TOGETHER WITH

Good afternoon, Raleigh. What is Forrest Gump’s password on his computer?

1forrest1 🏃‍♂️

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 10+ fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend + live local music

• A new Chipotle location

• Swim School + retail spaces opening

• RTP entering next phase of transformation

• And more!

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

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STORIES THIS WEEK

Chipotle to Open in Olde Raleigh Village, Replacing Qdoba 🌯

Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding its Raleigh footprint with a new location in the Olde Raleigh Village shopping center at 3101 Edwards Mill Road. The fast-casual giant is taking over a 2,503-square-foot space formerly occupied by Qdoba, next to Rudino's. This move comes amid continued development in the corridor and follows recent site improvements by landlord Invesco.

The location brings Chipotle's Raleigh count to eight, as the brand ramps up growth in North Carolina. The company reported $2.9 billion in Q1 2025 revenue and continues to outpace former competitors like Qdoba, which has exited the Raleigh market.

RTP 3.0 Moves Forward with Wake County Approval 🚧

Wake County has approved a key zoning change that paves the way for “RTP 3.0,” a transformation of Research Triangle Park into a more vibrant, mixed-use community. The amendment allows for residential and non-research commercial development within RTP’s Wake County footprint—about 27 percent of the park’s land.

This update supports the Research Triangle Foundation’s long-term goal to evolve RTP beyond its traditional office campus model into a live-work-play environment. The changes still need approval from Durham County and final votes from RTP’s Owners and Tenants Association and the RTF board. If successful, RTP 3.0 will enhance the region’s density, reduce commuting pressure, and attract both residents and businesses.

Swim school opening in Raleigh + retail accommodations 🏊🏼

Local entrepreneurs Arvind and Neha Mahajan are expanding their swim school business with a new SafeSplash Swim School proposed for northeast Raleigh. The planned 15,000-square-foot facility on Louisburg Road will include the swim school and up to three retail suites, ideally occupied by family-friendly businesses like an ice cream shop or party space.

This will be the couple’s third SafeSplash location in the Triangle, following successful sites in Morrisville and Holly Springs. The Mahajans are investing $5–6 million into the Raleigh project, which is expected to open by mid-2027. In addition to swim schools, the couple runs several other ventures, including a real estate firm and a children's hair salon.

Hotel with Rooftop Bar Proposed Near RDU 🏨

Raleigh-based Winwood Hospitality Group has filed plans to build a 235-room hotel at the intersection of I-540 and Lumley Road, just north of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The dual-branded hotel—featuring AC Hotel and Element by Marriott—would rise seven stories and include 237 parking spaces, with amenities like a rooftop bar, lounge, outdoor terrace, meeting rooms, and breakfast area.

The project reflects a growing trend of hospitality development in the Triangle, especially near major transit and retail hubs. Winwood already operates several hotels in the area and recently proposed another Marriott-branded hotel in Cary. The new RDU-area hotel would join a cluster of existing accommodations catering to airport travelers and business guests.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🎉 Events This Weekend

• Summer Solstice Rooftop Party (DJ Ethan Burnz)
  📍 Tin Roof (Downtown Raleigh)
  🗓️ Friday, June 21 | 5:30 PM – Late
  🎶 Rooftop grooves and drinks to celebrate the longest day of the year.

• KIDZ BOP LIVE Certified BOP Tour
  📍 Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
  🗓️ Friday, June 20 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  🎶 Fun, family-friendly pop concert featuring kid singers performing today’s biggest hits, plus a “Daddy Dance Off” and special guest Doggyland

• Panic Stricken (Widespread Panic Tribute)
  📍 Lincoln Theatre (Downtown Raleigh)
  🗓️ Friday, June 21 | Doors 7:30 PM • Show 8:30 PM
  🎶 A high-energy tribute band rocking out downtown.

• The Grand Cookout – Juneteenth Edition
  📍 Moore Square (Downtown Raleigh)
  🗓️ Saturday, June 22 | 12:00 PM
  🍗 Family-friendly Juneteenth celebration with food, vendors, games, and live performances.

• Night Market @ North Hills
  📍 Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park
  🗓️ Saturday, June 22 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  🛍️ Shop handmade goods, enjoy local food trucks, and catch live performances.

• Vintage Night Market
  📍 Downtown Cary
  🗓️ Saturday, June 22 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  🛍️ Local vendors, vintage goods, live music, food trucks, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere.

• NCFC vs. Rhode Island FC
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park
  🗓️ Saturday, June 22 | 7:00 PM
  ⚽ North Carolina FC takes on Rhode Island in this USL matchup.

• Cars & Coffee
  📍 1924 Capital Blvd
  🗓️ Sunday, June 23 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  🚗 Free gathering of car enthusiasts featuring classics, sports cars, and more.

HAPPENING RIGHT OUTSIDE OF RALEIGH

🎉 Festivals & Family-Friendly Events

Durham

• Durham Craft Market
  📍 Durham Central Park Pavilion
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  🎟️ Free admission
  👩‍🎨 A weekend market featuring handmade crafts, local arts, and community vibes.

• Durham Bee Day
  📍 Durham Central Park
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  🐝 Learn about pollinators and their importance at this hands‑on, family-friendly event.

• Durham Community Day
  📍 Museum of Life + Science
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  🎟️ Free for county residents
  🧪 Explore exhibits, science demos, and interactive fun for all ages.

• Third Friday Art Event
  📍 Loose Leaf Gallery, Durham Food Hall
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  🎟️ Free admission
  🎨 A gallery night with art, installations, and creative performances.

Cary

• Fenton Makers Market
  📍 Fenton, Cary
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  🛍️ Free admission
  🎨 Shop crafts, foods, and local goods at this vibrant market .

• Bluegrass Open Jam
  📍 Bond Brothers Eastside Brewery
  🗓️ Sunday, June 22 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  🎟️ Free admission
  🎸 Bring your instrument and sing along to classic bluegrass tunes .

Wake Forest

• Live Music: JT Parrothead
  📍 Fortnight Brewing, Wake Forest
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  🎟️ Free admission
  🎶 A fun evening featuring upbeat tropical rock vibes

Clayton

• Tubing the Neuse River
  📍 Neuse River Greenway Trail
  🗓️ Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM
  🚣‍♀️ Group float down the Neuse River—bring your own tube and ride the river with friends and family

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Friday, June 20

• Liquid Pleasure Revue Red Revue Jams @ NC Museum of Art
  Neighborhood: Raleigh W @ Blue Ridge / Museum
  Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Laurel Nicole Duo @ Transfer Co. Ballroom
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ SE Downtown / East
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Undergrove @ Scooters Bar & Grill
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Atlantic / Millbrook
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Drive In’ Cryin’, Local Back Country Picker @ Bowstring Pizza & Brewery
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Five Points
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Sums Divide @ Scooters Bar & Grill
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Atlantic / Millbrook
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Panic Stricken (Widespread Panic Tribute) @ Lincoln Theatre
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ City Market
  Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Music Bingo @ Pourworks
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Ironworks District
  Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Gatsby’s Unplugged – Open Mic @ Gatsby’s Bar Raleigh
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Millbrook
  Time: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM

• Chris Koscho @ Transfer Co. Ballroom
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ SE Downtown / East
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Songs of Miscegenation @ Kenan-Flagler Business School UNC
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• The Driver Era: Obsession Tour @ Red Hat Amphitheater
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Convention Center
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• DJ Marv P @ Tap Yard Raleigh
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Iron Works District
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Crossroads @ NC State Farmers Market Restaurant
  Neighborhood: Raleigh S @ Farmers Market / Tryon
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Electric Caravan @ The Cardinal Bar + Social Club
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Five Points
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Salsa Bachata DJ EverEvol @ ¡Verdeña Cardinal Bar & Library
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Five Points
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Andy Koch @ The Cardinal Bar + Social Club
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Five Points
  Time: 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Saturday, June 21

• Ashley Robinson @ ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
  Neighborhood: Raleigh E @ NC98 / Falls Lake
  Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Now & Then @ House Creek Beverage Company
  Neighborhood: Raleigh W @ Lake Boone Trail
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Country Cuz @ Saint Augustine's
  Neighborhood: Raleigh W @ Hillsborough / St. Aug
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Rob Benton @ The Pickled Onion 2
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Millbrook
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Corey Smith @ Bowstring Pizza & Brewery
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Five Points
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• The Remedy @ The Wine Feed
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Glenwood South
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• The Tone Pirates @ Saints & Scholars Pub
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Spring Forest / Falls
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• The Motel Keys @ Unwined @ White
  Neighborhood: Raleigh SW @ Maywood/LakeW
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Electric Carnival @ Woody’s Tavern
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NW @ Duraleigh
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Magic Pipers @ O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NW @ Glenwood
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• DJ Party @ The Backyard Bar
  Neighborhood: Apex W @ US64W / Action (not Raleigh but often included)
  Time: 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Snow-covered South Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh in 1968.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

91 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️| 10%

Saturday

93 🌡️ 734 | 🌤️ | 0%

Sunday

97 🌡️ 76 | 🌤️ | 0%

LOCAL SPORTS

⚾️ Baseball

• Durham Bulls @ Memphis Redbirds
  📍 Away Games
  🗓️ Friday, June 21 | 7:05 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, June 22 | 6:35 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, June 23 | 1:05 PM

⚽ Soccer

• North Carolina FC @ Birmingham Legion FC
  📍 Away Game
  🗓️ Saturday, June 22 | 7:00 PM

• NC Courage vs. Portland Thorns
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
  🗓️ Friday, June 21 | 7:00 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who talks loud. 🗣️

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