Movie Nights at Pullen Park: Blankets, Popcorn, and SpongeBob Under the Stars
Outdoor family fun returns with a summer movie series that’s worth staying up past bedtime for.
Shannon
June 16, 2026
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Looking for an easy summer evening outing? Pullen Park’s Movie Series is back, inviting families, friends, and movie lovers of all ages to spread out a blanket, unfold a lawn chair, and enjoy outdoor cinema on the event lawn. The series kicks off on Tuesday, June 23, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025).
Admission is free, and refreshments and popcorn will be available for purchase at the Pullen Café. The movie series continues on the first Tuesday of each month through October, making it a fun excuse to spend a few evenings outdoors this season.
This isn't an ad for Pullen Park. We just think outdoor movies are hard to beat. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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June 21 — National Smoothie Day Deals Are Back
The first day of summer comes with an unofficial bonus this year: discounted and free smoothies at a couple of popular chains.
On June 21, Planet Smoothie is giving away a free 20-ounce Lunar Lemonade smoothie from 2 PM to 5 PM. The offer is available to Planet VIP members, but you'll need to sign up by June 19 to qualify.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is also marking National Smoothie Day with a rewards-member promotion. Tropic Rewards members can receive a free 24-ounce smoothie with the purchase of a bowl or food item. The chain recommends signing up before June 21 to make sure the reward is loaded onto your account.
The deals only last a day, but that's probably fitting for a holiday built around a drink that's best enjoyed before it starts melting.
Want to get your business in front of 16,210 active Raleighites? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Tasty Daily Specials at Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken 🔥
Get weekday flavor without the weekday price—grab $12.59 daily specials, Monday through Friday. No coupon code or secret handshake needed—just show up hungry and order.
📍Where: Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
📅 When: Monday–Friday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOM | 654 SQ FT | $265,000
Well-maintained condo in a prime Raleigh location, offering proven rental potential, easy access to Downtown and North Hills, and distinctive character often missing from newer construction. Take a look here →
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🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,105 SQ FT | $499,500
Move-in ready Falls Village townhome overlooking a lush courtyard, featuring hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, stainless appliances, granite countertops, and a bright sunroom with peaceful natural views. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 6 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 5,406 SQ FT | 0.48 ACRES | $1,565,000
Custom-built 6-bedroom home on a private cul-de-sac lot in The Hamptons at Umstead, featuring elegant finishes, spacious living areas, vaulted ceilings, and a first-floor guest suite. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Death & Taxes’ Tagliatelle is a fresh, seasonal pasta dish featuring heirloom tomatoes, smoked ricotta, and basil for a simple yet flavorful celebration of summer ingredients.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: INSECTOSAURUS | DOG | 13 WEEKS | MALE
Insectosaurus is a friendly, curious puppy who loves attention, snacks, and adventure, with a playful personality that's sure to bring plenty of joy and cuddles to his future family. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 105 Hargraves St on June 19 at 8:00 AM for furniture, vintage treasures, clothing, kitchenware, yard tools, plants, and plenty of must-go bargains. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Intro to Paint Pouring at Joy Worthy Co. on June 19 at 7:00 PM.
A beginner-friendly fluid painting workshop where you'll learn dirty pour and ribbon pour techniques, add crushed glass, and create two 8x10 acrylic pour canvases. 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: MRODCEIA TCOHRISI ARKP
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Rise and Thrive: Senior Connections Breakfast @ The Willows at Raleigh | June 17 | 8:30 AM
A monthly breakfast gathering for senior leaders focused on networking, meaningful connections, and insights from expert speakers. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Burger King | 10% Senior Discount
Burger King offers 10% off for seniors, plus extra drink discounts for guests 60 and older.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Nick Vallese | Rock
Nick Vallese is a high-energy performer known for crowd-pleasing covers, upbeat live shows, and keeping the party going from the first song to the last. | Tin Roof Raleigh | June 18-19 | 10:00 PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Empire of the Sun | Pop
Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic pop duo known for cinematic live shows, infectious synth-pop hits, and visually stunning performances that blend music, fantasy, and spectacle. | 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: Tyler Wilson at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 18 | 8:00 PM | Tyler Wilson is a rising Raleigh comedian known for his laid-back delivery, sharp observations, and viral comedy clips, joined by a lineup of some of the area's top stand-up talent. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Derrick Stroup at Goodnights Comedy Club | August 1 | Derrick Stroup is a Southern comedian known for self-deprecating storytelling, blue-collar humor, and hilarious observations about small-town life and family chaos. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Secret Spot Coffee Club @ Location Shared in Community Group Chat | June 20 | 10:00 AM
A unique outdoor social gathering where participants hike to a secret scenic location, enjoy fresh coffee in nature, and connect with new friends around a kettle in the woods. Get details here →
🤝 Improv Class + Afterparty @ Leela Improv Theatre | June 18 | 7:00 PM
A fun, beginner-friendly improv class where newcomers and experienced performers can build confidence, sharpen their skills, and connect with others before an optional afterparty nearby. Get details here →
Boxcar's one of those Raleigh gems you stumble into for a quick beer and end up staying all night. Between the retro arcade games, the rotating craft drafts, and the dog-friendly patio, it’s got that perfect mix of nostalgia and chill vibes. Just don’t tell too many people…I like being able to snag the good pinball machine without a wait.
—Hannah, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Verblio is seeking a Freelance Content Writer.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: LEGO is seeking a Brick Specialist.
💸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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