Happy Friday, Fuquay.
It's Father's Day weekend, which means somewhere a dad is already explaining that the grill isn't ready yet so he can stand beside it, alone, in total peace for 45 minutes. Respect the craft. It's also the summer solstice on Saturday which is the most daylight you'll get all year so consider this your official notice that there are no more excuses to stay inside.
— First Sip Fuquay Team
THE SHORT LIST
Start Here: Your Weekend Lineup
If you only read one thing this week, make it this. The biggest stuff happening across town this week:
Stanley Cup Victory Parade in Raleigh - Saturday 11AM - 3PM The Canes are bringing the Cup home, and downtown Raleigh is throwing the party. Worth the drive for a once-in-a-generation photo.
Highland Calf Shower + Father's Day at Mason Jar - Saturday 4PM & Sunday 1PM Baby highland cows, goats, and pigs on Saturday + a Father's Day dad-joke contest and keg bowling on Sunday.
Country Line Dancing at McWally's - Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM Free lessons and strong drinks hosted by 8Country line dancing.
CHAMPIONS
🥇The Cup is finally coming home
Image Credit: @hurricanes
Stanley Cup Victory Parade | Downtown Raleigh | Saturday 11AM - 3PM
After all those years of almost, the Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions! The celebration spills into the streets of downtown Raleigh. If you've spent a single playoff night white-knuckling it at a Fuquay bar, you've earned this one. Grab a spot early, bring water (it's going to be hot), and soak in a parade we’ve waited two decades for.
Full Parade Route 👇
FATHERS DAY
🐮 Mason Jar has baby cows and a dad-joke contest
Image Credit: Mason Jar Tavern
Highland Calf Shower + Father's Day Weekend | Mason Jar Lager Co. | Saturday 4:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM
Saturday, Rocking JH Farms rolls into Mason Jar with highland cows, goats, pigs, and the rest of the petting-zoo crew for a free, family-friendly farm day. Beer for dad, baby animals for everyone.
Then, Sunday they flip to Father's Day mode: a dad-joke contest at 2:00 PM, plus keg bowling and putt games at 2:30. Bring Dad, bring the kids, bring your best (worst) pun.
BOOTS ON THE DANCE FLOOR
🤠 Yeehaw! Line Dancing at McWally’s
Image Credit: McWally’s
Country Night Line Dancing | McWally's | Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM
McWally's turns Friday into a country night with free line dancing lessons and open social dancing hosted by 8Country. No experience and no cover required. Show up, grab a drink, and let someone else count the steps out loud for you. It's low-commitment and a whole lotta fun!
LIVE TUNES
🎶 Live Music Calendar
Image Credit: Deep6 Band
A dozen-plus acts across town this weekend. The Pearl Jam tribute might be our favorite.
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth Reggae Night at Track Record - Friday, 6:00-9:00 PM: Reggae night marking Juneteenth at the downtown vinyl shop and listening lounge.
Open Jam at American Legion Post 116 - Friday, 6:00-10:00 PM: Bike night and open jam with a slow-race competition and proceeds supporting veterans.
Two4One at Wingin' It - Friday, 7:00-10:00 PM
Chris Hooper Duo at Aviator Taphouse - Friday, 7:00-10:00 PM
The Ridge Band at Aviator Pizzeria - Friday, 7:00-10:00 PM
Jam Biscuit at Aviator Hangar Bar - Friday, 8:30-11:30 PM
Saturday, June 20
Stolen Goods Band at Cellar 55 - Saturday, 6:30-8:30 PM: Live music alongside wine, beer, and Saturday specials.
Chet Dupree at Wingin' It - Saturday, 7:00-9:00 PM
Mark Cimerro at Oaklyn Springs (Varina) - Saturday, 7:00-10:00 PM
Proton Jones at Aviator Taphouse - Saturday, 7:00-10:00 PM
Center Street Band at Aviator Pizzeria - Saturday, 7:00-10:00 PM
Deep 6 Pearl Jam Tribute at Mason Jar Lager Co. - Saturday, 7:00-10:00 PM: A full Pearl Jam tribute set.
Southgate 40 at Aviator Hangar Bar - Saturday, 8:30-11:30 PM
Sunday, June 21
Open Mic Jam at Oaklyn Springs Brewery - Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM: Sunday afternoon open jam, all players welcome.
Becky Jorgensen at Aviator Hangar Bar - Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM
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COMMUNITY PICK
🎉 Juneteenth gets a full weekend in Fuquay
MANiFest: Freedom Rooted, Future Bound | Fuquay-Varina Arts Center | Friday evening
Juneteenth lands with real programming this year. MANiFest kicks off Friday evening with its "Freedom Rooted, Future Bound" weekend with live music, art exhibits, and community programming celebrating the holiday. It's a meaningful, locally-rooted way to mark the date right here in town.
THE REST
Honorable mentions for the week
Fuquay-Varina Growers Market - Saturday, 8:00 AM-Noon: Local produce and vendors for an easy downtown Saturday stop.
Music Trivia with DJ London at Wingin' It - Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 PM: Free music trivia with prizes to carry you into the back half of the week.
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