2025 NC Auto Expo: The 38th Annual Showcase of Cars, Trucks & Future Rides
Test drives, showstoppers, and just enough vroom to spark your next obsession.
Shannon
April 24, 2025
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Buckle up, Raleigh—the 38th Annual North Carolina International Auto Expo is rolling into the NC State Fairgrounds from April 25 to April 27, and it’s revved up to be a good time. Whether you're into sleek EVs, monster trucks, or “something safe for the teen,” this is your one-stop shop. Open Friday 11–7, Saturday 9–7, and Sunday 10–3, the expo features all the major players—Mustang, Bronco, Hummer EV, even that Buick your grandma low-key loves.
Be sure not to miss the Ride & Drive experience, where you can test drive the latest models without the awkward dealership small talk. And if you’re still not convinced, click here to see what your future car might look like…or at least sit in it and pretend. Snag your tickets here!
This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if we were getting paid in floor mats). We just really like the smell of new cars. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 Get to Know Raleigh’s Secrets:
The Raleigh Bundle, a collection of expert guides from our team, is packed full of hidden gems, scenic escapes, and unforgettable experiences that even longtime locals miss.
(We just added new bonuses that come with the guides.)
The 919 Deal Drop:
Snag these sippable steals at Carolina Ale House 🔥
Daily drink specials are flowing—think $3.50 pints, $6 cocktails, and more. No code or secret handshake needed—just show up and sip.
📍Where: Carolina Ale House
📅 When: Every day
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,340 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $265,000
Freshly updated and move-in ready, this spacious North Raleigh townhome in Highland Creek offers modern upgrades, dual primary suites, and resort-style amenities—all in a prime location with easy access to shops, dining, and major highways.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,668 SQ FT | .07 ACRES | $335,000
Move-in ready and full of upgrades, this stylish North Raleigh townhome features a designer kitchen, finished walkout basement, wooded views, and trail access to Shelley Lake—plus no HOA and just 15 minutes to downtown!* Take a look here →
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This spacious and smartly designed 3BR/3BA home in a premier 55+ Raleigh community offers dual primary suites, a home office, bonus room, and serene outdoor living—all on a cul-de-sac near parks and trails, with resort-style amenities just steps away.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2,537 SQ FT | .14 ACRES | $1,200,000
A historically significant Victorian-era home built in 1883 for North Carolina’s first female bank president, featuring original heart-pine floors, Charleston-style porches added circa 1920, and modern updates including a high-end kitchen and marble-accented baths, all located in Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood.* Take a look here →
👨 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES OR OTHERS IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? TEXT OR CALL RYAN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION…
Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…
been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report
accumulated 595 Google reviews and a 5-star rating
been voted the Triangle's best real estate company by INDY Week
Whether you're buying or selling, he and his team are ready to help you navigate the fast-moving Triangle market. Don’t wait—reach out today!*
Contact Ryan and mention Raleigh.com sent you and he’ll send you a FREE $6 Starbucks gift card!
📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: RaleighRealty.com
🏡 View Homes in Raleigh: RaleighRealty.com/raleigh
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Vieni Ristobar’s Brown Butter Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter, al dente rigatoni, and savory herbs—perfectly balanced for a cozy, flavor-packed bite.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: ARCHER | CAT | 3 MONTHS | MALE
Archer is a playful and curious 3-month-old gray tabby kitten with a heart full of purrs and a love for cuddles, ready to charm his way into your home! Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Meadowrun Drive on April 25-26 for a multi-family treasure hunt in Hope Valley Green, featuring everything from electronics and video games to home decor, plants, pet supplies, and unique finds like an extra-large mug rack! More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Intro to Equine Assisted Coaching Workshop at Carolina Morning Stables on May 8 at 6:30AM.
Intro to Equine Assisted Coaching is an evening workshop led by certified professionals Roz Tyburski and Heather Lewis, offering hands-on experience with horses to explore the potential of equine dynamics in coaching and personal development. Sign up here →
👕 SHOW YOUR PRIDE: Check out this fun Raleigh gear we made, including this Raleigh cityscape tee.
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: AERLIGH BEER ARDNGE
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Jackson Fig & Better Living | Punk
Gritty Charlotte punk meets Brooklyn rawness as Jackson Fig and Better Living bring the noise—plus Fireball specials all night. | Slim’s Dive Bar | April 25, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Thomas Rhett | Country
Thomas Rhett is a popular country music artist known for his catchy songs, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances that blend traditional country with pop influences. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | July 31, 8PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
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✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
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✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Want to apply to be added above? Find details here.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Tony Baker at Goodnights Comedy Club | April 26, 10PM | Tony Baker is a charismatic comedian best known for his hilarious animal voiceover videos and clean, observational stand-up that blends everyday life with a quirky, imaginative twist. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Zach Rushing at Goodnights Comedy Club | July 11, 7PM | Zach Rushing is a Southern comedian and motivational speaker known for his raw, unapologetic humor and heartfelt storytelling that blends blue-collar wit with real-life wisdom. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Yoga for Emotional Release @ The Mocha Room | May 17 | 7PM
Yoga for Emotional Release is a gentle-paced class designed for adults to heal, feel, and release emotions in a supportive and nurturing environment. Get details here →
🤝 Social Media Awareness Workshop @ The Citadel Space | May 18 | 1PM
The Social Media Awareness Workshop helps participants make informed choices, build healthy online habits, and maintain a balanced relationship with social media. Get details here →
You’ve gotta check out the North Carolina Railway Museum & New Hope Valley Railway. It’s this tucked-away gem where you can actually ride old trains through the woods. It feels like stepping back in time, but in a cozy, low-key way. Great for a lazy day or when you just want something different that still feels close to home.
—John, a longtime reader
Love hidden gems? There are 100+ more of them from our team in The Raleigh Bundle.
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Amberscript is seeking a Translator.
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: OneForma is seeking a Viva Audio Transcriptionist.
🤝 RALEIGH JOB: Ogletree Deakins is seeking an Immigration Mail Clerk.
💼 DURHAM JOB: Avance Care is seeking a Billing Specialist.
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