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Good afternoon, Raleigh. Why do nurses like red crayons? 

Sometimes they have to draw blood. 🩸

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

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

• Popular park trails closing

• Old Sears location at Crabtree Valley Mall finally getting new major tenant

• North Hills Tower to have penthouses + speakeasy

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

STORIES THIS WEEK

Trails closing at popular park 🚲

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is reclaiming 136 acres of Lake Crabtree County Park for potential development, leading to permanent trail closures starting June 1. Wake County’s lease on the land expires at the end of June, and that section, closest to I-40, won’t be included in future agreements.

Officials have hinted at plans to turn the area into an “entertainment destination,” though the developer and details remain undisclosed. The move has sparked public opposition, echoing past controversy over the Authority’s land use decisions. Remaining portions of the park, including popular amenities, are still under lease negotiation between the county and RDU.

St. Augustine with 47M in debt seeking land deals 🏫

Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh is seeking $70 million in bridge financing and land development partnerships to address severe financial challenges and maintain its accreditation. With enrollment dropping to around 200 students and nearly $47 million in debt, including unpaid IRS taxes, the historically Black college has identified 70% of its 100-acre campus for potential projects like housing, retail, and wellness centers.

The school remains accredited while undergoing arbitration following a vote for removal by its accrediting body. Past land deals have fallen through, but the university is now better informed about its property value, which was recently appraised at over $198 million. Leaders say the school’s urgency reflects a commitment to long-term sustainability, with most of its board members newly appointed to help steer this turnaround.

Crabtree Valley Mall getting new major tenant ⚽️

Dick’s House of Sport is set to open its first Raleigh location at Crabtree Valley Mall, taking over the long-vacant former Sears space. This experiential version of Dick’s Sporting Goods features interactive elements like rock climbing walls, batting cages, and golf pro shops.

The project will involve partial demolition, a new exterior, and interior renovations, led by Fox Design Group. While an opening date hasn’t been announced, this is part of a $1 billion national expansion that includes 18 new stores this year. Meanwhile, other changes at the mall include Bailey’s Fine Jewelry closing and Diamonds Direct building a new showroom.

Penthouses + speakeasy coming to North Hills Tower 🏢 

Kane Realty has broken ground on The Strand, a 20-story luxury residential tower in North Hills, located next to the Advance Auto Parts building near I-440. The tower will include 362 high-end units—ranging from studios to penthouses—and 9,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

Amenities will include a 6th-floor deck with a pool and a top-level speakeasy for penthouse residents. This project is part of Kane’s broader redevelopment of North Hills, which includes new office, residential, and retail expansions. The Strand is expected to welcome its first residents in summer 2027.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🌸 Mother’s Day Weekend Events

• Raleigh’s Spring Time Mother’s Day Festival
  📍 Moore Square
  🕚 Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  Celebrate with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

• Mother’s Day Market at Videri Chocolate Factory
  📍 327 W. Davie St.
  🕙 Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Shop local gifts and enjoy sweet treats in a cozy setting.

• Mother’s Day Tea at NC Museum of Art Café
  📍 2110 Blue Ridge Rd.
  🕑 Saturday & Sunday
  Indulge in a special afternoon tea experience amidst artistic surroundings.

🎶 Concerts & Live Entertainment

• Chris Janson & Parmalee – B93.9’s B-BASH
  📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre
  🕗 Saturday, 7 p.m.
  Enjoy a night of country music under the stars.

• Pearl Jam – Dark Matter Tour
  📍 PNC Arena
  🕗 Sunday, May 11
  Rock out with Pearl Jam as they perform hits from their latest album.

• North Carolina Symphony – Stravinsky’s The Firebird
  📍 Martin Marietta Center
  🕗 Friday & Saturday
  Experience a captivating orchestral performance of a classical masterpiece.

⚽ Sports & Outdoor Fun

• Durham Bulls vs. Gwinnett Stripers
  📍 Durham Bulls Athletic Park
  🕓 Home games Thursday - Sunday
  Click here for tickets.

• Bike Bonanza at Pullen Park
  📍 Pullen Park
  🕓 Friday, May 9, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  Kick off National Bike Month with activities and fun for all ages.

  Cost: FREE

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals – Stanley Cup Playoffs, Round 2, Game 3
  📍 Lenovo Center
  🕕 Saturday, May 10, 6:00 p.m.
  The Hurricanes host the Capitals in a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Experience the electrifying atmosphere of playoff hockey in Raleigh.

  Click here for tickets.

• NC Courage vs. Orlando Pride
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park
  🕢 Saturday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
  Cheer on the home team in this exciting women's soccer match.

  Click here for tickets.

🛍️ Markets & Pop-Ups

• Sola Coffee Mother’s Day Market
  📍 Sola Coffee
  🕘 Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Browse local vendors while enjoying your favorite brew.

• The Market at Raleigh Iron Works
  📍 Raleigh Iron Works
  🕚 Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Discover unique crafts and goods from local artisans.

• Fall Back Vintage Market
  📍 R&D Brewing
  🕚 Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Find vintage treasures and enjoy a refreshing brew.

🧠 Unique Experiences

• World Oddities Expo
  📍 Raleigh Convention Center
  🕘 Saturday & Sunday
  Explore a marketplace of the strange and unusual, featuring taxidermy, macabre art, and more.

  Click here for tickets and info.

• Juniper Level Botanic Garden Open Days
  📍 9241 Sauls Rd.
  🕗 Friday & Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.
  Wander through rare plants and hidden waterfalls in this limited-time garden opening.

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Friday, May 9

• The Radio @ Bynum General Store Front Porch
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT
  Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Sayler McShane @ Raleigh Brewing
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Meredith / Fairgrounds
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Midnight Devils, Mega Colossus, The Klock @ Korner Pocket Sports Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Neuse River
  Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Mike Edwards & His Dirty Laundry @ The Cardinal
  Neighborhood: Raleigh W @ Hillsborough St
  Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Gatsby's Unplugged – Open Mic @ Gatsby’s Bar Raleigh
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Millbrook
  Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Heather Rogers @ Pit Murals + Iris Pub (Brewing Company)
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NE @ Wake Forest / 401
  Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Chris Hooper @ Red Hat Amphitheater Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ South St
  Time: 11:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Spencer Davis @ ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
  Neighborhood: Durham E @ NCG8 / Falls Lake
  Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• DJ Night @ Game Brew Works
  Neighborhood: Durham SW @ 501 Bus/Byp
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

• Michael Hodgdon @ Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
  Neighborhood: Durham N @ NCD55 / I-40
  Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Duke Street Dogs @ The Blue Note Grill
  Neighborhood: Durham N @ Historic DAP
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Steven Compton @ Weldon Mills Distillery
  Neighborhood: Durham DT
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• 2000s Dance Party @ Motorco Music Hall
  Neighborhood: Durham N @ Historic DAP
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Magic Pipers @ Woody’s Tavern
  Neighborhood: Wake Forest DT
  Time: 9:30 PM – 11:59 PM

• Russ Varnell & His Too Country Band @ Burnt Barrel’s Irish Pub
  Neighborhood: Wake Forest W @ Rogers / 401
  Time: 10:30 PM – 11:59 PM

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Saturday, May 10

• Ashley Robinson @ Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Millbrook
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Alien Ant Farm, Nonpoint, and More @ Lincoln Theatre
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT
  Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• DJ Handsome Robb @ The Cardinal Bar – Clayton
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Glenwood South
  Time: 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• For The People @ Uncle Jessie’s Honkytonk
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Brier Creek
  Time: 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• The Klique Band @ The Office
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Brier Creek
  Time: 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Elder Wolf Band @ Bralie’s Sports Bar #1 – RTP
  Neighborhood: Durham SW @ I-40
  Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Sterling Scott (ft. It’s a Southern Thing) @ Ellies Crossroads
  Neighborhood: Durham SE @ I-885 / Ellis
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Cosmic Superheroes @ Bond Brothers – Eastside
  Neighborhood: Durham DT
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Rodolfo Zuniga West East Quartet @ Sharp 9 Gallery
  Neighborhood: Durham S @ Ivy Community Center
  Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Sayler McShane @ American Legion Post #116 – FuVar
  Neighborhood: Wake Forest S @ Stadium
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Aerial view of the Kmart department store on the corner of Six Forks and Wake Forest Roads on its opening day, November 5, 1964.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

79 🌡️ 53 | ⛈️ | 60%

Saturday

73 🌡️ 55 | 🌤️ | 0%

Sunday

78 🌡️ 58 | 🌤️ | 0%

LOCAL SPORTS

Hockey 🏒

• Thursday: Carolina Hurricanes @ Washington Capitals | 7 PM (Game 2)

• Saturday: Carolina Hurricanes VS Washington Capitals | 6 PM (Game 3)

Baseball ⚾️

• Friday: Durham Bulls VS Gwinnett Stripers | 6:35 PM

• Saturday: Durham Bulls VS Gwinnett Stripers | 6:35 PM

• Sunday: Durham Bulls VS Gwinnett Stripers | 1:05 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who likes swimming. 🏊

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