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Good afternoon, Raleigh. What does an angry pepper do?

It gets jalapeño your face. 🌶️

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

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

• Entertainment destination coming to Raleigh

• Old southern Wake airstrip getting new life

• New towers coming to North Hills

• And more!

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

STORIES THIS WEEK

Carolina Hurricanes Owner Eyes Adventure Destination Near RDU 🚴‍♀️

Pacific Elm Properties, led by Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, is in talks with RDU Airport Authority to develop a 100+ acre “entertainment destination” along I-40 near Lake Crabtree. Inspired by attractions like the U.S. National Whitewater Center, the proposal could include zip-lining, climbing, paddling, skating, and expanded mountain biking.

While no final plans are approved, public input will shape the project, with the first workshop expected August 19. The development would transform unused land into a revenue-generating outdoor hub, adding to the region’s recreational offerings. A lease deal would help RDU fund future capital projects as the airport handles increasing passenger demand.

Old Fuquay Airstrip Transformed into Southern Wake Regional Airpark 🛩️

A group of Triangle entrepreneurs has breathed new life into the long-dormant Triple W Airport in Fuquay-Varina, now renamed Southern Wake Regional Airpark. With over $3 million in renovations, the revamped facility is positioned to attract private aircraft and boost the local economy.

Upgrades include an extended runway, new lighting, and infrastructure improvements to support future flight training and events. Investors are betting on rising demand for general aviation as RDU focuses more on commercial travel. Fuquay’s mayor says the project could eventually generate major tax revenue and help bring more visitors to southern Wake County.

Kane Realty Revives Plan for Taller Towers in North Hills 🏢

Kane Realty is preparing to refile a rezoning request for parts of the North Hills Main District, aiming for building heights up to 37 stories. The new proposal covers six parcels near Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads and includes a public open house on July 30.

Unlike its 2021 plan, this version maintains the same square footage and unit count but redistributes them into taller buildings to allow more open space and pedestrian engagement. The company is adjusting its approach after the city halted the Six Forks Road widening project, which was tied to the original zoning plan. With a new City Council and a lowered overall density, Kane hopes for a smoother approval process this time.

Triangle Breweries Face Headwinds as Market Shifts 🍻

Craft breweries across the Triangle are feeling the squeeze as rising costs, shifting consumer tastes, and increased competition force many to close, restructure, or rethink their business models. Havoc Brewing in Pittsboro filed for bankruptcy after construction delays and rising interest rates strained its finances, while others like Cotton House and Duck-Rabbit also faced financial turmoil.

Industry veterans say the explosion of breweries over the last decade has outpaced demand, and changing preferences—toward seltzers, THC drinks, and traditional beers—have further complicated sales. Some breweries are leaning into distribution, while others pivot to more diverse offerings and taproom events to stay afloat. Despite the challenges, leaders remain hopeful that adaptability and community support can carry the industry forward.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

🎉 Events This Weekend

• GalaxyCon Raleigh
  📍 Raleigh Convention Center
  🗓️ Friday, July 25 – Sunday, July 27 | Multiple sessions
  🎟️ Tickets from ~$40
  🎮 Four-day pop‑culture convention with cosplay, panels, celebrity meet‑and‑greets, gaming, anime, comics, and more

• GalaxyCon Street Fest
  📍 Various streets near Convention Center
  🗓️ Friday–Sunday evenings | See convention schedule
  🎟️ Included with GalaxyCon pass
  🎭 Costumes, live music, street vendors & themed activations

• NASCAR Regional: Capital Chevrolet 175
  📍 Wake County Speedway (South Raleigh)
  🗓️ Friday, July 25 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  🎟️ Ticketed
  🏁 Regional stock‑car racing under the lights

• Monster Jam & Pit Party
  📍 PNC Arena
  🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | Pit Party 10:30 AM | Shows later afternoon/evening
  🎟️ Ticketed
  🚚 Get up close with monster trucks, meet drivers, and catch jaw‑dropping shows

• Durham Bulls Camp‑Out Night
  📍 Durham Bulls Athletic Park (Durham)
  🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | 6:35 PM – Sunday, July 27 | 9:00 AM
  🎟️ ~$38 (includes game, fireworks, camping amenities

• Wiz Khalifa & Sean Paul – Good Vibes Only Tour
  📍 Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
  🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | Evening show
  🎟️ Ticketed
  🎶 Hip‑hop and reggae hits with special guest DaBaby

• Goo Goo Dolls & Dashboard Confessional
  📍 Red Hat Amphitheater
  🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | Evening show
  🎟️ Ticketed
  🎤 Emo‑alt rock headliner concert

• Outlaw Music Festival
  📍 Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
  🗓️ Sunday, July 27 | 5:00 PM
  🎟️ Tickets from $54
  🎸 Featuring Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, and more

• Live After Five Summer Concert
  📍 Fayetteville Street (Downtown)
  🗓️ Friday, July 25 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  🎟️ Free
  🎷 Latin‑funk rhythms with Kooley High and Charly Lowry, plus local brews & trucks

• Bubble Fest
  📍 Moore Square
  🗓️ Sunday, July 27 | 12 - 5 PM
  🎟️ Free
  🫧 Family‑friendly giant‑bubble play party

• Car-Versary: American Muscle Car Show
  📍 1924 Capital Blvd, Raleigh
  🗓️ Sunday, July 28 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  🎟️ Free entry
  🚗 Celebrate classic and modern American muscle with local car enthusiasts at this community car meet.

• New City Church – Sunday Worship Service

  📍5365 Bartram Place, Raleigh (Pine Hollow Middle School)
  🗓️ Sunday, July 6 | 10:00 AM
  🙌 Gospel-centered church service for the whole family.

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

Sad day today friends. The place where I go online each week to curate a list for local live music in Raleigh has not released their lists of local music happening in Wake County this weekend. 😢

I anticipate this live local music section will be up and running again like normal in next week’s newsletter.

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Aerial view of The Village District (formerly Cameron Village) c. 1948.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

97 🌡️ 78 | 🌤️ | 20%

Saturday

99 🌡️ 79 | 🌤️ | 20%

Sunday

100 🌡️ 80 | 🌤️ | 20%

LOCAL SPORTS

⚾️ Baseball

• Durham Bulls VS Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
  📍 Home Games
  🗓️ Friday, July 25 | 6:35 PM
  🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | 6:35 PM
  🗓️ Sunday, July 27 | 5:05 PM

THANKS!

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

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