Play Like a Kid Again at Raleigh’s Adult Recess
Games, food, and fun...no permission slip needed.
Shannon
April 28, 2025
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Recess is back—and this time, it’s strictly for the 21+ crowd. This Saturday, May 3, from 2–8 pm at Fred Fletcher Park, Adult Recess lets you dodge, tug, trivia, swing, and sandbox your stress away. New this year: the “Poolside Picnic”—bring your own inflatable pool (no water), load it up with blankets and pillows, and create the ultimate lounge zone.
Expect food trucks, shopping, henna tattoos, sidewalk chalk art, co-ed sports, and way too much Lego building. Plus: chess, yard games, arts and crafts, cards, trivia, and more—all free and open to the public. Register here!
This isn’t sponsored—we’re just suckers for giant chess boards and inflatable pool forts. (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 easy and exciting weekend getaways—all within a two-hour drive of Raleigh—from charming small towns to scenic outdoor escapes. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
Also, we just added new bonuses to The Raleigh Bundle, including a feel-good shoutout for you or your favorite nonprofit when you contribute $39 or more.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Sip on these savings wine deals at Mandolin 🔥
Get 50% off bottles of wine priced $80 and under every Wednesday—no code needed, just show up and enjoy.
📍Where: Mandolin
📅 When: Every Wednesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMS | 1,211 SQ FT | .34 ACRES | $235,000
Charming 3-bed, 1-bath ranch in prime Raleigh location—just steps from major shopping, future developments, and the new I-540—offering cozy living, a spacious backyard, and unbeatable investment potential.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,735 SQ FT | .21 ACRES | $339,900
Spacious home in Raleigh with fresh updates, new flooring, a cozy fireplace, stainless steel kitchen, 2-car garage, and a large backyard with deck—all just minutes from schools, shopping, and major highways, with a low $160/year HOA.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,005 SQ FT | .49 ACRES | $600,000
Renovated mid-century split-level in West Raleigh with modern black-and-white design, updated kitchen and baths, LVP flooring throughout, screened porch, large landscaped lot, and unbeatable access to downtown, NC State, RTP, and Cary.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,912 SQ FT | 1.29 ACRES | $1,200,000
Exceptional 1.29-acre R-6 zoned lot on Duraleigh Road presents a rare development opportunity in one of Raleigh’s most desirable areas—just minutes from RDU, Crabtree Valley Mall, and Downtown—with endless potential for builders, investors, or developers.* Take a look here →
👨 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES OR OTHERS IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? TEXT OR CALL RYAN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION…
Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…
been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report
accumulated 595 Google reviews and a 5-star rating
been voted the Triangle's best real estate company by INDY Week
Whether you're buying or selling, he and his team are ready to help you navigate the fast-moving Triangle market. Don’t wait—reach out today!*
Contact Ryan and mention Raleigh.com sent you and he’ll send you a FREE $6 Starbucks gift card!
📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: RaleighRealty.com
🏡 View Homes in Raleigh: RaleighRealty.com/raleigh
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: J Betski's Leek & Corn Pierogi is a deliciously savory dish featuring tender dumplings filled with a flavorful combination of leeks and sweet corn, offering a perfect balance of taste and texture.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: BUCKET | DOG | 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS | MALE
Bucket is a handsome, sensitive young pup with A+ ears and a heart full of love, ready to be your loyal shadow, cuddle buddy, and dedicated companion for walks, brain games, and quiet moments at home with the right person who can help him thrive. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 401 Traditions Grande Blvd on May 3 at 8AM for a massive community-wide event in Traditions at Wake Forest, with tons of treasures and unique finds spread throughout the neighborhood. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Pasta Making at The Nest Raleigh on May 9 at 7PM.
This Pasta Making Class (Ravioli Edition) teaches how to make ravioli from scratch, with all ingredients and equipment provided, and no prior cooking experience required. 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: KAEW TCYUON
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Open Mic with a Live Band
Jump into a full-on jam session at Slim’s, where singers, poets, emcees, and musicians can perform live with a real backing band. | Slim’s Dive Bar | April 29, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Chris Janson | Country, Pop
Chris Janson is a successful country artist known for his chart-topping hits like "Buy Me a Boat" and "Drunk Girl," with a reputation for high-energy performances and impactful songwriting. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre | May 10, 7PM | 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.
Want to apply to be added above? Find details here.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Kam Patterson at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 6, 7PM | Kam Patterson is a high-energy stand-up comedian known for his sharp timing, engaging crowd work, and a blend of observational humor and personal anecdotes. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Marlon Wayans at Raleigh Improv | June 14, 6:30PM | Marlon Wayans is a high-energy comedian known for his outrageous physical comedy, fearless improvisation, and hilarious takes on family, fame, and everyday absurdities. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Women's Monthly Coffee Meeting @ Brecotea | May 8 | 10AM
This casual networking event for women focuses on building meaningful connections through relaxed conversations, business card exchanges, and opportunities to get feedback and support from others. Get details here →
🤝 New City Fellows Open House + Social @ Trinity House | May 12 | 6:30PM
Learn about the New City Fellows program at this casual meet-and-greet, where emerging leaders and professionals can connect, ask questions, and explore fellowship and leadership opportunities in Raleigh and the Triangle. Get details here →
Etcetera:
These aren’t about Raleigh, but we know you’ll find them as intriguing as we do.
✨ See what the world would look like if all the ice melted.
🎨 Make weird, wonderful art with this free AI generator.
🧠 Play this relaxing tile game and feel your brain chill out.
Dock 1053 is one of those places you stumble upon and wonder how you didn’t know about it sooner. It’s this old A&P warehouse from the '50s that’s been transformed into a creative hub—think coworking spaces, local eats, and craft brews all under one roof. You can grab a sandwich at Wilson’s Eatery, sip on a beer from Lynnwood Brewing, or just hang out with your dog in the courtyard. It’s got that perfect mix of history and hip, without trying too hard.
—Larue, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Acolad is seeking an Interpreter.
🤝 DURHAM JOB: Allied Universal is seeking a Hospital Security Officer.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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