The Raleigh 600 Collectibles Expo: Toys, Comics, Pokémon & More at the Fairgrounds

Nostalgia, nerdiness, and a whole lotta trading cards.

Calling all collectors, card flippers, and comic nerds—The Raleigh 600 is bringing the motherlode of memorabilia to the NC State Fairgrounds from July 18–20. Think: vintage toys, rare sports cards, Disney gems, Pokémon showdowns, and even a TCG tournament (bragging rights included). Whether you're hunting holographics or just in it for the vibes, this is the kind of event where childhood meets eBay-level inventory.

Admission starts at $8. Cash, credit cards, and pay apps welcome.

Not an ad—just a PSA for anyone who gets goosebumps from a mint-condition Charizard. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:

The 40 Best Hikes Within an Hour of Raleigh, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with scenic trails, hidden gems, and easy day trip ideas to get you outside. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These Happy Hour Bites at Bar Louie 🔥

Monday–Friday from 3–6pm, Bar Louie’s serving up happy hour snacks starting at $8—think truffle fries, flatbreads, sliders, and more. No code needed, just swing by and snack.

📍Where: Bar Louie
📅 When: Monday through Friday, 3–6pm

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,120 SQ FT | $223,000
Affordable home in the heart of North Raleigh, conveniently located near top-rated schools, shopping, medical facilities, North Ridge Country Club, popular restaurants, and the Raleigh Racquet Club.* Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,108 SQ FT | $385,000
This condo in The West Building, located in the heart of Glenwood South, offers the best of city living with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a spacious layout, and premium finishes throughout.* Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,853 SQ FT | .23 ACRES | $425,000
Gorgeous home in Brentwood Estates just minutes from everything, featuring a bright custom kitchen with granite countertops, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, wide plank flooring in main living areas, plush carpet in bedrooms, and fresh interior and exterior paint.* Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2,033 SQ FT | .26 ACRES | $1,095,000
In historic Forest Park (formerly Cameron Park), this beautifully maintained 1921 home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,033 sq ft of living space on a .26-acre lot, directly overlooking the expansive green park.* Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Rosewater Kitchen & Bar’s Seasonal Salad is a light and vibrant dish that combines crisp arugula, sweet pear and apple, tangy blue cheese, and a drizzle of honey mustard vinaigrette for a beautifully balanced bite.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: GOLDFINGER | DOG | 2 MONTHS | MALE
Goldfinger, affectionately nicknamed “the potato,” is a laid-back pup who loves being held belly-up for endless scratches and is still mastering the art of going down steps. Check him out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Wake Forest on July 19 at 7AM for amazing deals on everything $10 or less—including art, toys, books, boys’ clothes, bikes, pet supplies, and more—priced to go and negotiable! More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Paint Your Own Ceramic Trinket Dishes Workshop at Bobapop Tea Bar on July 16 at 6:30PM.
This workshop teaches participants how to paint trinket dishes in a modified Italian Majolica style, with all materials provided. 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: TOSUH RPKA RATEIHGE RTAIL

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Desmond Jones with Cosmic Superheroes, Taylor Scott Band | Fusion
Desmond Jones, Cosmic Superheroes, and the Taylor Scott Band headline a high-energy concert offering a genre-blending night of adventurous jam tunes, raw live grooves, and funk-infused "Mountain Funk" performances. | The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop | July 16, 8PM | Get tickets here

🎤 Plan Ahead: Wheatus | Rock
Wheatus is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough with a U.S. tour where they'll perform their debut, Wheatus, in full—featuring “Teenage Dirtbag”—each night, marking a milestone that’s never sounded stronger. | The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop | October 15, 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: Casey Rocket at Goodnights Comedy Club | July 17-19, Various Evening Times | Casey Rocket is an Austin-based comedian whose Southern belle charm and sharp wit grew from pool halls in South Georgia to the thriving Atlanta comedy scene, and now shines in his performances across the country. Get tickets here

😂 Plan Ahead: Grace O'Malley at Goodnights Comedy Club | October 16-18, Various Evening Times | Grace O’Malley is a comedian and podcast host launching her solo show Disgraceful on Alex Cooper’s Unwell network this year, regularly opens for Whitney Cummings, and is currently touring her debut headlining show, The Down For Anything Tour. Get tickets here

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Bingo, Books, and Bagels for Seniors @ North Regional Library | July 16 | 10AM
Bingo, Books, and Bagels for Seniors will offer a morning of fun, light refreshments, and community connection for seniors. Get details here →

🤝 24 and Up Entrepreneurship Social @ Revcast | July 16 | 5:30PM
Whether an entrepreneur, investor, future founder, or supporter, this event offers the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and exchange ideas within the regional startup community. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

Pine State Coffee is one of those spots you might miss if you didn't know better. They roast their own beans from places like Guatemala and Honduras, so every cup is fresh and flavorful. It's not just a coffee shop; they've got this cool selection of cycling gear too. The vibe is relaxed, making it a great place to chill or get some work done. And if you're into supporting local businesses that put care into their craft, this is the place to be.

Bill, a longtime reader

Oak City Job Openings:

💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Boldly is seeking a Full-time Executive Assistant.

🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Amberscript is seeking a Captioner.

🤝 RALEIGH JOB: Millbrook Tennis Center is seeking someone to work the Front Desk.

💼 RALEIGH JOB: Two Roosters Ice Cream is seeking a Seasonal Ice Cream Maker.

Want to work find more ways to work from home? Check out our guide to legit remote jobs hiring in Raleigh—part of The Raleigh Bundle. Find it here

Interested in promoting your business or event to 9,801 trendsetters in the Triangle?

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. Tell us what you need here.

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

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