First time reader? Join {{active_subscriber_count}} other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
The Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM for its 50th year. Browse work from more than 250 artists at Cary Town Hall Campus, catch live entertainment across four stages, visit 25+ food and drink vendors, or wander through interactive art experiences like the Chalk Walk. There’s also a beer garden, the new Lazy Lounge, and Kid Daze activities for younger festivalgoers.
Not sponsored—we’re just very committed to the lazy arts. (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.
Not Your Typical Barbecue Spot
SmokeStacks Cafe may specialize in smoked meats, but don't expect the usual barbecue-and-three-sides setup.
The family-owned restaurant sits in Raleigh's Historic Oakwood neighborhood, where the kitchen creates daily menus rather than sticking to the same lineup. Smoked meats remain at the center of things, but the approach leaves room for changing dishes, seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, craft beer, and desserts that rotate as well.
There's also some flexibility in how you experience the place. SmokeStacks serves brunch and cocktails on its patio as well as weekend dinners inside, so it can work for anything from a meal with friends to a quieter night out.
For anyone who loves the flavors of smoked food but wants to venture beyond traditional barbecue, SmokeStacks offers a more creative take on the idea—and a menu that may look a little different the next time you stop by.
Want to get your business in front of {{active_subscriber_count}} active Raleighites? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Sip Midweek Savings on Lebanese Wine at Sitti Authentic Lebanese 🔥
Enjoy 1/2 price bottles of Lebanese wines every Wednesday—no code or coupon needed, just ask your server.
📍Where: Sitti Authentic Lebanese
📅 When: Every Wednesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 1 BEDROOM | 1 BATHROOM | 551 SQ FT | $239,900
Charming first-floor Village District condo featuring stylish updates, low-maintenance living, and walkable access to shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,312 SQ FT | 0.36 ACRES | $390,000
Rare move-in-ready ranch featuring vaulted ceilings, an open-concept layout, abundant natural light, and comfortable single-level living in desirable Durant Trace. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,786 SQ FT | 0.26 ACRES | $750,000
Versatile North Raleigh home featuring dual main-level suites, flexible living spaces, wooded views, and an open floor plan in desirable Oak Winds. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,310 SQ FT | 0.68 ACRES | $1,595,000
Exceptional North Ridge Estates home featuring sweeping golf course views, generous living spaces, a spectacular kitchen, and a prime location near the country club. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Chef's Palette's Savory Pork Belly "Cinnamon Roll" layers tender pork belly with creamy goat cheese "frosting" for a rich, playful twist on a classic pastry.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: JODI | DOG | 9 WEEKS | FEMALE
Jodi is a confident, affectionate puppy who loves meeting new people, soaking up attention, and greeting every adventure with plenty of wiggly enthusiasm. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Smithfield on August 15-16 at 7:00 AM for a garage sale featuring furniture, appliances, tools, home décor, clothing, outdoor essentials, holiday decorations, and plenty more great finds. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Kinusaiga Workshop at Redhead Hemp on August 16 at 2:00 PM
A beginner-friendly workshop introducing the art of Kinusaiga, where colorful fabrics are tucked into pre-cut foam boards to create beautiful mosaic-style artwork. Learn more here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase and reply with the correct answer. First person to answer correctly earns eternal Raleigh bragging rights: DOMANAN CSREA HIROSTCI TIRSIDTC
📸 Raleigh Through Your Lens
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]
By submitting a photo, you confirm that:
You own the copyright to the image or otherwise have the legal right to submit it.
The image does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.
You grant Raleigh.com and its affiliated entities a perpetual, royalty-free license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the image in newsletters and other media. We won’t sell the photo (of course).
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: Book Club @ Morrisville Senior Center | August 14 | 12:30 PM
Morrisville Senior Center Book Club is a welcoming monthly gathering where older adults discuss great books, share perspectives, and enjoy lively conversation. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Senior Auditor’s Program | Tuition-Free Course Auditing
North Carolina residents 65+ can audit university courses with tuition and application fees waived, provided they’re in good standing and submit the 65+ Tuition Waiver Form.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Los Tucanes de Tijuana | Latin
Los Tucanes de Tijuana is a legendary Mexican norteño band known for energetic corridos, accordion-driven hits, and decades of influence on regional Mexican music. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | August 14 | 8:00 PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Empire of the Sun | Rock
Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo known for its cinematic synth-pop, elaborate visual performances, and global hits like “Walking on a Dream” and “We Are the People.” | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | September 6 | 7:30 PM | 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: Nicole Byer at Goodnights Comedy Club | August 14-16 | Nicole Byer is a comedian, actress, and host known for her bold humor, infectious energy, and hit shows like Nailed It!. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Fortune Feimster at DPAC | October 3 | 8:00 PM | Fortune Feimster is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her warm storytelling, Southern charm, and acclaimed stand-up specials and television appearances. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Apex Trivia Night @ Abbey Road Tavern & Grill | August 18 | 7:00 PM
A free weekly trivia night featuring friendly competition, prizes for top teams, and plenty of fun at Abbey Road Tavern & Grill. Get details here →
🤝 Music Bingo @ Gizmo Brew Works - Brewery & Taproom | August 18 | 7:00 PM
A lively music bingo night featuring themed rounds, great tunes, and fun for players of all ages and musical tastes. Get details here →
Groovy Duck is one of those little spots you almost miss, but once you go, you keep going back. The cookies are legit, the pastries are always changing, and it’s got this cozy, no-frills vibe that just feels good.
—Tom, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Acolad is seeking a Translator.
💼 CARY JOB: Best Buy is seeking a Retail Warehouse Associate.
💸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 →
Want flexible sales opportunities? CommissionOnly.com connects sales professionals with companies seeking commission-only sales reps. It's free to join and free to apply. Find out more here →
Interested in promoting your business or event to {{active_subscriber_count}} 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.
