Temperatures start to rise and classes are in the works, which can only mean one thing; summer is upon us. Luckily, the Triangle hosts a variety of events that are sure to entertain. Check out a handful of events to spruce up your summer and stave off boredom.
Moogfest: Thursday-Sunday
Moogfest is a four-day electronic music and technology festival hosted in downtown Durham this year, starting at 2 p.m. Thursday and ending at 8 p.m. Sunday. During the day, Moogfest focuses on technology, with workshops available for those interested in programing and music technology. Daytime events are not just limited to workshops, though. Moogfest is hosting an “Open Mic” at Durham Convention Center Plaza to discuss the controversial HB2 law.
“An open mic set up in a politically charged setting is really interesting to me because of how freely ideas can be shared and built on, especially with something as controversial as HB2,” said Lila Miller, a former NC State student.
At night, music begins. Musical acts include performances from ODESZA, Miike Snow, Gary Numan, Professor Toon and Blood Orange.
Artsplosure: Friday-Sunday
Raleigh’s 37th annual arts festival will occur this week downtown. Artsplosure features dozens of events with both visual and performing artists. From the underrated to the nationally renowned, the venue showcases a wide orbit of talent that caters to the masses. Visual art pieces will be on display, as well as a student art exhibition. Moreover, “Kidsplosure” provides thought-provoking, fun activities for kids. Musical venues are to include jazz, blues and alternative genres. Take a break between events for food and beverages or stroll by the Art Market. Browse over 170 artists selling their work, from ceramics and jewelry to paintings and sculptures. The festival will be on Fayetteville Street and launches Friday at 11 a.m.
Animazement: May 27-29
Animazement is an annual anime convention hosted at the Raleigh Convention Center. Centered on the celebration of Japanese animation, Animazement features cosplay contests, anime screenings, booths selling Japanese-related merchandise, autograph sessions, dance parties and guest panels from people in the industry.
“Our primary mission is international education and community cohesion, and to the end, we invite many Japanese guests and performers to visit Raleigh and expose our attendees to global culture and opportunity,” said Matt Holmes, the press relations coordinator for the convention.
The theme of this year’s convention is space. Following this theme, the convention is featuring guests Soichi Noguchi and Toshiyuki Watanabe. Noguchi is an astronaut who has spent over 100 days in space. Watanabe is a movie, television and anime composer whose work was used in the astronaut-themed anime Space Brothers. The event begins at 9 a.m. on May 27 and ends on May 29 at 3 p.m. with the option for attendees to pick up badges early at 6 p.m. Thursday evening. Tickets are available at the door and decrease in cost as the event progresses. An adult (12+) ticket costs $65 on Thursday and Friday, $50 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday.
Theatrefest: Shows start June 2
University Theatre is running three perfor mances for the summer, all themed around crime novelist Agatha Christie. The first is a theater adaptation of Christie’s murder mystery novel, “The Hollow.” The second show is “Something’s Afoot,” a musical satire that pokes fun at murder mystery stories and features English music hall-styled songs from the 1930s. Both “The Hollow” and “Something’s Afoot” will run from June 2-26 with show times at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and shows at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The third show is “Tea with Agatha,” a performance featuring readings of Christie’s works and a behind-the-scenes special effects tour, catered by The Lucky Teapot. “Tea with Agatha” has two showings with tickets still available. The first is at 5 p.m. on June 19 and the second is at 2 p.m. on June 25. All three performances will be held at Thompson Hall and ticket information is available on University Theatre’s website.
Slide the City: June 11
A record-breaking 1,000-foot slip ‘n’ slide will be in Raleigh come June. Tickets are limited, starting at $15 and increase in price depending on how many times you want to slide. Bask in the fun all day with an unlimited pass for $99. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Inflatable tubes are required and participants must bring in a signed waiver. The event will take place on June 11 at 200 Glenwood Avenue.
Weezer & Panic! At The Disco w/ Andrew McMahon: June 21
Next month, Weezer and Panic! At The Disco plan to kick off their tour at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, alongside Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Panic! At This Disco’s sole member, Brenden Urie, will be performing his fifth studio album, “Death of a Bachelor.” Debuting at No. 1 earlier this year, the album surpassed Adele and David Bowie on the Billboard 200 chart. The tracks fuse influences from various artists, including Queen, Beyoncé, The B-52’s and, most notably, Frank Sinatra. The title track, “Death of a Bachelor,” supernaturally echoes melodies of Sinatra and Beyoncé. Its video features vocalist Urie performing in a mid-century jazz club. Alternatively, “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” unravels with a sample of The B-52’s “Rock Lobster,” with a chorus seamlessly meshing punk with electronic.
While “Death of a Bachelor” brings back Sinatra, Weezer channels influences from The Beach Boys with its new concept album. The self-titled record, also known as “The White Album,” was announced in January with the release of “King of the World.” Tickets available at concerts.livenation.com, general admission starting at $25.
Sorena Dadgar, Assistant Photo Editor, contributed to the reporting of this article.
