No post-holiday blues here! Raleigh is keepin’ it rockin’ and rollin’ this weekend with a variety of great events around town. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re looking for live music, food trucks, special dinners, or a new restaurant to try. So without further ado, here’s your Friday Five!
But First… Soak Up DTR’s Newest Patio on Us ☀️
ICYMI: William & Company, one of Downtown Raleigh’s most popular cocktail bars, has a new back patio! The sunny, secluded space is just made for sipping on refreshing drinks, chowing down on a house tamale or two, grooving to the occasional DJ, or just basking in the vibes. Haven’t checked out the new space yet? You’re in luck! In honor of National Tequila Day on Thursday, July 24, we’re giving away a $25 gift card to Willco this month. Click the link below to enter the contest (giveaway ends July 31).
A New Taco the Town 🌮
What’s so right it’s “wong”? Raleigh newest taco place, Wong’s Tacos, open now at GlenLake! Offering the best of both Mexican and Asian cuisine, Wong’s boasts fusion tacos like The Jerk Chicken, Braised Korean Brisket, and Bulgogi Asada—plus apps, fajitas, bowls, margaritas, beer + wine, and more. Taco ‘bout delicious eats!
📍 4251 Parklake Ave.
Everybody Get on Your Feet, We Got the Beat 🎶
Get ready to groove! Raleigh’s Summer Beats Festival on Saturday, July 12, is bringing fun in the sun to City Plaza via a food truck rodeo, beer and wine, games, live music, and cutest dog and best vacation couple contests. Catch ya outside. 😎
📍 400 Block Fayetteville Street
💸 Free | Prepurchase beer and wine samples
Stray Volts Live at Tap Yard ⚡
Pack the house and rock out! Stray Volts’ high-energy performance is coming to Tap Yard on Saturday, July 12. The band performs songs from a wide variety of styles and decades in their signature hard rock sounds—plus mashups and originals—complete with a full concert experience featuring professional sound, lighting, atmospherics, and stage platforms. It is certainly a sight to behold!
📍 1610 Automotive Way
💸 $11.54 per person
Get Lost in the Sauce 🍝
Heights House’s beloved Sunday Sauce dinner series is once again taking place July 13—but this week there’s a special surprise… After indulging in the likes of cacio e pepe and gamberi al pesto, treat yourself to dessert courtesy of Spring & Mulberry! They’ll be serving a specialty tiramisu with coffee date-sweetened chocolate from Spring & Mulberry, mascarpone, and raspberry. Bonus: Every guest will also leave with a complimentary date-sweetened chocolate bar.
📍 308 S. Boylan Ave.
💸 Reservations & walk-ins welcome
Looking Ahead to Wednesday: Take It Back to ‘95
In honor of Irregardless’ 50th anniversary, the iconic restaurant is hosting a special prix fixe dinner menu circa 1995 on Wednesday, July 16. Enjoy eats like tuna tartare, duck breast, risotto fritto, and dark chocolate lava cake—plus optional bevs to pair—while celebrating one of Raleigh’s oldest establishments.
📍 901 W. Morgan St.
💸 $75 per person; $25 additional cocktails or wine | Reservations required
Friday Five: The Weekend Starts Here
The long weekend is nearly upon us, and I’ve curated five standout events (and a Monday bonus!) to kick off your July with a variety of tastes. From spectacular evenings in Downtown Raleigh or Clayton to cinematic thrills or outdoor thrills on Sunday, there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re hoping for a rundown of the area’s best fireworks and whatnots, my pals at WRAL have got us covered with their comprehensive town-by-town guide to fireworks, festivals, and food trucks across the Triangle: https://www.wral.com/story/the-top-july-4-fireworks-festivals-and-food-trucks-in-the-triangle-maps/20906322/.
Ready to make the most of your weekend? Let’s dive in! 👇