Giant trolls coming soon
Happy Friday and Happy Labor Day weekend, {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
Last weekend we leaned all the way into Raleigh’s vibrant side with back-to-back festivals and cultural celebrations. Between Packapalooza on Hillsborough Street, the quirky Kirby Derby races at Dix Park, and the beloved Lazy Days Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, our cups were full of fun, color, and community.
This weekend, we’re leaning into the other side of what makes Raleigh so special — its relaxing, soul-nourishing side. Labor Day is that moment to pause, celebrate the end of summer, and soak up time with the people we love in a more low-key way. How lucky are we that, even in a big city, we’re surrounded by so many beautiful parks, lakes, and greenway trails to help us connect with nature and recharge?
We’ve got double the reason to celebrate, too — our youngest turns 14 (how?!) and our eldest is coming home from UNCW for the first time since starting college. It’s only been two weeks, but it feels like a lifetime. We miss her and can’t wait to catch up on catch up on the college life she has labeled as "so fun". Honestly, if I could do my life over again, I think I’d go to college in the U.S. — so much more fun than my Aussie uni days!
Whatever your plans are, I hope this long weekend gives you space to rest, laugh, and enjoy this beautiful place we get to call home.
Caroline
P.S. We’re starting to publish our Belize trip content on our travel blog. First is the eco-luxury Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, probably one of the best examples of tourism done right that I’ve experienced. I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
Packapalooza - What a unique and fun event in Raleigh and way to celebrate the strength of the pack! AND, thank you free Howling Cow ice cream!
Global Village on Hillsborough St nailed the Flat white pick me up!
Kirby Derby - again a uniquely, quirky event. So sad we could not stay until the final race, but we saw plenty of fun costumes and crashes. Put it in your calendar for next year.
Lazy Days Art Festival I really liked the chalk art this year.
Chicken arepa from Empanadas & More food truck
Chalk art
Hello Kitty - Kerby Derby
Global Village flat white
Howling Cow
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
Renderings have been released for the NC History Museum renovations. Opinions are mixed on our Facebook. I quite like it and think it will go well with the mid-century modern vibe of the Legislative building across the road.
Downtown Raleigh Alliance has released their 2025 State of Downtown Raleigh report.
The much-awaited Bill Belchick’s transformation of the Tar Heels football team starts on Monday as they play for the first time against TCU. Do you care?
Five gigantic wooden trolls will soon appear in Dix Park in undisclosed locations. We've seen Thomas Dambo's famous trolls in other US locations, and they are beyond cool and impressive, so I am stoked they care coming to Raleigh. Construction starts October and they are calling for volunteers! You can also join the Facebook discussion.
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
Fri: Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park Tours begin on the hour & half hour and are limited to 20 people per tour - first come, first served. 10am - 3pm
Sat: 16th Annual African American Cultural Festival is on Fayetteville St. Unique celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, food & community. 10am – 9pm. FREE
Fri: Discover Dance: Latin Session, Downtown Cary Park with Mambo Dinamico Dance Company. Learn dances like Mambo, Rumba, Cha-cha, Merengue, and more
Sat: Bridgerton Baddies Presents: A Birthday Ball at the Raleigh Lace Museum dress in your finest Regency-inspired attire and enjot live music, food and dancing beneath glittering chandeliers.
Sat: End of Summer Block Party at Gibson Play Plaza, Dix Park. 2 stages, 16 bands, 13 genres, and 14 countries represented + DJs, vendor markets, drinks for sale, food trucks, family activities, and so much more! 1pm- 11pm Free
🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION
The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)
Need a Raleigh Realtor?
No need to spend all your resources trying to find a knowledgeable and trustworthy realtor who puts customer care first! We have partnerships with savvy and experienced, local realtors who can help you find your perfect property (or sell the one you have!) allowing you to focus on the more important aspects of your move. You'll also get personal access to us to help you with questions on life in Raleigh! Reply to this email or click the button 👇
If you find our newsletter helpful, please share it with people you know. We’ve created a referral program with a few rewards to say thank you! 👇