DOWNTOWN GROWTH. Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex General Manager Kerry Painter presented expansion plans to the Wake County Board of Commissioners on Monday, stating that the expansion project would add an additional capacity of 20,000 people. The expansion, which would cost approximately $316 million in construction costs, would double the capacity of the venue and relocate Red Hat Amphitheater to create a two-square-block destination for meetings, events and entertainment.
COLD-WEATHER FUN. Flannels and Frost takes place at Moore Square in Raleigh on Saturday, February 25, noon–4 p.m. The celebration of cold-weather sports features s’mores roasting, a pancake-eating contest, a snow machine, arts and crafts, and more. Hot beverages and sweet treats are also part of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance event.
Unscripted Durham welcomes back the winter wonderland dining experience with private igloos at The Patio. Enjoy views of downtown Durham, weekly entertainment and signature bites and libations. Reservations can be made for parties of 4–10 people.
FINE ART. Biltmore hosts the world premiere of Italian Renaissance Alive, opening on Friday, March 3. The exhibition celebrates Italian culture, architecture, sculpture and literature, spanning the Renaissance. An Italian operatic score sets the tone for the large-scale display that projects the masterpieces by Boticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
The North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Master Chorale perform “Mozart’s Requiem” at Meymandi Concert Hall at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, February 24 (2 p.m. and 8 p.m) and Saturday, February 25 (8 p.m.). The performance will be conducted by music director designate Carlos Miguel Prieto and will feature guest vocalists.
NEW MAGAZINE! Are you ready for the debut issue of Triangle Family magazine? Pick up a copy at our launch party on Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at Sassool in Cary. We’ll also have copies of the March/April issues of Triangle Family’s sister magazines, Midtown and 5 West. Enjoy delicious bites from Sassool, enter a giveaway and meet members of Triangle Family’s staff. Can’t wait to see you there!
BOTTOMS UP. To celebrate National Margarita Day on Wednesday, February 22, bartaco in Raleigh (4121 Main at North Hills Street) made plans to launch a margarita-inspired cocktail each week through Friday, March 31. The upscale street food restaurant will create new drinks with a variety of syrups, fruits and garnishes.
PITCHING IN. Brewgaloo returns to downtown Raleigh on Friday, April 21, 6–10 p.m., and Saturday, April 22, 1–9 p.m. The craft beer festival is seeking sponsors and volunteers for the 11th annual event, which attracts more than 50,000 people each year. Brewgaloo features more than 100 craft breweries, 50 food trucks and local bands.
Photo courtesy of Catering Works
FOODIE NEWS. Art in Bloom is offering a wine and food event at the North Carolina Museum of Art’s East Cafe on Friday, March 17, 6–9 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, 6–9 p.m. Executive chef Rich Carter will prepare six small-plate courses paired with boutique-style wines. Vegan, gluten-free and no-alcohol offerings are available on request. Tickets are $150 and available online.
BUSINESS CLOSINGS. All Triangle locations of Tuesday Morning stores will close in 2023 as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection plan. The Dallas-based retailer will close 263 stores nationwide, but not all North Carolina stores will close. Everything is on sale at the stores that are closing.
ELECTION TALK. Livable Raleigh will host a virtual community meeting about elections on Saturday, March 4. The discussion will concern potential improvements for Raleigh City Council elections. Registration is available online for the free event.
FELINE FUN. SAFE Haven for Cats hosts its annual Spay-ghetti & No Balls dinner at Marsh Creek Park Community Center (3050 North New Hope Road, Raleigh) on Wednesday, February 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner and raise money to support the SAFE Care Spay/Neuter Clinic’s efforts to reduce pet overpopulation.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Wake, Durham, Chatham, and Orange counties will partner with WRAL to present Big Night In for the Arts on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. The televised event is a regional fundraising initiative that includes a line-up of locally and nationally known artists with ties to the Triangle. This year’s program includes Larry & Joe, Patrick Dougherty, Rissi Palmer, Chatham Rabbits, Dasan Ahanu and Beth Leavel. Big Night In has raised more than $615,000 in the past two years.
TAKING FLIGHT. Avelo Airlines will begin flying nonstop to six cities in Florida, creating at least 50 new jobs in the Triangle. The new routes will connect travelers to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota and Tampa. The airline launched its inaugural flight from RDU in 2022 and continues to add new destinations.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS. Private equity company Heritage Capital Partners will develop a complex on a vacant 46-acre site along N.C. Highway 55. The new mixed-use project will include 600 apartments, 175 hotel rooms, 50,000 square feet of retail space and 400,000 square feet of office space.
FUTURE FUN. Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh will host the Future Me Fair on Saturday, March 4, 1–4 p.m. The event features a playful, kid-size showcase of various trades and professions to help children imagine future pathways. The event is included with museum admission.
BOOK CHAT. Author and first lady of Iceland Eliza Reid will discuss her book, “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World” at Jones Auditorium at Meredith College (3800 Hillsborough St., Raleigh) on Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m. The event is a Page 158 Books Women’s History Month Author Event. Reid is active in promoting gender equality, entrepreneurship and innovation
CLASSIC FUN. Wake Forest Rotary Club will host Cars and Carnivores on Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The downtown street festival brings together car enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Guests can enjoy a steak cookoff competition and a show that features classic and modern cars. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available.
FOOD FUNDING. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle has been awarded an $800,000 Feeding America Retail Agency Capacity Building Grant. The funding will help the Food Shuttle improve access to nutritious food, with a focus on strengthening rural communities of color. The organization partners with more than 200 agencies to distribute food to neighbors in need throughout seven counties in central North Carolina.
