Sneaker Ball 2025: Dance, Dine, and Show Off Your Kicks

Semi-formal threads, fresh sneakers, and a whole lot of family-friendly fun.

Ready to lace up and let loose? The 2025 Family Sneaker Ball is stepping into Green Road Community Center on May 2, and you’re invited! Dress to impress (from the ankles up) and rock your coolest sneakers for an evening packed with a live DJ, 360-photo booth, crafts, and food trucks. Admission is free—so really, the only thing you’ll be spending is your energy on the dance floor. Register here!

Not sponsored—we just love any excuse to wear sneakers with formalwear. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:

Kid-Approved Raleigh: 51 Great Spots for Family Fun, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with easy outings, hidden gems, and can’t-miss activities to keep kids (and parents) happy all year long. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.

Also, we just added new bonuses to The Raleigh Bundle, including a Raleigh Mystery Box when you pay $119 or more—packed with iconic local goodies like mugs, treats, and historic prints, with each box a little different and full of Raleigh charm.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t miss these relaxing deals at Bodywork Better 🔥

Unwind with a 60- or 90-minute custom massage, or a 60-minute couples massage, for up to 25% off. Just purchase through Groupon—it’s that simple.

📍Where: Bodywork Better
📅 When: Valid until 180 days from purchase

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,143 SQ FT | .05 ACRES | $269,500
Lovely 2-bed, 2-bath end-unit ranch townhome in Lincoln Villas featuring a sunny family room with gas fireplace, stainless steel kitchen, spacious owner’s suite, and a private fenced patio ideal for entertaining.* Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,337 SQ FT | .18 ACRES | $328,000
A 3-bed, 2-bath ranch in Raleigh featuring cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, upgraded primary suite, Trex deck in a private fenced yard, and recent updates—all just minutes from downtown and everyday conveniences.* Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,501 SQ FT | .09 ACRES | $724,900
Better-than-new end-unit townhome in North Raleigh with serene pond views, high-end upgrades, a main-level primary suite, finished basement with guest space, and low-maintenance living—all in a prime location near top schools, shopping, and I-540.* Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 6 BATHROOMS | 5,176 SQ FT | .24 ACRES | $1,225,000
Thoughtfully updated and freshly finished, 5265 Aleppo Lane is a warm and refined North Raleigh home with custom touches throughout, a versatile basement, and a backyard retreat that extends toward the natural beauty of nearby Umstead State Park.* Take a look here →

👨 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES OR OTHERS IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? TEXT OR CALL RYAN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION…

Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…

  • been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report

  • accumulated 595 Google reviews and a 5-star rating

  • been voted the Triangle's best real estate company by INDY Week

Whether you're buying or selling, he and his team are ready to help you navigate the fast-moving Triangle market. Don’t wait—reach out today!*

Contact Ryan and mention Raleigh.com sent you and he’ll send you a FREE $6 Starbucks gift card!

📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: RaleighRealty.com

🏡 View Homes in Raleigh: RaleighRealty.com/raleigh

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: My Way Tavern’s Shrimp Carbonara is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, crispy pancetta, and a rich, velvety sauce made with eggs, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: KATHLEEN | CAT | 1 YEAR | FEMALE
Kathleen is a sweet, gentle, and family-friendly cat who loves quiet moments and cuddles, making her the perfect mellow companion for a calm and loving home. Check her out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 6300 Oak Passage Drive on May 2 & 3, from 8AM to 3PM, for new, used, and vintage treasures—from home goods to holiday finds—and the fun of scoring something special at a great price!

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Mother's Day Flower Arranging Class at Nailed It DIY Studio on May 3 at 2PM. 
This floral design class at Nailed It! teaches the basics of arranging long-lasting NC blooms, with all supplies and design tools provided, and a finished arrangement 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: HET RGLEATIN

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Gillian Welch | Country
Gillian Welch is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful blend of folk, Americana, and bluegrass, often featuring evocative storytelling and a hauntingly pure voice. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | May 3, 7:30PM | $46 | Get tickets here

🎤 Plan Ahead: Zach Top | Country
Zach Top is a rising country artist known for his neo-traditional style, drawing inspiration from 1990s country music with hits like “Sounds Like the Radio” and his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | August 8, 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.

Want to apply to be added above? Find details here.

Let’s Get Laughing:

🎤 This Week: Chad Prather at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 8, 7:30PM | Chad Prather is a stand-up comedian, musician, and observational humorist known for his rapid-fire delivery and satirical commentary on life, politics, and culture.​ Get tickets here

😂 Plan Ahead: Brodi Snook at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 15, 7PM | Brodi Snook is a sharp-witted comedian known for her dry humor, clever storytelling, and fearless exploration of dark, personal, and awkward topics with a laid-back charm. Get tickets here

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Full Moon Social Circle @ Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub | May 9 | 6PM
A full moon session at RUMAH will include games, snacks, and mindful activities such as coloring, journal prompts, and scrap page making, with a pay-what-you-can option. Get details here →

🤝 Socials to Social @ Uncle Jessie's Honkytonk | May 17 | 7PM
Socials to Social is a fun, low-pressure meetup at Uncle Jessie's Honkytonk designed to turn online connections into real-life friendships in a welcoming, no-anxiety vibe. Get details here →

Etcetera:

These aren’t about Raleigh, but we know you’ll find them as intriguing as we do.

🧠 Mental Floss’s quizzes are a fun way to test your trivia knowledge without feeling like homework.
🎨 Fotor’s watercolor tool lets you turn any photo into soft, dreamy art for free, right in your browser.
🌌 You can explore the galaxy from your couch with this beautifully detailed space map.

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

The Free Expression Tunnel under NC State is one of those places that just belongs to everybody. People paint over it every day—protests, birthday messages, bad jokes, everything. It’s rough around the edges, but that’s kind of the point.

Carla, a longtime reader

Interested in promoting your business or event to 6,951 trendsetters in the Triangle?

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. See options and rates here.

Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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