Photo by Catherine Davis
SHOWTIME! Theatre in the Park has announced its 2024 season via the organization’s mailing list. But before the 2024 season kicks off, Ira David Wood III will take his final bow as Scrooge in the 50th presentation of his rendition of “A Christmas Carol” December 8–10 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh and December 13–18 at Durham Performing Arts Center. He will then pass the role onto his son, Ira David Wood IV. Shows scheduled for 2024 include “Harold and Maude” by Carol Higgins (February); “Into the Woods” by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim (April); “Henry V” by William Shakespeare (June); “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” by Lynn Nottage (August); and “The 39 Steps” by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan (October). Check the website for more updates as the season nears.
SPACE AND STARS. Morehead Planetarium Science Center presents a new show, “Forward! To The Moon,” on Tuesdays and Thursdays through August 8, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Kari Byron from “Crash Test World” and “MythBusters” launches visitors on a journey beyond the Earth toward a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st century Artemis program is the next step in the mission to explore the universe, and land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the moon.
Speaking of the stars, the next stargazing events on The Roof at The Durham will be Monday, July 10 and Monday, July 24, 8–11 p.m. Morehead Planetarium educators will be on hand from 9–11 p.m. The Roof at The Durham opens at 5 p.m. for guests to start the night with snacks, craft cocktails and sunset views. The event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Check out “Cocktails and Constellations” in our latest issue for more stargazing locations—plus celestial-themed cocktail recipes.
PETS IN NEED. The Wake County Animal Center is urging the community to consider pet adoption as the shelter is approaching capacity. There are 84 dogs on the adoption floor with an additional 27 in foster care. The center will waive all adoption fees for any dogs who have lived in shelter for 21 days or longer. The offer runs through Monday, July 10.
HISTORIC FUN. The North Carolina Museum of History will offer three fun events for kids on Saturday, July 15: History Garden Tour. 11 a.m.–noon; Hands-on History: Cornhusk Critters, noon–3 p.m.; and Artists at Work: Cornhusk Dollmakers Pamela and Heather Earp, noon–3 p.m. Learn more here.
TREAT YOURSELF. The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport is offering a staycation package through Thursday, August 31. The package offers an overnight stay in a king guest room, a split of Italian prosecco and flutes to enjoy in-room, and a $100 dining credit at Il Falò, the wood-fired Italian-inspired restaurant.
SUMMER TOMATOES. Vivian Howard’s beloved Tomato Pie returns to Viv’s Fridge July 1–15 and Aug. 1–15. Vivian’s Tomato Pie combines roasted and fresh tomatoes with a Fontina and Parmigiano-Reggiano topping, and is nestled in an all-butter crust. The pie will be available for purchase at nine Viv’s Fridge locations in Cary, Durham and Raleigh.
Mandolin (2519 Fairview Road, Raleigh) hosts a Tomato Dinner on Sunday, August 26, 6–9 p.m. The second installment of the “ingredient series” includes a five-course tomato menu, capturing the beauty of 8–10 tomato varieties from Mandolin Farm that are in season in North Carolina. The meal is $95 per person, not including drinks. Tickets are available online.
CELEBRATE HIP HOP. Brand Nubian, Raleigh’s 3AmSound and Nacynze will perform as part of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop Music in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, August 12 with events beginning at 10 a.m. The Friends of the City of Raleigh (COR) Museum and the City of Raleigh present the day-long celebration with activities that explore Raleigh’s connection to the genre. Sponsors and volunteers are welcome, and tickets are on sale now.
TRIVIA TIME. Raleigh’s Brookside Bodega hosts King Trivia each Wednesday, 7–9 p.m. Put together a team and compete for prizes. All trivia games are free. Teams must register online.
HOLIDAY MAGIC. Biltmore Estate will receive an extra dose of holiday magic this year with a Hallmark Channel Christmas special. Bethany Joy Lenz stars in “A Biltmore Christmas,” when lead character Lucy is transported back to the golden age of Hollywood in the 1940s while doing work research. This sneak peak is available for Twitter users to check out (you must be logged in), or you can view it here, thanks to Southern Living.
SENDING SPIRITS. Speaking of Christmas, Olde Raleigh Distillery has made it easier to send small batches of bourbon to friends and loved ones for the holidays. Customers can ship small batches as well as Honey Cask 4 and Olde Stogie to recipients in 40 states. Supplies are limited. Customers with a presale purchase will be notified when their orders ship.
SUMMER SPIRITS. Good Day Good Night inside The Casso, Raleigh, has done a refresh to its signature cocktail and mocktail menu for summer. Choose from eight signature cocktails and two spirit-free libations including a Mango Mai Thai, the Soul de Puebla and a Coffee Old Fashioned. Or enjoy a spirit-free Number One, which contains Pineapple Fresno and mint leaves, and is topped with soda and Sprite.
BRAINBOOSTERS. Ward off summer slide by introducing 20 brain-boosting activities to your kids. From playing classic board games to mining for gems, there are plenty of ways to keep their neurons firing on all cylinders this summer.
ART ON DISPLAY. The Orange County Arts Commission will host the Uproar Festival of Public Art throughout the downtown areas of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough from Friday, July 14 to Friday, August 12. The event will showcase 60 large-scale, bold works of art. Uproar will launch with a kick-off party in Chapel Hill on Wednesday, July 12. An awards celebration in Hillsborough will close the festival on August 12. The People’s Choice Winner will receive $10,000.
