Really Really Free Market Returns to Walnut Street Park — Wallets Officially Uninvited
Free stuff, free services, and a surprisingly wholesome afternoon at Walnut Street Park.
Shannon
May 19, 2026
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The Cary Really Really Free Market returns to Walnut Street Park on May 23 from 2–4 PM, and yes, everything really is free. Bring clothes, books, household items, skills, or absolutely nothing at all—no selling, trading, or strings attached. You might leave with a stack of mystery paperbacks, a new plant, or a spontaneous guitar lesson.
Just remember: anything you bring that doesn’t find a new home has to head back home with you at 4 PM.
Not sponsored. We just love a community event where nobody has to open Venmo. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
Hidden Sips & Secret Spots: A Guide to Speakeasies and Unusual Bars in Raleigh, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with low-key cocktail lounges, hidden entrances, and bars with unexpected concepts tucked throughout the city. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Half-Off Bottles at Barcelona Wine Bar 🔥
Make Mondays less Monday—enjoy half-off bottles of wine starting at 4PM. No code, no catch, just your excuse to pop a cork.
📍Where: Barcelona Wine Bar
📅 When: Mondays, 4PM–Late
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 1 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMS | 763 SQ FT | $235,000
Well-located 1-bedroom Raleigh condo with real hardwood floors, a traditional two-story layout, and easy low-maintenance living. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,065 SQ FT | $379,900
Spacious, beautifully maintained end-unit townhome with over 2,000 sq ft, unfinished attic expansion potential, and easy access to the community pool and clubhouse. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,858 SQ FT | .72 ACRES | $750,000
Custom-built North Raleigh home with 4 bedrooms, a first-floor primary suite, 2-car garage, and private wooded setting on a landscaped .72-acre lot. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3,203 SQ FT | $1,645,000
Beautifully renovated historic Five Points home blending timeless charm, designer finishes, open living spaces, and exceptional indoor-outdoor entertaining. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Ajja’s NC Jumbo Soft-Shell Crab is a crispy soft-shell crab dish topped with sweet-and-sour lemon glaze, paired with ramp remoulade and a fresh herb salad for a bright seasonal flavor combo.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: CRUNCHY | CAT | 11 WEEKS | FEMALE
Crunchy is a calm, adaptable kitten with a sweet, easygoing personality who’s just as happy cuddling on the couch as quietly keeping you company while you work. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Hillsborough Rd on May 21 at 1PM for a garage sale packed with budget-friendly student essentials including desks, storage bins, mini appliances, chairs, bedding, and apartment basics. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Introduction To Glass Blowing: Ornament Workshop at Wine and Design Chapel Hill on May 24 at 12:30PM.
A beginner glass blowing workshop where attendees can safely learn the fundamentals of shaping molten glass while creating their own ornament to take home. 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: TOULDEB RDABE
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bunco @ Rolesville Community Center | May 20 | 10AM
A fun, social Bunco event for seniors offers an easy-to-learn dice game in a relaxed, community setting that encourages connection and friendly competition. 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: ZoBury | Latin Rock
ZoBury is a tribute act celebrating the music of Zoé and Enrique Bunbury through live performances that blend Latin rock, alternative, and classic Spanish-language hits. | The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop | May 22, 9PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Tim McGraw | Country
Tim McGraw is an American country singer and actor known for his smooth vocals, chart-topping hits, and a career spanning decades in country music. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | August 7, 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: Funny Marco at Raleigh Improv | May 22-23 | Funny Marco became popular through chaotic deadpan interviews and uncomfortable-but-hilarious social experiments that lean heavily on improvisation and reactions. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Jay Jurden at Raleigh Improv | June 25-26 | Jay Jurden is an American stand-up comedian and writer known for his sharp, clever humor and work on The Problem with Jon Stewart. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Lunchtime Journal Session @ 5540 McNeely Dr | May 22 | 12PM
A paranormal-themed social meetup exploring haunted history, spooky stories, and eerie local legends with fellow curious attendees. Get details here →
🤝 Climbing Meetup with Optional Dinner @ Triangle Rock Club | May 22 | 6:30PM
A community rock climbing meetup where climbers of varying skill levels can meet new people, climb together, and encourage each other in a social setting. Get details here →
Bongiorno & Son feels like stepping into a classic Italian deli from up north. Their selection of authentic meats, cheeses, and imported goods is unmatched in Raleigh. Plus, their grab-and-go meals are perfect for a cozy dinner at home without the fuss. It's a slice of Italy right here in our city.
—Katie, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💼 RALEIGH JOB: North Carolina State University is seeking a Lead Sales Associate.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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