Hello friends!
We’ve made it to the end of the week, and today is National Mutt Day—a day devoted to celebrating those lovable, one-of-a-kind dogs who may not have a fancy pedigree but certainly have plenty of personality!
Just like our favorite mutts, Friday’s are a wonderful mix of everything we love: a little fun, a little relaxation, and the promise of new adventures. So scratch “work” off your list, unleash your weekend spirit, and make time for something “pawsitively” enjoyable!
Here’s to wagging tails, happy hearts and a fantastic Friday!
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Brittany’s custom wreaths are pure magic—bold, beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs that turn any door into a showstopper. When you buy from her, you’re not just getting something stunning… you’re lifting up a talented small-business maker right here in our community.
Check out her latest creations and order your own: B’s Custom Creations by BR
📍Today’s Giggle📍
Kids say the darndest things about mutts…
“He’s not a mix — he’s a limited-edition mystery dog!”
North Carolina’s late-July and early-August calendar is packing more flavor, music, and mountain magic than a cool lemonade on a hot day. Whether you’re craving smoky brisket and bourbon, crystal hunting in the hills, or a seed-spitting contest that would make your grandma proud, there’s something deliciously local happening this weekend.
Kick things off in Cary with the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. On July 31 the gates open at 6:00 PM for an evening of pure indulgence, while August 1 offers two sessions—12:00 PM or 2:00 PM—so you can choose your perfect pace. More than 60 craft beers and 40-plus bourbons share the spotlight with heaping plates of pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. It’s the kind of afternoon where “just one more sample” turns into the best decision you’ll make all weekend.
If wellness is more your speed, head to Porte NOIRE Gardens in Franklinton on August 1 for the sixth annual Alkaline Festival. Starting at 11:00 AM, this feel-good gathering mixes live music, food trucks, and hands-on workshops into one refreshing day of good vibes and even better company.
Venture west into the mountains and the options only get richer. The NC Mineral and Gem Festival runs July 30 through August 2 at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center in Spruce Pine. Dig for your own treasures, browse sparkling exhibits, and take guided mine tours—perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to feel like a real-life treasure hunter.
Just down the road in Asheville, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival fills July 30 to August 1 with the stomps, strings, and stories of traditional Appalachian culture. Expect fiddles, clogging, and enough mountain spirit to make you want to learn a reel on the spot.
On July 31 starting at 4:00 PM, Dig In’s Fruit Fest at Birdfoot in Burnsville turns the orchard into a playground. Pie bake-offs, seed-spitting contests, and glassblowing demos collide in the most delightfully sticky way possible—bring your appetite and your competitive spirit.
Mills River Brewing Co. hosts the Highland Games & Scottish Festival on August 1 beginning at 9:00 AM. Watch traditional athletic feats, nibble Scottish-inspired eats, enjoy live music, and meet the stars of the show: actual Highland cows. Kilts optional, good humor required.
Over in Lansing, the Fly Around Music and Arts Festival stretches across July 31 and August 1 at the Lost Province Center for the Cultural Arts. This two-day outdoor bash celebrates community creativity with music, art, and that unmistakable small-town mountain energy.
Finally, Statesville keeps it free and local with the Statesville Heritage Festival on August 1 starting at 10:00 AM at the Statesville Event Center. Dive into the town’s culture and history with a full day of community pride and family-friendly fun.
From bourbon-soaked brisket to gem-filled mountains and seed spitting contests, this weekend is North Carolina at its most deliciously diverse. Pick your adventure—or better yet, try to fit in a few—and go make some memories.
Looking for a fun way to help your little one feel confident in the water? Water Babies of Greater Raleigh offers playful parent-and-baby swim lessons from birth through age 4 at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary.
Through songs, games, and lots of giggles, kids build water safety skills and a love of swimming in just 30 minutes a week. Give your child a safe, happy start in the water. Visit them on Facebook.
Raleigh’s Getting the Green Light to Water Again
Good news for lawns, gardens, and anyone tired of watching the clock for sprinkler hours: the City of Raleigh will lift Stage 1 water restrictions on Monday, August 3, 2026. Recent heavy rains have boosted Falls Lake’s water supply pool to 84% full, giving the city enough breathing room to ease the rules that have been in place since April. Residents are still encouraged to use water wisely, but the timed irrigation limits are officially heading out with the drought.
New Courts, a Sauna Spot, and a Growing Business Hub
The Triangle area keeps adding fresh ways to play, unwind, and work. Pickles and Play has newly opened as an upscale indoor pickleball facility with climate-controlled courts, offering memberships, open play, lessons, and leagues. Active locations are already welcoming players in Wake Forest and Chapel Hill, with a signature Brier Creek site now in the mix.
Meanwhile, Sauna House has opened its wellness and bathhouse location on Dupont Circle, giving residents a dedicated spot for heat therapy and relaxation.
Looking further ahead, the 30-acre Wake Forest Exchange business park is underway at Star Road and Capitol Boulevard in Wake Forest. The project is designed to attract tech, medical, and service-sector companies, bringing new job opportunities as buildings continue to take shape.
Kickoff Under the Lights
NC Courage vs. Orlando Pride
Wake Med Soccer Park, Cary
Friday, July 31 | 8:00 PM
Tickets from $21
The North Carolina Courage host the Orlando Pride in a high-stakes NWSL matchup. Expect fast-paced women’s professional soccer and a lively atmosphere at the park.
Hit Me Baby One More Time
Once Upon a One More Time
Theatre Raleigh (De Ann S. Jones Theatre), 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh
Through August 1 | 7:30 PM
Ticketed (prices vary)
This clever Britney Spears jukebox musical flips classic fairy tales upside down with 23 of the pop icon’s biggest hits. Fun, energetic, and perfect for ages 13+.
Bluegrass Under the Trees
Celebration of Bluegrass featuring Redbud & Jam Camp
Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary
Friday, July 31 | 6:30–9:00 PM
Free
An outdoor evening of traditional bluegrass with Boone’s Redbud and young musicians from Pine Cone’s Jam Camp. Bring a chair and enjoy one of Cary’s favorite free summer concerts.
Rock & Roll Free-for-All
Heavy Denim with Scivic Rivers & Danny Sandlot
Berkeley Cafe, 428 S Dawson St, Raleigh
Friday, July 31 | 8:30 PM
Free
A no-cover night of straightforward rock and roll in one of downtown Raleigh’s classic spots. Grab a drink and settle in for live local energy.
Art, Body & Connection
Muse Festival
Haven Farm, 8521 Buffalo Rd, Knightdale
Friday, July 31 | 12:00 PM
Ticketed
A one-day immersive outdoor gathering featuring live music, art installations, workshops, and community connection across the farm grounds.
You’ll find a complete list of events in our Wake Events Calendar. Click Below!👇
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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
