Batter up! The Carolina Mudcats’ 2023 season kicks off with opening day Tuesday, April 11, in Zebulon. Can’t swing a Tuesday road trip? Opening week includes several other activations—from Thirsty Thursday drink specials to Friday night fireworks to souvenir Saturdays. It’s sure to be a home run.
Friday Five: That Friday Feeling 🤩
With Dreamville Festival weekend upon us, Raleigh is sure to be abuzz with great energy and activity. It’s the perfect time to showcase all the other wonderful things going on in our city and the bars, restaurants, activations, and more that make it so great. For instance, this weekend we’re happy to report Raleigh neighbor Cary has a new bar opening next week (!), 321 Coffee just dropped a new co-branded coffee with NC State, a magical lights experience is taking place at Pullen Park, and more. So without further ado, here’s your Friday Five. TGIF!
But First… Hop(s) To It! 🍻
Don’t worry, be hoppy. Raleigh loves its breweries—and there’s nothing better than a free bar tab! This is your last chance to enter our giveaway for a $25 gift card to Lonerider Brewery. Enter now by clicking the button below!
Meet You at the Rooftop
“Escape the ordinary” at AVA Rooftop Bar, opening in Fenton Friday, April 7, at 5 p.m.! This Mediterranean-inspired bar and restaurant offers global wines, cocktails, and small plates in an Instagrammable environment featuring lush greenery, lounge-style seating, and dazzling lights.
Coffee for the Greater Good ☕️
321 Coffee has teamed up with NC State University to launch “Greater Good,” a co-branded coffee highlighting the duo’s shared values of inclusion, community, and serving the greater good, naturally! Pre-order on 321 Coffee’s website, or pick up a bag in stores starting April 11. Go Pack!
Let There Be Light ✨
ICYMI, LuminoCity has taken over Pullen Park with an immersive lights experience including a motion dinosaur world and the beautiful flower blossom at Pullen Park. The magical wonderland will be on display through April 9. Don’t miss it!
Try a Pornstar… Martini (!)
Have you heard of the Pornstar Martini? Yes, it’s a real thing—and we’re betting it’s going to be the drink of the spring/summer (move over, espresso martini!). Hopping on the trend, Raleigh Magazine teamed up with The Haymaker’s Taylor Sullivan to handcraft his own spin on the enticing ‘tail, a passion fruit-forward concoction served with a sidecar of prosecco. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.
Feelin’ Hot (Chicken!) 🐔
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to Mandolin! Head to the restaurant every Wednesday night for Hot Chicken and Bubs, aka Nashville-style hot chicken served over toasted sourdough with housemade pickles and coleslaw for just $14. Pair it with their house sparkling wine, Casolotta Brut Spumante, for $6 a glass!