Drive-in movies, food trucks and more Best Bets for your week

Zooming offline and out of the house (safely, of course) are plenty of events to overstimulate you after a season at home. From fair food on the farm a la food trucks (unforgettable, for sure) to outdoor workouts aplenty and yoga on the farm (namaste) to live comedy (Goodnights, indeed) to in-person runs and so much more fun.

You will legit have to try to contain yourself. And if you wanna take it slow, there’s still plenty more for you to enjoy virtually. Here are the harvest of hot happenings around town. But wherever you go, spread love and leave it better than you found it.

Drive-In Food Truck Experience: ‘Hidden Figures’

“Every time we have a chance to get ahead, they move the finish line.” Check out award-winning film “Hidden Figures” again — or for the first time — throwback-style live from the big screen in the Triangle’s first Drive-In Food Truck Experience, July 17, with food truck fare (TBA). Then, July 18, scoop the “Sandlot” and food truck action (TBA). Gates open at 7 p.m., movies start at 9; one car pass $20. Check website for more information and future event details. Shows will air at Focus Church (7000 Destiny Drive, Raleigh). Each month, proceeds go to benefit a select nonprofit or charity. Cause of the month: EmancipateNC. foodtruckflix.com

Food Trucks on the Farm: The Fair Food Edition

Guess who’s back… back again (in the voice of Slim Shady — you’re welcome). Fair food. “And if you want [fair food], then this is what I’ll give ya”: Farm fresh fun pairs with fair food on Saturday, July 18, at Phillips Farms of Cary (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) with a wide assortment of fair food from local food trucks. Think campfire on a stick (Hot Chix Hotcakes And Chicken); chimney cones (Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes); elotes & lemonades (Queso Monster); meatloaf on a stick and bacon-wrapped mozzarella (Moonrunners); candy apples, cotton candy and funnel cakes (Magnificent Concessions); and more. Admission is free; food is purchased at each truck. See post for COVID-19 precautions. facebook.com/phillipsfarmscarync

The Farmstand, Plus Yoga, at Raleigh City Farm

Get your om on at Raleigh City Farm with Flow Yoga at the Farm on Saturdays (8 a.m.) and Mondays (6 p.m.). Taught by Renée Baker, the all-levels pay-what-you-can yoga class will get you feelin’ Zen through (at least) July 27. Be sure to register in advance (suggested fee $15). A portion of your payment goes to Raleigh City Farm.

On Wednesdays through October, your standing plans are farm stand (4–7 p.m.) for hyperlocal produce grown rich on the urban farm. Follow Raleigh City Farm on Instagram for updates. The harvest varies, but includes items like: French breakfast radishes, red Russian kale, green onions, carrots, lettuce and floral bouquets. Check the website for current and future harvests. raleighcityfarm.org

Music in Your Gardens: H.C. McEntire

Duke Performances’ longtime summer series, Music in the Gardens continues its free eight-week online concert series, Music in Your Gardens, July 22 with H.C. McEntire. Showcasing nationally renowned artists who call Durham and the surrounding area home, the series brings the normally held outdoors event (at Sarah P. Duke Gardens on Duke’s campus) to your living room (or whoever you wish to stream it) every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. through Aug. 19, with new specially recorded performances online, free of charge, at dukeperformances.duke.edu/MIYG and on its YouTube page. Each performance will be accompanied by a live YouTube chat with the artist.

Live Event: The Plastic Cup Boyz

Live comedy is BACK… and so is laughing in a room that isn’t in your house — with other people! Head to Goodnights Comedy Club for some rib-tickling good times as The Plastic Cup Boyz take stage July 16–19. “Known for their outrageous sketches and impressions, The Plastic Cup Boyz are quickly becoming one of the hottest acts in comedy. In 2015, they released their very own Comedy Central special.” The “Boyz” have opened for such standout stand-ups as Kevin Hart and are set to take the comedy world stage by storm. Visit goodnightscomedy.com for show info and extensive details on how the club is keeping you safe — and laughing.

Books and Bottles: Author Mary Alice Monroe & Atlas Wine Co.

Bottles and books, oh, my. Perch up for your fave pairing with Atlas Wine Co. and The New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe — aka “The First Lady of the Lowcountry,” who’s penned 23 novels to date, including the focus of this virtual book club: “On Ocean Boulevard.” Taking place Thursday, July 16, (7-8:30 p.m.), this installment of DRINK’s virtual book club continues to promote connections and support independent retailers: Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh has signed copies of “On Ocean Boulevard.” To gain access to the Zoom meeting, either purchase a ticket ($10 via eventbrite) or wines to taste to participate. See event listing for full details. If you are unable to participate in the actual event, the event will be posted IGTV and Facebook afterward. maryalicemonroe.com/events

Museum of Life and Science

“Explore the Wild” at the now partially reopened members-only preview of the wildly popular Museum of Life and Science. Look at lemurs play (all-day fun right there), peep what the bears do to stay cool in summer, hike around the wetland and more. Or check out the Dinosaur Trail, Farmyard, Sailboat Pond, Train — and feed your inner scientist at the Sprout Cafe. While indoor exhibits (and some outdoor) remain closed, there is still plenty of life and science to take in at the Museum of Life and Science. The museum will be open to members Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be closed on Mondays. Memberships run from $155 per year and include free admission all year). Though admission is free, each guest will need a ticket. Visit the site for full info. lifeandscience.org

Jesse James DeConto from The Pinkerton Raid: Triangle Virtual Open Mic Night

Dwarf Star Studios weekly virtual open mic nights dedicated to Triangle talent have been rockin’ thanks to you, Raleigh-Durham-et-al. On July 21, the weekly Tuesday streamed event (8–10 p.m.) sees Jesse James DeConto from The Pinkerton Raid, as well as performances from six other musicians — all LIVE (not prerecorded) from their locations to benefit a number of organizations helping artists and venues during these challenging times. Tune in and info at triangleopenmic.com.

Bells + Brews and Plank n’ Drank at Clouds Brewing Tap Room

People working out together! This is not a drill. Outdoor fitness opportunities are popping up around town, including two putting the “ab” in fab at Clouds Brewing. Sunday (and every Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.), come Plank n’ Drank in the taproom for one hour of yoga with Mary, plus a beer, beermosa, or mimosa to cool off with after to boot. Bring your own yoga mats!

Durham Disc Golf Putting Tournament

May the course be with you. Disc golf is back — and updated for pandemic safety — on July 20 (6–9 p.m., weekly) at The Glass Jug Beer Lab and Brewery. “Instead of a cornhole-style putting tournament,” says the lab spokesperson, “we have spread things by setting up a miniature putting course around the beer garden that will better encourage groups to create a little distance and keep everyone safe and happy.” Bring three putters (some are for sale if needed), as well as $5 if you’d like to enter the tournament. Depending on the number of participants, either a singles or doubles tournament will be run, including multiple rounds through the course. The winner takes home a cash prize. Sign up for the tournament at 6:15 p.m. each week, with play at 6:30. If you are not participating in the tournament, you will be permitted to fill in as space allows to putt through the course. Face-coverings required inside the building or within 6 feet of others. glass-jug.com

Parkrun

Pound the pavement in person with fellow runners on Saturday, July 18 (8 a.m.), in the Bull City for the parkrun Durham, NC Walk / Run, a free (weekly!) timed 5km walk/run. Although free, please register (before your first run only) at parkrun.us/durhamnc, and print and bring your barcode. After the amble, join fellow parkrunners for local breakfast (usually at Foster’s). The event takes place at Southern Boundaries Park, Third Fork Road. (Side note: Volunteers needed. Check the site for details).

Durham Craft Market

Who isn’t in need of updated crafts right now? Update your crafty via a wide variety of local handmade arts and crafts at the Durham Craft Market on Saturday mornings (8 a.m.–noon) in Durham Central Park, next to the Farmer’s Market Pavilion. Please visit the event page for COVID-19 safety precautions in place for vendors and guests. facebook.com/durhamcraftmarket

Craft Cider Tasting Experience

While altered for safety, this year’s annual Craft Cider Tasting Experience is happening. On Saturday, July 18 (noon–8 p.m.), hop over to the Glass Jug Beer Lab - Bottle Shop for the 2020 experience, where station-hopping will be replaced with cider flight bar service (4 samples at a time), which you can enjoy socially spaced at outdoor tables. Eight different ciders will be on offer, and you can make your own flight or choose a pre-selected one (dry cider or a semi-sweet). To keep you satiated, the Bulkogi Truck will be on-site from 4-8 p.m. — and for added fun, stay for the evening outdoor movie screening 8:30 p.m. (movie TBA). glass-jug.com

WolfsBayne Brewery Crash - Funguys Brewing

Brew up a good time at the 7th WolfsBayne Brewery Crash at Funguys Brewing, Saturday, July 18 (1–4 p.m.) to “experience beer, talk about beer, enjoy beer and support a local brewery.” The event is open to all. For full details on event guidelines and safety measures, visit the Facebook event page.

‘Sam King Trio at Kingfisher’ (A Film)

Part of a larger documentary work investigating and celebrating the Bull City’s unique jazz community and its pool of rising jazz stars, “Sam King Trio at Kingfisher” offers an introduction to the project, aimed at “investigating and celebrating the disparate environments and challenges comprising Durham’s unique jazz community” featuring “NCCU’s most recent jazz progeny, Sam King” with Dwayne Jordan (drums) and Chris Mills (bass). Hosted by Local Jazz, each ticket will give you access to the mini-doc from July 20–26; an invitation to the opening night screening of the completed documentary (TBA when the world permits); an invitation to the opening reception of the commemorative art installation at Kingfisher (when the world permits); the opp to offer the financial support necessary for the production of the full-length documentary. Tickets $10 via Eventbrite, online and in advance only. facebook.com/events/277710219974062

More Science — and Moths!

It’s National Moth Week, y’all (yes, that’s a thing), and like a moth to a flame… is you to this week’s North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Moths at Night Goes Virtual event (Saturday, July 18, 9-11 p.m.). Did you know North Carolina is home to over 2,700 unique species of moth? Wild. Get an intro to these lovely Lepidopterans; then watch as the moths come to lights at several museum staff member’s houses (talk about inside scoop!). And for your own personal ecosystem: Get ID help for moths at your own home while learning about ID resources available to you. Find out more about the moth event. And, ICYMI, be sure to visit Storytime Explorations Playlist to watch this week’s moth-themed Storytime and discover more about the beauty and diversity of moths—and learn to whip up a batch of moth food and use it to observe these fascinating insects near your home. Find this video and ones from previous weeks. Oh, and quiz-game lovers, don’t forget, Tuesdays are for live (virutal) trivia competitions (6–7 p.m. weekly).

Summer Open Garden and Nursery Days

Life’s a garden. Dig it. For eight weekends only 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. The summer open event is slated to culminate 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 17 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) check out Beefy Buns; and Saturday, July 18 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), Baton Rouge Cuisine. See you there — socially distanced, of course. 9241 Sauls Road, Raleigh, plantdelights.com/pages/open-nursery-and-garden-dates

This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 1:58 PM.