Downtown Raleigh Blog

City of Raleigh to Offer 2 Hours of Free Parking in Select Decks

Visitors who drive into Downtown Raleigh can benefit from up to 2 hours of free weekday parking in 5 city-owned decks

Thanksgiving Takeout in Downtown Raleigh

Enjoy carry-out Thanksgiving mains and sides cooked by these Downtown Raleigh restaurants.

Dog-Friendly Guide to Downtown Raleigh

Your canine companions will love spending time downtown just as much as you do with plenty of dog parks, dog-friendly patios, and businesses offering pet products/services.

Secondhand & Vintage Stores in Downtown Raleigh

Sustainability meets style when you shop secondhand vintage in Downtown Raleigh.

Your Guide to Hopscotch Music Festival in Downtown Raleigh

Let us guide you through the experience of attending Hopscotch Music Festival in Downtown Raleigh with local shopping, dining, visitor information, and more.

Imprint Award Winners - State of Downtown 2024

Downtown Raleigh Alliance honored 5 significant construction projects with Imprint Awards at the State of Downtown Raleigh 2024 event.

Transforming Waste Management: Raleigh's TRAC Bins For a Cleaner Downtown

Learn more about TRAC bins, the City of Raleigh's new effort to manage waste efficiently while keeping public spaces clean and accessible.

Your Guide to Pride in Downtown Raleigh: LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses, History, and Public Art

DRA celebrates love, acceptance, and accessibility in support of our LGBTQ+ community, not just this month, but every day.

Celebrating Earth Month & Sustainable Businesses in Downtown Raleigh

Learn about the climate-focused work being done right now in your community and find some local businesses with commitments to going green.

Dreamville Festival: Fashion, Food, and Parties in Downtown Raleigh

In the spirit of Dreamville Festival’s love for all things local, we put together this guide of unique, locally-owned shops, restaurants, and bars!

Behind the Sign: Get to Know Downtown Raleigh Business Owners

For this Q&A, we focused on the perspectives of Black-owned businesses representing Downtown Raleigh’s restaurant, retail, art, and service industries.

A Bold Vision for Downtown Raleigh’s Future

Economic Development Strategy | Part 1: Activating Fayetteville Street

This initial chapter of the report is focused on Fayetteville Street and surrounding streets. Ten major ideas are presented as the initial result of close collaboration with stakeholders.

Ways to Say "I Love You": Your Guide to Valentine's Day

From sweet treats to date night activities, there are plenty of ways to show your romantic partners or beloved friends “I Love You” by celebrating Valentine’s Day the Downtown Raleigh way.

Celebrating Black History & Future in Downtown Raleigh

Celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history, culture, and achievements in Downtown Raleigh with our guide to commemorating Black History Month 2024.

Downtown Raleigh Routes: 1-Mile Self-Guided Tour

1-mile walking or biking route covering art, history, and local shopping in the heart of downtown.

Mission-Driven Retailers + Restaurants in Downtown Raleigh

Get to know some of our local businesses that characterize themselves as having mission-driven business models or practices.

New Year Health, Fitness, and Wellness in Downtown Raleigh

With 2023 behind us it’s time for a fresh start: new year, new you, and new goals. This guide includes Downtown Raleigh businesses that can help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions to live a happier and healthier life in 2024.

Where to Pick-Up Bubbly, Craft Beer, & Spirits in Downtown Raleigh

This guide will help you find champagne, beer, spirits, mixers, bitters, and more from locally-owned businesses to make the most out of your seasonal celebrations.

Embracing Fall in Downtown Raleigh: Shopping, Dining, & More

A guide to the fall season in Downtown Raleigh to celebrate Halloween, embrace the autumn vibes, and support small businesses.

Enhancing Downtown Raleigh's Visitor Experience: A Focus on Safety and Growth

DTR Economic Development Strategy Q&A

Frequently asked questions about DTR's new Economic Development Strategy

Research Shows Strong Support for Social District

One of the key findings of the research was that the Social District has increased sales and led to new sales that would not otherwise have occurred.

DTR Sandwich Weeks 2023 Specials

Mouth-watering lunch specials for DTR Sandwich Weeks

Small Changes, Big Impact: What to Know About the DTR Essentials Initiative

Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re compiling a list of Downtown Raleigh businesses owned or co-owned by women.

Downtown Raleigh's Black-Owned Businesses

Downtown Raleigh has a strong community of Black-owned businesses from retail to restaurant to personal services.

Q&A with Lilian K. Danieli of NASHONA

In celebration of Kwanzaa and the end of the holiday retail shopping season, we wanted to give our community an opportunity to learn more about Lilian K. Danieli, the owner and designer of NASHONA.

30+ Businesses With Heated Outdoor Seating in Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh restaurants, bars, and bottle shops are working hard to keep you feeling warm and safe while drinking & dining outdoors. Many downtown establishments are offering a variety of heated patio setups, so you can enjoy a delicious meal or beve

Business Feature: Justin Gallus, Owner of Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

Going to College in Downtown Raleigh

With this guide, we hope to help you make the most out of your college experience downtown as you settle in and get to know your home for the next few years.

State of Downtown 2022 Recap

There is a lot of information in our 2022 State of Downtown Report–96 pages of it, in fact. Here are a few highlights...

State of Downtown Perspectives: Artspace President & CEO Carly P. Jones

Sip n' Stroll Downtown Explained

On July 5th, Raleigh City Council approved a Social District for a portion of Downtown Raleigh to begin operation August 15th. Visit this page for an explainer and FAQ on social districts.

Downtown Raleigh Mother's Day Gift Guide

Local gifts for the incredible moms in our community

Celebrate Easter & Shop Local in Downtown Raleigh

Where to Watch Sports in Downtown Raleigh

A list of great spots to watch sports and root for your favorite team together in Downtown Raleigh.

Holiday Hub 2021

From sweet treats to stocking stuffers, the Holiday Hub is your complete guide to all things festive and fun in Downtown Raleigh.

Ambassador of the Month – August 2021: Richard Laipple

Meet August's Ambassador of the Month

French Fries in Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh’s robust dining scene has a considerable number of establishments with creative, flavorful, and gourmet french fry dishes.

DRA's State of Downtown 2021 presented by PNC - Award Winners

Ambassador of the Month – July 2021: Tashonna Farmer

Meet July's Ambassador of the Month

2021 Imprint Award Winners

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is honoring five significant construction projects with Imprint Awards at the State of Downtown Raleigh 2021 event.

Frozen Treats in Downtown Raleigh

Using this list, you can cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth no matter where you are in Downtown’s six districts.

Ambassador of the Month: Graham Bramwell

Meet June's Ambassador of the Month

Ambassador of the Month: Charley Penny

Meet May's Ambassador of the Month

Ambassador of the Month: Dana Klonowski

Meet April's Ambassador of the Month

Ambassador of the Month: Richard Laipple

Meet DRA's March Ambassador of the Month!

Downtown Raleigh Public Realm Study

Share your feedback and ideas!

DTR Staycation Guide

Discover Downtown: HERstory Public Art Walk

Ambassador of the Month: Darlene McClain

Super Bowl Sunday Specials

Ambassador of the Month: Tashonna Farmer

Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant Recipients: Round Two

Ambassador of the Month: Sean Hulett

DTR Businesses Funded by Round One of the Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant

Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant Recipients

More than 60 Local Businesses Receive Financial Assistance for Revitalization Efforts

Spooky Sites in Downtown Raleigh

Guest Blog by Ernest Dollar of City of Raleigh Museum

How to Safely Celebrate Halloween in DTR

Here is a list of spooky libations and treats plus Halloween happenings

Dine Out Downtown: A How-To Guide

2020 State of Downtown Downtown Advocate Award Winner - Kelly McChesney

2020 State of Downtown Distinguished Leadership Award Winner - Caroline Welch

2020 State of Downtown Imprint Award Winners

Where to Work Outdoors in Downtown Raleigh

Your Guide to Outdoor Spaces in Downtown Raleigh

Ambassador of the Month: Graham Bramwell

Ambassador of the Month: John Morgan

Ambassador of the Month: Charley Penny

Meet Mr. Penny who has been a DRA Ambassador for 13 years

Moving Forward Together in Downtown Raleigh

A statement from Bill King, DRA President and CEO

DTR Graduation Gift Guide: Stay Home & Celebrate

Celebrate grads at home with DTR gifts

Ambassador of the Month: Kyle Williams

Meet our March Ambassador of the Month!

Ambassador of the Month: Richard Laipple

Meet our February Ambassador of the Month!

Ambassador of the Month: Quenasha Harris

Meet Our Ambassador of the Month!

Decade in Review: Downtown Raleigh's 10-Year Growth

What's in store for 2020 and beyond

Downtown Districts

Downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District

Where to shop for a fresh fall wardrobe in Downtown Raleigh

Take the #PepsiFirstFriday Passport Challenge

May is Bike Month

Celebrate Bike Month in Downtown Raleigh

Downtown’s Raleigh Newest Tenants with the Newest View

Get Outside and Enjoy Movement @ Market

Oscar Diaz of The Cortez is a James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef in Southeast

Floraffiti Public Art Project Comes Back to Downtown Raleigh

Discover Downtown Tour: Rainbow Building Recap

Bill King Becomes DRA President and CEO

DRA Board Proudly Supports the Adoption Dix Park Master Plan

Discover Downtown Tour at The Saint Raleigh

Economic Development Quarterly Report Shows $2 Billion in Downtown Raleigh’s Investment Pipeline

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Visits to Raleigh

2018 Year in Review