Gipson Play Plaza Grand Opening Lights Up the Weekend
Three days of music, mascots, and magic—plus bubble wizards and fairy sightings.
Shannon
June 02, 2025
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Gipson Play Plaza is going all out for its grand opening weekend, and you’re invited. From June 6–8, expect three full days of dancing, drumming, yoga at sunrise, roaming entertainers (hello, Sunny the Fairy!), and nightly light shows that’ll make your camera roll very happy. Enjoy live music from acts like ¡Tumbao! and Emerald Empire, family-friendly fun like ASL storytime and art workshops, and plenty of tasty bites from local food trucks.
But the real star? The plaza itself: an 18.5-acre play paradise just south of downtown packed with sky-high climbing towers, skyline views, a 91-foot mega swing (!), sensory mazes, and over 110,000 plants. Trust us—you won’t want to miss this weekend of pure play and wonder.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just believe in bubble joy and drum circles. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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Discover top-floor elegance at The Wade, a boutique community inspired by classic Pre-war architecture and perfectly complementing the charm of Raleigh's Hayes Barton neighborhood.* Take a look here →
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Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Poole's Diner’s Sugar Snap Peas and Oyster Mushrooms is a delicate spring dish, enhanced with the richness of sherry and cream.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: ALTARIA | CAT, DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR | 5 MONTHS | FEMALE
Altaria is a sweet little kitten currently living in a loving foster home while waiting for her forever family. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Wakefield on June 7 at 7:30AM for a treasure trove of Pampered Chef, Longaberger, baking supplies, crystal, collectibles, wedding décor, art, ladies' fashion, housewares, outdoor gear, and so much more! More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: 5 Realities to Understand for Exiting your Business at Leo's Italian Social on June 3 at 11:30AM.
Every business owner will eventually exit their business, and this session focuses on how to develop a successful exit plan well in advance. Sign up here →
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Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Mayday Parade | Rock
Mayday Parade is a six-piece band from Florida known for their melodic, emo-tinged rock sound. | The Ritz | June 4, 6PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Benson Boone | Pop
Benson Boone, a singer-songwriter from Monroe, Washington, rose to fame on TikTok with hits like “Beautiful Things” and will release his second album, American Heart, on June 20, 2025, after a 2025 Grammy nod for Best New Artist. | Lenovo Center | September 7, 8PM | Get tickets here →
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Steph Tolev at Raleigh Improv | June 6 & 7, Various Evening Times | Steph Tolev gained widespread attention from the Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill Netflix special and was named a “Comedian You Should and Will Know” by Vulture, earning acclaim at global festivals, headlining clubs nationwide, and performing regularly at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Jimmy O. Yang at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | October 24, 8PM | Jimmy O. Yang is a comedian and actor known for Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians, and Space Force, with acclaimed stand-up specials Guess How Much and Good Deal, and he now stars in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown while headlining his biggest tour yet, the BIG & TALL Tour. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Bridgerton vs Jane Austen Garden Tea Party @ Angel Wings Bookstore & Bistro | June 7 | 2PM
Guests are invited to step into the worlds of Bridgerton and Jane Austen for an afternoon filled with tea, treats, and literary-themed enjoyment. Get details here →
🤝 Music and Business Networking @ Botanical Lounge | June 11 | 6PM
A multi-vertical networking event for those interested in music and business, bringing together musicians, producers, engineers, agents, and professionals from diverse industries—arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more—to connect, collaborate, and elevate their careers. Get details here →
The Roast Grill is one of those places that hasn’t changed since your granddad’s granddad was grabbing lunch downtown. It’s tiny—just a counter and a couple of tables—but the hot dogs are grilled to perfection, topped with homemade chili, mustard, onions, and slaw. No ketchup allowed, ever. George, the owner, will remember your name and how you like your dog. It’s cash only, the Coke comes in glass bottles, and if you’re lucky, there’s pound cake or baklava for dessert. It’s not fancy, but it’s Raleigh through and through.
—Bobby, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💼 RALEIGH JOB: UNC Health is seeking a Clinical Lab Assistant.
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