Watts & Ward is turning eight, and the celebration promises to be as bold and timeless as the cocktails that built its legacy. On Friday, May 30, from 8 until 11 p.m., guests are invited to head underground for a night of live music from Mellowsweels, classic cocktails, and the kind of energy only this vibrant community can bring. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a recent discovery, this evening is dedicated to everyone who’s helped shape the last eight years. Mark your calendar, dress to impress, and get ready to raise a glass to the past—and everything still to come.
Local Service Spotlight + Giveaway: Give Yourself (or Someone Else) the Gift of Time
Need your to-do list to disappear?
The Raleigh Weekend team is full of busy women. We have kids, we have t-ball, we have events, we have birthday parties, we have date nights, we have laundry, we have deadlines, we have meetings, we have dinner… In one way or another, we’re just like you—which is why we are so excited to partner with Consider It Done! for a special Mother’s Day giveaway that closes on Wednesday, May 7—just in time to treat yourself (or another amazing mom in your life)!
Because let’s be real, when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts:
Perfume – meh
Chocolates – meh
Flowers – meh
Free time, all of the laundry done, and a beautifully organized home – YES, PLEASE.
We’re giving one lucky winner the ultimate gift: time back. Register to win four hours of personal concierge/organizing service from Consider It Done! Personal Concierge Service before midnight on Wednesday, May 7. Their “Deluxe Organizing Package” is valued at $257 and comes with their famous free-of-charge “no judgment” telephone consultation and 30 free minutes of container shopping.
Friday Five: We’re Eggs-tremely Excited for This Weekend!
You see what we did there… This weekend’s lineup is crackin’ with goodness—egg hunts, Swiftie singalongs, BBQ bliss, bluegrass bops, and meaningful moments for Good Friday. Whether you’re filling your basket with vintage finds or belting out All Too Well at DPAC, we have got you covered.
Before we dive into the lineup, let’s talk about two special Good Friday events happening at local churches:
Good Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes offers spiritual reflection with Stations of the Cross at noon, 3 p.m. (Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion), and 4:30 p.m. (Live Stations of the Cross in Spanish). Or, head to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for Women of the Cross at 6:00 p.m., a unique Stations of the Cross service that explores Biblical women’s relationships with Jesus.
P.S. Don’t forget your friendship bracelets, your Sunday best, and maybe a wet wipe or two… sticky Peeps happen. Now, without further ado, here’s your Friday Five—on a Thursday, because I know you’ll be checked out by then.
The Bunny is Calling—And WRAL Did the Leg Work!
Easter is hopping our way, and if you’re looking for egg hunts, spring flings, or bunny sightings across the Triangle, WRAL has rounded up all the ways to celebrate in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond. From free community events to ticketed family outings, there’s something for every bunny. Have an egg-cellent time!
Are You Ready for It? Let’s Sing Taylor Lights Up DPAC! 🎤✨
Calling all Swifties! On Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience brings the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute night to DPAC in Durham. (Going to DPAC is always worth the UBER ride.) This high-energy, fan-fueled concert delivers the most faithful and lively covers of Taylor’s catalog—and a chance to sing every word with fellow fans.
Whether you’re in your Midnights era or rocking Reputation vibes, show up in your best Taylor-inspired look and get ready to dance, scream, and trade bracelets like it’s Eras all over again.
This event is fan-sponsored and not affiliated with Taylor Swift or her team—but it’s 100% Swiftie approved.
Cue the ‘Cue: Bluegrass, Brews & BBQ Take Over Downtown Raleigh!
Downtown Raleigh is turning up the flavor and the volume for the 15th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival! This beloved spring tradition brings together mouthwatering barbecue, ice-cold local brews, and a full lineup of toe-tappin’ bluegrass music, all taking over Fayetteville Street for one unforgettable day.
The fun kicks off at noon on Saturday, April 19, and it’s all for a good cause—100% of proceeds will support SAFEchild, Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Freedom Ride Rescue, and Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief.
Delicious bites, toe-tappin’ tunes, and a whole lot of heart—now that’s a Saturday well spent.
Shine Bright, Shop Bold: A Celebration of Autism Acceptance at Boxyard RTP!
Join Disco Differences for its inaugural Autism Acceptance Mini Market at Boxyard RTP on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will celebrate neurodiversity while showcasing local small businesses and community networks in Boxyard’s vibrant retail setting in the heart of Research Triangle Park.
Browse unique vintage and thrifted home goods, clothing, and limited-edition autism posters from Disco Differences, and enjoy a mix of electric vibes from DJ Maxsunlove. Vibes, vendors, and visibility—it does not get much better than that!
Your Mother’s Calling
Earth to Raleigh… your mother’s calling—again! 🌎
The Third Annual Earth to Raleigh Earth Day Festival returns on Saturday, April 19, from 2 until 8 p.m. at Clouds Brewing Taproom. Hosted by Climate Action NC and RUMAH (Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub), this free, family-friendly celebration brings together live music, local artists, community organizations, and kid-friendly fun.
This year’s festivities include a food truck, Clouds Brewing on tap, and a special collaboration with Circular Triangle for a community clothing swap—bring what you don’t wear, and leave with something new-to-you!
From performers and artists to sustainability resources and environmental justice initiatives, Earth to Raleigh is all about learning, connecting, and protecting the planet together. How can you miss it? Your planet—and your Saturday—deserve it!