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Good afternoon, Raleigh, and happy birthday America. 🇺🇸

What do you call a dog who meditates?

Aware wolf. 🐺

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 5 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• Where to watch July 4 fireworks in Raleigh

• A new park is being developed in Raleigh

• Polar Ice is expanding

Let’s get to it. 🏃

Stories this week

Neuse River Park is coming to Raleigh 🚣‍♀️

The city of Raleigh is planning Neuse River Park, an 84-acre site adjacent to the Neuse River Greenway and Falls Dam Blueway Access. This $11.43 million project, set to be completed in 2029, is based on community input. Popular suggestions include whitewater elements, bike access to the greenway, play areas, a dog park, and beginner mountain biking trails.

The city is now developing a master plan incorporating these community priorities, showcasing how local governments can involve residents in shaping public spaces.

Click here to see the concept plans for the new park.

Polar Ice in Raleigh is expanding to meet demand 🏒

Polar Ice Raleigh is expanding its facility with a second ice rink to meet growing demand in the Triangle area. The 30,260-square-foot addition responds to increased interest in hockey and skating, partly driven by the Carolina Hurricanes' success.

This expansion will allow better scheduling for various programs and includes new amenities like restaurant service and additional seating. Costing $5-6 million, the project aims to open by next fall, pending approvals. The new rink will complement the existing Olympic-sized sheet, accommodating more users and requiring 10-15 new staff members.

RDU airport is adding more parking 🚗

RDU Airport is expanding its Economy 3 parking lot, adding 8,700 spaces to the existing 3,800. The project includes an innovative stormwater management system - a 10-acre submerged gravel wetland designed with NC State University.

This system, the largest of its kind in North Carolina, will more effectively treat runoff than traditional methods and can handle up to a 100-year storm event. The state has approved the project, allowing construction to begin. The entire expansion, costing around $140 million, is expected to be completed next year, with the parking lot remaining open during work.

Eco-friendly Raleigh homes being built 🏠

A new development called City Hike is bringing more affordable energy-efficient townhomes to Downtown Raleigh. The project, led by Chappell, Concept 8 Holdings, and Southern Energy Management NC, features 12 solar-ready townhomes starting in the $600,000s.

Located near John Chavis Memorial Park near downtown Raleigh, these three-story homes offer 2,177 square feet of living space with eco-friendly features and potential for significant energy savings. Homeowners may also benefit from tax credits and rebates. The project aims to provide a more attainable price point for energy-efficient housing in the area, with construction expected to be completed by year-end.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Durham Bulls VS Norfolk Tides | Thursday - Saturday | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The Durham Bulls play at home this weekend against the Norfolk Tides.

• Thursday: Independence Day Fireworks

• Friday: Friday Night Fireworks

• Saturday: Saturday Night Fireworks

Click here for tickets.

COST: $13 and up

Cars and Coffee / American Muscle Theme | Saturday, 8 AM - 11 AM | 5425 Page Road, Durham

The theme will be all American Muscle from the past and present. As always, all cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome.

Family-friendly.

COST: Free

Raleigh Foodie Fare | Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM | Raleigh Iron Works - 2200 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh

Check out the monthly foodie and art market series featuring a food truck rodeo, food vendors, art vendors, drinks, live music and more. Grab delicious foods, drinks, and more. Jam out with live musicians. And make memories with your friends and family!

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

North Hills Night Market | Saturday, 4 - 9 PM | Midtown Park at North Hills - 4203 Cardinal Grove Blvd, Raleigh

Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food from our food trucks, and a unique sip and shop experience with local vendors. Come out and support local businesses while having a great time with friends and family.

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

Where to watch 4th of July Fireworks in Raleigh 🇺🇸

Fourth of July Fireworks at Dix Park | Park downtown and take a free shuttle to the park for family activities, a food truck rodeo with 40 local vendors, live music, and, you guessed it, fireworks.

Star Spangled Block Party at Brier Creek Commons | This fireworks show is choreographed to music for an extra patriotic display. Plus, there will be giveaways, face painting, and shopping to enjoy

Fourth of July Celebration at Wye Hill | Book your spot in advance to watch fireworks from Boylan Bridge along with a build-your-own slider + hot dog bar, snacks, shareables, and desserts from Wye Hill’s kitchen, and an assortment of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Independence Day Celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre | The North Carolina Symphony will perform live as fireworks dazzle above the amphitheater — plus, general admission is free for this event.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

99 🌡️ 78 | ⛅️ | 20%

Saturday

94 🌡️ 75 | ⛈️ | 80%

Sunday

88 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 60%

LOCAL SPORTS

Baseball ⚾️

Durham Bulls 🐂

• Thursday: Norfolk Tides @ Durham Bulls | 6:35 PM

• Friday: Norfolk Tides @ Durham Bulls | 6:35 PM

• Saturday: Norfolk Tides @ Durham Bulls | 6:35 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who likes looking at the thunderstorms. ⛈️

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!