Raise a glass to 14 years of sipping and sharing at The Raleigh Wine Shop’s anniversary bash on Saturday, May 17! Enjoy free tastings all day, food from Alimentari from 1–4 p.m., plus jello shots and exclusive merch. Wines will be on sale all week, with a portion of proceeds benefiting The Women’s Center of Wake County. While you’re reading this, don’t forget to register here for your chance to win this month’s giveaway, hosted by us… a $25 Raleigh Wine Shop gift card!
Funnel Cakes + Ferris Wheels on Deck… The Got to Be NC Festival Returns
Celebrate North Carolina’s finest at this three-day festival (Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18) packed with local food, live music, a full carnival, and a “Homegrown Marketplace” of NC-made goods. The rides are nostalgic, the eats are fried, and admission is free. Bring the fam or come hungry and curious. Admission is free at the NC State Fairgrounds!
Stop and Smell the Rare Blooms at Juniper Level
This hidden gem only opens to the public a few times a year—and it’s peak season now. Explore 28 acres of curated plantings, rare blooms, and winding garden paths at the Juniper Level Botanic Garden. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Plant lovers, bring your camera and your curiosity. The garden is open Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, closing to the public again until July.
Inspired by the Garden? Get Your Hands Dirty (Sort of) at This Workshop Next Week
If you find yourself so inspired after wandering the Juniper Level gardens this weekend, plan to join Southern Picnics and Fleur La La at The Outdoor Cottage at Atlantic Gardening for a hands-on evening of floral design on Thursday, May 22, at 6 p.m. For $130, you’ll learn the art of floral arrangement, crafting your own garden-inspired centerpiece to take home under the expert guidance of Katie Lynn, owner of Fleur La La and recent Art in Bloom featured florist. While designing your centerpiece, enjoy a refreshing Elderflower or Lavender Prosecco spritz, a delicate concoction that complements the floral theme of the evening.
Also Looking Ahead… Get to Know Tequila on a Thursday
To celebrate National Paloma Day, Raleigh’s Wolfe & Porter is offering a two-hour Tequila Ocho cocktail class at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. Learn about tequila; enjoy pours of Plata, Reposado, and Anejo; and then participate in a hands-on demo to make a Tequila Ocho Paloma that you will get to enjoy! Tickets are a reasonable $44.52 per guest, so you just might see me there, friends. I’m definitely leaning into my Tequila Era this season!
Friday Five: Sip, Stroll, Shop + Soak It All In
Raleigh (and Cary!) have a full calendar this weekend—and you’ve got plenty of ways to make the most of it. Whether you’re sipping your way through a coffee crawl, exploring local art, test-driving the latest rides, or shopping for native plants for a good cause, there’s something fresh and fun for everyone. Let’s dig into the good stuff together! 🌟👇
Start Your Engines: The NC International Auto Expo Rolls Into Town
Gear up for the 38th annual NC International Auto Expo, rolling into the NC State Fairgrounds Friday, April 25–Sunday, April 27! From the newest makes and models to two ride & drive tracks, there’s plenty for car lovers to explore. Check out the Wake Tech student competition, and don’t miss Sunday’s Cars & Coffee Morrisville meet-up. Bonus: Grab a Family 4-Pack of tickets for just $20.
Plug In, Plant On: Native Plant Sale & Recycling Day in West Raleigh
It’s a one-stop feel-good Sunday, April 27, at the Native Plant Sale + Recycling Event hosted by Seven Oaks and the Beeloved Community Garden. Bring anything with a plug to recycle responsibly, shop native plants to beautify your space, and enter to win gorgeous patio pots in the raffle. Don’t miss the youth-led silent auction supporting a mission trip to Madagascar—and definitely come hungry for Che Empanadas (you’ll thank us later).