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FOOD AND DRINK. The North Hills Wine Walk is this Saturday, October 21. The event benefits the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. For a $25 donation, individuals will receive a cup and “passport” to visit participating stores to shop and taste various wine selections. Completed passports are then returned for a chance to win a North Hills gift card.
Umbrella Dry Bar hosts Meet the Maker with Roots Divino at Neptunes (14 West Martin Street, Raleigh) on Friday, October 20, 5:30–7 p.m. Guests can explore the brand with Roots founder Nikolas Smyrlakis, who has come from Greece for the special event. An afterparty with a DJ begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are available online
SPIRITED TASTINGS. Olde Raleigh Distillery (209 North Arendell Avenue, Zebulon) hosts Masquerade and Mystery on Saturday, October 28, 7–10 p.m. Grab a mask and take part in the Halloween murder mystery. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.
Dram & Draught will release its fall and winter menu at its Raleigh, Durham and Cary locations on Thursday, October 19, 4–7 p.m. Then it’s KB Barman’s Halloween Haunt on Thursday, October 26, 7–10 p.m. Take part in an evening of drink specials, a costume contest, prizes and more.
FALL SWEETS. Downtown Raleigh’s Whiskey Kitchen has unveiled a new fall dessert, sweet potato pie. The seasonal dish features a rice crispy crust, spiced North Carolina sweet potatoes, toasted whiskey marshmallows, and candied pecans. Need a libation to enjoy with your dessert? Curtain Call features Rittenhouse N.C. select barrel rye, Montenegro, lemon, angostura bitters, mauby bark syrup, sparkling wine and green apple garnish.
SEARCH FOR TREASURE. Triangle Treasure Hunt is offering a downtown Raleigh Halloween Treasure Hunt running from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29. The 60-minute outings offer puzzles and challenges that unlock a treasure chest to reveal a grand prize. The event is designed for those 13 and older. Registration is available online.
TOBACCO BAN. The Wake County commissioners board voted unanimously to change development regulations and prevent stores that primarily sell tobacco and hemp products from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, greenways, homes and other similar retailers. The ban only applies in unincorporated regions of Wake County where the county has planning authority, but not in areas that fall within town or city limits. Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Rolesville and Zebulon already regulate tobacco retailers through their own development regulations.
FUNDRAISING. Next Step Raleigh hosts the Stand Together Gala at Whitaker & Atlantic (1053 East Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh) on Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes food, drinks, raffles and silent and live auctions in a fundraiser for its paralysis recovery center. The dinner will be prepared by Raleigh chefs Liz Grandchamp, David Mitchell, Marc Russel and Tie Whittaker.
HEALTHY HABITS. The Poe Center for Health Education (224 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh) hosts PoeFest, a free community festival to celebrate healthy choices, on Saturday, October 21, 1–4 p.m. Enjoy food and prizes, interactive theaters, local entertainment and more. Free books and produce will be available, along with fun at the KidsLab.
GET YOUR KICKS. The North Carolina Courage soccer team returns to the NWSL playoffs at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, October 22 at 7 p.m. The Courage hosts New Jersey/New York Gotham FC in the team’s first trip to the playoffs since 2019. Cary Chamber of Commerce members can purchase discount tickets.
FINE ARTS. Raleigh Little Theatre’s (301 Pogue Street) production of “Misery” runs Friday, October 20—Sunday, November 5. The story follows an acclaimed romance novelist who wakes up in the home of his “number one fan” after being rescued from a near-fatal wintery car crash. The show is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are available online or by contacting the box office at 919.821.3111.
HAPPY TRAILS. Great Trails State Day will be celebrated across North Carolina on Saturday, October 21. From the mountains to the coast, residents are encouraged to explore outdoor wonders by finding a trail and starting to explore. Interested in science? Experience the state through easily accessible science and nature venues through the NC Science Trail.
The North Carolina General Assembly recently approved more than $54.9 million in funding for trails and greenways as part of the Great Trails State Program. The plan provides $12.5 million each year for two years and will be administered as a competitive grant program for new trail development and extension of existing trails. These include paved trails and greenways, along with natural-surface trails for biking, hiking, walking, equestrian use and paddling.
