TOGETHER WITH

Good afternoon, Raleigh. The other day, my wife asked me to pass her lipstick, but I accidentally passed her a glue stick.

She still isn't talking to me. 💄

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

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

• $73 million play plaza opening Friday

• Landmark BBQ joint has sold its property

• Raleigh to Richmond rail getting massive funding

• And more!

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

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STORIES THIS WEEK

Massive new Gipson Play Plaza opening Friday 🛝

Dorothea Dix Park’s transformation continues with the grand opening of Gipson Play Plaza, a stunning 18.5-acre playground and gathering space opening this weekend, with grand opening festivities happening Friday - Sunday. Designed as a major entry point to the park, the plaza features immersive public art, including giant deer sculptures and a poetic tribute engraved in the garden.

The $73.5 million project includes a sand pit, waterfall, sensory maze, and Raleigh’s first concessions area inside the historic “House of Many Porches.” While the adventure play area is a major draw, organizers emphasize that the space offers something for everyone, from quiet gardens to rocking-chair relaxation with coffee or wine. Park hours will be 8am - 9pm daily.

Raleigh to Richmond rail work continuing 🚉

North Carolina’s plan for high-speed passenger rail between Raleigh and Richmond is nearing a key federal review that could reinstate nearly $1.1 billion in funding. The project aims to convert an existing freight line into a corridor for trains traveling up to 110 mph, starting with the Raleigh-to-Wake Forest segment.

NCDOT officials say the funding delay is procedural and expect paperwork to be finalized in the coming weeks. The S-Line would significantly shorten East Coast Amtrak travel times and eventually add stations in towns like Wake Forest and Apex. The state has seen record rail ridership recently, underscoring growing demand for passenger service.

Landmark downtown BBQ joint sells property 🐖

After 87 years in Downtown Raleigh, Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque has sold its property at 327 S. Wilmington St. for $2.24 million to Eric Zheng and Jinxia Dong, owners of Hibachi 88. Zheng plans to lease the space back to Clyde Cooper’s for six months before remodeling it into a new Hibachi 88 location, expected to open in April 2026.

The future of Clyde Cooper’s remains uncertain, though owner Debbie Holt had previously shared intentions to move the restaurant due to concerns over downtown’s post-pandemic recovery. Zheng sees the downtown location as a strategic move to grow his brand and attract foot traffic from events in the area.

Raleigh’s most unique hotel to stay 🏨

The iconic round Holiday Inn building in Downtown Raleigh will remain a part of the skyline, but with a new identity. The hotel at 320 Hillsborough St. is being converted into a Hotel Indigo, a boutique brand under IHG Hotels & Resorts.

This marks a major shift from the owner's previous plans to demolish the building for a 20-story mixed-use tower. Renovations are set to begin soon, with financing expected to close this month and construction fencing going up. Once complete, it will be one of only three Hotel Indigo locations in North Carolina.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🎉 Events This Weekend

• The Soccer Tournament (TST) – $1 Million 7v7 World Championship
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
  🗓️ Wednesday–Monday, June 4–9
  🎟️ Tickets start at $20; Buy Tickets

• Gipson Play Plaza Ribbon Cutting
  📍 Dorothea Dix Park
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  ⏰ Park opens at 8 AM on Saturday + Sunday
  🎟️ Free
  Celebrate the opening of Raleigh’s 18.5-acre play plaza featuring gardens, public art, and adventure play areas.

• First Friday at The Times: June 2025
  📍 The Raleigh Times Bar
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  🎟️ Free
  A lively night of drinks, art, and music in downtown Raleigh’s most iconic newspaper-turned-bar.

• Forever Clean 165
  📍 Wake County Speedway
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 7:00 PM
  🏁 Local stock‑car racing under the lights.

  🎟️ Ticketed

• NC Courage vs. Kansas City Current
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 7:00 PM

  🎟️ Ticketed
  NWSL home matchup.

• Oak City Cigar Festival
  📍 Raleigh Convention Center
  🗓️ Friday–Sunday, June 7–9
  🎟️ Ticketed

• Raleigh International Food Festival
  📍 Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  🎟️ Free
  Enjoy international cuisines, music, dancing, and family-friendly fun at this popular multicultural event.

• Luke Bryan: Mind of a Country Boy Tour
  📍 Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 7:00 PM
  🎟️ Ticketed
  🎤 Country superstar Luke Bryan brings his high-energy show to Raleigh with special guests George Birge, Larry Fleet, and Chayce Beckham.

• NC Collectors Roadshow
  📍 NC State Fairgrounds – Exposition Center
  🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, June 8–9
  ⏰ Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  🎟️ Free
  Browse sports cards, comics, coins, antiques, and rare finds from vendors across the region.

• Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chapter
  📍 Lenovo Center
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 8:00 PM
  🎟️ Ticketed
  Hip-hop legends take the stage for a farewell show in their final tour.

• New City Church – Sunday Worship Service
  📍 6904 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
  🗓️ Sunday, June 9 | 10:00 AM
  🙌 A welcoming, gospel‑centered church for the whole family.

HAPPENING RIGHT OUTSIDE OF RALEIGH

🎉 Festivals & Family-Friendly Events

Cary

• Bands, Bites, and Boats
  📍 Bond Park Boathouse
  🗓️ Friday, June 6 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  🎶 Enjoy live music, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals on Bond Lake.

• The Cary Cup Soccer Tournament
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park - Cary
  🗓️ Wednesday–Sunday, June 4-9
  ⚽ Inaugural 7v7 youth soccer tournament with a festival atmosphere

• Downtown Cary Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt
  📍 Downtown Cary
  🗓️ Saturday, June 7 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  🧭 Explore downtown Cary with this interactive scavenger hunt.

Apex

• Apex Farmers Market
  📍 The Depot, 220 N. Salem Street
  🗓️ Saturday, June 7 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  🥕 Shop local produce, baked goods, and crafts.

Wake Forest

• National Trails Day 5K/3K
  📍 E. Carroll Joyner Park
  🗓️ Saturday, June 7 | Check-in at 7:00 AM
  🏃‍♀️ Family-friendly walk/run event celebrating National Trails Day.

• Cars and Carnivores 3rd Annual Street Festival
  📍 339 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC
  🗓️ Saturday, June 7 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  🚗 Classic car show with food trucks and live music.

Holly Springs

• Holly Springs Farmers Market
  📍 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
  🗓️ Saturday, June 7 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  🥕 Fresh produce, local goods, and live music.

• Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Asheboro ZooKeepers
  📍 Ting Stadium, Holly Springs
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 6:30 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 6:30 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, June 9 | 5:40 PM

Garner

• Friday Family Flicks: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
  📍 Garner Performing Arts Center, Garner, NC
  🗓️ Friday, June 6 | 7:00 PM
  🎬 Free family movie night.

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Friday, June 6

• 22 Strings Duo @ Salty Turtle Beer Co.
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Wakefield
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• The Blinders @ The Raleigh Times Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Hargett St
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Grace Lucia Lee @ Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Seaboard
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• RANDO @ Union Station Bar & Grill
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Warehouse District
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• ANJO Band @ Raleigh Beer Garden
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Glenwood South
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Ariel Pocock & Chad Eby (featuring Gappin-Stanyhorn) @ Sharp 9 Gallery
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Millbrook
  Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

• Mike Gangi featuring Alex Shepard @ The Piper’s Tavern
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Durant
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Otis Kings @ High Park Bar & Grill
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Iron Works District
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• For the People @ Tap Yard Raleigh
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Iron Works District
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Kevin Lee @ North Ridge Pub
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Falls of Neuse
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Crush @ Slim’s Dive Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• The Amazing Lounge Lizards @ The Cardinal Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NW @ Creedmoor
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• Nathan Wayne @ The Brick House
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ US401 / NC55
  Time: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

• DJ Nick Driver @ The Backyard Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NW @ US401 / Action
  Time: 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM

🎶 Raleigh Live Music – Saturday, June 7

• International Food/Music Fest @ City Plaza Stage
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Fayetteville St
  Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Bella G @ The Preserve at Smith Creek
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NW @ Bruce / Gresham
  Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Trippin’ Breakers Band @ Scooter’s Bar & Grill (25th Allstar Ride for Life)
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Atlantic / Millbrook
  Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Steel County Express @ Kings
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT
  Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Youth Fountain, Sad Park, Good Terms @ Kings
  Neighborhood: Raleigh DT @ Warehouse District
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Forest Rising @ Saints & Scholars Pub
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Six Forks / Millbrook
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Robert Hunter @ The Mason Jar Lager Company
  Neighborhood: Raleigh NW @ Creedmoor
  Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Eric Tubbs @ The Cardinal Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh N @ Glenwood / Five Points
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• DJ Purify @ The Backyard Bar
  Neighborhood: Raleigh W @ US64W / Action
  Time: 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, 1962.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

88 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | 20%

Saturday

90 🌡️ 69 | ⛈️ | 50%

Sunday

87 🌡️ 68 | ⛈️ | 70%

LOCAL SPORTS

⚾️ College Baseball – NCAA Super Regionals

Both Duke and UNC have advanced to the super regionals and will play host this weekend for their respective games. Winners will advance to the College World Series.

• UNC vs. Arizona
  📍 Boshamer Stadium, Chapel Hill
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 12:00 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 12:00 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, June 9 | TBD (if necessary)
  The Tar Heels host Arizona in a best-of-three series for a spot in the College World Series.

• Duke vs. Murray State
  📍 Jack Coombs Field, Durham
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 1:00 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 12:00 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, June 9 | TBD (if necessary)
  The Blue Devils host Murray State in Durham to continue their postseason run.

⚾️ Baseball

• Durham Bulls @ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
  📍 Away Games
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 7:05 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 6:35 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, June 9 | 3:05 PM
  Triple-A baseball on the road in Florida.

⚽ Soccer

• NC Courage vs. Kansas City Current
  📍 WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
  🗓️ Friday, June 7 | 7:00 PM
  NWSL home matchup.

• North Carolina FC @ Union Omaha
  📍 Away Game
  🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 8:00 PM
  USL League One action as NCFC visits Nebraska.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who is pregnant. 🤰

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