FOOD FEST. Raleigh’s International Food Festival takes place Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Enjoy ethnic dishes, desserts, beer, wine and performances from more than 60 countries. Admission is free, but tickets can be purchased for $8 that allow you to skip the lines. There will also be a ’70s-’80s themed costume and dance party. The winner of the “Best Dressed and Most Fun” spirit award will receive a trophy.
HONORING VETS. First Fruits Farm Memorial Balloon Festival in Louisburg is set for Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, 3:30–10 p.m. The event takes place at 2595 East River Road and features tethered balloon rides, live music and fireworks. The program honors and celebrates service members and families. Tickets are available online. Learn more about First Fruits Farm and its owners, Jason and Tay Brown, in our March/April feature.
ART EXHIBITS. Uproar Festival of Public Art will showcase 60 large-scale, bold works of art throughout the downtown areas of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough July 14–August 12. Artists from North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia will be promoted during the inaugural festival. Uproar will feature two-dimensional pieces, sculptures, projection and installations.
The Diamante Arts & Cultural Center at 5104-B Western Boulevard in Raleigh hosts the “De Colores 2023 DALI Fellows Group Exhibition” May 26–June 30. The group exhibition spotlights the talents of Fabrizio Bianchi, Itala Flores, Anthony L. Garza, Natalia Lopez,and Erik Valera. The artists represent the creative power of the Latino and Hispanic communities.
AT THE MUSEUM. The North Carolina Museum of History hosts a Family Fun Festival Saturday, June 3, noon–4 p.m. Enjoy a trip through the state’s history through trails, music, storytelling and more. View short North Carolina-related films and listen to stories and legends told by local performers, the Two Bells. Watch Karen Lynch Harley and Philip Harley of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe carve and paint walking sticks.
RIDE WITH THOMAS. Thomas the Tank Engine will celebrate the magic and beauty of color at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina from June 9–12 and June 15–18. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, photo ops with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt and lawn games.
READY TO READ. Book Harvest provided more than 70,000 books to 14,000 students during its Books on Break event. Students in 35 public pre-kindergarten and elementary schools received donations, including every student in 30 Durham Public Schools. The books were also donated in Columbus, Bladen and Guilford Counties. Students are invited to select new books and high-interest titles in English and Spanish.
HIDDEN TREASURE. Search in the City is offering seven competitive scavenger hunts to explore downtown Raleigh, Cary and Durham. The summer lineup includes a nautical-themed hunt in Raleigh’s Warehouse District and a bull-themed hunt near Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Learn more here.
Photo courtesy of Search in the City
TAKE IT WITH YOU. The City of Raleigh will expand the boundaries of its social district beginning on Tuesday, August 15. Sip ‘n Stroll Downtown will expand the downtown area in which people are allowed to drink alcohol to include more of the Warehouse District and portions of the Capital District up to Hillsborough Street.
THEATER NEWS. Raleigh Little Theater presents “Hands on a Hardbody” from June 2–18. The show tells the story of 10 hard-luck Texans who must keep their hands on a new truck in the scorching sun for days on end in hopes of winning it. The roots-rock musical is recommended for ages 12 and older.
GIVEAWAY! Videri Chocolate Factory, located at 327 W. Davie Street, Sweet 100, in Raleigh, sources every ingredient of its fine, handcrafted artisan chocolate—from single origin bars to bonbons. Enter to win a $50 gift card from Videri Chocolate Factory by filling out this form. The gift card can be used in the Videri factory or online shop. We’ll select a winner Wednesday, June 7. Good luck!
AT THE GALLERY. Glenwood Fine Art will host a grand opening at 20 Glenwood Avenue on Friday, June 2, 5–8 p.m. Raleigh’s newest boutique gallery will exhibit 12 artists with more than 70 pieces from nationally recognized and emerging artists. The event will include live music by Oak City Saxes, along with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Photo courtesy of Glenwood Fine Art
TEE IT UP. The inaugural UNC Health Championship began today at Raleigh Country Club and will continue through Sunday, June 4. Previously known as the Rex Hospital Open, the Korn Ferry Tour event allows top professional golfers to compete for a chance to play on the PGA Tour. The event features 156 pro golfers with a total purse of $1 million.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS. The 2023 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games take place June 2–4 in Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs. More than 1,300 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners will compete in seven sports: gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, powerlifting, bowling and athletics (various track-and-field events). See the schedule here.
MEET AND GREET. Midtown Raleigh Alliance presents Emerging Midtown at Level7 Rooftop Lounge in North Hills on Thursday, June 8, 5:30–7 p.m. The event brings together young professionals for networking opportunities.
HEALTHY SUMMER. The Poe Center for Health Education, located at 224 Sunnybrook Avenue in Raleigh, will host Healthy Habits Camp for rising first- through fifth-graders from June 27–30 and July 17–21. The camp runs 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and is free for eligible families. Completing an online application is required. Daily activities include health education, games and crafts.
Photo courtesy of The Poe Center for Health Education
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS. Midtown Raleigh Alliance recently presented Midtown Community Hero Award scholarships to John O’Neil and Aaron Ng from Sanderson High School. Each will receive $1,500. Both students have been active within their community while excelling academically. Ng has been admitted to Duke University, while O’Neil will attend University of Minnesota.
