Raleigh’s 11th Annual International Food Festival: A Passport for Your Taste Buds 🌍
50+ countries, global flavors, live performances, and one delicious day downtown.
Shannon
May 30, 2026
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If you've ever wished you could travel the world without dealing with airport security, this might be the next best thing. Raleigh’s 11th Annual International Food Festival returns to City Plaza and Fayetteville Street on June 6, bringing together food, music, dance, and culture from more than 50 countries.
Expect authentic international eats, desserts, cultural performances, a Chef of the World cook-off, dance competitions, family activities, and plenty of chances to vote for your favorite dish. With free admission and festivities running from 11 AM to 9 PM, it’s an easy excuse to spend the day eating your way around the globe.
Not sponsored. We just really like events that come with 50+ dinner options. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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A Downtown Chocolate Factory That Actually Makes the Chocolate There
A surprising number of places use the word “factory” pretty loosely. Videri Chocolate Factory is genuinely making chocolate from bean to bar every day in downtown Raleigh, which already makes it feel a little more interesting than the average dessert stop.
They source cacao beans from places including Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Tanzania, and Vietnam, with an emphasis on carefully sourced ingredients and high-quality chocolate. It’s the kind of detail that makes the whole process feel more thoughtful instead of just “here’s a candy bar.”
There’s also something nice about a place that still feels cozy while doing something fairly technical behind the scenes. Even if you’re not someone who normally thinks deeply about chocolate sourcing, it’s hard not to appreciate the amount of work that clearly goes into it.
If you’re downtown and in the mood for something a little different than the usual coffee shop stop, this seems worth wandering into.
Want to see your business here? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These $1 Taco Deals at Frito’s Burgers & Tacos 🔥
Every Tuesday, snag tacos for just a buck at Frito’s—no code, no catch, just show up hungry.
📍Where: Frito’s Burgers & Tacos
📅 When: Every Tuesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 943 SQ FT | $275,000
Move-in ready 2-bedroom condo in Midtown Raleigh with fresh updates, low-maintenance living, and great convenience for everyday living or investment. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,576 SQ FT | $332,000
Thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom condo with an attached garage and bright open-concept living spaces ideal for everyday comfort and entertaining. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,998 SQ FT | $605,000
Luxury Brier Creek Country Club condo built in 2024 with a private elevator, 2-car garage, and expansive rooftop terrace. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,870 SQ FT | 1.23 ACRES | $1,325,000
Private North Raleigh estate on 1.23 wooded acres with soaring ceilings, expansive living spaces, two fireplaces, and a quiet cul-de-sac setting in Stonemoor. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Jolie’s French Onion Burger is a savory burger topped with caramelized onions, melted Gruyère, garlic aioli, and rich veal broth flavors on a seeded bun.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: PATRICK | DOG, MIXED | 4 MONTHS | MALE
Patrick is a joyful, energetic pup who loves outdoor play, cuddles, and making friends with dogs and people alike. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to this garage sale on June 6 at 11:00 AM for furniture, home décor, kitchen essentials, patio pieces, and a wide variety of household items; message the host for address details. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Stretching & Meditation with Horses at Planet Peace Farm on June 3 at 6:30 PM.
A relaxing outdoor yoga and meditation experience with horses, featuring gentle Hatha stretches and guided mindfulness for all experience 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: EATIENLCNBNI PALAZ
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Grown Women over 50 @ 1301 Riverview Road | June 5 | 2:00 PM
A relaxing waterfront self-care event designed to celebrate, uplift, and connect women over 50 in a peaceful riverside setting. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Hertz | 20% Off Rentals
Hertz makes travel easier for drivers 50+ with up to 20% off base rental rates.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: High Fade | Rock
High Fade is a Scottish funk-rock trio known for their energetic live performances and groove-driven blend of funk, rock, and disco influences. | Lincoln Theatre | June 2 | 8:00 PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Ray LaMontagne | Rock
Ray LaMontagne is an American singer-songwriter known for his soulful, raspy vocals and intimate, folk-inspired sound. | DPAC | September 15, 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.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Will Abeles at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 7 | 8:00 PM | Will Abeles is an American stand-up comedian known for his sharp observational humor and engaging performances at comedy clubs and live events. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Lewis Belt at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 26-28 | Lewis Belt is a stand-up comedian known for his sharp observational humor and performances at comedy clubs and live events. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Bike Tribe Community - Ride the Stress Away @ House Creek Greenway Trail | June 6 | 7:00 PM
A fun, social glow ride featuring a relaxed scenic bike route, music, and community vibes at dawn and dusk. Get details here →
🤝 Foodies + New Friends @ Restaurant of the Week | June 12 | 7:00 PM
A social dining series that brings together strangers for spontaneous nights out at locally owned restaurants to make new friends and build community. Get details here →
There’s this tucked‑away spot behind Morgan Street Food Hall—Aunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar. No giant sign, just a discreet door. Once inside, it’s cozy, leafy, with friendly bartenders who actually know gin and mix a killer absinthe cocktail. It feels like Raleigh’s little secret hideout, low‑key but unforgettable.
—Claire, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: WriterAccess is seeking Writers.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Circle K is seeking a Customer Service Representative.
💸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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