From big business moves and downtown developments to cultural highlights and foodie finds, Raleigh continues to evolve with energy and excitement. Here’s your quick hit of everything happening in Oak City this past week:

Biz Buzz: From Sprouts to Sports Bars

Sprouts Plants New Roots Big things are sprouting at Pleasant Valley Promenade. Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market has signed a lease to open its second Raleigh location by 2027. Bonus: More developments are on the way for the revitalized shopping center. Stay tuned. Good Graces Are Coming The buzz is real — Good Graces, a new market, bar, and eatery, is opening this August in the North Hills Innovation District. Expect Southern-inspired meals, refreshing drinks, and grab-and-go goodness. Follow them on Instagram for the grand opening drop. Cucciolo Terrazza Closed (for now) A car accident forced Cucciolo Terrazza in North Hills to temporarily close. While they repair the kitchen, you can still enjoy their delicious Italian dishes at their Durham location, Cucciolo Osteria. Stanbury Expands Local fave Stanbury is expanding into the former Escazu Chocolate space, doubling its footprint and adding a cocktail bar. We’re already dreaming of pre-dinner drinks. Coming to Bloc[83]: 83 South Restaurateurs Anthony Rapillo and Katsuji Tanabe (of Flour & Barrel) are behind 83 South, a new day-to-night spot coming soon. Think upscale brunch, bites, and a loungey vibe. Wine & Dine: Cooper’s Hawk in Cary Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is planting its first Triangle roots in Cary’s Parkside Town Commons. Get ready for premium wines, steaks, seafood, and pasta.

Development & Transit News

Woodson Hall Announced NC State is investing in the future with a $180M, 153,000-sqft Integrative Sciences building, Woodson Hall. It’s set to replace Harrelson Hall and be completed by Sept. 2026. RDU’s Big Upgrade Raleigh-Durham International Airport secured a $24.6M grant to widen roads between Terminals 1 & 2, and improve Terminal 2 amenities. Your next flight just got smoother. Cary Gets a Pedestrian Bridge Construction begins Monday on a new pedestrian bridge near Northwest Cary Parkway. Part of the 2019 “Shaping Cary’s Tomorrow” bond, the project will wrap up in a week. GoTriangle Expands Service Starting Aug. 4, GoTriangle buses will run every 15 minutes on Routes 400 & 405 in Durham/Orange counties. Some stops and schedules are changing — plan accordingly!

Outdoors & Recreation

Forest Ridge Park Gets Pumped A new mobile pumptrack has landed at Forest Ridge Park — perfect for bikers of all levels. It’ll rotate through Raleigh parks, so try it out while it’s here. Whitewater Raleigh? Former Lake Crabtree Park land could become Whitewater Raleigh, an outdoor rec destination modeled after Charlotte’s whitewater center. The project may attract up to 1M visitors a year.

Arts & Culture

Sean Kernick’s Mural Tour Raleigh muralist Sean Kernick has been lighting up walls around town. See his tribute to Raleigh on East Hargett Street, then grab rooftop drinks at Level7 under his Greek god mural, Xenia. Outdoor Movie Night at Moore Square The NCMA’s Performing Arts and Film Series brought “The Wild Robot” to Moore Square with food trucks, robots, and open-air cinema magic. TV Spotlight: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 of this hit Prime Video show is out — and filmed in iconic UNC Chapel Hill spots. Bonus trivia: author Jenny Han is a Tar Heel alum.

Sports + Entertainment

Canes Drop the Puck The Carolina Hurricanes 2025–2026 season kicks off Oct. 9 against the New Jersey Devils. Four matchups vs. Stanley Cup champs Florida Panthers are on the calendar. Get ready — ticket sales open soon. E.O’s Athletic Club Comes to Durham A new downtown Durham sports bar from the folks behind Kingfisher and Queeny’s is opening soon. E.O’s Athletic Club will broadcast at least 50% women’s sports and rock a retro ‘70s vibe.

Movie Deals & Drive-Ins

AMC Midweek Deals AMC Stubs members now get 50% off movies and concessions every Tuesday & Wednesday, replacing $5 Tuesdays. Perfect for rainy days — or try the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre for movies under the stars.

Oak City in the Spotlight

Top City for Balance Raleigh ranked #4 on CoworkingCafe’s “Best Cities for Balance in 2025” list, thanks to remote work options, a median income of $82.4K, and ample green space (22+ acres per 1,000 residents). Breathe in, breathe out.

Want more of Raleigh’s best? Follow DoRaleigh.com for local updates, events, and eats every week.

That’s a wrap on Raleigh for now — see you next week with more bites, builds, and buzz from around the city.