Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival: A Global Toast Downtown
Free admission, global pours, local bites, and live beats downtown.
Shannon
October 14, 2025
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Uncork, un-tap, and unwind—Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival returns to City Plaza on October 18 (noon–8PM) with flavors from across the globe. Sip and sample your way through wines from France, Lebanon, Armenia, and beyond, plus craft beers from Germany, Brazil, and Nepal. Pair your drinks with eats from local favorites like Kono and Levy’s Jerk Stand, then dance it off to live music and international performances all day long.
Don’t miss the Halloween Costume Contest at 3 p.m. (yes, there are prizes). Admission is free; tasting bundles start at $30+. Here’s where to see the full lineup and snag your tasting pass.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just have a thing for international day-drinking with a purpose.
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Sweet Sips at Salt & Lime Cabo Grill 🔥
Every Wednesday from 11AM–9PM, cool off with $6 Blackberry, Island, or Seasonal Sangria. No codes, no coupons—just order and enjoy.
📍Where: Salt & Lime Cabo Grill
📅 When: Every Wednesday, 11AM–9PM
Raleigh Real Estate:
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Architecturally significant cottage by William “Polly” Deitrick, reimagined as a chic city retreat with stunning outdoor spaces on a secluded 0.44-acre lot accessed by a private alley across from Carolina Country Club.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Rosewater Kitchen & Bar’s Ribeye is perfectly seared and glazed in molasses with caramelized onion jam, golden fingerling potatoes, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: SNICKERDOODLE | DOG | 3 MONTHS | FEMALE
Snickerdoodle is a sweet, affectionate pup with short corgi-like legs, unique facial markings, and a love for cuddling, especially when held like a baby with her head nestled on a shoulder. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Downtown Raleigh on October 18 at 7:30AM for unique finds like a rocking chair, glass-top desk, two-tier side table, elephant foot stool, Raku pottery, IKEA furniture, iRobot vacuum, roller blades, and more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Crochet Workshop and Dessert Sampling at The Cookie People on October 16 at 6PM.
This workshop with crochet artist Suzy Hasanin provides hands-on instruction for beginners, including a personal yarn ball and crochet hook to keep, while learning the fundamentals of creating crochet patterns. 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: LEKA HREEELW
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Learning Lunch - German American Heritage Month @ Apex Senior Center | October 16 | 12PM
A Learning Lunch celebrating German-American Heritage Month and German Unity Day explores the lasting impact of German culture on American history, traditions, and innovation through an expert-led session. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Ross | 10% Off Tuesdays
Ross offers 10% off every Tuesday for shoppers 55 and older.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Destroyer | Rock
Destroyer is a Canadian indie rock collective led by singer-songwriter Dan Bejar, known for its ever-evolving sound, poetic lyrics, and eclectic blend of styles. | Cat's Cradle | October 15, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: J.I.D | Hip-Hop
J.I.D (born Destin Choice Route) is an American rapper and singer from Atlanta noted for his rapid-fire flows, sharp wordplay, and cinematic storytelling through albums like The Never Story and The Forever Story. | The Ritz | December 1, 7PM | Get tickets here →
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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.
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Benji Brown at Goodnights Comedy Club | October 18 | Benji Brown is an American comedian and radio personality known for his bold stand-up style and for being an on-air talent on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Lil Duval at Raleigh Improv | November 21-22 | Lil Duval is an American comedian, actor, and rapper from Jacksonville, Florida, known for his energetic stand-up style and his hit single “Smile (Living My Best Life).” Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Halloween Karaoke - Costume Contest @ The Taproom | October 17 | 8PM
Halloween Karaoke and Costume Contest at The Taproom features a night of music, laughter, and friendly competition for singers and costume lovers alike. Get details here →
🤝 Dance DRIP - Coffee Party @ Willow House | October 18 | 10AM
The first-ever Coffee Party at Willow House features three hours of dancing, caffeine-fueled energy, music from DJ Troy, a selfie booth, and spirited drinks for a fun-filled night. Get details here →
Tucked behind Raleigh Little Theatre, the Rose Garden feels like stepping into a secret storybook scene. In spring and summer, the blooms go wild, and the air smells like something out of a perfume bottle. Bring a book, a picnic, or just yourself and wander...nobody rushes you here.
—Jan, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: VIPTeacher is seeking a Teacher.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: North Carolina State University is seeking an Electronic Resources Librarian.
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