Dragon Boats, Dumplings & Drums: Asia Fest Turns 10 at Koka Booth
A full day of culture, racing, and irresistible eats.
Shannon
September 17, 2025
First time reader? Join 11,717 other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
On September 20, Asia Fest returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre with its 10th annual Dragon Boat Festival. Expect thunderous drumbeats, teams racing across Symphony Lake, nearly 100 cultural exhibits, and foods from across the world (including street eats made by local chefs). From performances to hands-on activities, this festival is a full day of discovery. Want in? Snag your tickets here before the boats launch.
Disclaimer: This isn’t sponsored. However, we’d happily accept payment in dumplings. (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:
31 Secret Parks and Outdoor Spaces in and Around Raleigh, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with hidden trails, tucked-away gardens, and unexpected spots to unwind outdoors. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Tasty Daily Specials at Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken 🔥
Get weekday flavor without the weekday price—grab $12.59 daily specials, Monday through Friday. No coupon code or secret handshake needed—just show up hungry and order.
📍Where: Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
📅 When: Monday–Friday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,547 SQ FT | $255,000
This move-in ready North Raleigh condo offers comfort, style, and low-maintenance living with fresh paint, brand-new upstairs carpet, and a highly convenient location.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,700 SQ FT | .18 ACRES | $395,000
Charming ranch-style home on a quiet cul-de-sac featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a bright open floorplan ideal for everyday living and entertaining.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,975 SQ FT | .13 ACRES | $474,000
This charming home near Raleigh, Durham, RDU, and RTP features hardwood floors, new carpet, granite countertops, and recent updates to the roof, water heater, AC, and appliances.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,328 SQ FT | .27 ACRES | $1,294,000
This custom-built home just 10 minutes from Midtown Raleigh features site-finished hardwoods, designer lighting, and an elegant owner’s suite with a spacious walk-in closet, luxe bath, and freestanding tub.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: O-Ku Raleigh’s Octopus is glazed with gochujang, served with silky kabocha squash purée, and finished with smoked paprika and yuzu olive oil for a dish as bold and colorful as it looks.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: VITANI | CAT | 1.5 YEARS | FEMALE
Vitani is a 1.5-year-old orange tabby who loves being around people while striking the perfect balance between companionship and independence. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Legend Oaks on September 20 at 8AM for tools, vintage airline memorabilia, home décor, kitchen items, garden supplies, framed art, toys, holiday decorations, and much more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Creative Impressions with the North Carolina Museum of Art at the Holly Springs Community Library on September 18 at 10:30AM.
This 90-minute NCMA program offers mindful artwork observation, sensory engagement, and a hands-on art-making activity in an interactive, discussion-friendly setting. 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: Bingo, Books, & Bagels for Seniors @ Southeast Regional Library | September 25 | 9:30AM
Seniors age 60+ are invited to Southeast Regional Library in Garner for bagels, book talks, and a fun round of Bingo. 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: The Gone Ghosts and Rotoglow | Country, Rock
The Gone Ghosts bring heartfelt alt-country Americana grit alongside Rotoglow’s straight-up Raleigh rock ’n’ roll for a night of rootsy storytelling and driving sound.* | Slim's Dive Bar | September 19, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Lindsey Stirling | Rock
Lindsey Stirling is an American violinist, dancer, and composer known for blending classical violin with electronic music, pop, and elaborate choreographed performances. | DPAC | November 22, 8PM | 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: Let's Hear It at Goodnights Comedy Club | September 21, 5:30PM | Room 861 at Goodnights presents Let's Hear It — a night of hilarious crowd work with comedians Nick Deez and Hunter Luke Edwards, packed with laughs, surprises, and unforgettable fun. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Jo Koy at DPAC | October 25, 8PM | Jo Koy is a Filipino-American stand-up comedian known for his animated storytelling, family-centered humor, and numerous Netflix comedy specials. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Hike & Chill @ Walnut Creek Wetlands | September 20 | 9:30AM
Hike & Chill at Walnut Creek Wetlands offers a refreshing walk with good vibes and conversations, aimed at easing loneliness, burnout, and stress while fostering meaningful connections. Get details here →
🤝 Afternoon Tea Party @ The Gathering Space | September 20 | 3PM
The “Bloom: Afternoon Garden Tea Party” offers an elegant afternoon of fashion, community, fundraising, and connection in a vibrant garden setting. Get details here →
Boxcar's one of those Raleigh gems you stumble into for a quick beer and end up staying all night. Between the retro arcade games, the rotating craft drafts, and the dog-friendly patio, it’s got that perfect mix of nostalgia and chill vibes. Just don’t tell too many people…I like being able to snag the good pinball machine without a wait.
—Hannah, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Equivity VA is seeking a Virtual Litigation Paralegal.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Apple is seeking an Apple Support Team Manager.
💸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 11,717 trendsetters in the Triangle?
Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. 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? |