Good afternoon, Raleigh. What is the least spoken language in the world?
Sign language
In today’s Raleigh Rundown:
8 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend
30 story rezoning approved
Toys “R” Us returning to Raleigh
Construction begins to complete 540
And more!
Let’s get to it. 🏃♂️
STORIES THIS WEEK
Raleigh Council Approves 30-Story Rezoning on Peace Street 🏬
In a reversal from two years ago, Raleigh City Council voted 6-2 to approve a rezoning that will allow two towers of up to 30 stories on Peace Street near the Smoky Hollow development. The project, by Raleigh Development Co., could include nearly 1,000 apartments, 500,000 square feet of office space, and ground-floor retail connected by a pedestrian promenade and grand stair into the future Smoky Hollow Park.
Concept of what development could look like
Council previously rejected a similar request in 2023, but waived the normal two-year wait to allow the developer to reapply. Some nearby residents opposed the taller height, while others supported the added density at the northern gateway into downtown. Conditions on the rezoning include height caps, stepbacks, limits on office space, and a $1.2 million affordable housing contribution.
Toys “R” Us returning to Raleigh 🪆
Toys “R” Us has made a comeback inside Macy’s at both Triangle Town Center in Raleigh and The Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The toy retailer closed all of its U.S. stores in 2018 after bankruptcy but is now back under new ownership by WHP Global.
Toys “R” Us in Crabtree Valley Mall now open
At Crabtree Valley Mall, new owner Macerich is bringing in several holiday tenants, including See’s Candies, A Christmas to Remember, and a larger Coach store. Future additions include Dick’s House of Sport as a new anchor, a Diamonds Direct showroom, and a second-floor tenant called Splash. Macerich, which bought Crabtree for $290 million earlier this year, plans to spend $60 million on upgrades and is still seeking new restaurants for former Brio and Uncle Julio’s spaces.
$120M Swing Racquet + Paddle Moves Forward in Brier Creek 🎾
Swing Racquet + Paddle, a $120 million sports and entertainment campus in Brier Creek, is moving toward construction with an expected opening in 2027. Billed as the world’s largest multi-racket and paddle facility, the 44-acre venue will feature 28 tennis courts, 25 pickleball courts, 15 padel courts, and more, alongside restaurants, walking trails, and greenway access.
Conceptual design
Wilson Sporting Goods will anchor a retail and research hub on-site, while Sweden’s Good to Great Tennis Academy and retired tennis pro Todd Martin join as key partners. Food and beverage operations will be led by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani’s restaurant group, with multiple dining options planned. Swing has signed a 100-year lease with the City of Raleigh and projects a $330 million economic impact within its first three years.
540 Construction Reaches Neuse River Trail 🛣️
Work is beginning this week on Phase 2 of the Complete 540 project near the Neuse River Trail in Knightdale. The $2 billion loop will eventually connect the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to I-87/US 64/US 264 in Knightdale, with completion targeted for 2028.
Phase 2 will complete 540
Crews are starting clearing work between Auburn Knightdale Road and Battle Bridge Road, a process expected to continue through early 2026. The Neuse River Trail will remain open daily during daylight hours, with flaggers guiding joggers and cyclists when equipment crosses the path. Once complete, Phase 2 will extend 10 miles and close the loop around Raleigh by linking I-40 to I-540.
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
🎉 Events This Weekend
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Opening Night)
📍 Lenovo Center, Raleigh
🗓 Thu, Oct 9 • 7:30 pm
🎟 Tickets required — season opener; TV: ESPN+/Hulu.
🎉 Expect a packed house and rivalry vibes as the Canes open the 2025–26 season against New Jersey.Annual Fall Flea Market at Antiques at Gresham Lake
📍 6917 Capital Blvd, Raleigh
🗓 Sat, Oct 11 • 8 am – 5 pm
🎟 Free entry
🎉 Browse antiques, crafts, and local treasures at this all-day market.NC Throwdown Food Truck Rodeo
📍 Triangle Town Center
🗓 Sat, Oct 11 • 11 am–9 pm. Facebook +1
🎟 Free entry — pay as you go for food. Triangle Town Center +1
🎉 Expect a big lineup of food trucks, local vendors, games, and family-friendly vibes.
The Market at Raleigh Iron Works
📍 Raleigh Iron Works (2200 Atlantic Ave)
🗓 Sat, Oct 11 • 11 am–4 pm
🎟 Free entry — monthly makers market hosted by Triangle Pop-Up.
🎉 Expect local artists & makers, live music, and shopping along Peden Way.Fall FestiBull at DBAP
📍 Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, Durham)
🗓 Sat, Oct 11 & Sun, Oct 12 • Sessions: 12:00–3:00 pm & 4:00–7:00 pm
🎟 Admission: ~$15 (age 13+) / ~$9 (ages 3–12)🎉 Fall-themed festival at the ballpark with games, food, and family fun.
Sneaky Penguin 3rd Anniversary Party
📍 Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company (7449 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh)
🗓 Sat, Oct 11 • 12–6 pm
🎟 Free entry — family-friendly brewery event.
🎉 Expect new beer releases, a DJ, raffles & giveaways, vendors, and more.Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
📍 Lenovo Center, Raleigh
🗓 Sat, Oct 11 • 7 pm
🎟 Tickets required
🎉 Rivalry night vibes in the Loudest House as the Canes host Philly.Anime Flea Market 14
📍 Anime Paradaisu (5208 Hollyridge Dr, Raleigh)
🗓 Sun, Oct 12 • 10 am–6 pm
🎟 Free to attend — tickets are only for sellers; outdoor market in the parking lot.
🎉 Expect 70+ vendors, cosplay contest, a maid café pop-up, and food trucks; family-friendly vibes.
RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK
Five Points from the roof of Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1970.
WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday
71 🌡️ 57 | 🌤️ | 0%
Saturday
70 🌡️ 60 | 🌧️ | 40%
Sunday
68 🌡️ 56 | 🌧️ | 50%
LOCAL SPORTS
🏈 College Football
Saturday: NC State @ Notre Dame | 3:30 PM
🏉 NFL
Sunday: Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers | 1:00 PM
🏒 Hockey
Thursday: Devils @ Hurricanes | 7:30 PM
Saturday: Flyers @ Hurricanes | 7 PM
THANKS!
P.S. When you don’t have your ducks in a row…
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