BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC I attended Theatre Raleigh’s Great Gatsby Prohibition Party Wednesday night unsure of what to expect. I knew it would involve cocktails. I knew the story of The Great Gatsby would be conveyed by actors in some way. I knew to dress in 1920s clothing because it was an immersive event. I wasn’t sure, however, how exactly it would all go down.  I enjoyed being surprised as each new element of the performance unfolded, so I will not offer too many spoilers in this article. For those who wish to go into it without any expectations, I will begin with the following su ..read more

BY KYLE MARIE MCMAHON Over 100,000 Dreamers descended upon Dorothea Dix Park last weekend when J. Cole and his Dreamville Festival took over Raleigh. Pre-festival events started earlier in the week, with performances and pop-up shops in the Warehouse District, including Amazon Music’s Public Access livestream and a morning yoga session with Olu (a.k.a. Johnny Venus) of EarthGang. But the celebration truly began when doors opened on Saturday, April 6, and the first performer took the stage. Domani had the honor, and the party didn’t stop until almost midnight on April 7 ..read more

BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC Noticing itchier eyes than usual for this time of year? Sniffles? Sinus headaches? Has your partner or roommate been complaining that you’re snoring?  If so, take comfort in knowing you are not alone.  The pollen count has hit record highs in the Triangle this season according to North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality reports. The length and intensity of spring pollen counts has been increasing annually over the past few years, both in North Carolina and around the country, a trend that experts attribute to the effects of climate change. Right now ..read more

BY DATHAN KAZSUK Get ready to indulge in an array of BBQ goodness at the upcoming Gettin’ Piggy With It event in 2024! After the resounding success of its debut last year, this mouthwatering celebration is back for its sophomore edition, promising even more delicious bites, refreshing brews and lively entertainment. All photos courtesy of the Frankie Lemmon Foundation. Hosted by Durham’s Lawrence Barbecue and Raleigh’s Trophy Brewing, Gettin’ Piggy With It will occur on May 18-19. The festivities start with a VIP event at Young Hearts Distillery on day one, followed by ..read more

BY KURT DUSTERBERG   FEEL THE BEAT. Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park (111 Thurston Drive, Cary) will host a drumming event for third graders and older on Saturday, May 4, at 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The free event is led by Dori Staehle of Next Stage Drumming. Registration is required. Kids in second grade and younger may bring empty oatmeal or salt boxes to make their own drums and shakers. No registration is required for the younger children.   GIVEAWAY.  Midtown Magazine and Raleigh’s Burning Coal Theatre Company have teamed up to offer two ticket ..read more

BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC   Scott Crawford, whose flagship restaurant Crawford & Son is nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Hospitality” award, opens the doors to his fourth Raleigh restaurant today: Brodeto, which serves food influenced by the south Italian and Croatian traditions of the Adriatic coast. Expect smoky, wood-fired flavors and a heavy emphasis on seafood at Brodeto, which is named after a rich seafood stew native to the Adriatic region.  Examples of dishes served at Brodeto include:  All photos by Jessica Crawford. The namesake stew, brod ..read more

All photos by Jennifer Primrose/Triangle Around Town BY DATHAN KAZSUK   Sunday afternoons just got much more indulgent during your North Hills shopping excursion with the recent addition of Leo’s Italian Social, now open on the ground level of the Renaissance Hotel.

 Filling the space of the old Mia Francesca location, Leo’s Italian Social is a plush new dining experience serving lunch, brunch, dinner and cocktails that range from arancini and cauliflower bites for starters to pasta, wood-fired pizzas and main dishes such as halibut, chicken parmesan and juicy filet cuts.
 Our visit ..read more

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF   Spring fun has sprung! Here are some fun things to do this weekend in and around Raleigh.   Wednesday-Sunday, 3/27-31 Bring on the belly laughs! ComedyWorx (3801 Hillsborough Street) hosts Dogwood Comedy Festival. This five-day festival features improv comedy team performances each night at 7:00. Thursday, 3/28 Say it ain’t glow! Egg hunts are fun for teens, too! Lions Park Community Center (516 Dennis Avenue) hosts a Glow in the Dark Teen Egg Hunt from 6:30-8:00. raleighnc.gov/parks/events/egg-citing-egg-hunt-lions-park Photo by Dathan Kazsuk. Friday ..read more

BY JENNIFER PRIMROSE | PHOTOS BY DATHAN KAZSUK The North Carolina Zoo, located in the heart of North Carolina, is a family destination covering 2,600 acres of lush greenery. It is not just a zoo, but an immersive experience that offers exciting excursions for families of all ages. With over 1,800 animals worldwide, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is a captivating combination of education, conservation and entertainment. 
 Every exhibit and attraction is designed with a deep commitment to wildlife welfare, replicating each species’ natural habitats and providing visitors with an unforgetta ..read more

BY JANICE LEWINE   Everyone enjoys the thrill of an egg hunt, and there’s plenty of fun in store across the Triangle this month. Remember that egg hunts begin and end in a flash, so be sure to arrive early with your Easter basket. Events listed below are organized by date and town, and are free unless otherwise noted. 
 Be sure to check the websites for these events before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.   MARCH 21 APEX  Children ages 5–17 with disabilities can search for candy-filled eggs with a flashlight at 8:15 p.m. at Apex Community Park. Registration is ..read more