Geek & Grub Market: Anime Edition – Your Cosplay Haven
Dive into a world of anime, games, and epic merch.
Shannon
May 08, 2025
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Level up your weekend plans with the Anime Edition of Geek & Grub Market at Optimist Farm Club! Whether you’re rocking full cosplay, sporting a Totoro hoodie, or just geeking out over manga, this market is the place to be. Expect themed competitions, delicious food stalls, and collectibles galore.
Best of all, admission is free—so you can save all your gold for epic merch. Want a sneak peek at the full list of geeky vendors? Click here.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you if it was); we just think it’s going to be Naruto-level fun. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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Exploring Raleigh’s Art & Culture: Museums, Galleries, and More, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with hidden gems, iconic murals, immersive exhibits, and local artist showcases that bring the city’s creative spirit to life. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss This Chance to Win Your Dream Home 🏡🔥
With a purchase of a $100 ticket, you have a chance to win a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 3,600-sqft home valued at $865,000!
📍Where: St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
📅 When: Open house tours, May 10 - June 8
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Spacious 6-bedroom home with in-law suite, finished basement, and versatile living spaces, all tucked in a cul-de-sac near Crabtree, North Hills, and Downtown Raleigh.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,803 SQ FT | .11 ACRES | $1,200,000
Beautifully renovated Historic Oakwood home with modern upgrades, spacious open floorplan, and prime walkable location near downtown Raleigh’s vibrant shops and restaurants.* Take a look here →
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Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…
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📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
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Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Beasley's Chicken + Honey’s BBQ Chicken Cheddar Melt is a hearty, crave-worthy sandwich loaded with tender BBQ chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions, all stacked on toasted bread for the perfect smoky-sweet bite.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: ALTARIA | CAT | 5 MONTHS | FEMALE
Altaria is a sweet and resilient young cat with a gentle spirit, ready to brighten your life with cuddles and companionship in her forever home. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 605 Sinewell Dr on May 10 at 8AM for a yard sale packed with everything from clothes and books to DVDs, toys, a glider rocker, and plenty of knickknacks. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Premium Kokedama Class at Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop on May 31 at 6PM.
Learn the art of Japanese kokedama and create your own living sculpture in this hands-on Premium Kokedama Class. 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: ETVIEXUEC MISANNO
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: William Nesmith | Pop
William Nesmith is a pop singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist known for blending soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic melodies inspired by R&B and gospel influences. | For Garden's Sake | May 9, 5PM | FREE!
🎤 Plan Ahead: Rilo Kiley | Rock
Rilo Kiley is an indie rock band known for their early 2000s blend of rock, pop, and country influences, gaining critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase with albums like More Adventurous and Under the Blacklight. | Red Hat Amphitheater | September 24, 7PM | Get tickets here →
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✔️ 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.
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✔️ 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.
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✔️ 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.
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Marlon Wayans at Raleigh Improv | June 12, 7PM | Marlon Wayans is a comedian known for his bold, irreverent humor, often blending physical comedy, witty observations, and social commentary, with a style that pushes boundaries and embraces both satire and playful absurdity. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Will Burkart at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 14, 8PM | Will Burkart is a comedian known for his laid-back, observational humor, blending personal anecdotes with witty commentary on everyday life, often focusing on the absurdities of modern society. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Queer Adult Book Club @ William & Company | May 28 | 7PM
A monthly book club focused on LGBTQ+ authors and topics, meeting at William & Company to discuss selected works across all genres. Get details here →
🤝 New City Fellows Open House + Social @ Trinity House | May 12 | 6:30PM
Learn about the New City Fellows program at this casual meet-and-greet, where emerging leaders and professionals can connect, ask questions, and explore fellowship and leadership opportunities in Raleigh and the Triangle. Get details here →
Wake County Speedway is one of those spots that’s still got that real, unpolished charm. It’s loud, a little dusty, and packed with locals who’ve been coming for years. On race nights, you can feel the engines rumble right through the bleachers. If you’re into real-deal racing without all the flash, it’s the place to be.
—Greg, a longtime reader
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