NCMA Student Short-Film Festival at the NCMA East Building: Big Talent, Small Runtime

A full day of fresh films from North Carolina’s next generation of storytellers.

On February 28, the North Carolina Museum of Art hosts its first-ever student short-film festival—an all-day showcase of animation, romance, comedy, documentary, horror, and sci-fi. From The Rabbit Ballet to Humanly Artificial, these bite-sized films pack serious creativity into small runtimes.

Pop in for your favorite genre—or stay for the full cinematic marathon and the 7:30 pm awards ceremony. Curious about the full lineup and ready to grab a seat? You can browse the schedule and purchase tickets right here.

Not sponsored (we’d absolutely tell you if it was). We just love supporting local artists with big ideas and short attention spans—in the best way. 🎬 (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:

18 Exciting Weekend Getaways Within 2 Hours of Raleigh, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with charming small towns, scenic escapes, foodie hotspots, and unexpected adventures perfect for a quick reset. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These Juicy Burger Deals at Eastcut Sandwich Bar 🔥

Bite into $6 burgers every Thursday—no codes, no tricks, just the kind of deal that makes Thursdays taste way better.

📍Where: Eastcut Sandwich Bar
📅 When: Every Thursday

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,703 SQ FT | $290,000
This charming 1,700 sq ft townhome in Providence Townes features an attached one-car garage and thoughtful, contemporary design within a vibrant community. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,628 SQ FT | $329,900
Beautiful move-in-ready end-unit townhome in Renaissance Park featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an open layout filled with natural light, and a spacious living area that flows into the dining space and kitchen. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,638 SQ FT | $569,990
Bright, inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home featuring tall ceilings, large windows, abundant natural light, hardwood floors, and fresh neutral paint throughout. Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 2,983 SQ FT | .54 ACRES | $1,199,999
This fully rebuilt North Hills residence blends modern luxury with everyday function, featuring all-new systems and finishes designed for sophisticated living. Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Peregrine’s Lychee Curd is paired with toasted meringue, black lime, and pink guava sorbet for a bright, tropical dessert with layered citrusy sweetness.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: SYDNEY | DOG | 3 MONTHS | FEMALE
Sydney is a friendly, playful pup who brings smiles wherever she goes, loves tug-of-war and wrestling, and is food-motivated, making her eager to learn and fun to train. Check her out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to North Ridge on February 21-22 at 9AM for antiques, collectibles, mid-century furniture, art, jewelry, vintage fashion, a digital Singer sewing machine, and plenty more unique finds. More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Machine Learning: Intro To Power Tools at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware on February 20 at 11AM. 
This introductory power tools class teaches the fundamentals of safely using common woodworking tools like drills, saws, and sanders, with an emphasis on proper handling, setup, and safety. Sign up here →

🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: NWEILVOG SRNGDEA

🌳 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 @ East Regional Library | February 19 | 11AM
A monthly gathering for adults ages 60+ on the third Thursday at 11 AM featuring bagels, engaging book talks, and a fun round of Bingo. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: KFC | 10% Off Senior Discount
KFC gives seniors 10% off or a free small drink with any meal purchase.

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: The Runarounds | Rock
The Runarounds are an indie rock band known for their anthemic hooks, emotionally charged lyrics, and high-energy live performances. | The Ritz | February 21, 7PM | Get tickets here

🎤 Plan Ahead: Guns N' Roses | Rock
Guns N' Roses is an iconic American hard rock band known for its explosive sound, rebellious attitude, and legendary hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” | Carter Finley Stadium | July 23, 6:25PM | 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: Alex Cureau at Goodnights Comedy Club | February 24, 8PM | Alex Cureau is a stand-up comedian known for his energetic stage presence, relatable storytelling, and sharp observational humor. Get tickets here

😂 Plan Ahead: James Murray at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 4-6 | James Murray, also known as Murr, is an American comedian, actor, and producer best known as a cast member of the hit TV series Impractical Jokers. Get tickets here

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 An Afternoon Tea Fundraiser Honoring Emerging Youth Leaders @ Naos Hellenic Cuisine | February 22 | 12PM
A local-to-global afternoon tea featuring student presentations, awards, a silent auction, entertainment, and community connection while honoring emerging youth leaders and supporting future leadership and advocacy. Get details here →

🤝 Puzzle and Game Swap @ Oberlin Regional Library | February 22 | 2PM
A swap event for jigsaw puzzle and board game fans to trade favorites for new-to-you options while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

Roshambo Beverage Company is one of those spots you quietly hope stays a secret. It sits just off the beaten path in downtown Raleigh, super chill vibe, a solid mix of beer, cider, and wine—stuff that surprises you. No frills, just good drinks and a relaxed hangout feel, with an occasional food truck or trivia night keeping things interesting.

Christopher, a longtime reader

Oak City Job Openings:

💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Belay Solutions is seeking a Virtual Assistant.

💼 RALEIGH JOB: HHHunt is seeking a Leasing Consultant.

💸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

Interested in promoting your business or event to 11,906 trendsetters in the Triangle?

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. In select cases, we’ll run ads on a commission-only basis—meaning we only make money if you do. Find out more here.

Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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