Good afternoon, Raleigh. What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?
AYE MATEY 🏴☠️
In today’s Raleigh Rundown:
8 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend
NC State Fair opens today
Savannah Bananas coming to the Triangle
Golf course becoming affordable housing
And more!
Let’s get to it. 🏃♂️
STORIES THIS WEEK
Affordable Housing Planned for Part of Raleigh Golf Association Property 🏠
Raleigh City Council has approved rezoning on two parcels of the Raleigh Golf Association course along Tryon Road, paving the way for new housing. Atlanta-based Dominium plans to build 370 apartments for renters earning 60% or less of the area median income.
Part in yellow rezoned for housing
The rezoning allows up to 400 residential units plus retail and office space, with conditions such as a protective yard buffer and traffic signal installation if more than 100 units are built. Meanwhile, McConnell Golf is investing $3.5 million to renovate the remaining RGA course, including a new driving range. Founded in 1929, RGA remains Raleigh’s oldest public golf course and will continue offering public play and memberships.
Savannah Bananas Coming to Chapel Hill 🍌
The Savannah Bananas are bringing their zany brand of “Banana Ball” to UNC’s Kenan Stadium on April 11–12, 2026, as part of their world tour. The Bananas will be the home team against the Texas Tailgaters in the 53,000-seat stadium, which has also hosted international soccer in recent summers.
Known for selling out NFL and MLB stadiums, the Bananas drew nearly 150,000 fans in Charlotte this year, generating almost $39 million in local economic impact. Their arrival is expected to be another major boost for the Triangle’s hospitality scene. Fans can enter a ticket lottery through October 31 for a chance to secure seats.
Grand Asia Market Expanding to Raleigh 🛒
Grand Asia Market, the popular Asian grocery in Cary, is planning a new location in the former Harris Teeter on Western Boulevard — with an expected opening in 2027. The Cary store’s lease runs through mid-2026, leaving it unclear if the Raleigh site will be an expansion or eventual relocation.
Owner Alice Chang’s LLC purchased Plaza West Shopping Center, where the store will be located, back in 2018 for $7.9 million. Plans filed with the City of Raleigh include facade updates, parking improvements, and a small expansion of the space. The move adds to the wave of retail reshuffling along Western Boulevard, which has seen new entertainment and fitness tenants in recent months.
NC State Fair Opens Today 🎡
The N.C. State Fair opens this Thursday in Raleigh and will run from October 16 to 26 at the State Fairgrounds. Nearly a million people attend each year (998,926 came in 2024, the sixth largest in fair history), making it one of the largest annual events in the state.
Fairgoers can expect a full lineup of rides, games, and more than 150 food vendors, including over 50 new foods making their debut this year. Special days include Military Appreciation Day on October 22, Senior Citizens’ Day on October 21, and Smithfield Hunger Relief Day on October 23, where guests can bring canned goods for free admission. From deep fried creations to agriculture exhibits and live entertainment, the fair remains a North Carolina tradition drawing close to a million visitors every fall.
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
🎉 Events This Weekend
NC State Fair
📍 NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
🗓 Thu, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 26
🕘 Hours vary by day
🎟 Gate admission required.
🎉 Highlights include over 100 rides and games, nightly fireworks, a sky-chair lift (State Fair Flyer), new food offerings, agricultural and craft exhibits, and grandstand events like the Tractor Pull (Oct 17-19)Pumpkin Patch Festival
📍 Parkside Town Commons, Cary
🗓 Sat, Oct 18 • 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
🎟 Free admission
🎉 Family-friendly fall fun with pumpkins, seasonal activities, and community festivities.Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival
📍 City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh
🗓 Sat, Oct 18 • 12:00–6:00 pm
🎟 Free admission (tasting tickets available for purchase)
🎉 Sample wines and craft beers from around the world, enjoy live music, and explore vendors in the heart of downtown Raleigh.Boo Bash
📍 1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville
🗓 Sat, Oct 18 • 3:00–6:00 pm
🎟 Free admission
🎉 Family-friendly Halloween celebration with costumes, candy, games, and activities for kids of all ages.Bull City Boos Fest 2025
📍 Durham Central Park, Durham
🗓 Sat, Oct 18 • 4:00–11:00 pm
🎟 Tickets required
🎉 A Halloween-themed festival with live music, food trucks, local brews, and plenty of spooky fun in the heart of downtown Durham.Raleigh Zombie Walk
📍 Moore Square, Raleigh
🗓 Sat, Oct 18 • 7:00 pm
🎟 Free admission
🎉 The undead take over downtown for this annual Halloween tradition. Come in costume and join the horde for a spooky stroll through the city.📍5365 Bartram Place, Raleigh (Pine Hollow Middle School)
🗓️ Sunday, October 19 | 10:00 AM
🎉 Gospel-centered church service for the whole family.The Witching Hour – Retro Halloween Market
📍 8521 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale
🗓 Sun, Oct 19 • 3:00–7:00 pm
🎟 Free admission
🎉 Shop vintage and spooky vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in retro Halloween vibes at this themed outdoor market.
RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK
NC State Fairgrounds, 1928.
WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday
68 🌡️ 49 | 🌤️ | 0%
Saturday
77 🌡️ 57 | 🌤️ | 0%
Sunday
80 🌡️ 53 | ⛅️ | 20%
LOCAL SPORTS
🏈 College Football
Friday: UNC @ California | 10:30 PM
Saturday: Georgia Tech @ Duke | 12 PM
🏉 NFL
Sunday: Carolina Panthers @ NY Jets | 1:00 PM
🏒 Hockey
Saturday: Carolina Hurricanes @ LA Kings | 9 PM
THANKS!
P.S. How to ruin a first date…
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