Raleigh Book Fair Returns to Iron Works With Indie Authors, Sweet Treats & Dog Adoptions
Books, handmade finds, and a cozy afternoon worth clearing your schedule for.
Shannon
May 23, 2026
First time reader? Join 15,362 other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
Calling all readers and anyone looking for an easy weekend outing: the Raleigh Book Fair is back May 30 from 12–5 PM at Raleigh Iron Works. Expect indie authors, bookish vendors, handmade goods, sweet treats, and enough cozy-reader energy to make you seriously consider reorganizing your shelves when you get home.
There’ll also be a dog adoption event with Hope Animal Rescue and a book swap from Books on the House NC, so bring any new or like-new reads you’re ready to part with.
This isn’t sponsored…although we would accept payment in bookmarks. (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.
Tuesdays — A Surprisingly Cheap Movie Night Still Exists
Movie tickets have quietly become one of those things that somehow cost way more than you remember, which is probably why Alamo Drafthouse’s Tuesday deal caught our attention. Every Tuesday, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh runs its BFD Tuesdays special, where movies are just $7 a ticket.
That’s kind of rare now, especially at a theater people actually enjoy spending time in. It makes the whole “should we just wait until it’s streaming?” debate a little less convincing.
If you’ve been missing casual weeknight movie outings because they started feeling weirdly expensive, this feels like a pretty easy excuse to bring them back into rotation. Also, there’s something nice about doing something mildly social on a Tuesday that isn’t grocery shopping or staring at your phone while convincing yourself you’re relaxing.
Want to see your business here? Contact us.
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 | 1,050 SQ FT | $225,000
Charming North Raleigh condo that lives like a townhome with 2 spacious bedrooms, a functional open layout, and great homeowner or investment potential. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,844 SQ FT | $350,000
Bright end-unit townhome in Crabtree Park with flexible three-level living, abundant natural light, and a walk-out bonus space ideal for work or guests. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,592 SQ FT | .29 ACRES | $575,000
Beautifully updated white brick ranch in Midtown with 3 bedrooms, modern charm, a fenced backyard, and easy access to shopping and dining. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 4,028 SQ FT | .93 ACRES | $1,225,000
Beautifully maintained Cross Gate home on a private cul-de-sac lot with Brazilian cherry hardwoods, timeless details, and spacious light-filled living. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Jolie’s Shaved Celery Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish with blue cheese, pickled green strawberries, and white balsamic.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: BRISTOL | DOG, SHEPHERD | 2 MONTHS | MALE
Bristol is a sweet, friendly pup who loves people, enjoys other dogs, and has a playful yet easygoing personality. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Ole Mill Stream, Clayton on May 30 at 8AM for a community-wide treasure hunt with a variety of items for every shopper. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Beyond Salad: Fun Meal Prep for the Week at Weaver Street Market on May 29 at 6PM.
A fun meal prep class focused on creating easy, flavorful dishes and fresh alternatives to boring salads. 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: USNC ONLFIEWL
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bingo, Books, & Bagels @ Southeast Regional Library, Garner | May 28 | 11AM
A fun 60+ event featuring bagels, book talks, and bingo with registration required. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Publix | Senior Wednesday Discount
5% off for customers age 60+ every Wednesday.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: In the End - Linkin Park Experience | Rock
In the End - Linkin Park Experience is a tribute act dedicated to recreating the music and live energy of Linkin Park through performances of the band’s biggest hits. | The Ritz | May 30, 7PM | Get tickets 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: Guy Torry at Raleigh Improv | May 29-30 | Guy Torry is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his energetic style and for founding the influential comedy showcase “Phat Tuesdays.” Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Harland Williams at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | June 11, 8PM | Harland Williams is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer known for his absurdist humor and roles in films like Dumb and Dumber and Half Baked. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Music Bingo @ Fortnight Brewing Wake Forest | May 27 | 7PM
Music BINGO at Fortnight Wake Forest combines favorite songs, friendly competition, and prizes for a fun weekly night out. Get details here →
🤝 Good Dog Social Club @ Liberty and Plenty Distillery and Cocktail Bar | May 28 | 6PM
Good Dog Social Club is a weekly dog-friendly gathering with community and relaxed social vibes for dog lovers. 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.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Express is seeking a Store Manager.
💸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 15,362 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.
What did you think of today's newsletter? |