Don’t worry, be hoppy! The NC Hops Fest returns to Midtown Park at North Hills on Saturday, June 14. The annual beer-lovin’ event includes unlimited tastings of 40+ NC craft beer, ciders, and seltzers; local vendors and food trucks; and live music. Cheers! Tickets $51.75
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere!
Celebrate summer’s greatest tropical rock legends—Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Beach Boys, and more—at Koka Booth Amphitheatre’s Tropical Rock for 5 O’clock… Somewhere concert on Saturday, June 14. Vocalists and the NC Symphony will be performing timeless hits like “Fins,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Get your vocal cords ready! Tickets from $22.30
Friday Five: Brisket, Beats, Balls, and Bubbles Included
This weekend’s Friday Five starts off sweet with family-friendly fun—perfect for kids, cousins, and the adults who love them. But as the sun sets, you might want to book that sitter, because the after-hours lineup is full of grown-up good times.
It’s also Pride Month, and we’re proud to feature one of our favorite traditions in Raleigh: the return of the LGBTQ+ sandwich at Players Retreat. This guac-loaded, flavor-packed creation isn’t just tasty—it’s a show of love and allyship, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Equality NC. That’s a sandwich with heart. Now that we have your lunch plans, let’s dive in!
But First… Win Brunch on Us at Toastique
Craving something fresh, colorful, and totally Instagrammable? Enter our June giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Toastique gift card! From loaded toasts and smoothie bowls to cold-pressed juices and coffee that actually hits, Toastique is the perfect spot for a feel-good brunch or midweek pick-me-up. One lucky winner will score a gift card to treat themselves—because life’s better with a little avocado (and a lot of flavor). Enter for your chance to win by Monday, June 30.
⚽️ $1 Million, 134 Matches, One Epic Week in Cary
I know, I know, Cary—but this is worth the drive. The Soccer Tournament is back at WakeMed Soccer Park through Monday, June 9, and it’s bigger, faster, and even more intense than before. With 64 men’s and women’s teams competing in a 7-on-7 showdown for a $1 million prize, this is no ordinary tournament—it’s part sporting event, part cultural fest, and 100% electric. Expect stacked rosters, global talent, and celebrity cameos, plus group-stage drama and knockout-round thrills. GOAAALLLLLL!
Raleigh’s Playground Glow-Up Is Finally Here
The wait is over—Gipson Play Plaza is officially open! Celebrate the grand opening at Dix Park from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8, with a full weekend of live music, family fun, food trucks, and immersive after-dark experiences. With fresh snacks and sips from the House of Many Porches Market, plus rotating food trucks, this is way more than a playground—it’s a destination. Raleigh just leveled up its fun game for all ages.
“Ooh La”—The Kooks Are Coming to Raleigh
Get ready to dance like you just don’t care—The Kooks bring their All Over the World Tour to The Ritz Raleigh on Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m. (yep, it’s a Friday night vibe). Whether you’ve been singing along since “Naive” or just fell into their feel-good Britpop sound, this high-energy show is one you won’t want to miss. Ooh la indeed.
Brisket + Bubbles? Say Less.
The Fifth Annual Bubbles & Brisket is back at Smoky Hollow on Saturday, June 7—and meat lovers, this one’s for you. Imagine plates piled high with juicy brisket and sides from top NC pitmasters, paired with a killer lineup of sparkling sips: Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, beer, cocktails, and even some non-boozy options. Add in ’90s hip hop, desserts, and backyard games, and you’ve got the recipe for the ultimate summer kickoff. General admission is $75, or grab a six-pack of tickets and roll deep with friends. Feeling fancy? Go VIP for early entry, rooftop access at Madre, and exclusive bites from Mera Brothers Oysters. Cheers!