BY KURT DUSTERBERG
FEEL THE BEAT. Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park (111 Thurston Drive, Cary) will host a drumming event for third graders and older on Saturday, May 4, at 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The free event is led by Dori Staehle of Next Stage Drumming. Registration is required. Kids in second grade and younger may bring empty oatmeal or salt boxes to make their own drums and shakers. No registration is required for the younger children.
GIVEAWAY. Midtown Magazine and Raleigh’s Burning Coal Theatre Company have teamed up to offer two tickets to “A Little Night Music,” a musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. The story observes the comic foibles of several couples who decide to spend a weekend together in the country. Tickets can be used for any performance during the show’s run from Thursday, April 4–Sunday, April 21. We’ll select one winner from our Midtown, 5 West and Triangle Family audiences on Wednesday, April 3.
BACK IN TIME. Theatre Raleigh hosts an immersive theatrical performance and cocktail experience, Gatsby’s Prohibition Party, from Wednesday, April 24–Sunday, April 28. The audience will step back to the Roaring Twenties during the 75–minute show adapted from the iconic novel. Enjoy three specialty cocktails and dance alongside Daisy Buchanan, listen to firsthand accounts from Nick Carraway, and meet the enigmatic Jay Gatsby himself. Tickets are available online.
SEAFOOD AND SUDS. Carolina Brewery hosts a crab & shrimp boil at its Pittsboro restaurant on Saturday, April 6, noon–8 p.m. Guests can indulge in red royal shrimp and snow crab clusters by the pound, as well as low–country boils of both varieties. The event will feature live music from Zambamboogee (1–3:30 p.m.) and Lee Gildersleeve & the Bad Dogs (5:30–8 p.m.)
NEW IN TOWN. Brodeto, the fourth addition to the Crawford Hospitality brand, has opened at Raleigh Iron Works (2201 Iron Works Drive, Raleigh). Named for the fragrant coastal Italian and Croatian fish stew, chef/owner Scott Crawford pays homage to the seafood–rich dishes and smoky, wood–grilled flavors of the cuisine in this Mediterranean region with his artful, elevated style. With 4,800 square feet, the restaurant has indoor seating for 105, bar seating for 16 and a private room with seating for 26.
WHO WANTS BRUNCH? Asali Desserts & Cafe in Cary has launched a brunch menu. The new offerings include kenafa french toast (brioche stuffed with sweet cheese), avocado & salmon toast (topped with dill and sumac, drizzled with balsamic glaze) and turkey cubano (toasted artisan ciabatta, fig jam, sliced green apples, microgreens, brie and halal turkey). Brunch is available daily from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
ACADEMIC FUNDRAISING. Celebrate the work of The Daniel Center for Math and Science at the Embassy Suites (201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard Cary) on Thursday, April 19, 6–8 p.m. Enjoy an elegant evening featuring dinner and inspirational messages. The mission of The Daniel Center is to narrow the education gap for at–risk and economically disadvantaged children, and to prepare and motivate them to pursue a post–high school education.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Join the Carolina Theatre of Durham for an evening of glitz, glamor and entertainment at the third annual Dancing With The Carolina Stars at the A.J. Fletcher Theatre at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, May 21 at 6 p.m. The evening includes a reception with hors d’oeuvres, dancing by local celebrities and their professional dance partners and more. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Carolina Theatre, which brings low–cost, high–quality live events and educational programs to Durham and the Triangle for more than 16,000 children and their families each year.
FOOD AND FUN. The Tacos and Taps Festival takes place at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, April 6, noon–5 p.m. The event is all-you-care-to-taste, offering the Triangle’s best tacos and Mexican food. Enjoy music, dancing, margaritas, pinata punching, contests and more. Souvenir glasses are available for samples of more than 60 craft beers, mezcals and tequilas. Tickets start at $39.
SENSORY FRIENDLY. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience Raleigh at Exhibition Hub Art Center Raleigh will host a sensory–friendly event in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 2. Guests will enjoy softened lighting for a gentle ambiance, along with lowered volume and minimal noise to create a serene atmosphere. Sensory stations with comforting materials will be available, and no fog effects or strobe lighting will be in effect. Each neurodivergent guest will be entitled to complimentary access for one chaperone/parent. …
Cary Theater will host a sensory-friendly screening of “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” on Wednesday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m. The viewing is free, but a ticket is required. The movie tells the story of two fourth–grade BFFs who accidentally hypnotize their principal into believing he’s a dimwitted hero named Captain Underpants.
NATURE ON FILM. Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh hosts a screening of “Great Bear Rainforest 3D” on Thursday, April 4 at 10 a.m. Experience the magical world in IMAX and discover the land of the spirit bear. Found on Canada’s remote Pacific coast, the rainforest is protected by the region’s indigenous people. Adult tickets are $7; children ages 1–11 are $5.
