Epic Film Scores at Koka Booth: A Night of Movie Music Under the Stars 🎬🎻

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If you’re the kind of person who immediately recognizes the Titanic theme within two notes, this one’s probably for you. On May 30, the North Carolina Symphony is performing some of the most epic film scores of all time at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, including music from Chariots of Fire, The Lord of the Rings, and more. It’s one of those easy summer night events where you bring a picnic, sit outside, and let the orchestra do all the work.

They’ll also have an Instrument Zoo for kids before the show, which honestly sounds pretty fun for adults too. You can grab tickets here.

Not sponsored. We just like movie soundtracks with unnecessary emotional power. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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Weekends — Two Hours of Bowling for Less Than a Movie Ticket

There’s something oddly satisfying about bowling as an adult. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s the fact that nobody expects you to actually be good at it. Either way, Bowlero Raleigh has a weekend deal that feels surprisingly reasonable right now.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM–1 PM, they’re offering two hours of unlimited bowling with shoe rental included for $15.99. It’s part of their Family Unlimited special, though honestly it works just as well for friends, visiting relatives, or anyone trying to get out of the house without committing to a whole expensive afternoon.

It also solves the eternal “what do we do that isn’t just sitting somewhere spending money on snacks?” problem. And if nothing else, bowling remains one of the few activities where dramatically overcelebrating a mediocre performance is fully acceptable.

Want to see your business here? Contact us.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These Daily Drink Deals at Tin Roof 🔥

$5 Fireball, $5 Pink Whitney, and $4 PBR—all day, every day. No tricks, just show up thirsty.

📍Where: Tin Roof
📅 When: Daily

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,215 SQ FT | $295,000
Charming 3-bedroom ranch with an open layout, gas fireplace, spacious kitchen and dining area, and rear deck for easy indoor-outdoor living. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMS | 930 SQ FT | $325,000
Updated ITB home with granite kitchen, stainless appliances, soaring ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, and a bright family room opening to a covered porch. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2,867 SQ FT | $750,000
Spacious 4-bedroom townhome in Grove at Fallon Park with nearly 2,900 sq ft, stylish finishes, and low-maintenance living across three levels. Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,535 SQ FT | .49 ACRES | $1,200,000
Classic white-columned Colonial in Budleigh with formal living spaces, sunroom, covered porch, brick patio, and 3 upstairs bedrooms. Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Crawford and Son’s Green Circle Chicken is a savory dish with fava beans, morel mushrooms, new crop potatoes, and rich Madeira jus.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: JAYNE | DOG, LABRADOR | 6 MONTHS | FEMALE
Jayne is a sweet, playful puppy who loves snuggles, enjoys other dogs, and is growing into a wonderful companion. Check her out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 8004 Misty Dawn Place on May 30 at 9AM for a moving yard sale packed with furniture, vintage cookbooks, kitchen appliances (including a retro 1980s dual oven), and plenty of name-your-price finds—all while helping support a child’s savings account.. More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Stained Glass Mountains Workshop at Wine and Design Chapel Hill on May 25 at 3PM. 
An intermediate stained glass class focused on building layered mountain landscape designs using more advanced cutting and assembly skills. 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: KEAL LYNN

🌳 Golden Years Gatherings

Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.

👋 Event of the day: Community Engagement Attending Senior Prom @ Roberts Park | May 29 | 4PM
A festive senior prom celebration featuring music, dancing, and community connection in a fun and uplifting atmosphere. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Denny’s | 15% Senior Discount Menu
Denny’s offers 15% off for AARP members (up to $10) and a special senior menu for guests 55+.

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: ZoBury | Latin Rock
ZoBury is a tribute act celebrating the music of Zoé and Enrique Bunbury through live performances that blend Latin rock, alternative, and classic Spanish-language hits. | The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop | May 22, 9PM | Get tickets here →

🎤 Plan Ahead: Grupo Frontera | Latin
Grupo Frontera blends regional Mexican music with modern pop influences and massive singalong energy. | Red Hat Amphitheater | September 5, 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.

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Let’s Get Laughing:

🎤 This Week: Jimmy Dore at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 24, 5:15PM | Jimmy Dore is an American comedian, political commentator, and podcast host known for his satirical takes on politics and current events. Get tickets here →

😂 Plan Ahead: Ron Taylor at Raleigh Improv | October 3-4 | Ron Taylor delivers laid-back observational comedy with clever takes on relationships, modern life, and relatable social situations. Get tickets here →

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 "Do You Read Me" Book Club Meeting @ Haraz Coffee House | May 27 | 6PM
“Do You Read Me?” is a book club exploring Black intersectional experiences through works by Black authors. Get details here →

🤝 Linked Triangle Professional Network @ AVA Rooftop Bar | May 28 | 6PM
An elevated rooftop networking event bringing Triangle professionals together for meaningful connections and conversation in a stylish outdoor setting. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

Dos Taquitos is that no-fuss taco joint you brag about finding first. It’s small, colorful, and packed with flavor—you can practically taste the history in their handmade tortillas.

—Reagan, a longtime reader

Oak City Job Openings:

🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Daily Transcription is seeking a General Transcriptionist.

💼 RALEIGH JOB: Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men is seeking a Hair Stylist.

💸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 →

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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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