Stargazing at The Willard Rooftop: Telescopes, Cocktails & Cosmic Views
Free rooftop stargazing with astronomers, celestial cocktails, and a sky full of surprises.
Shannon
June 02, 2026
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Trade your usual Wednesday plans for a night under the stars at The Willard Rooftop. On June 10 from 8–10 PM, members of Raleigh Astronomy Club will bring telescopes and expert guidance to help you spot celestial sights and answer all your space-related questions. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
While you're scanning the stars, you can sip themed cocktails like the Saturn, made with citrus gin and passion fruit, the smoky Supernova with mezcal and a Tajín rim, or the classic Cosmo. Small plates will also be available throughout the evening. Take a peek at the full menu here.
This event isn’t sponsored—we’re just suckers for telescopes and rooftop views. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays — Different Beer Deals Depending on the Day
Some places have one weekly special and call it a day. Flying Saucer Raleigh apparently decided to spread things out across the week instead.
Mondays feature $5 drafts, Thursdays knock $2 off cans, and Sundays bring back $5 drafts alongside brunch. It’s the kind of rotating setup that feels designed for regulars, but also works well for anyone just looking for an excuse to stop downtown without spending quite as much as usual.
If you already find yourself downtown during the week — or just appreciate a reasonably priced drink and a reason to leave the house for a bit — this seems worth keeping in mind.
Want to see your business here? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Sunset Sips at Cucciolo Terrazza 🍷🔥
Happy hour kicks off daily at 4:30pm—perfect for cooling off, catching up, and enjoying golden hour with a drink in hand.
📍Where: Cucciolo Terrazza
📅 When: Daily during happy hour, starting at 4:30pm
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,291 SQ FT | $280,000
Beautiful first-floor condo in Avera Place with open-concept living, cathedral ceilings, abundant natural light, and convenient one-level living in Brier Creek. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,293 SQ FT | $315,000
Recently upgraded Brier Creek townhome with hardwood floors, stylish renovated kitchen and baths, and modern finishes throughout. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2,060 SQ FT | 0.27 ACRES | $430,000
Updated split-level home near downtown Raleigh with hardwood floors, spacious kitchen, fenced yard, cozy sunroom, and flexible basement space. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2,761 SQ FT | $1,415,000
Architecturally striking modern home with over 3,000 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor living, bold design, and light-filled spaces for entertaining and everyday living. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Crawford and Son’s Gem Lettuce Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish with snow peas, aged gouda, spring onion, and creamy buttermilk dressing.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: SODA | DOG, LABRADOR | 6 MONTHS | FEMALE
Soda is a sweet, slightly shy lab mix who loves people and would thrive in a calm, loving home with plenty of companionship. Check her 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: Seafood 101: Grilling Class at Original Grills on June 6 at 10:00 AM.
A hands-on grilling class teaching fish butchery, seafood prep techniques, and tips for perfectly grilling whole fish and sides. 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: HTRON AOLCNIRA USUMME FO RTA
🌳 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: Senior Discount of the Day: KFC | 10% Off Senior Discount
KFC gives seniors 10% off or a free small drink with any meal purchase.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Kit Mckay | Country
Kit McKay Band is a live music group known for blending folk, indie, and Americana influences with heartfelt songwriting and dynamic performances. | The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop | June 5 | 9:00 PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Paul Simon | Pop, Rock
Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter known for his work as half of Simon & Garfunkel and for his acclaimed solo career blending folk, pop, and world music. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | July 11, 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.
✔️ 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: Gabby Bryan at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 10-11 | Gabby Bryan is an American stand-up comedian and writer known for her bold, chaotic humor and appearances on podcasts and alternative comedy shows. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Desi Banks at Raleigh Improv | July 24-25 | Desi Banks is an American comedian and actor known for his energetic storytelling, relatable humor, and viral social media sketches. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Walking Club with the Bull City Strollers @ Crank Arm Brewing Company Durham | June 4 | 5:30 PM
A weekly all-ages social walking club featuring a leisurely, dog-friendly stroll through Durham’s Social District. Get details here →
🤝 Friday Night Trivia & Movie Social @ RallyPoint Sport Grill | June 5 | 7:00 PM
A family-friendly outdoor social featuring trivia, a movie under the stars, and summer fun on the patio. Get details here →
Daily Planet Café is right inside the science museum, but it’s not just for kids or tourists. The food’s fresh, local, and surprisingly good...think coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and craft beer. It’s a quiet spot to chill before or after exploring downtown.
—Belle, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Daily Transcription is seeking a Dialogue List Transcriber.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: TJ Maxx is seeking a Retail Sales Associate.
💸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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