July 4th A250 Parade Brings History, Music, and Spectacle to Downtown Raleigh
Celebrate Independence Day with a parade packed with pageantry and hometown pride.
Shannon
June 24, 2026
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Downtown Raleigh will be buzzing on Saturday, July 4, as First in Freedom North Carolina’s July 4th A250 Parade rolls through the city with colorful floats, marching groups, live music, and plenty of red, white, and blue spirit. The annual celebration promises a lively morning filled with tradition, community, and festive fun for all ages.
Planning to attend? Arrive early to snag a great viewing spot and enjoy the excitement before the parade begins. Bring a chair, pack some water, and settle in for a front-row seat to one of the area's biggest Independence Day celebrations.
Not sponsored. We just appreciate a good excuse to wave a tiny flag. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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June 27 — A Market Where Everything Is Actually Free
Most markets involve at least a little math. This one doesn't.
The Cary Really Really Free Market takes place on June 27 at 2 PM at Walnut Street Park and operates on a surprisingly simple concept: people bring things they no longer need and offer them to others for free. Some participants also offer free services. There's no buying, selling, or bartering involved. Everything is freely given.
That setup makes every event a little unpredictable. One person might arrive with books, another with household items, and someone else with a skill they're willing to share. You never quite know what will show up or who you'll meet.
In a world where nearly everything has a price tag attached to it, there's something refreshingly straightforward about a community event built entirely around giving things away.
Want to get your business in front of 16,521 active Raleighites? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Sunday Drink Specials at Boxcar Bar + Arcade 🔥
$2 mimosas and $12 champagne bottles—every Sunday, all day. Just show up and sip.
📍Where: Boxcar Bar + Arcade
📅 When: Sundays
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,591 SQ FT | $289,900
Beautifully maintained end-unit townhome in a convenient Raleigh location, featuring an open floor plan, abundant natural light, and spacious living areas ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,578 SQ FT | $309,900
Rare 3-bedroom Midtown Raleigh townhome with no HOA fees, featuring an updated kitchen, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a versatile lower-level basement in a prime location. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,694 SQ FT | 0.32 ACRES | $465,000
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath North Raleigh home on a private wooded lot, featuring timeless character, a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, and spacious outdoor living. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,316 SQ FT | $1,019,000
Charming 4-bedroom bungalow in a prime Raleigh location, offering modern construction, timeless character, and walkable access to the best of the city. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Figulīna’s Pan-seared Scallops is served with charred patty pan squash, smoky romesco, za’atar, and a savory fumet that captures the flavors of early summer.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: BOLLY | CAT | 9 MONTHS | MALE
Bolly is a sweet, thoughtful cat who may be shy at first but blossoms into a loyal companion with plenty of purrs, head bumps, and affection once he feels at home. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 4125 Picardy Drive on June 27-28 at 9:00 AM for a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, furniture, books, records, vintage finds, art, tools, and much more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Beginner Polymer Clay Workshop at Outer Loop Arts on June 27 at 3:00 PM.
Polymer Clay Workshop is a creative, hands-on class where participants learn basic clay techniques to craft colorful figurines, beads, and jewelry to take home and cure. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase and reply with the correct answer. First person to answer correctly earns eternal Raleigh bragging rights: LUNTOB ETTESR
📸 Raleigh Through Your Lens
Today's photo comes from Gabrielle, who captured Trish the Triceratops, one of downtown Raleigh's whimsical dinosaur topiaries, getting some close-up attention..
Have a great photo of Raleigh? We'd love to feature it in a future edition of Raleigh.com. Whether it's a skyline shot, a neighborhood landmark, a local event, a beautiful park, or a hidden gem around town, send it our way.
📧 Submit your photos to: [email protected]
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We can't wait to see Raleigh through your eyes. Submit your photos to [email protected].
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bingo, Books and Bagels for Adults @ Southeast Regional Library | June 25 | 11:00 AM
A monthly gathering for seniors featuring bagels, book discussions, and friendly games of Bingo. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Brigs Restaurants | 7% Off All Adult Entrees
For those 65 and up, every day at Brigs Restaurants you get 7% off adult entrees (not including sides or drinks); just ask for the discount when you order.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Magic Pipers | Pop
Magic Pipers is a high-energy North Carolina band known for performing live rock, soul, funk, beach music, and party favorites from the 1970s to today at weddings, festivals, and private events. | The Backyard Bar | June 26 | 8:00 PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Edén Muñoz | Latin
Edén Muñoz is a Mexican singer-songwriter and producer known for his emotive vocals and modern regional Mexican sound, blending traditional banda and norteño styles with contemporary pop influences. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | August 21, 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: Jay Jurden at Raleigh Improv | June 25-26 | Jay Jurden is an American stand-up comedian and writer known for his sharp, clever humor and work on The Problem with Jon Stewart. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: René Vaca at Raleigh Improv | August 7-8 | René Vaca is a fast-rising stand-up comedian known for his energetic storytelling, relatable humor, and viral comedy clips that have earned millions of views online. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Bridgerton Tea Party: A Regency-Inspired Day of Food, Fun & Fellowship @ 915 South Bloodworth Street | June 28 | 1:00 PM
Bridgerton Tea Party is an elegant social gathering featuring tea, catered bites, games, and charming activities inspired by the romance and sophistication of the Bridgerton world. Get details here →
🤝 Paint Your Own Wine Tote Bag + Bag Charm @ Killer Queen Wine Bar | June 28 | 3:00 PM
Paint & Charm Workshop is a beginner-friendly creative experience where participants design a custom wine tote bag and personalized bag charm in a fun, relaxing social setting. Get details here →
Whiskey Kitchen feels like a cozy secret, tucked in downtown Raleigh with a 600+ bottle whiskey lineup, killer cocktails, and Southern-style small plates. Great vibe, friendly staff, and just the right background music.
—Olivia, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Boldly is seeking a Part-time Executive Assistant.
💼 APEX JOB: Harris Teeter is seeking a Part Time Personal Shopper.
💸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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