Harper Hour: Music, Food & Fun in the Park
An early-evening hangout with tunes, trucks, and something worth showing up for.
Shannon
April 14, 2025
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Clear your Thursday night, Raleigh—Harper Hour is kicking off April 17 at Harper Park from 5:30–7:30pm, and it’s bringing the vibes. Expect live acoustic music, local food trucks, and all-ages activities that make Thursday feel like the weekend. Can’t make this one? Mark your calendar for May 15, September 18, and October 16.
Not sponsored—just genuinely into free fun and good tunes. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 The Info You Need:
Get to know the Triangle better than any of your neighbors (pay what you think is fair, updated all the time).
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. The price? Whatever you think is fair.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t miss these $8 bites at Brio 🔥
Weekday happy hour just got tastier—Brio is serving up select drinks and menu items for only $8 from 3pm–6pm, Monday through Friday. No code, no catch—just show up and enjoy.
📍Where: Brio Italian Grille
📅 When: Weekdays, 3pm–6pm
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,214 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $290,000
Two-bedroom townhome in Brook Forest featuring a fireplace in the family room, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash, vaulted ceilings in both bedrooms, pull-down attic storage, private patio, and recent upgrades including a new HVAC, water heater, and energy-efficient patio door.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,157 SQ FT | .23 ACRES | $370,000
Updated single-story ranch home on a corner lot less than three miles from downtown Raleigh, featuring a remodeled galley kitchen, carpeted interior, first-floor primary suite with renovated bath, two additional bedrooms, a fenced backyard with Trex deck and storage shed, and recent upgrades throughout including landscaping and bathroom finishes.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,984 SQ FT | .41 ACRES | $685,000
Home on a cul-de-sac lot with golf course and water views, featuring hardwood floors, a gas cooktop kitchen with walk-in pantry, a main-floor primary suite, two upstairs bedrooms, a large bonus room, coffered ceilings in the dining room, a stone gas fireplace in the living area, three-season room, trex deck, unfinished walk-out basement, and access to community amenities including a pool, tennis courts, and pickleball.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 4,731 SQ FT | 1.88 ACRES | $1,250,000
Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac in North Raleigh's coveted Sheffield Manor, this beautifully updated all-brick home offers timeless design, a first-floor primary suite, and expansive living spaces across three levels—plus access to community amenities like a clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts.* 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: La Santa Modern Mexican Food’s Burrito Gringo Xin-Gon is a flavorful, inventive twist on the classic burrito, featuring a mix of bold spices, savory fillings, and a unique fusion of ingredients for an unforgettable taste experience.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: BRIDGETT | CAT | 1 YEAR | FEMALE
Bridgett is a gentle and sweet pup who may be a little shy at first, but with patience and kindness, she will blossom into a loyal and loving companion. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 9143 W. Marlboro Rd on April 14 at 6:30PM for an exciting Monday Night Auction Experience with antiques, collectibles, furniture, tools, door prizes, snacks, and a fun crowd at the Farmville Auction House! More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Make a Terrarium Garden Class at Gather Goods Co on April 15 at 6PM.
Create your own take-home terrarium garden in a fun and relaxed flower arranging class for adults, complete with tea, snacks, and good vibes. Sign up here →
👕 WEAR YOUR PRIDE: Check out these fun Raleigh shirts and mugs we made.
🧠 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: HNAS AUSREQ
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Return of the Mack: Throw It Back Party
It’s a full night of throwback hits—the ultimate mix of nostalgic songs and forgotten favorites that still hit just right. | Slim’s Dive Bar | April 16, 9PM | More details here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Avril Lavigne | Pop
Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter and pop-punk icon known for her rebellious spirit, catchy anthems, and empowering lyrics that have made her a staple in the early 2000s pop-punk and alternative rock scenes. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park At Walnut Creek | June 17, 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 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.
✔️ 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: Chris Munch at Goodnights Comedy Club | April 13, 4:30PM | Chris Munch is a character-driven comedian known for clean, heartfelt satire and viral personas like Stephen Stephens and Pastor Bobby, blending everyday observations with quirky characters to create relatable, family-friendly comedy that’s both funny and thoughtful. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Lavell Crawford at Goodnights Comedy Club | June 7, 6PM | Lavell Crawford is a comedian and actor best known for his role as Huell Babineaux in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, with his stand-up comedy focusing on personal experiences and energetic humor. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Running Event @ Brier Creek Beer Garden | April 17 | 6:30PM
Every Thursday at 6:30pm, the Brier Creek Run Club hosts a fun, all-levels 3.3-mile run through Brier Creek Country Club, followed by post-run drinks, snacks, and socializing at the Brier Creek Beer Garden—with a 10% food discount for participants. Get details here →
🤝 Downtown Walk + Ice Cream Social @ Moore Square | April 23 | 6:30PM
This 2-mile round-trip walk from Moore Square to Two Roosters Ice Cream offers a relaxed pace for dog owners and their pets, with opportunities to socialize and enjoy ice cream at the destination before walking back. Get details here →
Show Your Pride:
Love the Triangle as much as we do? Here’s something just for you from our designer—a little tribute to where we live. Every order helps keep this newsletter free and thriving. Click the image below to check it out:
Tucked above the Harley dealership on South Saunders, the Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum is one of Raleigh’s coolest hidden gems. It’s packed with vintage drag bikes, racing gear, and memorabilia from local legend Ray Price—aka the 'Father of the Funnybike.' Even if you’re not a gearhead, it’s worth a visit just to see how much history is crammed into that second floor. And yep, it’s free.
—Dorian, 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: Outschool is seeking a Data Analyst.
🤝 GARNER JOB: US Veterans Health Administration is seeking a Medical Records Technician (ROI).
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Minuteman Security Technologies Inc is seeking a Project Coordinator.
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