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Good afternoon, Raleigh. I stayed up all night wondering where the sun went…

And then it dawned on me. 🌞

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 6 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• Raleigh is the 3rd fastest growing city

• A complete 540 by 2028?

• 2 new retailers coming to Raleigh

Let’s get to it. 🏃

Stories this week

A complete 540 may be only 4 years away 🛣️

The upcoming complete 540 toll road project promises faster travel times between communities like Holly Springs and Knightdale but also raises concerns about increased traffic on side streets. Towns along the route have been proactively planning by conducting studies, updating plans, and identifying necessary road improvements, and they have a few more years to do so. The full loop could be open to traffic in 2028.

However, funding is a challenge as toll revenues must be used on the toll road itself. Despite this, these communities recognize Complete 540's opportunities and are collaborating with partners to prepare infrastructure for the anticipated influx of traffic through projects like road widening and transportation plan updates.

Raleigh is the 3rd fastest growing large city in the US 🏙️

Raleigh's population growth has been remarkable, ranking third among U.S. cities with a population of 250,000 or more, according to the latest U.S. Census data. From July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Raleigh's population surged by 1.9 percent, adding over 8,800 residents and reaching a total population of 482,295.

This growth rate surpassed even larger cities like Washington, D.C. The South continues to be the hottest spot for growth in the country, with cities in the region growing at an average of 1 percent during the same period, the fastest in the nation. Raleigh's impressive population increase is a testament to the city's appeal and the broader trend of rapid growth in the Southern United States, with 13 of the 15 fastest-growing cities located in this region, including eight in Texas alone.

Big Chinese retailer to open first Raleigh store 🏬

Miniso, a rapidly expanding global retailer of toys, electronics, and other products, is opening its first store in the Triangle area at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh in July. The new location marks Miniso's third store in North Carolina as part of its aggressive U.S. expansion plans, which include potentially adding up to 650 new stores worldwide by the end of 2023.

The China-based company, which now operates over 6,400 stores across more than 100 countries, will offer a wide assortment of merchandise including licensed products from major brands.

Former Omega Sports location as new tenant in North Hills 🛍️

Women's fashion retailer Altar'd State is opening its fourth Triangle-area location next summer. The new 9,000-square-foot store will be located in Raleigh's North Hills Main District, taking over the former Omega Sports space after Altar'd State signed a lease with developer Kane Realty Corp. last month.

Kane views the brand as a great addition to the nearly fully occupied North Hills retail lineup. Founded in 2009 as part of the Stand Out for Good Inc. company that also owns brands like bridal shop Vow'd, Altar'd State already has local stores at Crabtree Valley Mall, Fenton in Cary, and Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The North Hills location will join these existing stores in serving the Triangle region.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Carolina Hurricanes VS New York Rangers | Thursday, 7 PM | PNC Arena

Games 6 of the Hurricane’s second-round playoff matchup against the New York Rangers is at Home in Raleigh.

Click here for tickets.

COST: $165 and up

Hank Williams Jr. live in concert | Friday, 7 PM | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Hank Williams Jr. is performing this Friday at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.

Click here for tickets.

COST: $54 and up

Cary Night Market | Friday, 5 - 9 PM | Downtown Cary - 327 S Academy St, Cary

Hang out in the brand new Downtown Cary Park for the Night Market including local handmade artists, food trucks, games on the lawn, entertainment, and fun for the whole family! Friendly dogs are welcome on leash.

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

2024 Dix Park Inter-Tribal Pow Wow | Saturday, 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM | Dorothea Dix Park - 693 Palmer Drive, Raleigh

Hosted in partnership with indigenous community organizers, Dix Park Conservancy, and the City of Raleigh. Experience a day of competition dancing, music, vendors, and fun showcasing the incredible legacy and culture of Indigenous communities living in North Carolina today.

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

Raleigh Really Free Trunk Party | Sunday, 1 - 3 PM | 123 E Edenton St, Raleigh

Do you like free stuff? This is the event for you! Join us for our first Raleigh Really Free Trunk Party. Absolutely no cash, bartering, or swaps. This market is about community and sharing what we no longer need.

How does it work?

1) Gather your items in good useable condition and pack them into your car.

2) Park your car at the event and open your trunk! You may set up a blanket, tarp, or table laying your stuff out.

3) Go around and pick out the items you like from other trunks/piles. Please lock your car if left unattended.

4) If you bring items that have not been taken by the time you leave, please take them back with you.

5) Enjoy all your awesome new stuff!

Don't have anything to gift? No worries! Everybody in the community is invited and welcomed.

COST: Free

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE FUTURE EVENTS

May 26: NC Sugar Rush - Enjoy a Dessert-filled experience like no other at the City Plaza Downtown Raleigh. Dessert Foods of all kinds, Merchant Vendors, Axe Throwing, DJ, and supporting the Wake County Foster Care System.

June 1: Raleigh’s International Food Festival. Over 50 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe! Raleigh's largest food festival is celebrating its 8th year. Free to attend, cost for vendors.

June 12: Justin Timberlake is performing at the PNC Arena. Click here to tickets.

June 14: Dave Matthews Band performing at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Click here for tickets.

June 26: Red Hot Chili Peppers performing at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Click here for tickets.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

83 🌡️ 66 | ⛈️ | 40%

Saturday

79 🌡️ 53 | ⛈️ | 70%

Sunday

69 🌡️ 58 | ⛈️ | 70%

LOCAL SPORTS

Baseball ⚾️

FRIDAY

• UNC @ Duke | 6 PM

• Wake Forest @ NC State | 7 PM

• Durham Bulls @ Charlotte Knights | 7 PM

SATURDAY

• UNC @ Duke | 1 PM

• Wake Forest @ NC State | 3 PM

• Durham Bulls @ Charlotte Knights | 6 PM

SUNDAY

• Durham Bulls @ Charlotte Knights | 1 PM

Hockey 🏒

• Thursday: New York Rangers @ Carolina Hurricanes | 7 PM

• Saturday (if necessary): Carolina Hurricanes @ New York Rangers | TBD

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves trains. 🚂 

Have any suggestions for what you would like to see in future editions? Reply to this email and let me know!

Let’s do this again next Thursday!