Easy-breezy plans for July 16, 2025

Hey, neighbors! Wednesday is here, and downtown is humming with food, music, art, and a little mid-week mischief. Whether you’re free for a quick happy-hour bite or ready to roam until last call, here’s a laid-back roadmap to a seriously fun hump-day in the city center.

Afternoon Warm-Up

🍷 Wine Wednesdays at Sitti

11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sitti Authentic Lebanese

Slide into the work-week slowdown with half-price bottles and mezze plates on the patio. Perfect for a lingering lunch or an early glass before the evening rush.

🛍️ The Midweek Market

4 – 7 p.m. | Moore Square

Local produce, vintage finds, and food trucks ring the park. Grab a kombucha, meet the makers, and stock up on flowers for the table.

🍽️ Irregardless’ 1995 Dinner

4:30 – 9 p.m. | Irregardless Cafe

They’re throwing it back to their ‘90s menu—think nostalgic veggie lasagna and live folk tunes. Comfort food + acoustic vibes = chef’s-kiss cozy.

Happy-Hour & Bites

🧀 Mac-n-Cheese Night at Le Dive

5 p.m. – midnight | Le Dive

Six gourmet spins on the classic (hello, truffle-lobster!) plus crisp white wines by the glass. Come hungry; leave gooey.

🍝 Evening Wine Tasting at Mulino

5 – 7 p.m. | Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

Sip three Italian pours on the garden terrace, chat with the sommelier, then hang for wood-fired pizza if you’re feeling it.

🦪 Carolina Clam N Jam

All night | Good Day Good Night (inside The Longleaf Hotel)

Steamed clams, hushpuppies, and live coastal blues. Pair it with their frozen G&T—thank us later.

Arts, Crafts & Culture

🌆 “An Evening in Paris” w/ Jennifer Dasal

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Gallery C

Art historian (and ArtCurious podcast host) Jennifer Dasal pours Champagne and dishes on the dreamy side of French modernism. Très chic.

🖋️ Modern Calligraphy for Beginners

7 – 8:30 p.m. | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

Practice pretty lettering while the sun sets over the skyline. Ticket includes supplies and your first house brew.

Live Music & Stage

🎻 The Head and the Heart – Aperture Tour

Doors 6 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater

Indie-folk under the stars. Get there early for Spencer Hoffman’s opener and snag that skyline selfie.

🎺 Al Strong & Friends Jazz Night

8 – 11 p.m. | Boatman Spirits Co.

Local trumpet legend Al Strong turns the distillery into a low-lit speakeasy. Craft cocktails meet classic jazz standards—smooth all around.

🎸 Live Music in the Bar at Vidrio

6 – 10 p.m. | Vidrio

Mediterranean tapas + rooftop breeze + rotating singer-songwriters. Stay past dinner; they keep the bar tunes rolling till midnight.

Late-Night Shenanigans

🎤 Wednesday Karaoke at Neptunes

9 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Neptunes Parlour

Dive-bar disco ball, deep track list, zero judgment. The floor fills up fast once the first Whitney ballad drops.

🎶 Wednesday Night Music Bingo

7 – 10 p.m. | Wolfe & Porter

Name that tune, snag a bingo, win a beer—easy game, big bragging rights.

How to Tackle It All

Start early with a Moore Square stroll. Fuel up: nibble mezze at Sitti or mac-n-cheese at Le Dive. Pick a vibe: art talk at Gallery C, calligraphy class at Wye Hill, or jazz at Boatman. Nightcap wherever the music pulls you—Amphitheater for big energy, Neptunes for belt-it-out fun, or Vidrio for chill acoustic grooves under twinkly lights.

Whatever path you choose, Downtown’s got your Wednesday covered. See you in the streets!

For the full calendar—plus last-minute pop-ups and secret shows—swing by DoRaleigh.com. 🎉