Geek and Grub: Fantasy Edition

Swords, spells, and shopping at Apex’s most magical market.

Author

Shannon
April 03, 2025

On April 6, don your finest cloaks, elf ears, or dragon onesies and head to Geek and Grub Market: Fantasy Edition at Optimist Farm Club in Apex (12–5 PM). It’s FREE and features everything from sword fights to magical creatures, 50+ geeky vendors, and quests for snacks. Think Ren Fest meets local market—with less mud and more cosplay. The Festival of Legends, The Sword Conservatory, and other fantastical folk await!

Not sponsored (we’d tell you). We just love a good reason to wear a cape in public. (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:

Don’t miss these upscale happy hour deals at Oak Steakhouse 🍷🔥

Unwind with daily Happy Hour specials—think elevated bites and drinks at a steal. No need to flash anything, just show up and enjoy.

📍Where: Oak Steakhouse
📅 When: Every day

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,740 SQ FT | .02 ACRES | $286,000
This charming 3-bedroom townhome in Wakefield Plantation offers an open floor plan, a spacious primary suite, and easy access to shopping, dining, I-540, RTP, and Downtown Raleigh.* Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,262 SQ FT | .05 ACRES | $320,000
Nestled in a charming North Raleigh neighborhood, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end-unit townhome features cathedral ceilings, a sunroom overlooking lush azaleas, a spacious primary suite with a skylight and walk-in shower, and modern air and water filtration systems, all just minutes from North Hills and Downtown Raleigh.* Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,420 SQ FT | .07 ACRES | $450,000
This spacious end-unit townhome in the desirable Wakefield community offers stunning golf course views, a beautifully updated kitchen, a luxurious owner's suite, and a cozy lower-level family room with a fireplace, all just minutes from shopping, dining, and major highways.* 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 $5 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: Two Guys Grille’s Mahi Mahi Salad is a refreshing dish featuring grilled mahi mahi atop crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty citrus dressing.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: CINNAMON | DOG | 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH | FEMALE
Cinnamon is a playful, affectionate, and social pup who loves making new friends, enjoying snuggles, and bringing joy to everyone she meets—ready to be your loyal and loving companion! Check her out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over near Ten Ten and Kilidare Farm Road until April 6 for a wide variety of great finds, including vintage furniture, home goods, tools, outdoor gear, bedding, DVDs, and more—priced to sell and ready for pickup! More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Learn painting and decorating wooden mini blocks at Youth Easter Mini Block Workshop on April 6 at 1PM.
A fun, family-friendly workshop where kids create a set of three Spring/Easter mini blocks with a variety of designs to choose from. Sign up here →

❤️ FIND YOUR MATCH: Meet new people at April Singles Happy Hour at Slims on April 12 at 2PM.
Meet and mingle with local singles at this fun Jigsaw Dating event, featuring icebreaker activities, prizes, and a complimentary drink for app members! Get details here →

Unscramble, Win a Prize:

Unscramble the Raleigh-related phrase below, be the first to reply to this email with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail.

OEAHDTRO XDI RAKP

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Liz Longley | Pop
Liz Longley is a singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics and soulful blend of folk, pop, and Americana. | Cat's Cradle | April 4, 8PM | $20 | Get tickets here →

🎤 Plan Ahead: Lord Huron | Rock
Lord Huron is an indie folk and alternative rock band known for their cinematic storytelling, dreamy melodies, and atmospheric soundscapes. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park At Walnut Creek | August 5, 7PM | 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 quality craftsmanship matters.

✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!

✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!

✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.

✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!

✔️ 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.

✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.

✔️ 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: Shapel Lacey at Goodnights Comedy Club | April 6, 7PM | Shapel Lacey is a high-energy comedian known for his bold storytelling, sharp wit, and personal takes on life, relationships, and his punk rock upbringing. Get tickets here →

😂 Plan Ahead: Donnell Rawlings at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 9, 7PM | Donnell Rawlings is a stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit and observational humor. His comedy style blends storytelling with bold, often unapologetic humor, drawing from his experiences in everyday life and pop culture. He gained widespread recognition for his work on Chappelle's Show, where his memorable characters, such as Ashy Larry, made a significant impact. 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.*

Find New Friends in Raleigh:

By popular demand, here are curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Sip n' Stroll Raleigh Public Art Tour @ Sidewalk Outside of Whiskey Kitchen | April 5 | 2PM
The Sip n' Stroll Downtown Raleigh Art Tour is a pay-what-you-want experience showcasing vibrant large-scale artworks around downtown, starting at Whiskey Kitchen. Registration is required, and the tour route may vary based on local events, providing opportunities to meet new people and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

🤝 FREE Photography Stroll & Meet Up @ Ment Beverage Co.| April 6 | 2PM
Join fellow photographers for a free, casual meetup at Ment Beverage Co., where you can share techniques, skills, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through ATC and downtown while capturing great shots.

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: 16 oz Campari Tomatoes, buy one get one free

🦁 Food Lion savings: 1 lb container of strawberries, 2 for $4

Oak City Job Openings:

💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Flexjobs.com is seeking a Customer Service Representative.
Assists customers by answering inquiries, resolving issues, and providing product or service information through various communication channels. More details here →

🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Outschool.com is seeking a Experienced Software Engineer.
Designs, develops, and optimizes software solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve system performance. More details here →

🤝 RALEIGH JOB: Halo Management Group is seeking a Customer Service Representative.
Assists customers by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing product or service information. More details here →

💼 RALEIGH JOB: Two Roosters Ice Cream is seeking a Seasonal Ice Cream Maker.
Seasonal Ice Cream Maker is responsible for high-volume batch production of ice cream and toppings, ensuring quality, food safety, and timely fulfillment for shops, catering, and wholesale orders in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. More details here →

The Hookup:

Dreaming of a new kitchen, finished basement, or a total home makeover? Fill out one quick form at HomeRemodeling.com and get multiple quotes from top-rated remodeling companies in Raleigh. It’s like speed dating for your dream remodel!*

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

You know, there's this spot in downtown Raleigh called The Haymaker. It's tucked away off Fayetteville Street, and it's got this cool mix of vintage boxing vibes and '90s hip-hop. They serve up some creative cocktails—like the 'Sing Like a Bee' in a teacup—that are both fun and delicious. It's one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, perfect for a laid-back evening with friends.

—Misty, a Raleigh.com reader

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.

Interested in Advertising in the Raleigh.com Daily Newsletter?

We offer some of the most cost-effective ways of connecting with 5,722 people across the Triangle. See our options with transparent rates here.

Above all, have a great day, Raleigh!

A reminder to our Raleigh neighbors: Dates and locations are accurate to the best of our knowledge when communicated, but things can change! Please check the event organizer's website before heading out!