' Roses is an iconic American hard rock band known for its explosive sound, rebellious attitude, and legendary hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” | Carter Finley Stadium | July 23, 6:25PM | 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: Karlous Miller at Raleigh Improv | June 19-20 | Karlous Miller is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his quick improvisational style, sharp roasting skills, and appearances on Wild ’N Out. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Tony Baker at Goodnights Comedy Club | September 4-6 | Tony Baker blends animated storytelling, sharp impressions, and wildly expressive reactions into high-energy comedy that often pulls from everyday situations and internet culture. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 4th Annual ASTA x ASI Summer Social @ Black's Tire & Auto Service | June 18 | 6:30 PM
A laid-back summer social featuring BBQ, games, giveaways, door prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with great company. Get details here →
🤝 Improv Class + Afterparty @ Leela Improv Theatre | June 18 | 7:00 PM
A fun, beginner-friendly improv class where newcomers and experienced performers can build confidence, sharpen their skills, and connect with others before an optional afterparty nearby. Get details here →
Roshambo Beverage Company is one of those spots you quietly hope stays a secret. It sits just off the beaten path in downtown Raleigh, super chill vibe, a solid mix of beer, cider, and wine—stuff that surprises you. No frills, just good drinks and a relaxed hangout feel, with an occasional food truck or trivia night keeping things interesting.
—Christopher, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Belay Solutions is seeking a Virtual Assistant
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Spectrum is seeking a Retail Sales Specialist.
💸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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