Block Parties or Derby Soirée? (April 29–May 5, 2026)

WALTER Magazine did a piece on The Raleigh Dinner Club series this week. Associate Editor Addie Ladner and I talked about what the dinners are like, where we're headed next, and why in-person events matter — see our conversation here.

Speaking of which, Dinner Club is next Thursday and we are heading to Heirloom for the after-party (they’re more than a cafe!) — tickets here.

We are working on some new content, if you want to be the first to see it — subscribe here.

It’s a day of learning! Check out Intro to Woodshop with ShopSpace downtown — classes start today, through May.

Happen to be free Wednesday morning? Check out this beginner bird-watching program at Prairie Ride Ecostation — bird lovers here.

Not into birds? Try a beginner boxing program! That’s right, The Raleigh Boxing Club joins RUMAH for a free intro class — 1, 2, punch.

Chapel of Bones 🤘 Raven, Slackjaw [heavy metal] 7PM - $20

The Hartwell is hosting local artist Taylor Varron for a Floral Paint & Sip — see it here, drink included.

Ladies, this one is for you! From 5-8PM, check out Junction West for candle making, pilates, photo ops, and more — girls night in.

NCMA has a rare “after-hours” cafe and whiskey event, they overlap slightly and the cafe seems sold out already — whiskey here.

The Pour House 🎸 Heavy Temple, Waxed [psych/rock] 8PM - $18

It’s a rare First Friday on the 1st! As usual the main event seems to center around The Raleigh Times area but you can find stuff all over downtown — see the full list here.

Munjo Munjo also celebrates 10 years of pop-ups! The dog himself (Munjo) also celebrates his 16th birthday — learn more.

To celebrate Raleigh Bike Month, Dix Park hosts Bike Bonanza where you can get a tune up, join a ride, and get a free helmet — see it here.

As part of First Friday, Moore Square has a movie night as well. This time playing The Incredibles, starts around 7PM — music and food before.

AJ Fletcher Opera 🪕 Woody Platt [bluegrass] 7:30PM - $33

Tap Yard 🎸 8 Track Minds [70s party/tribute] 8PM - $12

Lincoln Theatre 🎸 Trial By Fire, She Bop [tribute/80s] 8PM - $18

Slim’s 🎙 Impossible Creatures, Late Model [alt rock] 9PM - FREE

It’s Derby Day! Race time for the Kentucky Derby starts at 6:57PM with your choice of The Davie, maybe Watts & Ward, event 10th & Terrace and finally Tap Yard, for Soirée events.

Running Friday & Saturday, Dram & Draught will be covering the full weekend each day with Pretty in Pink — see the event here.

If skipping the derby, check out a family movie over at NCMA. James and the Giant Peach kicks off at 6PM — family activities before.

NCMA has a FREE Spring Moon Walk, ages 16 and up — starts at 8PM.

A Lil’ R & R has their 1 year anniversary party in North Hills — bring your pups, drink some free wine, get a pup photoshoot — details here.

Edge of Urge is taking over Person St. with a Block Party in Oakwood, from 11AM-4PM. Find arts & crafts, live music, farm tours, and much more — details here, flyer below:

Moon Room 🌕 Brandon Mitchell Quartet [jazz] 8PM - FREE

Lincoln Theatre 🎸 The Brothers Comatose [folk/roots] 8PM - $24

Moore Square has a compost awareness pop-up starting at 1PM! Learn about it, worms, and even about using produce to cook — learn more.

It’s been weeks since an F1 race but just a reminder that The Davie is one of the only places showing most races — any time of day.

Wye Hill has a Drag Brunch with a buffet and mimosas — more info.

The ARTernative Market at Chapel of Bones returns this weekend — starts at 11AM.

Slim’s 🎤 Wadefest [multiple bands celebration] 3PM - FREE

Taco Photo Booth is an exciting photo booth company located in Raleigh, specializing in engaging photo experiences of all kinds — get a free quote for your event.

Vicode Media is a full-service digital marketing agency from right here in Raleigh, NC. They’ve been providing a wide range of web services to clients of all industries since 2021 — inquire about digital marketing.

Tap Yard has a pay-what-you-can yoga class at 6PM, they also have hot dogs going through 9PM if you happen to crave both — weekly schedule.

Chapel of Bones 🎸 Defeated Sanity, Scasm, & More [metal] 6PM - $25

Mala Pata is celebrating their one year with Cinco de Mayo, with live music, margs, and tacos all night — see it here.

The Rialto is celebrating the mid-century creation of the tiki bar and it’s creator. Learn about the story of Donn Beach and his story: from a youth in jamaica, to cigar running for WWII troops, and more — details here.

Bowstring 🪕 Beer & Banjos [bluegrass/folk] 6:30PM - FREE

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Figulina is hiring a Sous Chef to work with Chef David Ellis — details here.

Sunflowers, a favorite since 1983, returns to The Row near Dix Park — see their page and hours here.

A Place at the Table is hiring a development director — see it here.

A new render of the luxury development at The Exchange has cropped up — check it out.

⚾ The Durham Bulls return home on the 29th against Jacksonville and will stay at home though the 10th of May.

🏒 The Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators, beating them in 4 straight games (of 7). They await their 2nd round opponent and are taking some much needed rest as they head to the 2nd round.

⚽ The NC Courage play again after a Red Card win on the 25th, this next time over in Boston vs the Legacy.