⚡️️ Sponsorship - Get your service or business in front of 950+ Raleigh locals

Good afternoon, Raleigh. Air used to be free at the gas station. Now it's $1.50. You know why? 

Inflation. 💸

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 9 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• Tom Dundon sill eyeing Raleigh MLB team

• Local sports bar chain named top 10 best

• Atlantic Avenue construction nearing completion

• And more!

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

STORIES THIS WEEK

Tom Dundon Still Eyeing MLB in Raleigh ⚾️

Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon remains interested in bringing Major League Baseball to Raleigh, even after reaching an agreement last month to buy the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork told the Sports Business Journal that Dundon is “very much interested” in pursuing a team.

Fork noted a stadium could not be built near the Lenovo Center due to future development plans but said multiple other public and private sites are being considered, including downtown Raleigh. For context, existing MLB stadiums range from 8 acres at Wrigley Field to 85 acres at Camden Yards, giving planners flexibility in size. MLB is expected to add two expansion teams in the coming years, though no official timeline has been set.

Carolina Ale House Named a Top Sports Bar Chain 🍻

Carolina Ale House, part of Raleigh-based LM Restaurants, has been ranked No. 10 on USA Today’s 10Best list of sports bar chains in the U.S. Known for its TVs, beer selection, and wings, the chain operates more than 20 locations across the Southeast, including six in the Triangle.

The Glenwood South location in Raleigh closed earlier this year, but other North Carolina sites include Wilmington, Fayetteville, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte. USA Today praised the brand for its extensive beer offerings and Southern-inspired bar food ranging from fried pickles to buffalo chicken dip. LM Restaurants, owned by the Moshakos family, also runs several other Triangle dining spots and was recently recognized in the Triangle Business Journal’s Fast 50 Awards.

Atlantic Avenue Safety Upgrades Near Completion 🚧

A long-delayed project to revamp Raleigh’s Atlantic Avenue between New Hope Church Road and Highwoods Boulevard is entering its final stages. Paving on the southbound lanes begins next week, with sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and a multi-use path set for installation this fall.

City officials say the upgrades, part of the Complete Streets program, aim to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in an area that has seen multiple crashes, particularly at the Ingram Drive intersection. The project, which began planning in 2019 and faced contractor setbacks in 2023, is now expected to wrap up by next summer. Costs have climbed from the original $12 million estimate to nearly $14 million amid rising labor and material prices.

Canes Open Preseason at Renovating Lenovo Center 🏒

The Carolina Hurricanes kick off their preseason Monday night at 7 p.m. against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Lenovo Center. Fans will notice major renovations underway as part of a $300 million project, including updated concourses, new concessions, and a third-level viewbar that will be open to all ticket holders.

Phase one of the work, costing about $100 million, also includes six premium suites and expanded meeting space at ice level. While these upgrades won’t be finished by opening night on Oct. 9, they are expected to open later this fall. Canes president Doug Warf says construction won’t affect parking or the overall fan experience — and with new road uniforms and a strong roster, excitement is high heading into the season.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🎉 Events This Weekend

• 919 Day - A Raleigh Celebration
  📍 The Corner at NC State Centennial Campus - 941 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh
  🗓 Fri, Sept 19 | 5:00-9:00 PM
  🎟 Free — A community block party with food trucks, live music, and outdoor vendors.
  🎉 Great way to kick off the weekend with local flavor, friends, and fun under the stars.

• The Big Bounce America — Raleigh
  📍 Lakeside Retreats, 4521 Mial Plantation Rd, Raleigh, NC
  🗓 Fri–Sun, Sept 19-21
  🎟 Tickets required — Sessions cost $22-$35 depending on age/ticket type.

• 🎉 A massive inflatable event with attractions like The Giant (huge obstacle course), airSPACE (slides, ball pits, alien/space-themed inflatables), Sport Slam, plus different time slots for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.

• Wake County Honor Run 2025
  📍 2300 Law Enforcement Drive, Raleigh, NC
  🗓 Sat, Sept 20 | 9:00 AM EDT
  🎟 Registration required — A 5K run/walk event benefiting the children and families of North Carolina’s fallen law enforcement officers. Adult registration is around $30, kids (13 & under) $10.
  🎉 Expect a community-focused event with a course map available, participants of all ages, and a cause that supports honoring law enforcement families.

• The International Festival 2025
  📍 NC State Fairgrounds, 4825 Trinity Rd (Gate 9, field near the Martin Building), Raleigh, NC
  🗓 Sat, Sept 20 | 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
  🎟 Free admission — A vibrant celebration of global culture with international food & desserts, live music & performances, kid-friendly activities, bazaars, beer & wine.
  🎉 Expect colorful cultural displays, audience participation, traditional dance & music, plus unique shopping and food from over 30 countries.

• BugFest at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
  📍 NC Museum of Natural Sciences
  🗓 Sat, Sept 20 | all day
  🎟 Free — A family science festival celebrating insects with over 100 exhibits, live entomology displays, games, and interactive crafts.
  🎉 Expect bug talks, hands-on learning, and tons of creepy-crawly fun for all ages.

• Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
  📍 Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC
  🗓 Sat, Sept 20 | 1:00-5:00 PM
  🎟 Free admission — A German-inspired fall festival with seasonal brews, German cuisine, live music, and shopping.
  🎉 Highlights include the 9th Annual Wiener Dog Races, fun for the whole family, and a festive Bavarian vibe.

• NC State at Duke Football Game
  📍 Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
  🗓 Sat, Sept 20 | 4:00 PM ET
  🎟 Tickets required — College football ACC matchup between NC State Wolfpack and Duke Blue Devils.
  🎉 Expect a competitive game: NC State enters undefeated and looking to continue strong, while Duke hopes to rebound after early season losses.

• 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.

• Brier Creek Fall Food Truck Festival
  📍 Brier Creek Corporate Center, 8010 Arco Corporate Dr, Raleigh, NC (behind Brier Creek Commons)
  🗓 Sun, Sept 21 | 5:00-8:00 PM
  🎟 Free admission — A family-friendly festival featuring 40+ food trucks, live music from SPIKED with DJ Elixir, kids’ zone, games, face painting & local vendors.
  🎉 Bring a lawn chair, enjoy a relaxed evening out, and taste everything from comfort food and BBQ to global eats and sweet treats.

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Crabtree Valley Mall on opening day. August 2, 1972.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

89 🌡️ 65 | 🌤️ | 0%

Saturday

87 🌡️ 64 | 🌤️ | 20%

Sunday

82 🌡️ 65 | ⛅️ | 20%

LOCAL SPORTS

🏈 College Football

• Saturday: UNC @ UCF | 3:30

• Saturday: NC State @ Duke | 4:00 PM

🏉 NFL

• Sunday: Atlanta Falcons @ Caroline Panthers | 1:00 PM

THANKS!

P.S. How to scare your doctor…

ADVERTISE IN THE RALEIGH RUNDOWN

⚡️ Click here for sponsorship information and availability. 📺