Raleigh Movie Night: Spirited Away on a 30-Foot Screen at The Portal HQ
Studio Ghibli magic, popcorn, and maybe even a soot sprite tattoo.
Shannon
March 08, 2026
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Looking for a Monday plan that beats doom-scrolling? The Portal HQ is hosting a Studio Ghibli movie night featuring Spirited Away on a massive 30-foot projection wall. Grab friends, bring a date, or fly solo—tickets are just $5 (or $8 with popcorn and soda). If you’ve ever wanted a tiny soot sprite tattoo, Star Garden Studio will also have a resident artist doing Ghibli-inspired flash during the screening. Curious? You can grab your ticket here.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d totally say if it was). We just think magical bathhouses and cheap popcorn make an excellent Monday. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
The Ultimate Date Night Guide: 35 Unique Raleigh Experiences for Every Couple, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with local restaurants, fun activities, and out-of-the-box spots you won’t find on a generic list. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Cheap Drinks at Chubby’s Tacos 🔥
Score $3 house margaritas every Monday—no secret handshake required. Just show up, sip, and smile.
📍Where: Chubby’s Tacos
📅 When: Every Monday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 1,313 SQ FT | $279,900
A rare 4-bedroom first-floor condo just 0.7 miles from NC State South Campus, fully rented and ideal for investors or owner-occupants seeking rental income potential. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,628 SQ FT | $308,990
The Nassau Cove at Rollman Farms is a to-be-built main-level living townhome featuring a first-floor primary suite, convenient laundry, and a modern kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 5 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,688 SQ FT | $434,990
The Super Nova plan features a welcoming foyer with flex room, a main-level bedroom and full bath, and an open-concept kitchen, dining, and family room that flows to a rear patio. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 3,521 SQ FT | $1,850,000
A rare custom-built 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in Sunset Hills featuring elevated finishes, smart home integration, and a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: East End Bistrot’s Whipped Foie Gras with Quail is a rich tartine pairing succulent quail and creamy foie gras with sweet pomegranate and peppery roquette for a perfectly balanced bite.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: ANEMONE | DOG | 3 MONTHS | FEMALE
Anemone is an adventurous, wiggly pup who loves meeting new people, exploring the world around her, and bringing joy to everyone she meets. Check her out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Yoga in the Park at Harvey Hill at Dix Park on March 9 at 6PM.
An outdoor yoga class at Dix Park focused on building strength and flexibility in a peaceful natural setting, welcoming all fitness levels. 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: HNORT ACNIRAOL EEVTUEXIC NNMISOA
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: St. Patrick's Day Luncheon @ Morrisville Senior Center | March 17 | 12PM
A festive St. Patrick’s Day luncheon featuring corned beef sliders, classic Irish favorites, and a spread of vibrant green treats for a delicious holiday celebration. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: A-Z Thrift Shop | 25% Off for Shoppers 55+
Stop by on the first Thursday of every month and show your ID at checkout to score 25% off your entire purchase.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Super Nash Bros | Rock, Country
Super Nash Bros are a Nashville-based country duo known for their lively performances, tight harmonies, and playful, crowd-pleasing songs. | Tin Roof Raleigh | March 12-13, 10PM | More info here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Arrival From Sweden - The Music Of Abba | Pop
Arrival From Sweden - The Music of ABBA is a tribute band that recreates the iconic sound and energy of ABBA, performing their classic hits with authenticity and flair. | DPAC | April 10, 8PM | 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.
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✔️ 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: Shelly Belly at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 12, 7:30PM | Shelly Belly is a stand-up comedian and social media personality known for her Southern charm, candid storytelling, and relatable humor about family and everyday life. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Nick Offerman at DPAC | April 9, 7PM | Nick Offerman is an American actor, comedian, and author best known for his role as Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation and his dry, deadpan comedic style. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Monthly Mahjong Ladies Social Event @ Wine and Design Chapel Hill | March 12 | 6PM
A monthly Mahjong Social at Wine & Design featuring guided play, snacks, and a fun, beginner-friendly atmosphere. Get details here →
🤝 Shamrock Shuck @ Oak City Brewing Company | March 14 | 12PM
The Shamrock Shuck is a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring Irish music, bagpipes, green beer, and an oyster roast with a ticket that includes oysters, a shucker, a koozie, and a green beer. Get details here →
Angie’s Restaurant is where Raleigh locals go for a no-frills, feel-good Southern breakfast. This spot serves up fluffy biscuits, perfect grits, and country ham that hits just right. The service? Like family. The portions? Generous. The vibe? Classic diner, with a side of sweet tea and hospitality. Just don’t sleep in too late…it’s a breakfast-and-lunch-only kind of place, and the regulars don’t play when it comes to getting their favorite booth.
—Claire, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Daily Transcription is seeking a Medical Transcriber.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Wake Technical Community College is seeking an Enrollment and Registration Technician.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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