First Friday Raleigh: Art, Music & Women Who Wow
Celebrate creativity, community, and incredible women this month!

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The first Friday of every month, Downtown Raleigh turns into an artsy playground. Think late-night gallery hopping, live music, pop-up markets, food and drink specials, and enough creativity to make you consider taking up pottery (again). March’s edition (March 7th at Hartwell) is all about celebrating women—expect live music, a vendor market, free headshots (yes, really), flash tattoos, and more.
No, this isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you). We just think you should go. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
FYI: Our newsletter goes out every morning. Move our emails to your primary inbox so you can see the next edition! Our subject lines always include the 📧 emoji so they’re easy to find.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Tuesdays Just Got Tastier! 🍔🔥
Get your hands on $8 Craft Burgers with your choice of Fries or Tots at Bar Louie! No codes, no hassle—just show up and enjoy the deal.
📍 Where: Bar Louie - Brier Creek
📅 When: Every Tuesday
Have a phenomenal deal you'd like to share for FREE with 10,000+ people in the Triangle? Email [email protected]. It’s free to share a deal, but it has to be something really useful to our community.
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMS | 1,420 SQ FT | 0.30 ACRES | $265,000
Move in ready home in the heart of Raleigh with quick access to i40 & 440. This 3 bed, 1 bath split level home has LVP throughout, a wood burning fireplace in the oversized family room and sits on a comfortable 0.3 acre lot! Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,725 SQ FT | 6,524 SQ FT LOT | $322,900
Price reduced! This Northeast Raleigh home offers fresh paint, a double deck, granite countertops, laminate hardwood floors, a two-car garage, and a fenced backyard, plus up to $50K in down payment assistance with a preferred lender. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2,002 SQ FT | 7,840 SQ FT LOT | $545,000
This beautifully maintained ranch home features 10-foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. Take a look here →
👩 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)?
Longtime Raleigh real estate agent Heather Larose has the hookup and can get you in. But don’t wait—these homes are likely to draw a lot of interest! Contact Heather today via her website (it contains an email address, phone number you can text, etc.).*
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Vivace’s DUCK BREAST is expertly seared and served with velvety sweet potato purée, braised kale, and a rich, flavorful vin cotto.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: Blipimbap | Hamster | 3 Months | Female
Bibimbap is a cheerful, treat-loving hamster with the cutest chubby cheeks, ready to bring joy and energy to a loving forever home! Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Eagle Ridge on March 1 at 7AM for this semi-annual yard sale this weekend for great deals on electronics, household goods, yard items, clothing, and more! More details here →
Need a therapist in North Carolina? Raleigh native Hilary Norris might be for you.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward? Hilary Norris, LCSW, provides compassionate therapy to help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship struggles, or big life transitions, she offers a safe space to heal and grow. It’s so rare for qualified mental health practitioners to have openings, so don’t wait to contact her to see if this is right for you. To learn more or have a quick chat with Hilary, contact her via her website (it contains an email address, phone number you can text, etc.).*
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Fo Daniels X Virginia Man with Emerson Bruno | Indie/Folk Rock
Fo Daniels, Virginia Man, and Emerson Bruno each bring a distinct yet complementary sound—blending raw rock energy, emotional folk storytelling, and nostalgic melodies with modern twists—to create an unforgettable live music experience. | The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop | Feb 27, 7PM | $15-$20 | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Halsey | Indie/Alternative
Halsey is a genre-blending singer-songwriter known for her raw lyrics, powerful vocals, and chart-topping hits, with a bold artistic vision spanning music, activism, and visual storytelling. | Coastal Credit Union Amphitheater | May 29, 7PM | Get tickets here →
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Leonard Ouzts at Raleigh Improv | February 28, 7PM | Leonard Ouzts is a fast-rising stand-up comedian known for his laid-back, observational humor and Southern charm. Hailing from Virginia, his comedy reflects real-life experiences with a sharp, relatable twist. He has performed on CONAN, Adam Devine’s House Party, and Gotham Comedy Live, and has appeared in shows like Master of None, Comedy Knockout, and Wild 'N Out. Named a Top Ten Comic to Watch by Rolling Stone, Ouzts blends storytelling with sharp wit, delivering effortlessly funny and down-to-earth performances. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Tiffany Haddish at the Carolina Theatre | March 29, 7PM | Tiffany Haddish is a bold, high-energy, and charismatic comedian known for her raw storytelling, infectious personality, and sharp observational humor. She blends hilarious personal anecdotes with fearless social commentary, often drawing from her own life experiences. Haddish’s uninhibited, lively delivery and unfiltered authenticity make her performances both relatable and empowering, earning her a place as one of today’s most in-demand comedic voices. Get tickets here →
Raleigh Reads:
🚗 North Carolina Day Trips includes 170 must-visit destinations, organized by theme.*
🔍 Raleigh's Great Scavenger Hunt Adventure uncovers 50 must-see spots and hidden gems.*
🥾 Best Hikes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill features 40 family-friendly hikes within an hour of the Triangle, including hidden trails.*
🚙 Backroads of North Carolina uncovers the state’s most scenic drives, charming small towns, and hidden gems—complete with maps, travel tips, and stunning photography.*
🏕️ North Carolina Adventure Weekends maps out epic outdoor getaways—featuring the best spots for hiking, cycling, climbing, and paddling, plus where to eat, stay, and stock up on gear.*
🎧 Get 12 FREE bestselling audiobooks with this Audible deal.*
🏆 Finally, this one has nothing to do with Raleigh (it’s about happiness) but it’s currently #1 on Amazon, so we thought you’d like to check it out.*
Drop-In Workouts Around Raleigh:
No recurring gym membership required.
⚡ CrossFit | February 28, Multiple Times | United Fitness | $25 | 9009 Baileywick Rd, Raleigh
🎶 Ballroom Dance Class | February 28, 12:15PM | GLOW | $19 | 1924 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh
Raleigh Household Deals:
🛏️ Get comfy: This could be the comfiest thing you ever put on your bed.*
☕ Your coffee game, upgraded: This top-rated coffeemaker makes the perfect cup. It’s not the cheapest but it’s way cheaper than a daily Starbucks.*
🛒 Harris Teeter savings: Chobani Zero Sugar Yogurt or Flips, 8 for $10
🦁 Food Lion savings: International Delight Creamers, $3.79 each
Oak City Job Openings:
🤝 TARBORO JOB: Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. is seeking a Sales Merchandiser.
The Bulk Account Merchandiser (BAM) is responsible for selling, ordering, and merchandising products by maintaining store displays, executing promotions, managing inventory, and fostering relationships with customers to drive sales and ensure efficient product distribution. More details here →
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Canrobert Insurance Services is seeking a Sales Representative.
The Outside Sales Manager at Canrobert Insurance Services is responsible for selling life insurance and annuities, managing client relationships, and driving sales growth through a mix of leads, direct outreach, and territory development. More details here →
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: CVS Health is seeking a Supervisor, Health Services.
The Supervisor, Health Services at CVS Health oversees a team managing post-service claim reviews, ensuring compliance, quality, and process efficiency in utilization management and claims processing. More details here →
📢 LOOKING TO HIRE? Email [email protected] and we’ll send your job out to the community.
The Hookup:
📖 Grandkids.com – Preserve cherished memories by turning your parent’s or grandparent’s life story into a beautifully written book.*
🛠️ HomeRemodeling.com – Compare bids from top remodelers and get the best quality, service, and price for your home project.*
📚 MemoirGhostwriting.com – Share your story effortlessly with skilled ghostwriters who deliver stunning books that stand the test of time.*
Raleigh Hidden Gem:
If you ever need a quiet escape without leaving Raleigh, Yates Mill is the spot. It’s this beautifully restored 18th-century gristmill tucked away in a nature preserve, and the whole place feels like stepping back in time. The walking trails around the pond are perfect, especially in the fall when the leaves hit just right. Bring a picnic, take it slow, and just soak it all in.
—Lauren, a Raleigh.com reader
Have a Raleigh tip or hidden gem? Email [email protected] and we might feature it.
Love Free Stuff?
🛍️ Get a free Raleigh.com tote bag! Just visit Carroll’s Kitchen in downtown Raleigh, purchase anything, and they’ll hand you a free Raleigh.com tote bag. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause—Carroll’s Kitchen serves up delicious meals while providing jobs for women overcoming adversity. Mon-Fri, 8AM-2PM.
🎧 Unlimited audiobooks, 100% FREE to try! Dive into endless audiobooks—your first month is totally free, cancel anytime.*
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