Parade

Star Wars is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, and while 2027 already had some thrilling experiences and events in store for fans to ring in this incredible milestone—including Star Wars Celebration in Los Angeles—Disney, Lucasfilm, MSDX and Philadelphia's Franklin Institute are partnering to bring something brand-new to Star Wars fans.

Coming on February 13, 2027, Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy will be the franchise's first and only official exhibition throughout the entire 50th anniversary year. This never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes look at the galaxy far, far away will offer a staggering 18,000 square feet of galleries filled with interactive experiences, artifacts that were really used on the Star Wars screen and other immersive opportunities.

Among the 70 artifacts to be featured, many of which are being shown for the first time after being pulled from the Lucasfilm archives, are Darth Maul's double-bladed red lightsaber (the first double-bladed saber to appear on the Star Wars screen, canonically) and Darth Vader's iconic suit, both of which were actually used on screen.

Props from Star Wars' smash hit show Andor will also be on display, as will a speeder bike and some of the franchise's most beloved characters, including Grogu, R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Eager Star Wars fans will no doubt want more information, and while the actual exhibit won't be arriving in Philadelphia until February, a closer look and more information on Star Wars: The Experience are coming. Specifically, at San Diego Comic-Con this year, which runs from July 23 to 26, guests will get an exclusive first look at the upcoming exhibition during the panel titled The Making of Star Wars: The Experience.

This panel, moderated by Star Wars' original Ahsoka Tano actress Ashley Eckstein, will take place on Friday, July 24, and will reveal the first gallery renderings, along with commentary and insights from experts at Lucasfilm, The Franklin Institute and MDSX.

Tickets for the Star Wars: The Experience exhibit will go on sale in November. After the world premiere in Philadelphia, the exhibit will kick off a five-year North American tour.

Nearly 30 years after it debuted atop the Billboard 200, Reload is making chart history all over again.

The 1997 Metallica album has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums chart for the week dated July 11, marking the highest debut on that ranking of the band's career. At the same time, Reload has re-entered the Billboard 200 at No. 16, nearly three decades after its original release.

Metallica formed in 1981, and over the past 45 years the band has become one of the most commercially successful acts in rock history. While Reload originally debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in November 1997, the album never had the opportunity to appear on Billboard's standalone Top Hard Rock Albums chart because the ranking did not exist at the time. The newly released super deluxe reissue has now given the album a new milestone to add to its lengthy résumé.

Originally released on Nov. 18, 1997, Reload served as the follow-up to 1996's Load. The two albums were largely recorded during the same sessions with producer Bob Rock after Metallica initially considered releasing the material as a double album before deciding to split it into two separate records.

The album showcased the band's continued evolution beyond its thrash metal roots, embracing a more hard rock-oriented sound while still delivering some of the era's biggest songs. It produced the hit singles "The Memory Remains," featuring Marianne Faithfull, "The Unforgiven II" and "Fuel," while also becoming the final Metallica studio album to feature bassist Jason Newsted.

Commercially, Reload was a major success from the start. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after selling more than 436,000 copies in its first week and ultimately spent 76 weeks on the chart. It has since been certified 4× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and reached No. 1 in seven countries.

Although Reload received mixed reviews upon release, critics generally praised the band's musicianship while debating whether the material could have been combined with Load into a single album. In a review of the 2026 deluxe edition, Rolling Stone argued that despite criticism over the years, the expanded set demonstrates "when Metallica lost themselves, they found themselves more truly and more strange. And they will never sound that way again."

The album's return to the charts comes just weeks after the release of its expansive super deluxe box set on June 26, which includes a newly remastered version of the album along with demos, live recordings, rough mixes and previously unreleased material. The renewed interest has propelled Reload back into the upper reaches of the Billboard 200 while giving the band a brand-new No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart.

For a band that has spent decades setting commercial records, it's a fitting twist that one of Metallica's biggest chart milestones arrived not in the 1990s, but 45 years after the group first came together in 1981.

Related: Rock Legend Metallica Unveils Historic and Exclusive New Project

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

One of the best things about farmhouse-inspired decor is its warm, lived-in charm. While the style often looks vintage-inspired, that doesn't mean you have to give up modern conveniences. Plenty of pieces combine rustic character with practical features that make everyday life easier.

The Linsy Home Farmhouse End Table is a great example. Right now, it's on sale for 46% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $130 to just $70.

Linsy Home Farmhouse End Table, From $70 (was $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This versatile piece works as a nightstand, end table, side table, or even a small accent table. Measuring 18.9 inches long, 15.6 inches wide, and 20.9 inches tall, it's compact enough for smaller spaces while still offering useful storage.

Its farmhouse-inspired design features a natural wood-grain finish, metal hardware, and a blend of engineered wood and metal construction. The result is a timeless look that fits easily into bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and home offices.

Storage is a major highlight. The spacious 18.9-inch tabletop provides room for lamps, books, clocks, and decor, while a pull-out drawer and open lower shelf help keep everyday essentials organized and within reach.

What really sets this table apart is its built-in charging station. It includes two AC outlets, one USB port, and one USB-C port, making it easy to charge phones, tablets, and other devices without hunting for a wall outlet. A 6.6-foot power cord also gives you more flexibility when arranging your space.

Assembly is refreshingly simple, too. The straightforward instructions allow most people to put it together in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time assembling and more time enjoying it.

One shopper highlighted the side table’s “rustic” look, adding, “It provides simple bedside storage but would also function well as an end table. My favorite part is the power outlets in the top of the nightstand — perfect whether you need them for a lamp or charging your phone at night.”

Another reviewer shared, “Having the outlet right on top is incredibly convenient and saves you from constantly reaching behind the bed to find a wall outlet. The storage is just the right size and provides a neat, organized way to keep all the items I like to have on hand at bedtime.”

Shop More Deals

• Bestier Farmhouse Nightstand, $90 (was $166) at Walmart
• Hommpa Farmhouse End Table, $97 (was $140) at Walmart
• Sicotas Tall Boho Nightstand Set, From $250 (was $400) at Walmart

Related: The Pioneer Woman's Rustic Floral Kitchenware Collection Creates the Coziest Farmhouse Vibe, Starting at $19

For a stylish piece that combines storage, charging capabilities, and farmhouse charm, the Linsy Home Farmhouse End Table is an easy choice. With Walmart's current 46% discount, you can save $60 on this highly rated find.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Barbara Eden believes that Elvis Presley's talents were exploited by Hollywood executives who were looking to make money off of his star power.

The 94-year-old actress, best known for her titular role on the classic sitcomI Dream of Jeannie, co-starred alongside Presley in the 1960 Western film Flaming Star. Eden played Presley's love interest in the film, which featured the singer as a half-white, half-Native American man attempting to keep the peace in his Texas community, much to his own detriment.

It was one of the most unique of Presley's 33 feature films, as Flaming Star was much more dramatic and less musical than films like G.I. Blues and Love Me Tender. It also didn't perform as well at the box office as the romantic musicals for which Presley became known, which Eden believes led to a stymying of his acting career.

"He was good. He was good in that movie," Eden told Entertainment Weekly in an interview published on Friday, July 3, conducted at the Project Angel Food's Lead With Love telethon. "I think all they did was use him to get the money."

"They didn't think about his career or how talented [he was] — my God. He was wonderful, and he was wonderful singing," she continued.

Eden also revealed that years after Flaming Star debuted, she reunited with Presley when they were both performing on the Las Vegas Strip. "I went to the hotel in between my shows. Oh my God… you walked in, and there was the thrumming of those guitars, and it was just — gives me goosebumps, even now, to talk about it," she recalled.

Eden has always spoken fondly of her time working with Presley on Flaming Star, telling PEOPLE last year, "I remember how good he was. He was a fine actor. This was a part that required good acting, and he did it, boy," adding, "I just think people didn't recognize or appreciate what a fine actor he was, and a lovely, lovely man."

“Will It Go Round in Circles” was a Billy Preston song from his 1972 album, Music Is My Life, which was released as a single in 1973. Even though the song was featured on the seventh album that he released, the song was his very first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over a million copies.

When speaking about "Will It Go Round in Circles," one fan on YouTube said, “This is why George Harrison and The Rolling Stones invited Billy to tour with them. Infectious energy.” Another said, “One of the few '70s dance songs that still holds up. Billy did not live long enough to get the adulation he deserved. I think it would have happened with the release of The Beatles: Get Back movie, which in part showed Billy's impact on the band in the songs ‘Get Back’ and ‘Don't Let Me Down.’”

Preston went on to have another hit with the song “Nothing from Nothing.” He is also credited as playing the piano on “Get Back” by The Beatles. In the documentary, Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It, John Lennon can be heard saying that Preston is "kind of like a fifth Beatle."

Over the course of his career, Preston toured with some icons, including George Harrison from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. When speaking about the shows in a 1975 interview, he said, “I like a livelier show, and the Stones are much livelier than George. Although I enjoyed playing on the Harrison tour, this one is more fun, faster paced and more of a rock and roll thing.”

Related: 1963 Surf Rock Classic, Written by Teenagers in 10 Minutes, Remained on the Charts for 4 Months

Preston continued, “The Stones are a lot more R&B-oriented. It feels like I’ve been playing with them for years. We’re a family. All the guys are hanging out together and definitely getting off on each other. Keith [Richards] is really enjoying playing with Ronnie [Wood]. This time around, people are a lot happier. The music isn’t as laid-back, and Keith and Ronnie are really clicking. The band is doing a lot of things they’ve never done in America. It’s been a pretty good tour so far, not nearly as exhausting as the last few I’ve done.”

In 2021, Preston was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He died in 2006 at the age of 59.

By the time 1980 rolled around, Led Zeppelin had reached god-like status. The band had released eight studio albums, traveled the world, and effectively changed rock history as we know it. That isn't to say the band was without its sorrowful times up to that point, either.

In 1975, lead singer Robert Plant and his family were involved in a nearly fatal car crash where his wife, Maureen, sustained several serious injuries and Plant himself broke his ankle. Around this time, guitarist Jimmy Page was battling a severe and out-of-control heroin addiction. In 1977, Plant suffered a devastating loss after his five-year-old son, Karac, died from a sudden stomach infection. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Plant was on tour when he received the news that his son was sick, and sadly, before he could make arrangements to get home, Karac had tragically died. By the late '70s, drummer John Bonham was battling a health crisis fueled by alcoholism.

When their 1980 European tour kicked off, it went about as poorly as anything could go. In June of that year, Bonham collapsed on stage during their third song in Nuremberg, Germany. While the official reason the band claimed was that he "ate too many bananas" that day, many have speculated it was intoxication that caused him to black out.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Inside Led Zeppelin's Final 1980 Concert in West Berlin

Days later, on July 7, 1980, the band concluded the tour in West Berlin’s Eissporthalle with a stripped-down performance that rocked the socks off concertgoers. According to Rolling Stone, their final show included the traditional opening with "Train Kept A-Rollin'" and closed with a 17-minute-long version of their 1969 epic hit, "Whole Lotta Love."

On September 25, 1980, the world would lose Bonham forever. He reportedly took 40 shots of vodka that evening, which ultimately killed him. By December of that year, Zeppelin officially called it quits. They never performed as the original foursome after that July 7th night.

Related: Robert Plant Reveals This Song is the Hardest To Sing — And It’s Not a Led Zeppelin Track

Robert Plant Reflects on the Lasting Legacy of Drummer John Bonham

Plant always spoke about Bonham with a lot of affection; after all, they had been friends before forming Led Zeppelin, and the drummer and his wife were crutches for Plant to lean on after his son's death. Professionally, Plant thought the world of his playing ability. In 2020, Plant opened up to Rolling Stone about how he is still dealing with the loss of his longtime friend.

"I’m still living in the area where we were both from, so he’s present and with me quite a lot," Plant sweetly confessed. "A lot of people knew him, like they know me. We haven’t gone very far, apart from a couple of sad adventures. So he’s still very present here, and it’s ironically with local people. It’s just his actual physical presence and his personality that’s remembered, but when you start listening to what he did and his contribution to the world of rhythm and drumming, he transcended all those other players, because he and Jonesy [Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones] gave the whole thing so much class, so much feel, that it really did bring us a deal of separation between Led Zeppelin and a lot of the other stuff that was around at the time, because those two guys had a crucial way of working. So yeah, it’s 40 years, and he’s still greatly lost from us, far and gone. But I’m looking up into the cloudy sky of the nighttime here. I’m sure he’s standing outside a pub somewhere, metaphorically, cracking a joke."

Dinner Party, the neo-jazz and hip-hop supergroup, proudly introduced a new chapter.

The four-piece band, described as an "all-star team," features renowned saxophonist Kamasi Washington, keyboardist Robert Glasper, Grammy-winning hip-hop producer 9th Wonder handling beats and production and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin on saxophone and vocoder. The group recently announced the upcoming release of its album, Watchu Bringing?

The full-length album, set for release on Aug. 7 via Empire, will be the group's fourth project after forming in 2020.

Moreover, it marks the supergroup's first new material in three years following its second collective project, Enigmatic Society, released in 2023, which featured guest appearances from Grammy-nominated acts Ant Clemons, Arin Ray and Tank and the Bangas.

For the band, the soon-to-be-released studio album represents a new phase as it continues its artistic growth, fueled by a desire to evolve and experiment.

Terrace Martin of the Dinner Party during the Mastercard Jazz 2019 Concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Mauricio Santana/Getty Images for Mastercard

“With Watchu Bringing? Dinner Party continues a run defined by joy, community, and genre-defying collaboration — an invitation, as always, to pull up a chair,” the band shared through a press release as cited by Consequence.

The fourth release includes nine tracks: "Stop Being Late," "Stargazing," "Breakfast at Sharkey's," "I Wonder," "Just My Type," "I'm Yours," "Mutual Respect," "Peace of Mind" and the highly anticipated lead single "If It Ain't Broke (Love Wins)," which will premiere on July 10.

Following the announcement, fans expressed their anticipation for the supergroup's new material after the three-year wait.

View this post on Instagram

“Great day for jazz fans,” one wrote.

“GOOD TIMES RETURN,” a commenter said.

“Yes!!!! So happy you’re back,” a follower added.

“AHHHHHHH!!! the world is Ready,” one echoed.

The same goes for a fan who described the announcement as “huge news!”

Others filled the comment section with requests for Dinner Party to launch a tour.

“Pleasssseeeee go on a tour too!!!” an Instagram user remarked, while a fan playfully said “This is like being a Christian and hearing Jesus coming back.”

Dinner Party made its debut in 2020, but the members have shared decades-long friendships forged through the jazz and hip-hop scenes since the 1990s.

“Dinner Party is years of friendship, shows, dinners, conversations, laughs and life experience, all converging into one moment,” the band said in the same press release shared by Consequence. “Dinner Party is a metaphor — a group, a project, a spirit, an imprint of time… Dinner Party is invite-only, but it’s for everyone.”

For six years, the band has continued to push creative boundaries, giving fans a distinctive musical experience.

Related: '80s Rock Band, Disbanded for Seven Years, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time

Below Deck Mediterranean crossed into serious ick territory during Monday's episode when Luke Brumer and Genevieve Lillie used Nathan Gallagher's bed for a late-night hookup—then left behind a discovery that viewers found downright disgusting.

The drama unfolded after Luke and Gen first spent the night together in his bunk. With Nathan off the yacht visiting his family and son, Gen later climbed into Nathan's bed to sleep. The next morning, Luke quietly joined her there to continue their rendezvous—only to leave behind an unwelcome surprise.

Rather than immediately changing the sheets, the pair scrambled to keep their hookup under wraps. Luke was later shown hovering around the laundry room, waiting for a chance to wash Nathan's bedding before anyone noticed. The attempted cover-up only made the situation more cringe-worthy, with many viewers saying the entire ordeal gave them the "ick."

The Above Deck podcast hosts echoed what many viewers were thinking when they commented on Below Deck's Instagram post, "That was a heck of an episode!" Judging by the flood of reactions, plenty of fans agreed.

View this post on Instagram

Another person wrote, "Episode has arrived and so has the carnage" with several people expressing how grossed out they were with the drama. Several people were horrified by what transpired with one person suggesting that production should have stepped in. "I honestly think production should have stepped in and said something. That is just nasty and disgusting. Gutter behaviour. And what if Gael and baby had come the next day and the baby was laid on the bed. Absolutely abhorrent."

Luke posted a few photos shortly after the episode aired, writing, "We walked down the stairs reenacting the 'shame' scene from Game of Thrones. Shame is a heavy thing to carry. Don’t carry it for too long, learn from it and level up. Peace my little G wagons!"

Gen also posted, leaning into the cringe of it all. "Episode 5, I have no words… except I love these guests and here’s my garden party set up," she wrote on Instagram.

As if the episode wasn't messy enough, it ended with a major miscommunication. Gen thought Luke had moved on from Chef Joy Lefaucheur, while Luke believed he'd made it obvious he wasn't interested in her. At the same time, Nathan had already spent the day resting in his bed, blissfully unaware of what had happened there—or what was still waiting to be discovered.

Below Deck Mediterranean is on Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

The daydream of packing it all up and spending your retirement years abroad is easily one of the most popular second-act fantasies in America.

Whether you're actively eyeing a lower cost of living, looking for better healthcare or just want to spend your days drinking espresso in a sunny European square, the idea of becoming an expat sounds like the ultimate reward after decades of the daily grind.

But as any seasoned traveler will tell you, there is a massive difference between spending a blissful week on vacation and actually trying to build a life in a foreign country. In fact, according to a brand-new global report from international health insurance specialists William Russell, the single biggest mistake people make when planning an overseas relocation is assuming that a popular tourist destination automatically guarantees an easy transition.

Instead, the study argues that your long-term happiness hinges on one major factor: how welcomed you actually feel by the locals.

Related: This Coastal Country in Europe Has Been Named the Safest Place to Retire

View this post on Instagram

To find the world’s most welcoming cities for expats, researchers crunched the numbers on everything from local happiness and comprehensive safety data to social friction—specifically measuring how worried newcomers are about facing public insults or social tension. And the number-one city on the list might come as a major surprise, especially since it routinely gets a reputation for being a bit reserved.

Zürich, Switzerland officially locked down the top crown as the most welcoming city on the globe for expats, scoring a massive 9.06 out of 10.

While Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking alpine views and chocolate, it isn't usually the first place people think of when they imagine warm, outgoing local culture. However, the data proves that Zürich delivers where it actually matters for retirees and newcomers: absolute peace of mind. The city paired a world-class safety score with remarkably low levels of social friction, meaning expats can navigate daily life, use public transit, and build community without the low-grade anxiety or baseline hassles that plague other major global hubs.

Related: This Sun-Soaked Country in the Mediterranean Was Named the Best Place to Retire in 2026

Following closely behind the Swiss capital is a tie for the number-two spot, split between Singapore and Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo’s high ranking is particularly fascinating because Japan actually ranked dead last overall in the report's national integration index due to its complex visa paths and smaller migrant population. Yet, much like Zürich, Tokyo acts as a highly accessible urban sanctuary that completely redefines personal safety and community respect for outsiders.

Rounding out the top five are Copenhagen, Denmark—which claimed the highest overall happiness score in the entire index—and Munich, Germany.

If you're currently sitting at your kitchen table looking at a map and weighing your options, the index offers a fantastic checklist of cities where the infrastructure is practically built to help you settle in without the standard bureaucratic headaches.

Prague in the Czech Republic took the number-six spot as a culturally rich European gem, followed by the zero-income-tax haven of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates at number seven. Warsaw, Poland landed at number eight, offering a highly secure gateway to the EU at a fraction of Western Europe's price tag, while Seoul, South Korea and Hong Kong rounded out the top ten.

"The first few months are when most challenges arise, such as navigating healthcare systems and securing a stable income," notes William Cooper, Director at William Russell. "Preparing for those early stages is often more important than the choice of destination."

Ultimately, whether you are seriously mapping out a retirement move to a quiet European pocket or just love the idea of keeping your options open, the data is a great reminder that the best places to grow old aren't just about the weather—they're about finding a community that keeps the welcome mat rolled out.

Related: The Newest Ultra-Luxury Mykonos Escape Will Have You Plotting Your Euro Summer Move

In the mid-1970s, one legendary band realized their greatest weapon wasn't on the radio—it was right there on the calendar.

Exactly 49 years ago today, Styx gambled on an album release by making it into a legendary, triple-number event that would permanently carve itself into rock history.  Their sixth album The Grand Illusion, was released on July 7, 1977, or 7-7-77. ,

The LP was produced by the band and engineered by Barry Mraz and Rob Kingsland, as reported in a blog post on the website Styxworld. According to the post, The Grand Illusion reached No. 6 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart and spawned two hit songs, “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself.”

The release date was reportedly chosen for good luck. Its members benefited from that roll of the dice, catapulting Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards), Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitar), James "J.Y." Young (vocals, guitar), Chuck Panozzo (bass), and John Panozzo (drums) into rock icons.

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Shaw shared his thoughts on The Grand Illusion in 2013. He told The Daily Herald it was a "wonderful moment" in the band's life.

"Dennis [DeYoung] had the verses and choruses to the song early on and played it for us. It spoke to all of us and what we were experiencing as members of the same band, as our popularity grew and we started to make some money," he began.

"We were a very tight group musically at that time, and it was all for one and one for all -- this wonderful moment in the life of any band. So we all began to pour our hearts into it like one big 'AMEN!'"

He concluded, "Although there are credits for who wrote what, it was more the credit for who wrote the essence of the songs because everyone contributed unabashedly to each other's songs. The same can be said for the Pieces of Eight album. That's what sets those two apart from albums that came later. Again, the prime season of innocence in the life of a band."

"I think we all knew that this was our best work to that point," Young told Ultimate Classic Rock. "There was a very cohesive thing from the title of the record. There was a resonance there of a concept album or whatever, so I think we felt like we really had captured something."

Following the success of The Grand Illusion in 1977, the band released Pieces of Eight in 1978, Cornerstone in 1979, and Paradise Theatre in 1981. All four of these LPs went multiplatinum.

Styx is currently co-headlining "The Windy Cities Tour" with the rock band Chicago.

Related: 35 Years Ago, Van Halen Scored a Chart-Topper With One of Rock's Wildest Album Titles

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Whether you're hosting backyard barbecues, planning outdoor dinner parties, or simply enjoying family meals this summer, a quality stoneware dinnerware set can instantly elevate the experience. The best sets combine everyday durability with a sleek, guest-ready look, making them just as practical as they are stylish.

If you're looking for an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality, the Pokini 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set is worth considering. Right now, it's on sale for 44% off at Amazon, dropping the price from $100 to just $56. That’s a great deal for stoneware pieces, which have been exploding in popularity and availability as buyers embrace their artisanal style and impressive quality.

Pokini 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, From $56 (was $100) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The collection is available in configurations ranging from service for four to service for eight, making it easy to choose a set that fits your household or entertaining needs. The 12-piece set includes four 10-inch dinner plates, four 8-inch dessert plates, and four 5.5-inch cereal bowls.

Made from lead-free, cadmium-free ceramic, each piece is crafted from natural clay and fired twice at temperatures up to 2,228 degrees Fahrenheit. This process creates a durable, chip-resistant finish that's built to handle daily use while maintaining its vibrant color.

While the set isn't oven-safe, it can be used in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. The hard glaze resists scratches from forks and knives, keeping your set looking as good as new. Plus, the stackable design saves valuable cabinet space and keeps kitchens looking neat and organized.

The dinnerware set comes in eight colors, each with its own distinct style. The brown-green colorway currently offers the deepest discount and has an artisanal feel thanks to its reactive glaze finish. Because the glazing process creates natural variations in color and pattern, every set has a slightly unique appearance.

Whether you're upgrading your everyday dishes, preparing for a season of entertaining, or shopping for a thoughtful housewarming gift, this set offers plenty of versatility. Its durable construction and timeless design make it a practical addition to almost any home.

This popular set earned over 400 five-star reviews. One shopper said they “look way more expensive than they are,” writing, “It’s understated but not boring, and it looks great on the table — very photogenic without trying too hard. The glaze is smooth and even, with a refined, high-quality feel.”

Another said the set offers a “great balance of beauty and practicality,” sharing, “These feel solid and well-made, not thin or fragile like some sets we’ve had before. If you want dinnerware that’s both elegant and tough enough for daily meals, this set is a winner!”

Shop More Deals

• Famiware Star 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, From $50 (was $77) at Amazon
• Sweejar Dinnerware Set, From $42 (was $70) at Amazon
• Malacasa 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, From $56 (was $80) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $2 Mediterranean-Inspired Serving Tray Is a 'Classy' Way to Serve Summer Snacks

Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, the Pokini 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set delivers style, durability, and value. With Amazon's current 44% discount, you can save over $40 while the deal lasts.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Disney fans may soon have a new reason to smile during the morning rush.

Skylight, the company behind the popular digital family calendar used to organize schedules, chores and meal plans, has announced its first-ever collaboration with Disney. Now, the brand is bringing some of the company's most beloved characters into everyday family routines.

The new optional feature, called Disney Mode, lets families add a little Disney magic to the Skylight Calendar with appearances from characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

RELATED: Daveigh Chase Fundraiser Revealed Final Wish Before Death

That means familiar faces like Stitch, Moana and Elsa can pop up to celebrate when kids complete chores, redeem rewards or check off their daily tasks. Instead of a simple notification, children are greeted with themed animations and celebratory moments featuring their favorite characters.

Families can also personalize the experience by choosing from 16 Disney-inspired profile icons, while a rotating collection of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars artwork can transform the calendar into a nostalgic screensaver throughout the day.

For Disney fans who grew up watching animated classics or parents now introducing those same characters to their own children, the update adds a fun layer of familiarity to an otherwise ordinary household tool.

Rather than creating a standalone Disney app or game, the collaboration weaves iconic characters into something many families already use every day, turning routine responsibilities into moments that feel a little more rewarding.

The feature is available as an optional upgrade for Skylight Plus subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, and can be turned on or off whenever families choose.

RELATED: Jennifer Connelly’s ‘Labyrinth’ Tribute Has Fans Remembering David Bowie’s Most Magical Movie Role

Apartment couples spend a revealing evening together in The Invite, a saucy grownup comedy that quickly turns into a relationship minefield.

Joe and Angela (Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde) are a San Francisco married pair whose relationship is already rocky, more than just a bit stale and stagnated. Their upstairs neighbors Hawk and his girlfriend, Pina (Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz), don’t have that problem. They make love, frequently and loudly, which irritates Joe considerably.

When Angela invites Hawk and Pina over for a get-to-know-you couples dinner, it sparks an evening of zippy, zappy conversation with more than food on the menu.

Hawk and Pina are swingers into group sex. Joe and Angela are not. At least, not yet.

Related: How a Seth Rogen flick became the No. 1 banned movie of all time

Wilde, as the director, threads a tricky needle with this ribald “sex comedy” that doesn’t depict any full-on sex and eventually turns into a touching tale about relationships, resets of the heart and what it takes for a couple to make beautiful music together.

She got her start acting; this is her third movie as a director, following the acclaimed Booksmart (2019) and Don’t Worry Darling (2022). She knows what she's doing, and gives The Invite a confident, surefooted jolt of sassy comedic bite, from both sides of the camera.

Is The Invite based on another movie?

It’s based on a Spanish film called The People Upstairs, which was itself based on a play, and Wilde’s movie feels like somewhat of a return to the story's roots. It’s set almost entirely inside Joe and Angela’s apartment, like a stage set, where the four characters move through hallways, in and out of rooms as they progress through various emotions and temptations, play the blame game and spill forth their deep secrets. It’s a brisk, snappy spin on the facades—the walls—we often put up to hide behind, and as the old ‘60s song says, the games people play.

Is The Invite funny?

Yes, very funny. Often hilariously funny. Rogen—who plays a music teacher deeply resentful how his life has turned out—has never met a movie he couldn’t spice up with a heh-heh-heh (or a spliff), and he certainly does both here. The conversations in The Invite have real farcical sting and zing. Wilde’s facial expressions silently convey a spectrum of responses, from a character who feels like something has died inside her, who longs for more but is unsure what it is or how to get it—and who may, in fact, have stumbled upon it.

Cruz, an Oscar winner for Vicky Christina Barcelona, is totally on the money as a tantalizing, Spanish-hottie “sex therapist.” Norton—whose wide-ranging resume includes Fight Club, American History X and Moonrise Kingdom—gets to deliver a revealing soliloquy that sets up a tonal shift that reshapes things in the movie's final act.

Related: How an Ed Norton movie flop became a cult classic

And you won’t see many other films that turn flan, Rolfing, a Sade song, back pain, a collapsible bike and a burnt soufflé into laugh lines.  

The movie puts an inventive, contemporary twist on “groundbreaking” couple comedies of years gone by, like Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, and turns its satirical slices and dices into life-mate therapy and waves of personal re-evaluation.

Also worth noting: We find out that Joe met his wife-to-be almost two decades ago, when he played in a band that—to his lingering disappointment—never got its ticket to the big time. But it did have one hit song, which happened to be about Angela. Joe’s resentment becomes a subplot itself and gives a framework of enhanced relevance to the movie’s closing music, a demo of a duet between Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell that became the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young classic “Our House.”  

Why is The Invite dedicated to Diane Keaton?

And the film’s onscreen dedication, “To Diane,” is Wilde's tribute to another emblem of sparkling, generation-defining movie comedies, the late, great Diane Keaton—who I think would have felt right at home in this one, in this movie “house.”

“We only get a few chances for meaningful relationships in our lives,” Pina says. “What do we all want? To be desired.”

The relationships—and the desires—in The Invite don’t necessarily turn out to go where you think they’re going. The movie zigs when you think it’s going to zag and pumps the brakes when you’re prepared for it to give it more gas.

It keeps you guessing in an exhilarating way, driven by anticipation, discovery, confessionals and surprises, all within the walls of Joe and Angela’s home. Ultimately, it arrives at a place where fantasy and reality meet on life’s metaphysical road with parallel lanes of wild and weary—and where two people find what they truly need.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A saucy comedy that subverts your sex-pectations

Rating: R

When: In wide release Friday, July 10

Streaming: Expected to arrive on streaming services in 30 to 45 days

Next, The New Minions Movie Is Packed With Movie References Adults Will Love

Summer has a way of putting Costco runs into overdrive, whether you're stocking up before a beach trip, feeding a houseful of guests, or grabbing breakfast for the whole family before a long day outdoors. And the bakery department just gave us one more reason to stop by.

A Cranberry Orange Muffin has been added to the lineup. The flavor pairs sweet-tart cranberries with bright citrus notes, creating a bakery treat that feels especially fitting for summer.

At $6.99 for an eight-count pack, it's hard to beat. That works out to less than $1 per muffin, a fraction of what you'd pay at a coffee shop or bakery counter, where a single muffin can easily run $2 or more. Even a quick Dunkin' run adds up fast by comparison.

You can find them in the bakery department under item #1991810. Like all Costco bakery items, they're baked fresh in-store, making them a great grab for summer mornings, weekend brunches, and everything in between.

See them up close in this July 6 TikTok from @discovering_costco:

@discovering_costco

Some old favorites 😍 have made their way back around to the Costco bakery! I def need to try the cranberry orange muffins! #costcohaul #costcoshopping #bakery #muffins #favorites

♬ original sound - discovering_costco Costco's Cranberry Orange Muffins Are Made for Summer Mornings — and So Much More Cranberry Orange Muffins

Photo by Thalia Ruiz on Unsplash

The bright combination of tart cranberry and citrusy orange makes these muffins a natural fit for warm-weather entertaining.

While they're perfect alongside a morning cup of coffee, they're versatile enough to double as an easy summer dessert.

Related: A Sweet New Bakery Find at Costco Is Already Turning Heads

For a simple treat, slice the muffins in half, butter the cut sides, and grill them face down until golden. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm, caramelized dessert that's cool, bright, and refreshing all at once.

Prefer something a little more creative? Slice the muffins into cubes, toss them in melted butter, and toast them until golden for a sweet crouton-style topping that takes a bowl of ice cream to a whole new level.

At $6.99 for eight fresh-baked muffins, Costco's latest bakery addition is an easy way to bring a little extra flavor to summer breakfasts, brunches, and dessert.

Gorillaz' Damon Albarn is facing backlash after a Danish psych rock band accused him of forcing organizers to cut their set short during his own headlining show.

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats were performing on Roskilde Festival's Lagune stage on July 2, at the same time Gorillaz headlined the festival's Orange stage. According to the band, their set was pulled after only 25 minutes because Albarn complained he could hear their music from across the grounds.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Uncle Acid wrote that "pop diva" Albarn "threw a hissy fit" and threatened to walk off stage before their performance was shut down for being "too loud." The band said their front of house engineer was operating below the festival's decibel limit and had offered to lower the volume to keep playing, but organizers "wanted us off" anyway.

View this post on Instagram

Albarn appeared to reference the sound clash during Gorillaz's set, reportedly asking the crowd whether it was normal for him to hear the neighboring stage so clearly.

Roskilde organizers gave a different account. Strong winds were expected to continue through the festival, and the team said they had adjusted the day's schedule as a precaution following what they described as an unfortunate end to Uncle Acid's show. The festival attributed the cutoff to a mix of wind and technical factors affecting sound production.

That explanation didn't sit well with Uncle Acid drummer Jon Rice, who posted his own message calling Gorillaz "soft as baby sh-t" and disputing the festival's reasoning. Rice pointed out that a band called Monolord had played the same stage during a set by The Cure earlier in the festival without incident, despite similar sound bleed between stages. He added that Uncle Acid's engineer measured two decibels under the festival's limit for the entire set.

Gorillaz and Uncle Acid had overlapping start times, with Gorillaz beginning at 10 p.m. on the Orange stage and Uncle Acid following 15 minutes later on the Lagune stage roughly half a mile away.

This isn't the first time an Albarn appearance at Roskilde has ended in chaos. In 2015, the Blur and Gorillaz frontman was removed from the stage after refusing to end an Africa Express set on schedule, and a 2018 Gorillaz performance was interrupted when a guest performer fell off the stage.

Uncle Acid closed their statement by thanking Roskilde's crew and stage manager, saying the call to end the set was "out of their hands" and came from "orders from above." The band added a note to their Danish fans promising to return for a show in Copenhagen next year.

As of this week, neither Albarn nor Gorillaz has publicly responded to the accusations.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Country music star Ella Langley is celebrating another major career milestone after her hit single "Choosin' Texas" remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a 12th consecutive week.

Langley acknowledged the achievement by sharing Billboard's latest chart on social media. She kept her reaction simple, captioning the post, "12 weeks?!" followed by a mind-blown emoji.

The latest chart update places "Choosin' Texas" among one of the most successful songs in Billboard Hot 100 history. First reaching No. 1 in February, the single has now spent 12 weeks atop the all-genre chart, joining only 25 songs that have ruled for at least a dozen weeks since the chart began in August 1958.

Ella Langley performs onstage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 day one on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage

The accomplishment also puts Langley in rare company. According to Billboard, "Choosin' Texas" is one of only five No. 1 songs by women without male-billed collaborators to spend at least 12 weeks atop the Hot 100. It is also the only song by an artist primarily known for recording country music to reach that milestone.

Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" continues defining one of country music's biggest success stories. pic.twitter.com/XkYk27CqsF

— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) July 7, 2026

Billboard reported that "Choosin' Texas" collected 25.8 million official U.S. streams, 49.7 million radio audience impressions, and 9,000 sales during the June 26-July 2 tracking week.

Beyond leading the Hot 100, the single continues its dominance across multiple Billboard charts.

The song earned a 13th week at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart while remaining No. 1 on Digital Song Sales for an 11th week. It also stayed inside the top tier of the Radio Songs chart at No. 6 after previously peaking at No. 4.

Its success extends even further on the Hot Country Songs chart, where "Choosin' Texas" has now spent 30 weeks at No. 1, becoming only the fourth song to lead that chart for at least 30 weeks.

The continued chart success adds to a remarkable year for Langley.

Langley has also expanded her presence on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. Her newest single, "Be Her," recently debuted at No. 24, giving her two songs on the ranking at the same time while "Choosin' Texas" remains on the chart after spending 19 weeks there.

Last month, Langley swept all seven categories in which she was nominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Her victories included Female Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for "Choosin' Texas."

Langley's success has also fueled demand for her live performances. She recently announced a 21-date extension of The Dandelion Tour, which includes several arena shows across the United States after multiple dates on the original run sold out.

As "Choosin' Texas" continues its historic run atop the Billboard Hot 100, Langley's brief but excited reaction reflects another unforgettable milestone in what has become the biggest year of her career so far.

Related: Country Star Earns Hit Song Amid 2026 Tour

There's something about a rainy summer week that I can totally get behind. Especially after a busy holiday weekend, I appreciate an excuse to stay inside, tackle the giant laundry pile, chill with the kids after camp, and catch up on all the buzzy new shows so I can actually contribute to the group chat.

Now that the Taylor and Travis wedding watch has finally calmed down (the scrolling truly never ended), here is exactly what I'll be streaming this week across Netflix, Peacock, and cable. I even threw in a new Hallmark movie—you're welcome, Mom! Here are all the TV premieres to watch this week.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

The Biggest TV Premieres to Watch This Week (July 6-11)ER: Off the Charts (TLC), Wednesday, July 8

My middle school life consisted of watching every episode of Baby Story on TLC immediately after school while eating a Pop-Tart. This summer, I'm excited to get that same bit of nostalgia on TLC by tuning into the network's brand new series ER: Off the Charts.

Fifteen episodes of firsthand interviews and raw video from patients and ER doctor breakdowns? This might be the best thing since MTV's Teen Mom.

The series premieres on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 p.m. ET and will air weekly.

Guy's Grocery Games: Global Games Premiere (Food Network), Wednesday, July 8

I'm hoping to find a new show to bond over with my 8-year-old and I'm kind of sick of Mr. Beast, so Guy Fieri it is. In this series hosted by Guy and Hunter Fieri (Guy's son), Guy's Grocery Games: Global Games is a show where eight chefs representing culinary styles from around the world compete for a $50,000 prize. Part 1 premieres on the Food Network on Wednesday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Related: Food Network Reveals New All-Star Tournament Featuring 8 Fan-Favorite Chefs

Big Brother Season 28 Premiere (CBS), Thursday, July 9

I'll be honest, I haven't watched Big Brother since Andy Herren won Big Brother 15, which aired in 2013. Don't hate me! But Parade's resident BB expert, TV Editor Mike Bloom, has convinced me this season is the time to tune in. The "Time Trip" theme sounds cool and the kitchen table reminds me of some pretty unforgettable POV ceremonies. And sure, I have missed that familiar voice announcing, "Tonight on BIIGGG BROOOOOTHER!", too.

Big Brother Season 28 is scheduled to premiere Thursday, July 9, at 8:00 PM EST with a special 90-minute episode on CBS.

Related: Julie Chen Moonves Reveals the 5 ‘Big Brother’ Moments She Wishes She Could Relive — and One Explains a Massive Rule Change (Exclusive)

Little House on the Prairie (Netflix), Thursday, July 9 Little House on the Prairie. (L to R) Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls, Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls, Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls in episode 101 of Little House on the Prairie. Cr. Eric Zachanowich/Netflix © 2026

The original Little House on Prairie aired 12 years before I was born, but I remember watching re-runs with my older sisters — and my mom did read us some books out loud at bedtime. Hearing "Ma" and "Pa" brings me right back that core memory. So I'm going to stream Netflix's revival when the first season of the show's revival (eight episodes total) drops on Netflix at 3 am EST on July 9.

The "reimagining" is described as "part family drama and part epic survival tale", based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books. It's rated TV-PG for frontier hardship and "intense peril" so I plan to screen it before inviting my 8-year-old to watch, but I'm hoping we can enjoy it together.

Who is in the new Little House on the Prairie cast?

The series stars Luke Bracey as Charles, Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline, and Alice Halsey as Laura. You may know Halsey from Days of Our Lives, where she played Rachel Black for 56 episodes.

The Five-Star Weekend (Peacock), Thursday, July 9 Pictured: Jennifer Garner as Hollis -- (Photo by: Adam Rose/PEACOCK)

Peacock

I have yet to hate a book by Elin Hilderbrand (the Winter Street trilogy is my all-time fave), and while I haven't read The Five-Star Weekend, which the Nantucket-resident author penned in 2023, I'm excited to watch the new mini-series on Peacock.

All eight episodes will drop on July 9 on Peacock, starring Jennifer Garner.

What is Elin Hilderbrand's The Five Star Weekend about?

The Five-Star Weekend follows Hollis Shaw, a food blogger on Nantucket whose life shatters when her husband dies in a sudden car crash. To process her grief, Hollis invites her four closest friends from different eras of her life for a weekend getaway.

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20 Premiere (Bravo), Thursday, July 9

What's summer without Bravo? To stop my TikTok doomscrolling, I'm hoping Andy Cohen and company can intervene. TheReal Housewives of Orange County Season 20 features returning cast members Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Vicki Gunvalson, plus new HousewifeCarmella Garcia.

Season 20 premieres Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with new episodes airing weekly.

View this post on Instagram O Little Christmas Market (Hallmark movie), Saturday, July 11 An artist’s fights to saves her town’s beloved Christmas market from a developer but a budding romance with the architect tied to the deal may help bring about a Christmas miracle. Photo: Katherine Barrell, Stephen Huszar Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media

Only 24 Saturdays left to Christmas, so why not get in the spirit early with Hallmark's new Saturday movie, O Little Christmas, with Katherine Barrell (Wynonna Earp) and Stephen Huszar (My One and Only).

The movie is about "a gifted miniature artist and a talented yet unfulfilled architect clash on opposite sides of a deal threatening a beloved community holiday market tradition."

It premieres on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET.

What Else is Streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock This Week?

New Netflix movie Enola Holmes 3, starring Millie Bobby Brown, premiered July 1, but could be good to stream this week if you haven't had the chance. Catch it on Netflix.

New Netflix series Human Vapor premiered on July 2 and is already a favorite with my friends.

For my true crime-lovers, Netflix's four-part docuseries Worst Neighbor Ever released July 1 and it's on my list this week. The show "explores deadly conflicts in seemingly close-knit communities." Count me in.

Over on Hulu, Project Runway Season 22 premieres on July 9 on Freeform with next-day streaming available on Hulu and Disney+. Tyra Banks is set as a recurring judge alongside Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Law Roach, with Christian Siriano returning as mentor.

On Peacock, catch the movie Reminders of Him (based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel of the same name) on July 10.

Next: Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket Novels Are Becoming TV Obsessions—Here’s What’s Coming Next!

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If your home could use more closed storage but you don’t want to spend a fortune on custom cabinets, Walmart is running a deal worth checking out right now. The Concetta 4-Tier Freestanding Storage Cabinet is marked down to $115 from $220, making it nearly 50% off. It comes in beige and white, and the neutral finishes give it a hint of coastal cottage style without making it look too farmhouse or too beachy.

The cabinet measures 29.65 inches wide, 15.94 inches deep, and 71.1 inches tall, so it uses vertical space rather than spreading out across the room. It’s made from manufactured wood that wipes clean easily, with metal handles, four shelves, and two doors to keep everyday clutter out of sight. The soft-close doors are a nice bonus at this price, especially if you plan to use the cabinet in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, family room, or entryway.

Concetta 4-Tier Freestanding Storage Cabinet, $115 (was $220) at Walmart

Curtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Its versatile design means it could start in the kitchen to hold snacks, glassware, or small appliances, then move to a laundry room or garage later as your storage needs change over the years. The neutral finishes also give it more of a coastal cottage look than a standard utility cabinet, and since similar tall cabinets can easily cost much more, its $115 sale price feels especially worthwhile for a 71-inch piece with closed doors.

One reviewer said, “The shelves are sturdy and hold everything nicely,” adding, “It looks more expensive than it was, and it will last for decades.” Another called it a “perfect cabinet for garage organization,” noting that it's “tall and holds a lot.” They also mentioned that the white color brightened their space, while another shopper appreciated the easy assembly, slow-close doors, and amount of storage.

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $115 Farmhouse Arched Storage Cabinet Is Perfect for Organizing Small Spaces

Both colors can work with the coastal cottage angle in different ways. The beige option has a light, natural look that pairs well with woven textures, while the white style can make any room feel brighter and cleaner. Either way, the cabinet gives you the look of a more finished storage piece while still hiding the less-pretty everyday items you don’t want sitting out, whether that’s cleaning bottles, pet supplies, or extra snacks.

Shop More Deals

• Spaco 17-Tier 2-Door Pantry Cabinet, $82 (was $164) at Walmart
• Asofer 8-Shelf 2-Door Storage Cupboard, From $73 (was $160) at Walmart
• Homfa Freestanding Pantry Buffet Hutch, $210 (was $360) at Walmart

If your home has plenty to store but not enough places to hide it all, the Concetta 4-Tier Freestanding Storage Cabinet is worth grabbing while it’s marked down to $115. The tall shape helps you make better use of unused wall space, while the doors keep the room looking more organized once everything is put away. Be sure to shop it while the Walmart sale is still live.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

Motorsports seem to be everywhere these days, thanks in part to Formula 1's rise in popularity. In fact, I can’t open social media without seeing drivers and circuits from various motorsports popping up on my For You Page (not that I’m complaining). If you’re like me and hooked on all things F1 but want to explore other high-speed racing in motorsports, keep reading. 

I’ve rounded up eight of the best motorsports events for racing fans, from unique races, destinations built around racing, and even a few options where you can get behind the wheel of a supercar.  And even better, all of these options are in the United States, so they are a short flight or drive away from most major cities. 

Related: 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events to Plan Your Summer Vacation Around

Unique Races Worth AttendingFAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana

Dates: February 25-27, 2027

Be sure to pack your jacket for this race.

Lone Mountain Land Company

One of the most thrilling races in the United States is one you might not have heard of: the FAT Ice Race. The event features modern and historic cars racing on a frozen track at Big Sky’s Moonlight Basin. Even better, you can enter your own car, as long as it’s a certified head-turner, to take to the track for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Outside the actual races, the vibe of the event is mostly casual and fun, with drinks flowing, the resident DJ playing feel-good tunes, and folks chatting with one another between rounds of cars taking to the icy field. 

Related: I Went To My First Formula 1 Race—Here's What Surprised Me Most

MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States

Dates: TBA for 2027

MotoGP combines high-speed racing with death-defying tactics for one thrilling race.

MotoGP

If you think Formula 1 is daring, then you’re in for a real treat with MotoGP.  Bikes can reach top speeds of over 223 miles per hour, but riders are skimming just inches above the pavement around corners, making for a truly thrilling race. Next year, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States will take place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas (official dates are not available as of publication). While activations for next year’s race haven’t been announced, in the past, fans have been able to do everything from test-riding bikes and watching stunt shows to participating in driver Q&A sessions. 

Similarly to F1, there are plenty of ticket options, including general admission and guaranteed seats in the Grandstand. There are also hospitality options that include everything from lounge access and pit lane walks to paddock tours and team garage access. 

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida

Dates: Spring 2027

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a must-do for race fans in Florida.

VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Every spring, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburgtakes over the downtown area of the Florida beach town for the first race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 1.8-mile circuit allows drivers to reach speeds of 180 miles per hour through downtown streets. Cars will race past iconic St. Petersburg landmarks like The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, The Dalí Museum, and even onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport. 

What makes this race so fun is that it feels more like a waterfront festival than a traditional race. While details of the 2027 race haven’t been announced as of publishing, some of the exciting offerings of the 2026 race included a 5k on the track and the free INDYCAR Party in the Park, where race cars are displayed, driver appearances, live music and more.

I particularly love how affordable tickets are for entry. In 2026, tickets started at just $30 for Friday general admission, and reserved seats started at $110 for single-day seats. Hopefully, the 2027 prices are similar. You can keep track of next year's ticket info by signing up for email alerts from the race. 

Related: Formula One–Inspired Theme Park Set to Open next to Circuit of the Americas

Motorsports Destinations To Plan a Trip AroundBowling Green, Kentucky Drivers can get behind the wheel of an American sports car in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Visit BGKY

Did you know that every single Corvette in the world is made in Bowling Green, Kentucky? Because of this, the city is a top motorsports destination to plan a trip around, especially for sports car enthusiasts. Start with a tour of the National Corvette Museum, where you can learn about the evolution of the iconic car. And if you time your visit right for summer or early fall, you may even have the chance to step inside the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant to watch a car come to life.

After your tour, head over to NCM Motorsports Park, where you can sit behind the wheel of a curated selection of Corvettes and Camaros and take to the track. While participating in touring laps, you’ll get to drive four laps around the track with a pro driver to give you pointers along the way. 

Related: Danica Patrick: 'I Want to Be the Best Driver, Not the Best Female Driver'

Naples, Florida Cars on 5th brings in thousands of visitors over one weekend.

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades CVB

Car enthusiasts looking for a weekend filled with incredible cars will want to block out February 4 through February 7, 2027, for one of Florida’s most prestigious automotive events: Cars on 5th. The car show transforms Naples ’ Fifth Avenue South into a showcase of more than 750 cars, from luxury and classic vehicles to one-of-a-kind custom builds. Throughout the weekend, there are plenty of exclusive events, too, including receptions with rare cars in a private jet hangar, a charity rally, and more. 

Besides the once-a-year car show, Naples is also home to the Revs Institute, a beautiful car museum where you can view more than 120 historically significant vehicles. What makes this museum unique is that many of the cars are displayed without barriers, so you can get up close to see the craftsmanship and design. Some of the cars in the collection include a 1988 Arrows A10B Formula 1 car, a 1995 McLaren F1, and a 1909 Ford Model T Touring. 

Charlotte, North Carolina At the NASCAR Hall of Fame, you can take on a Pit Crew challenge.

Visit North Carolina

NASCAR fans will want to hit the open road to Charlotte, North Carolina. Here, motorsports fans can get in on the action at Charlotte Motor Speedway, home to the longest NASCAR race and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If you really want a full look at the track, you can book one of the Speedway Tours, where you’ll hop in a van to ride around the track and visit the garage, zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track and Winner’s Circle all while learning the history of the iconic racing venue. Inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame & Museum, you can learn about NASCAR's history and even test your own car skills with racing simulators and a Pit Crew Challenge. 

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Adrenaline junkies can participate in a variety of on-track driving experiences, from a NASCAR ride-along with a pro racing instructor at the wheel to a full 40-minute driving session where you drive five back-to-back eight-minute sessions with pit stops. 

When it’s time for something calmer, take a tour of the team shops to see where cars are built and worked on throughout the year. Garage Pass Shop Tours offers packages so you can visit multiple teams in the same day. Some team shop options include Joe Gibbs Racing, JR Motorsports, and Team Penske.

Related: Disney is Throwing Massive Support Behind Women's F1

Feel The Thrill Behind The WheelWide Open Wednesdays at Brainerd International Raceway

Dates: May 6 to September 23, 2026

You can enter your own car in a drag race during Wide Open Wednesday at the Brainerd International Raceway.

Brainerd International Raceway

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the thrill of drag racing yourself, Brainerd International Raceway gives everyone that chance each summer with its Wide Open Wednesdays. During the summer from May 6 through September 23, 2026, anyone can enter their street-legal vehicles into drag races, drifting sessions, and autocross courses. Even better, entry is only $35 per racer. If you simply want to watch others participate, spectator tickets are just $10. 

Daytona International Speedway NASCAR Racing Experience

One of the most iconic racing venues in the world is the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. While it’s always fun to attend a race here, motorsports fans can also get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car with a NASCAR Racing Experience. What makes this so thrilling is that you’re in complete control since there's no lead car or instructor riding with you, and you can pass the slower cars as you race around the track. 

The driving experience ranges from five to 48 minutes of track time, the latter of which may be better for those who want the true experience of their favorite driver. This is only offered on select days throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar before booking. 

Related: 10 Over-The-Top Snacks Worth Going To A Baseball Game For

There are plenty of reasons why we might choose the self-checkout lane at the store. But licensed psychologist Dr. Brandy Smith, PhD, reveals that this little quirk could reveal a lot more about your personality than you think.

OK, it isn't always that deep—sometimes you only have a couple of items and want to get in and out of there quick. But if you always find yourself forgoing the regular cashier lanes, it does paint a better picture of your overall character. Maybe you exude confidence effortlessly, taking errand-running into your own hands. Or maybe you're someone who prefers a quieter shopping experience. Either way, a psychologist says that if you always prefer self-checkout, you most likely have nine personality traits.

For starters, do you hate awkward small talk with the cashier? Are you somewhat impatient and always opt for a faster checkout experience? If yes, you're most likely a self-checkout person.

Dr. Smith sheds a bit of light on why self-checkout lovers are the way that they are. For that and everything else she has to share, keep scrolling. The psychologist breaks down exactly why certain people make a beeline for this experience and why some people, on the other hand, won't go near it.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Instantly Apologize ‘For the Mess’ When Guests Arrive, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

What Does It Say About Someone if They Prefer Self-Checkout?

Again, choosing self-checkout doesn't always have to have a deeper meaning. Sometimes, you just want a faster checkout experience, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, Dr. Smith explains that there are a few other interesting reasons why someone might want to choose this method instead of cruising up to the regular counter.

"Things it could possibly say are that the person thought it would be faster and/or easier to do self-checkout, or that they prefer to 'do it' themselves," she tells Parade. "[Rather] than have someone else do it, [they] may prefer to limit interactions with others."

Basically, you might be a bit antisocial if you always prefer self-checkout (we're all guilty of this at times) or you're just someone who's independent and prefers to do things on their own. Further, it could also signify that you like to have more control over your experience, choosing to keep things like your PIN and card number safely tucked away from prying eyes.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Go Quiet When You’re Upset, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

9 Traits of People Who Prefer Self-Checkout, According to a Psychologist1. They like to be speedy

Most of the time, people who prefer self-checkout don't like to waste time, and Dr. Smith points out why.

"Many people view self-checkout as faster, so they go that route," she states. "When a person is working to maximize time efficiency, going the route they view as fastest makes sense."

2. They prefer their own way of doing things

Dr. Smith says that people who always choose self-checkout are usually pretty particular—a bit more type A, if you will. As she mentioned previously, instead of letting other people handle their items, they're inclined to go it alone.

"This could mean [they like] the way they check out, bag or just the overall experience of doing it themselves," she adds. "A preference for their way of doing it could be specific to groceries or broader to a general preference for control."

Related: People Who Trust Themselves Do These 7 Things Differently, Psychologist Says

3. They're often shy or uncomfortable with social interaction

While this isn't always the case, people who actively avoid the regular checkout line probably prefer less social interaction while running errands.

"While it is not a guarantee that using the self-checkout option will allow for no interaction with an employee, it does increase the odds of not having to interact with someone," Dr. Smith says. "Someone who is shy, anxious or uncomfortable about interacting with others may be drawn to self-checkout."

4. They tend to purchase only a few items at a time

Let's be honest, self-checkout isn't usually conducive to a massive grocery haul. According to Dr. Smith, people who always prefer self-checkout are not people who are buying a ton of stuff. And that could be because it goes against their practical nature.

"Most self-checkout options do not have much space, so someone who always uses self-checkout is someone who likely buys only a few items at a time rather than a lot at once," she adds.

5. They're interested in the increased possibility of privacy 

Dr. Smith says if you're buying something "embarrassing," you'll probably naturally gravitate toward self-checkout.

"Using the self-checkout can reduce what is being purchased from being seen by others," she explains. "This may relate to concern about judgment or embarrassment about what is purchased and a desire to have fewer people to possibly see it."

On the other side of this coin, though, it could also mean that you just prefer privacy when it comes to your debit or credit cards, or your payment methods in general. It's easy to look over someone's shoulder in the regular checkout line. Choosing self-checkout increases security a bit since they're more spaced out.

6. They have a desire for autonomy

People who always prefer self-checkout are highly independent people, Dr. Smith stresses. They always like to have more control over their experience, and self-checkout allows them to self-guide their entire trip. This provides more freedom in a sense and speaks to independent people on a deep level.

7. They dislike waiting and lines

No one likes to wait in long lines, but Dr. Smith says that the type of people who choose self-checkout consider the concept of lines and of waiting in them in general a big "no" for them. If they can maximize their time, best believe that they're going to. While there are definitely times self-checkout isn't as fast as it could be, they still choose it due to the nature of it.

"Self-checkout is not always faster, but oftentimes it is because people using it tend to have fewer items to purchase," she states. "Even if there is a little bit of a line when a customer reaches the self-checkout area, the customer may overall wait in line for less time."

8. They're sometimes impatient

It's probably no surprise based on Dr. Smith's earlier statement, but she also says that self-checkout-users are often impatient.

"While many people may use the self-checkout to move faster, others may take it to the point of being impatient," she shares. "[They most likely] feel like the self-checkout reduces their impatience meter, going as high as in a cashier-checkout option."

9. They're more aware of their surroundings

When you're in the regular checkout line, it's easier for people to be close to you, increasing the risk of being pickpocketed. Self-checkout areas are often a bit more spaced out, and Dr. Smith says that people who choose this are often more aware of their surroundings. They know who and what is around them, so they're less susceptible to pickpockets or general theft.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Use Humor in Serious Situations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Why Do Some People Avoid Self-Checkout?

On the other hand, there are certainly people who avoid self-checkout like the plague, and that's OK too! There are plenty of reasons people might shy away from using self-checkout, and Dr. Smith breaks down a few.

"Some people avoid self-checkout because of the amount of items they have and their view that self-checkout is best and/or easiest when one has fewer items," she explains.

Some may even skip it for deeper reasons, choosing to support store employees, she adds.

"Other people avoid self-checkout because they view it as robbing an opportunity from a paid employee—the sense that if too many people use self-checkout, it will lead the establishment to reduce employment opportunities," she tells Parade.

On a similar note, Dr. Smith mentions people have said to her that they don't use self-checkout because they don't want to do a service that someone is paid to do.

"[They stress the] idea that shopping is supposed to be 'full service' when it comes to being rung up and having their items bagged," she shares.

Some even avoid self-checkout simply because the machines are often finicky and it doesn't end up being a faster experience. Then another group of people might be afraid to try something new if they've never used it before.

"[They] may feel unsure and/or intimidated by the self-checkout process," she adds.

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says if You Hate Silence in Conversations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Source:

• Dr. Brandy Smith, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks.