I normally relish year-end opportunities for reflection, but have struggled a bit more with the task, this go-round—frankly, I’m ready to say goodbye, see ya never, to 2025. But compiling a list of standout local songs from this year with the help of freelance writers Brian Howe and Ryan Cocca renewed my faith in the tradition. There is so much exceptional music to celebrate, and this list truly only scratches the surface. 

From hip-hop to cosmic country, neo-soul to deconstructed folk, here’s our rundown—with music embedded—of songs we loved this year. 

Thanks so much for reading the INDY. This is the last newsletter of the year—happy holidays and safe travels. I’ll see y’all in 2026.

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elsewhere in the culture section

Dix Park is getting the European cafe-in-the-park treatment with a refresh of Flowers Cottage that puts restaurateurs Justin Pasfield and Jeff Clarke in charge of Cottage Coffee and Park Bar, which will open on the top and bottom floors of the Cottage, respectively. Elliott Harrell has more here. 

Here are some ideas of things to do this week—Hillsborough’s solstice walk is tomorrow!—and here’s a festive Lunch Money at the mall from Lena Geller. 
ICYMI: At the River’s Edge, Durham high school theater catches national attention, and culture stories from the past year.

around the triangle

LRB Provisions (which we previewed in July) is now open in Durham, and a new bakery is open in Raleigh. A prizewinning N&O fruitcake recipe. Raleigh Mag asks, regarding Michelin: Did we expect too much? The Nasher Museum of Art’s new exhibit is now open. John Darnielle in the New York Times. The Carolina Theatre will premiere a new documentary in January about desegregation in Durham. 

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— Sarah Edwards —
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Sarah Edwards is culture editor of the INDY, covering cultural institutions and the arts in the Triangle. She joined the staff in 2019 and assumed her current role in 2020.