Raleigh pools are open, the Black Farmers Market is back and 12 Best Bets for the week
That sweltering heat and suffocating humidity is upon us. And just in time, the pools have reopened. That’s some cannonball-worthy summertime excitement right there. So whether grab your swim trunks and your flippy-floppies to go on a boat or hit the pool deck — or you’re just hanging in the AC — there’s plenty to do to keep you funtained.
Raleigh City Pools open
Splish splash… Raleigh pools are back! As of this week, the city has reopened seven of its aquatics facilities with coronavirus restrictions in place and limited capacity. Optimist Aquatic Center, Pullen Aquatic Center, Millbrook Aquatic Center, Lake Johnson Pool, Longview Pool, Ridge Road Pool and Biltmore Pool are open, according to the city’s announcement. Reservations are highly recommeded at reclink.raleighnc.gov. There will be limited spaces for walk-ins. More info is on the city’s website. $2 entry for Raleigh residents, $3 for nonresidents, free for kids ages 12 and under. raleighparks.org
Black Farmers Market
The Black Farmers Market is back in the Bull City, Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., and again partnering with Provident1898 for the bimonthly event to support Black farmers and business owners — with plenty of amazing goods to boot. Come early for the best selection. 411 W. Chapel Hill St., Durham
Summer Open Garden and Nursery Days
Life’s a garden. Dig it. And for just eight weekends each year, you can do just that at the Open Garden and Nursery Days at 28-acre oasis Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery, which the Washington Post has described as an “Eden of rare plants.” The summer open event is slated for two back-to-back weekends July 10–12 and July 17–19, rain or shine. During these days, no visit requests are needed, and parking is free. Food trucks will be on-site at certain times to feed your appetite. Friday, July 10 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) check out The Portable Portugy; and Saturday, July 11 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), Rare Earth Farms. See you there—socially distanced, of course. 9241 Sauls Road, Raleigh, plantdelights.com
Museum of Life and Science
The Museum of Life and Science in Durham has reopened for members, but there will be some restrictions. All of the museum’s indoor exhibits and some outdoor activities will remain closed. Those that are open include: the train, the Dinosaur Trail, the Farmyard, the Sailboat Pond and Explore the Wild. There are many outdoor walking paths available. Museum officials made adaptations to accommodate COVID-19 guidelines, including new admissions areas, online reservations and ticketing and touchless faucets. There is a mask requirements for staff and visitors. 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham. lifeandscience.org
Run: Virtual Run Like A Legend
Do it for the ’Gram. Or your health. Or for training. Or for fun. Whatever moves you. While you wait for the live rescheduled October Durham City Running Festival, join runners from around the world to pound out the miles on the original fest dates, July 16-19. All entries include a bespoke Virtual Durham City Run Festival medal and tote bag, and you can add on a special-edition T-shirt or headband to really get in the team spirit. Register for the 5K, 10K, or Run Like a Legend Mile at durhamcityrunfestival.com/.
Just Science
Friday, the salt life comes to you with Adult Night: Life’s a Beach (7-9 p.m.), where you can escape to the virtual beach via tales of sea turtle rescues, baby pelicans, the ABCs of Sex and the Sea, and beach-themed Trivia and Picturenary. Adults 21+. For more information or to register, go to naturalsciences.org
‘Reflections’
Reflect on what 5 Points Gallery has brought to the Bull City arts community with its exhibit “Reflections” —celebrating the gallery’s anniversary. Art and benevolence intersect as 10% of the proceeds from the exhibit go to Food Bank CENC. The new, in-gallery plus online exhibition is a collection of new works by 11 artists, assembled to include a range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, weaving, fused glass, jewelry, and mixed media. The exhibit runs through July 30. Also on view is an exhibition by artist Julia Harmon, “Altered States,” featuring a series of mixed media collage pieces and full-scale paintings inspired by them. Contact us at info@5pointsgallery.com to schedule an in-person viewing (109 E. Chapel Hill St.). The virtual exhibit is on view at 5pointsgallery.com
Virtual Trivia Tuesdays
Virtual Trivia Tuesday science trivia continues (weekly, 6–7 p.m.) where you can show off your smarts on a mix of science facts, current news, pop culture and scientific discoveries from the comfort of your living room (or car, backyard, wherever you wish to stream). Maybe you’ll even learn something new. Virtual Trivia Tuesdays are played on Kahoot and YouTube. Register to play science trivia. Once you complete your registration, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the game. naturalsciences.org
Unlikely Alliances
Missing live entertainment? Unlikely Alliances is here for you. The upcoming evening of music and stories (July 16, 8 p.m.) is brought to you by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and The Monti, in partnership with Bull City Ciderworks. The collab will be presented live from Bull City Ciderworks, featuring small-group musical selections by members of The COT, and storytelling presented by The Monti. The ticket purchase provides a private link to the event that can then be viewed on any device in any location. Presented via livestream; $10 for access to the private livestream link; tickets available at theCOT.org or themonti.org.
The Yoga Collective Grand Opening Event
Namaste at Transfer Co. on July 11 for the Grand “Opening” celebration of our city’s first fully mobile yoga “studio”: The Yoga Collective Raleigh. The grand opening is being held as the first “Collective Market” (of hopefully many!) with local vendors, including a tarot card reader, jewelry, pottery and more! There will be two classes in the morning (9 & 10:30 a.m.), both of which will be held at the Greenway entrance across from the Transfer Co. patio and are limited to 24 students to respect state guidelines. The Grand Opening classes are $20 and include a drink after class, while the market is totally free to all.
According to organizers, the Yoga Collective Raleigh “is rooted in the idea that yoga is a state of being, not a physical space we go to — and, on top of that, is for everyone. By taking yoga on the road and to parks across Raleigh, we are hoping to bring back the feeling of community without the added pressure of mirrors, heat and judgment. Our pop-up style set up includes our Volkswagen Bus, a variety of retail items and a comfy lounge area - I’ve included some images so you can have a visual!” Om, shanti indeed. yogacollectiveraleigh.com
JC Raulston Arboretum Weekly Webinar
Plants are always open. Enter this JC Raulston Arboretum webinar to school you on living your best garden life. While it remains closed, NC State’s Arboretum is hosting online events, including a free weekly Zoom webinar called Midweek with Mark. Happening each Wednesday (3 p.m.), these lectures by Director Mark Weathington will cover Underused and Unknown Hollies (July 8, info and registration), Rethinking the Invasive Conundrum (July 15, info and registration), and Evergreen Maples and Oaks (July 22, info and registration). Check out the Arboretum’s calendar for more details. jcra.ncsu.edu
Lobster Rolls at Bond Brothers Beer Co.
He’s her lobster! The one where Lobster Dogs comes to Bond Brothers. This Sunday (noon-8 p.m.) the popular crustacean cuisine truck will roll over to Bond Brothers Beer Co. in Cary to serve up some of the best lobster rolls and stuffed avocados in town. Our pick? The Big Dog Lobster roll. Can you handle it? bondbrothersbeer.com
Worldwide Rollout Day
Join the masses on July 11 for @worldwiderolloutday out of Atlanta and “roll to erase hate.” Meet at the Capitol Building at 4 p.m. and roll from Raleigh in @skatefantacee’s community-building event (roll out at 4:30). Bring a mask, safety gear, water and a sign if you so choose. Check Insta for updates. @worldwiderolloutday; @skatefantacee
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 6:40 PM.