Shop local at Raleigh, Apex night markets
What is one thing we all took away from 2020? Apart from an irrational affinity for toilet paper - Supporting local businesses! We were forced to (and leaned into) getting more involved in our direct community, and nurturing the artisans and business owners that were down the street or around the corner. That is why we love the Raleigh Night Market. That, and of course, they are a super dog friendly outdoor event. You can also get some energy out at any of the interactive booths – you can see for yourself (in the video with this article) how great I was at axe throwing (I’m pretty sure Dazey (my dog) was terrified).
Lauryn Colatuno, the co-founder of the Raleigh Night Market, was inspired by magical moments at similar markets while on her travels across Europe. These weekly, free-to-the-public markets offer entertainment for the whole family, food and beverages (yes, including beer and wine!) and the opportunity to engage with local business owners and re-invest into the community.
At the core of the Raleigh Night Market is hyper-localized collaboration. Even Lauryn and her co-founder Sara Buxton have partnered with The Hartwell for an outdoor market series this fall. They are hosting bimonthly outdoor markets in The Hartwell’s green space for additional opportunities to meet, greet and shop local artisans. You can swing by for the final Happy Hour on Thursday, Nov. 11 (4:30-7:30 p.m.) or get a great start to your weekend by attending the Saturday morning market on Oct. 30, or Nov. 6 (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). The Hartwell will also host an additional Holiday Market on Thursday Dec. 2nd from 4:30-9 p.m.
Lauryn is also excited about expanding the community-based markets into the Apex and Garner areas.
Thursday, Oct. 21's Raleigh Night Market will have a special moment for a family fighting cancer. Former owner of Brice's Brewing, Kris Bengston, recently found out his 5-year-old daughter, Julia, has leukemia. Bengston was diagnosed 3 years ago with a rare form of stage 4 cancer. His wife, Dana, underwent brain surgery six years ago.
Driveway Drag Show will perform Lizzo's "Good as Hell" (Julia's favorite song) at 7 p.m. on Martin Street in tribute to the family. The family has set up a GoFundMe to raise money to cover Julia's treatment.
Upcoming Market Dates
Apex Market (behind the Tobacco Mule Exchange in Downtown Apex)
Thursday, November 13th from 9AM-12PM
- Thursday, December 9th from 6PM-9PM
Garner Market (120 East Main Street)
- Friday, October 22nd from 5PM-9PM
- Friday, November 26th from 5PM-9PM
Raleigh Night Market
Moore Square
- Thursday, October 21 from 5PM-9PM
- Thursday, November 18 from 5PM-9PM
Smoky Hollow
- Wednesday, November 11th from 5PM-9PM
If you’re trying to get a jumpstart on your Holiday shopping, you can also attend the Holiday-specific market and get goodies for everyone on your list (including four legged, fur family members). Starting Friday Nov. 19, The Raleigh Night Market will host a Friday and Saturday Holiday market each weekend through Dec. 18 at Moore Square!
Lucy T is a millennial and native New Yorker who is new to the Raleigh area. Her passions in life are pugs, pinot and pizza. She is also the new Marketing Director at Artsplosure. She and her six year old pug, Dazey, will be exploring Raleigh with WRAL.com’s Out and About. Follow along with their adventures on Instagram as she discovers all Raleigh has to offer!
