Raleigh weather has been a bit up and down this week, but with sunny skies and mid-60s temps predicted for this weekend, there’s no reason you should spend a spring weekend inside. Ditch your winter jackets and the couch for a handful of events, or try out one of the city’s new eateries or cocktails. Without further ado, here’s your Friday Five!
But First… Some Bunny Needs a Treat 🐰
Easter bunny, who? We’re making every bunny hoppy with this month’s fan-fave giveaway, Chocolate Bunny Shots! This ultimate sweet basket includes a bottle of Baileys, a bottle of Smirnoff vanilla vodka, and two Easter bunnies. Today is your last chance to enter, so get after it!
Raleigh’s Newest Restaurants 🍽️
The wait is finally over… The Crunkleton’s highly anticipated Smoky Hollow location is officially open, as is chef Saif Rahman and Patrick Shanahan’s Peregrine at The Exchange! The Crunkleton features the same food and beverage options from the Charlotte location, complete with a Chef’s Counter offering a front-row view of the kitchen. Meanwhile, Peregrine boasts global cuisine, craft cocktails, and a stunning dining room.
Sippin’ on Sunshine at Dram 🍹
New menu alert! Dram & Draught is launching its spring/summer cocktails across all locations today, Friday, April 11. The beloved bar team tasted their way through 100 cocktails submitted from ’tenders at all locations to choose the top 12 drinks. Swing by Friday for the release party, then sip your way through them all this season!
Roll Out to Conlon Family Skatepark 🛹
Join Skate Raleigh and Leadership Raleigh for a Wheel-A-Thon at Conlon Family Skatepark on Saturday, April 12. Come out for a *wheelie* fun afternoon of skating, plus a live DJ, food from 454 Grill, draft beer, and prizes and giveaways from local businesses.
Eat Your Greens 🥗
It’s always sunny in Raleigh—especially at Happy + Hale’s new 70 & Sunny pop-up at Smoky Hollow! The bright-red shipping container features two $10 bowls (Mexi Bowl + Med Bowl), plus bevvies, a dog park, and a pickleball court. Oh, and there’s fun T-shirts!
Say (Pimento) Cheese! 🧀
If you love cheese, this one’s for you. Over 50 vendors are descending on Downtown Cary Park this Saturday, April 12, for the annual Pimento Cheese Festival. Enjoy the likes of pimento cheese ice cream (!), pimento cheese egg rolls, pimento cheese empanadas, and more—plus performances, activities, and other entertainment.
Friday Five: Spring Is in the Air! 💐🌞
Spring has officially sprung! Yesterday marked the first day of the season—and I don’t know about you, but I could not be happier. Though I am a bit worried about the pollen outlook this year, I know I will be taking every opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather during these upcoming warm days. Good riddance, winter! Here are some excuses to get you out of the house this weekend.