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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: There will be no Raleigh Rundown next week (August 14) as I’ll be out on vacation. The Raleigh Rundown will resume on August 21.

Good afternoon, Raleigh. Did you know your pupils are the last part to stop working when you die?

They dilate. 👀

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

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

• RDU pushing forward with $1.1B runway

• Lenovo Center begins major renovations

• Dave’s Hot Chicken coming to Raleigh

• And more!

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

STORIES THIS WEEK

RDU Pushes Forward with $1.1B Runway Despite Soaring Costs ✈️

As rising construction costs stall major transportation projects in Raleigh, RDU Airport is pressing ahead with its new $1.1 billion runway, a project seen as critical for attracting more international flights. The original $534 million estimate has nearly doubled due to inflation and material costs, though RDU CEO Mike Landguth says they’ve built in contingencies to navigate potential overruns.

Major work has yet to begin, but upcoming earthwork bids will give a clearer picture of final costs. While other projects like Six Forks Road have been canceled due to budget concerns, RDU views the runway as non-negotiable for the airport’s future growth. Once complete, the new runway will allow larger jets, maintain long-haul routes, and open the door for expanding Terminal 2.

Lenovo Center Kicks Off Major Arena Renovations with Fan Experience in Focus 🏒

Renovations at the Lenovo Center are underway, with Phase I introducing a 300-level view bar, premium ice-level bunker suites, and the exclusive Lenovo Legends Club to modernize the arena’s fan experience. Centennial Authority Chairman Philip Isley highlighted how open, social spaces like the view bar reflect a growing trend in arena design, catering to fans who prefer to mingle rather than stay in their seats.

The entire 300-level concourse will also be refreshed with upgraded food and beverage options, enhancing efficiency and variety. Phase II, set for design and construction over the next two summers, will tackle lower bowl seating, suite upgrades, and concourse improvements. Long-term development around the arena is slated to begin in 2026, including a new indoor music venue, retail, office space, a hotel, and apartments.

New 395-Unit Apartment Complex Coming to Crabtree Valley 🏠

Trammell Crow Residential has acquired the Pinnacle Apartments property behind Crabtree Valley Mall and plans to replace it with a new 395-unit community called Alexan Reserve. Demolition of the existing apartments will begin in September, with construction starting in October and the first units delivering by April 2027.

The project, a joint venture with Raleigh-based Heritage Capital Partners, will feature one- and two-bedroom units with upscale finishes and extensive amenities like a pool, coworking space, dog park, and fitness center. Rents will average $1,450 to $2,200, and the fully-funded development is part of a long-term strategy to bring institutional investment to the site while minimizing risk for the landowners.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Expanding to Raleigh with New Location 🍗

Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening its first Raleigh location, adding to its existing restaurants in Holly Springs and Wake Forest. The fast-growing chain, known for its spicy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sliders, started as a $900 pop-up in a Hollywood parking lot in 2017 and now operates nationwide through franchising.

The new spot will join a flurry of other newcomers at the intersection of Wake Forest Road and East Six Forks Road, including Guthrie’s Chicken, Andy’s Frozen Custard, and Whataburger. Raleigh continues to attract out-of-state food chains, with Raising Cane’s, Roots Natural Kitchen, and Jaggers also opening locations around the city.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🎉 Events This Weekend

• Farm Fresh Bulk Chicken Sale
  📍 NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Fri, Aug 8 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM pickup
  🎟️ Pre‑order required (via House of Raeford Farms), drive‑through pickup—just pull up and load, no exiting your car
  🍗 Bulk packages include 40 lb boxes of boneless breast, party wings, thighs, tenders, drumsticks, and sausage

• The Raleigh Market
  📍 NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Sat–Sun, Aug 9–10 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  🎟️ Free entry
  🛍️ Large flea market featuring vendors selling antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, furniture, food trucks, and more.

• BoutiqueBASH High‑End Consignment Sale
  📍 South Hills Mall & Plaza, 1213 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Fri–Sun, Aug 8–10 | Sat, Aug 9 • 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (plus presale days Fri & Sun)
  🎟️ Ticketed event—ranging from free public entry to $100 Sapphire early‑access tickets, required depending on the day

  🛍️ Shop a curated selection of boutique, sustainable, and high‑end designer clothing, children’s items, toys, and housewares from hundreds of vendors—voted one of Triangle’s top consignment sales

• Chico Bean Live at Raleigh Improv
  📍 Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
  🗓️ Fri–Sun, Aug 8–10 | Multiple showtimes
  🎟️ Ticketed event (21+), limited seats remaining
  🎤 Wild ’N Out comedian Chico Bean brings his high-energy stand-up to Raleigh Improv for five shows this weekend.

• NC Throwdown Food Truck Rodeo
  📍 Triangle Town Center (out front of Dillard’s), 5959 Triangle Town Blvd, Raleigh, NC
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 9 | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
  🎟️ Free entry; pay per food and drink
  🌮 10+ food trucks and 10+ local vendors, free covered seating and bounce houses

• Scrap Exchange Family Fun Day
  📍 Raleigh Scrap Exchange
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 9 | 11:00 AM
  🎟️ Free
  🎨 Community art & recycling nonprofit hosting family crafts, upcycling demos, and creative workshops—designed for groups and families.

• MLB Home Run Derby X at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
  📍 Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 9 | Gates open 5:30 PM, Event begins 7:00 PM
  🎟️ Ticketed event (starting around $19)
  ⚾ Four 3-on-3 co-ed teams—each led by MLB legends like Manny Ramirez, Andruw Jones, Ryan Zimmerman, and Jake Arrieta—compete in short, action-packed games.

• S’Morrisville: National S’mores Day Celebration
  📍 Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville, NC
  🗓️ Sat, Aug 9 | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
  🎟️ Free event; community-wide gathering
  🍫 Annual celebration featuring complimentary s’mores (including vegan options), food trucks, inflatables, music, games, and town booths.

• New City Church – Sunday Worship Service

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

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Friday, August 8

• 3×1 Virtual Jazz Trio @ House Creek Brewery Company
  🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh W @ Lake Boone Trail

• Kevin Lee Revival @ Lynnwood Grill
  🕒 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh W @ Glenwood / Lynn Rd

• Skull James @ Compass Rose Brewery
  🕒 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh NE @ Gresham Lake Rd

• Paul Atkinson @ The Pickled Onion – N Raleigh
  🕒 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ Six Forks / Strickland

• Hell’s Belles (AC/DC), Parallel Lives @ Wake Forest Listening Room
  🕒 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh SW @ 64 / Bypass

• Music Bingo Fridays @ Pourworks
  🕒 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ Ironworks District

• Plastic Flamingos, Sound System Seven, Ruler, The Unsustainables @ The Pour House Music Hall
  🕒 8:00 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh DT @ City Market

• RAAD OG @ Lincoln Theatre
  🕒 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh DT @ Moore Square

• DJ & Karaoke @ The Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grill
  🕒 9:30 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh W @ Hillsborough / Meredith

• DJ Dax @ The Pickled Onion – N Raleigh
  🕒 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  📍 Raleigh N @ Six Forks / Strickland

• Salsa Takeover Fridays @ The Vault
  🕒 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  📍 Raleigh DT @ Glenwood South

• DJ Nick Driver @ The Backyard Bar
  🕒 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  📍 Raleigh W @ US64W / Action

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Saturday, August 9

• The Vault @ Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson
  🕒 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh S @ S Saunders

• DJ Moseskiene @ Level7 Rooftop
  🕒 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ N Hills Midtown

• Boogie & Brews @ Boxcar Bar+Arcade - Raleigh
  🕒 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh DT @ Warehouse

• Cajammers @ Crazy Axe
  🕒 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  📍 Raleigh W @ Brier Creek

• Cocktails & Karaoke @ Raleigh Brewing Arboretum
  🕒 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  📍 Raleigh NW @ Glenwood / Duraleigh

• Chili Poppers (RHCP Tribute), Remake Yourself (Incubus Tribute) @ The Lincoln Theatre
  🕒 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
  📍 Raleigh DT @ Moore Square

• Tripis @ O'Malley's Pub & Restaurant
  🕒 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ Six Forks / Millbrook

• ArboBeat Wave Saturdays @ The Piper's Tavern
  🕒 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ N Falls of Neuse

• 154 @ The Cardinal Bar
  🕒 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ Six Forks / Millbrook

• Dave Durlantson @ The Cardinal Bar
  🕒 10:00 PM – 11:55 PM
  📍 Raleigh N @ Six Forks / Millbrook

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Downtown Boulevard (present-day Capital Boulevard). August 1983, looking northeast.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

81 🌡️ 68 | 🌦️ | 30%

Saturday

84 🌡️ 69 | 🌤️ | 20%

Sunday

88 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | 0%

LOCAL SPORTS

⚾️ Baseball

• Durham Bulls @ Memphis Redbirds
  📍 Away Games
  🗓️ Friday, August 8 | 8:05 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, August 9 | 7:35 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, August 10 | 2:05 PM

🏈 Football

• Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers (Preseason)
  📍 Home Game
  🗓️ Friday, August 8, 7 PM

THANKS!

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

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