Movie Night: Independence Day at DCP Great Lawn Pavilion
Kick off July 3 with food trucks, family fun, and an alien invasion.
Shannon
June 23, 2026
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Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and best "we come in peace" attitude for an outdoor screening of Independence Day on Friday, July 3, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the DCP Great Lawn Pavilion. Come early for family-friendly activities, then settle in for a blockbuster featuring giant alien ships, unlikely heroes, and enough suspense to keep you reaching for the popcorn.
Food trucks will be on site, seating is first-come, first-served, and lawn setup begins at 5:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public.
Gif by Gashhuds on Giphy
Not sponsored by aliens or the food trucks—we just appreciate movies under the stars. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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June 25 — A Free Stroll Through Raleigh History
Cemeteries can be unexpectedly good places to learn about local history. On June 25 at 10 AM, Historic Oakwood Cemetery will host its monthly Stroll Through History tour, a free community event designed for both first-time and returning visitors.
Each month explores a different section of the cemetery, with guides sharing new research alongside stories that don't appear on the site's more structured tours. The small-group format also leaves room for last-minute changes in route and topics based on the interests and abilities of those attending.
Part history lesson and part walking tour, the event invites participants to ask questions about local history, the cemetery itself, and even the death industry. Attendees are encouraged to bring water, dress for the weather, and come prepared with their curiosity.
After all, every city has stories hidden in plain sight, and some of Raleigh's happen to be written on headstones.
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss This Half-Off Sushi Deal at CO 🔥
Every Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy half-off sushi. No codes, no fine print—just bring your appetite.
📍Where: CO
📅 When: Wednesday + Thursday, 4-7PM
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,048 SQ FT | $249,000
Beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse in desirable North Raleigh, featuring modern updates throughout and a cozy living room with a charming wood-burning fireplace. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2,076 SQ FT | $385,000
Spacious three-story townhome in Ashton Hall featuring fresh paint, new carpet, hardwood floors, an upgraded kitchen with granite countertops, and a private deck for outdoor living. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,691 SQ FT | $649,900
Elegant all-brick end-unit townhome in Midtown Raleigh’s Copper Ridge community, featuring hardwood floors and a spacious, well-designed layout. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,934 SQ FT | 0.71 ACRES | $1,495,000
Exceptionally crafted custom home showcasing timeless elegance, thoughtful design, and superior quality throughout. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Ajja’s Lebanese Squash Sfiha is a soft flatbread topped with a savory roasted squash spread, black garlic, roasted tomato vinaigrette, and fresh herbs and vegetables for a rich, layered flavor experience.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: CORAL | CAT, DOMESTIC MEDIUMHAIR | 11 WEEKS | FEMALE
Coral is a playful and growing kitten ready to bring fun, affection, and companionship to a loving new home. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 4125 Picardy Drive on June 27-28 at 9 AM for a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, furniture, books, records, vintage finds, art, tools, and much more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Textured Putty “Flower Canvas” Painting Class at Joy Worthy Co. on June 26 at 6:30 PM.
Textured Painting Workshop is a hands-on class where participants learn techniques for creating dimensional floral artwork using texture mediums, palette knives, and specialty tools on a 9x12 canvas. 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: TRNUAD ATNRUE PSEVREER
📸 Raleigh Through Your Lens
Today's photo comes from Ginger, who captured the sun rising over Raleigh from Dix Park on the summer solstice.
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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: Publix | Senior Wednesday Discount
5% off for customers age 60+ every Wednesday.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Gary Pullen | Rock
Gary Pullen is a singer-songwriter whose music blends thoughtful lyrics with folk, rock, and acoustic influences, showcased on his 2019 album Patience & Gratitude. | Vino & Tap | June 25 | 6:00 PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Tori Amos | Rock
Tori Amos is a singer-songwriter and pianist known for her emotive vocals, intricate piano compositions, and deeply personal, poetic lyrics. | DPAC | July 20, 7:30PM | 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: Lewis Belt at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 26-28 | Various evening times | Lewis Belt is an Oakland-born stand-up comedian, actor, and producer known for his viral character “Sonniebo” and energetic comedy rooted in Bay Area culture. 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:
👋 Handmade Dumplings & New Friends: A Shared Table Experience @ 120 Maury Odell Place, Cary | June 27 | 11:30 AM
The Shared Table RTP is an intimate community gathering where guests make dumplings together, share a homemade meal, and connect through meaningful conversation. Get details here →
🤝 Suburban Homesteading & Wellness Event @ 500 Orindo Drive, Durham | June 27 | 7:00 PM
Bloom & Breathe is a relaxing outdoor experience featuring medicinal herbs, sunset yoga, reiki, plant education, and community-centered activities designed to nourish mind and body. Get details here →
Bayleaf Market mixes cozy porch vibes with shelves full of North Carolina-made treasures...pottery, candles, jams, honey, and even farm-fresh ice cream. It’s the kind of place that feels like Raleigh at its best.
—Brynne, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: SpeakWrite is seeking an Transcriptionist.
💼 MORRISVILLE JOB: TJ Maxx is seeking a Retail Merchandise Associate.
💸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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