Community Cookout Brings Food, Music & Family Fun to East Raleigh
Bounce houses, shaved ice, grilled food, and a solid excuse to stay outside for a few hours.
Shannon
May 25, 2026
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East Raleigh is kicking off summer the right way on May 30 from 11 AM to 2 PM with a free community cookout. Expect grilled food, live music, bounce houses, face painting, shaved ice, and plenty of activities for kids—including goodie buckets filled with toys and treats.
City staff will also be on-site sharing updates about neighborhood projects, so you can grab a hot dog and community news at the same time.
Not sponsored—we just respect any event that combines shaved ice and bounce houses. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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June 7 — Coffee, Local Art, and a Slightly Gothic Vibe
There’s something kind of refreshing about an art market that doesn’t feel overly polished or trying too hard. The Pop Shop ARTernative Market at Chapel of Bones on June 7 feels more like the kind of place you wander into out of curiosity and end up staying longer than expected.
The all-ages event runs from 10 AM–3 PM and features 20+ local artists, with coffee and food available throughout the day. Entry is free, which makes it an easy stop even if you’re just looking for something low-key to do on a Saturday afternoon.
The whole thing leans a little artsy, a little alternative, and generally like the sort of market where you’ll probably leave with something handmade you didn’t plan on buying. Or at minimum, a coffee and a new favorite local artist to follow.
Want to see your business here? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These $1 Taco Deals at Frito’s Burgers & Tacos 🔥
Every Tuesday, tacos are just a buck. No catch—order, eat, repeat.
📍Where: Frito’s Burgers & Tacos
📅 When: Tuesdays
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 1 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,038 SQ FT | $240,000
Meticulously maintained 1-bedroom condo in Avera Place with new appliances, updated lighting, and a unique primary bath featuring two showers. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,245 SQ FT | $325,000
Beautifully updated end-unit townhome in Brier Creek with modern finishes, open living spaces, and a private patio for relaxing or entertaining. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,087 SQ FT | 1.01 ACRES | $725,000
Charming North Raleigh retreat on a private 1-acre lot with 4 bedrooms, dedicated office, bonus room, and peaceful equestrian neighborhood setting. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2,984 SQ FT | .45 ACRES | $1,338,500
Turnkey Midtown Raleigh ranch in Drewry Hills with four main-level bedrooms, flexible basement space, and a spacious near-half-acre lot near North Hills. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Figulīna’s Housemade Ricotta is a fresh, seasonal dish with rhubarb chutney, snap peas, confit baby leeks, and sunflower-caraway gremolata.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: LIVERPOOL | DOG, SHEPHERD | 2 MONTHS | MALE
Liverpool is a sweet, friendly pup who loves people, enjoys other dogs, and brings playful energy with an easygoing nature. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Ole Mill Stream, Clayton on May 30 at 8AM for a community-wide treasure hunt with a variety of items for every shopper. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Bog Bowl Workshop at Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop on May 31 at 5PM.
A hands-on workshop where participants create mini bog gardens and learn about fascinating carnivorous plants. 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: NPC EANAR
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bingo, Books, & Bagels @ Southeast Regional Library, Garner | May 28 | 11AM
A fun 60+ event featuring bagels, book talks, and bingo with registration required. 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: In the End - Linkin Park Experience | Rock
In the End - Linkin Park Experience is a tribute act dedicated to recreating the music and live energy of Linkin Park through performances of the band’s biggest hits. | The Ritz | May 30, 7PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Bob Dylan | Rock
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter and Nobel Prize-winning artist known for his influential folk and rock music, poetic lyrics, and songs like “Like a Rolling Stone.” | Red Hat Amphitheater | July 28, 6:30PM | 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: Guy Torry at Raleigh Improv | May 29-30 | Guy Torry is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his energetic style and for founding the influential comedy showcase “Phat Tuesdays.” Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Darren Brand at Goodnights Comedy Club | July 4-5 | Darren Brand is an American comedian and actor best known as a cast member of Wild ’N Out and for his energetic stand-up performances. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Party + Pickle Eating Contest & Pop Up @ DSSOLVR Durham | May 31 | 1PM
A fun pickle-themed party featuring pickle cocktails, snacks, trivia, a pickle eating contest, pop-ups, and more. Get details here →
🤝 Stitch & Sip @ East Regional Library | May 31 | 3PM
Mahjong & Wine is a fun social gathering featuring mahjong, wine, sweet treats, and quality time with friends. Get details here →
ZincHouse is where you go when you want wine, beer, and wide-open views without leaving town. Big porches, firepits, food trucks, and live music make it feel like Raleigh’s backyard getaway.
—Andrew, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: ModSquad is seeking Remote Content Moderation.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Walgreens is seeking a Temporary Customer Service Associate.
💸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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