Hey, Raleigh Weekend warriors! This weekend isn’t just any other weekend in Raleigh… It’s Memorial Day weekend. As we prepare for a well-deserved break, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and express our gratitude to those who gave their lives in service. Since I am opting for a stay-cation right here in Raleigh, I’ve picked out five fun-filled activities to get you ready for summer. Without further ado, here’s your Friday Five! 🙌
But First… It’s Your Last Chance to Enter This On-Par Giveaway
It’s par-tee time! The 124th U.S. Open is making its way back to Pinehurst from June 10-16. The Raleigh Weekend team is excited to be giving away top-notch local delights to savor while you catch all of the golf action from the comfort of your own home.
The “Taste of the U.S. Open” gift bag is chock-full of local goodies that will be showcased in Pinehurst this year. Ridgewells Catering serves as the primary food provider for the U.S. Open and they’ve collaborated with local partners to showcase the state’s culinary offerings, with many members of the North Carolina Specialty Foods Association selected for the event. We want to express our gratitude to the association for supplying these delightful gift bags and treats! Since 1994, the North Carolina Specialty Foods Association has championed local artisanal foods crafted by its members. Supporting over 150 North Carolina companies, we’re thrilled to join forces with them for this iconic giveaway.
Here’s an inside scoop on the winnings…
- Durham Toffee Brittled Nut Clusters
- Piedmont Pennies Cheese Snacks
- Cackalacky Sauces
- Mrs. Ruth’s Jams
- Big Spoon Roasters Treats
- JP’s Pastry $50 gift card
- Sarge’s Seafood Seasoning
- Sweet Vine Muscadine Vinaigrette
- Flavor Seed Dessert Spice
- Rising Smoke Sauceworks Synergy Hot Sauce
- Sippin Snax Peppa Snax
- NCSFA and Got To Be NC swag
Is your mouth watering yet?
Tap Yard’s Memorial Day Weekend-Long Bash
Shake up your long weekend with an exciting lineup of events at Tap Yard! Here’s a run-down of the Memorial Day festivities:
Friday, May 24: Nathan Wayne Band brings the best bootstomping country in the triangle to the Tap Yard Stage.
Saturday, May 25: Kick off your Saturday morning with free yoga with Arrichion East Raleigh at 11 a.m. Afterward, enjoy the May Mingle Market with live music from Vertigo Unplugged from 3 until 7 p.m. Finally, you can party all night with a Joe Hero Foo Fighters Tribute beginning at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 26: Keep the good times rolling with Justin Runyon live on the Butterfly stage at 3 p.m., then an epic B-Boy vs. B-Girl battle at 6 p.m.
Monday, May 27: It’s a Memorial Day Celebration and the Tap Yard is open at noon for all of the mixing and mingling.
RSVP to this jam-packed weekend of fun at Tap Yard.
Mocktails, Mascara, and Mammograms
Start your weekend with a great cause! The Covington Cancer Foundation will be hosting a free fundraiser event on Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Stop by 415 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh for light refreshments, pastries, freebies, giveaways, opportunities to interact with vendors, and guest speakers, all supporting breast cancer research and wellness.
Blast From the Past: Live Music at Bowstring
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard will be hosting The Broken Hearts with Jimmy Ray Swagger Band for a Tom Petty Tribute this Saturday, May 25, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)! Come out for some brews, pizza, and classic tunes. Rain or shine, this concert is sure to be a rockin’ good vibe for Memorial Day weekend. Get tickets now!
Brews and Clues: Raleigh’s Treasure Hunt Sip-n-Stroll
X marks the spot! Come along for a boozy treasure hunt in Raleigh’s sip-n-stroll district. The hunt begins at Crank Arm Brewery on Saturday, May 25, at 5 p.m. Grab a to-go drink to keep you refreshed along the way (and don’t worry–there will be plenty of other “watering holes” for a refill). The hunt involves walking a distance of 1.5-2.5 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous.
Sweetness Overload: The NC Sugar Rush Dessert Food Rodeo
Dessert before dinner? Sign me up! The NC Sugar Rush Dessert Food Rodeo will be held at City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh on Sunday, May 26, from noon until 7 p.m. This free and kid-friendly festival includes live performances, a DJ, and 20+ dessert vendors! Everyone is welcome including pets. RSVP to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Friday Five: The Ultimate Boozy Brunch Guide
Hey there, brunch-tail enthusiasts! It’s about time to update our infamous Mimosa Guide, so I’m spicing things up this Friday by unveiling Raleigh’s best brunch cocktail spots. If you’re ready to elevate your weekend plans, join me on this bubbly adventure. Grab your friends and let’s toast to another fantastic Raleigh weekend! 🥂