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Good afternoon, Raleigh. Why did the crab never share?

Because he's shellfish. 🦐

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 9 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• North Hills installing new parking system

• MLB to Raleigh still being pursued

• $60 million refresh set to begin at Crabtree

• And more!

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

STORIES THIS WEEK

North Hills to Launch New Parking System 🅿️

Kane Realty Corp. is partnering with Power Parking to bring a new parking management system to North Hills starting in September. The system, already in use in Downtown Raleigh, will offer three hours of free parking with the option to pay for more time. It aims to keep short-term spaces open for visitors while directing employees, residents, and vendors to designated areas.

With North Hills continuing to add high-rises and increase density, the change comes as parking challenges grow. At the same time, Kane Realty is preparing to seek City Council approval for rezoning that would allow towers up to 37 stories tall.

Dundon Buys NBA Team, But MLB in Raleigh Still in Play ⚾️

Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is leading a $4 billion investor group to buy the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, raising questions about his push to bring Major League Baseball to Raleigh. Dundon has previously said an MLB team in North Carolina would require public funding for a new stadium, but he remains committed to the idea, according to his team.

Experts say NBA ownership could either slow MLB ambitions or strengthen them if Dundon builds a broader sports and entertainment footprint. The grassroots group MLB Raleigh says the Trail Blazers deal doesn’t change Dundon’s plans, and momentum for Raleigh baseball remains. Meanwhile, Dundon continues to invest locally, with the Lenovo Center development and a new Morrisville entertainment destination on the horizon.

New 395-Unit Apartment Complex Coming to Crabtree Valley 🏠

Huntington National Bank, a $200 billion institution based in Ohio, is officially planting roots in the Triangle with a new “hub” in Raleigh’s North Hills. The space at 4000 Center at North Hills will serve as both a full-service branch and a financial hub, offering access to specialists across business, commercial, and wealth management services.

Huntington plans to open two more Raleigh branches and one in Durham next year, with a total of 10 Triangle branches expected in the next three years. The move follows a wave of big banks like JPMorgan Chase expanding into the region to capture its rapid population growth and rising wealth. Across the Carolinas, Huntington projects 55 new branches and 350 new employees as part of its southern expansion.

$60M Refresh Coming to Crabtree Mall 🛍️

Crabtree Valley Mall is getting a facelift following its $290 million sale to California-based Macerich. The new owners are investing $60 million in upgrades, including fresh paint, lighting, signage, new furniture, and a revitalized food court. The project will also tackle stormwater drainage improvements — a key need given the mall’s history with flooding along Crabtree Creek.

Macerich says they’ll push to finish much of the painting before the holiday season and hinted that new retail and restaurant tenants are coming (just as Brio Italian Grille closed after its parent company filed for bankruptcy). Despite broader mall struggles nationwide, Crabtree remains strong with 94% occupancy as of June.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🎉 Events This Weekend

• Dru Hill & Silk: R&B Rewind

  📍 Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (Memorial Auditorium), 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Fri, Aug 22 | 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
  🎟️ Ticketed—legendary R&B tour featuring Dru Hill, Silk, and Q Parker of 112 brings iconic harmonies and sultry vibes back to life
  🎤 A nostalgia-infused concert celebration where powerhouse vocals, romantic ballads, and smooth grooves unite for an unforgettable night of R&B magic

• 25th Anniversary All-Star Ride for Life

  📍 Scooter’s Grill & Bar, 1911 Sego Ct, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 23 | Registration: 9:00 AM • Kickstands up: 11:00 AM
  🎟️ Ticketed (includes T‑shirt & BBQ lunch); following the ride, enjoy a silent auction and live music
  🏍 A spirited community motorcycle ride for a cause—kick off your weekend with scenic cruising, camaraderie, and good vibes, capped off by tunes and tasty BBQ at one of Raleigh’s go-to biker hangouts.

• Packapalooza 2025

  📍 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC (between Dan Allen Dr & Enterprise St)
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 23 | 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
  🎟️ Free, family-friendly—NC State’s signature block party with multiple stages, 300+ vendors, food, and activities all along Hillsborough St.
  🎉 Think all-day campus-meets-city street festival energy—live music, student orgs, local eats, and big Wolfpack spirit from afternoon into the night.

• Wake Forest Comic-Con

  📍 Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St, Wake Forest, NC
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 23 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
  🎟️ Free and open to everyone — family-friendly convention featuring comic books, anime, toys, collectibles, and more from over 30 vendors.

  🦸 A welcoming gathering for fans of all ages—browse unique finds, geek out with fellow enthusiasts, and stay cool indoors while celebrating your favorite fandoms.

• TEDx Raleigh 2025

  📍 Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 23 | 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
  🎟️ Ticketed—thought-provoking, locally produced TEDx event featuring 12 diverse speakers who deliver concise, insightful talks under the theme “The Power of Small”
  💡 A day of big ideas in a focused format—envision an inspiring mix of stories, innovation, and creative thinking that's guaranteed to leave you motivated and connected to the Raleigh community

• Kirby Derby

  📍 Harvey Hill at Dix Park
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 23 | 3:00-8:00 PM
  🎟️ Free / public—check local event listings for race times and locations
  🏁 Think of it as a neighborhood soapbox derby where homemade racers zip downhill for fun and prizes, a delight for families and creative engineering fans.

• New City Church – Sunday Worship Service

  📍 5365 Bartram Place, Raleigh (Pine Hollow Middle School)
  🗓️ Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 AM
  🙌 Gospel-centered church service for the whole family.

• Summer Garden Soirée Market with Atlantic Gardening

  📍 Atlantic Gardening Company, 5217 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Sun, Aug 24 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
  🎟️ Free and open to all—shop from about 30 local artists and makers, enjoy bites from food trucks, sip on drinks from the garden bar, and browse a bounty of plants in a lush, garden-party-style market
  ☕ Imagine a tea-party vibe with yard games and live music under the greenery—think Bridgerton charm meets creative local shopping in a relaxed, sunny setting

• Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo

  📍 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Sun, Aug 24 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  🎟️ Free entry
  🍴 A feast on wheels—gourmet burgers, tacos, sweets, and more from diverse vendors lining the street for casual weekend food lovers.

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Surgery at Rex Hospital, 1909.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

83 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | 20%

Saturday

84 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | 0%

Sunday

86 🌡️ 69 | ⛈️ | 30%

LOCAL SPORTS

⚾️ Baseball

• Durham Bulls @ Lehigh Valley
  📍 Away Games
  🗓️ Friday, August 22 | 7:05 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, August 23 | 6:35 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, August 24 | 1:35 PM

🏈 Football

• Pittsburgh Steelers @ Carolina Panthers (Preseason)
  📍 Home Game
  🗓️ Thursday, August 21, 7 PM

THANKS!

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

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