Villain Arts Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival Returns With Ink, Art & Entertainment
Hundreds of artists, live shows, and plenty of inspiration under one roof.
Shannon
June 04, 2026
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Whether you're ready for your next tattoo or just love seeing incredible artistry up close, the 5th Annual Villain Arts Raleigh Tattoo Arts Festival is back June 12–14. Expect hundreds of tattoo artists from around the world, live entertainment, art displays, and vendors packed with unique finds.
Want to see which artists, performers, and vendors will be there? Take a peek at the full lineup and weekend schedule before you go. If something catches your eye, you can grab tickets while you're there too.
Not sponsored—we're just suckers for good artwork. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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A Downtown Spot Built Around Board Games and Drinks
There’s something refreshing about a place that fully commits to its niche instead of trying to appeal to everyone at once. Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar is a geek-themed game lounge and bar downtown with hundreds of board games available to play alongside drinks, snacks, and gaming supplies.
It feels like the kind of place that works especially well when people want to hang out but don’t necessarily want another loud, stand-around bar night. Having an actual activity built into the evening tends to solve the “so…what now?” problem pretty quickly.
There’s also something kind of comforting about a business that openly embraces being a little nerdy without trying to water it down. Whether you’re deeply into board games or just competitive enough to start unnecessary family rivalries over card games, this seems like an easy place to spend a few hours.
Want to get your business in front of 15,822 active Raleighites? Contact us.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Drink Deals at Carolina Ale House 🔥
Carolina Ale House features a different domestic and craft beer every day, plus $6 well cocktails all week long. No hoops to jump through—just order and enjoy.
📍Where: Carolina Ale House
📅 When: Every Day
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,274 SQ FT | $299,000
Sophisticated Raleigh condo offering serene privacy, a light-filled layout, and a gourmet kitchen with sleek European-style finishes and quartz countertops. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,262 SQ FT | $319,000
Charming 2-bedroom townhome with luxury vinyl plank flooring, an open living layout, and a private fenced patio perfect for relaxing or entertaining. 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 | 3,085 SQ FT | 0.45 ACRES | $1,395,000
Stunning custom home on a quiet Raleigh street with thoughtful upgrades, exceptional maintenance, and a prime location in sought-after school districts. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Figulīna’s Springtime Rotolo features fresh spinach egg dough filled with leeks, spinach, and ricotta, baked and served in Parmigiano-Reggiano brodo with roasted mushrooms and ramp salsa verde.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: CLEMENS | DOG, LABRADOR | 3 MONTHS | MALE
Clemons is a smart, curious Retriever-Lab mix puppy with a sweet personality, glossy black coat, and plenty of growing left to do. Check him 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: Make & Take: Shadowbox Frame at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware on June 8 at 9:00 AM.
A hands-on woodworking class teaching how to build and finish a custom shadowbox frame for displaying meaningful keepsakes. 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: TMNUO POHE EYTERCEM
🌳 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: Scott T Smith | Fusion
Scott T. Smith is a singer-songwriter and performer known for his blend of Americana, rock, and acoustic-driven storytelling music. | Slim's Dive Bar | June 7 | 7:00 PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Guns N' Roses | Rock
Guns N’ Roses is an American hard rock band known for their raw sound, iconic lineup, and hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” | Carter Finley Stadium | July 23, 6:25PM | 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: Tony Rock at Raleigh Improv | June 12-13 | Tony Rock is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his sharp humor, energetic delivery, and hosting roles on television and comedy specials. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Maddy Smith at Raleigh Improv | October 1-2 | Maddy Smith is an American stand-up comedian known for her bold, edgy humor and appearances on shows like Wild ’N Out. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Love Island-Inspired Pool Party @ The Goat Brier Creek | June 6 | 12:00 PM
A Love Island–inspired pool party featuring DJs, themed drinks and bites, giveaways, photo ops, and summer social vibes. Get details here →
🤝 YogaSix Cary Grand Opening Event @ Fenton Backyard | June 6 | 10:00 AM
A wellness-inspired social event featuring live DJs, massages, tarot readings, photo booths, giveaways, and interactive pop-up experiences. Get details here →
Anchorlight is this quiet little spot on South Bloodworth where local artists work and show their stuff. It’s not flashy, but it’s cool to walk through and see what people are making. They do open studios sometimes, and it feels like you’ve just stumbled into something real.
—Jodi, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Allegis Transcription is seeking a Transcriptionist.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: CVS Health is seeking a Store 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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