Good morning, Wake County!
Today is International Youth Day—a time to celebrate the remarkable young people who fill our families and communities with energy, creativity, curiosity and hope. They are tomorrow’s leaders, but they are also making a meaningful difference in our world right now.
Take a moment today to recognize a special young person in your life. Send a thoughtful message, share a favorite memory, offer a word of encouragement or simply tell them what makes you proud. A few sincere words from someone who believes in them may stay in their heart for many years.
Every child deserves to feel seen, valued and encouraged. Today, let’s remind the young people in our lives just how special they are—and how brightly we believe their futures can shine.
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.”
B’s Customer Designs – Handmade Wreaths That Make a Statement
Support a small business and a work-at-home mom when you choose a one-of-a-kind wreath from B’s Customer Designs.
Each piece is carefully crafted to be uniquely yours—beautiful, eye-catching, and the perfect statement for your front door.
Turn your entryway into something special. Shop B’s Customer Designs today and bring home the beauty of handmade.
Check out her latest creations and order your own: B’s Custom Creations by BR
😂 Kids Say the Darndest Things!
A little boy asked his grandmother, “How old are you?”
She smiled and replied, “Well, I’m 76 years young.”
He thought for a moment and said, “Wow! Were you born before colors were invented?”
Grandma laughed and answered, “Yes—and everything was black and white until I was about six!”
Children have a wonderful way of making us laugh, keeping us humble and reminding us not to take life too seriously. Today, let a child’s imagination brighten your day—and remember that laughter is one of the sweetest sounds childhood gives us.
Have you ever been?
Edenton: North Carolina’s Storybook Waterfront Escape
Often called one of the South’s prettiest small towns, Edenton combines sparkling water, centuries-old homes, shady streets and an unhurried atmosphere. It feels like a place discovered by accident—and remembered forever.
Spend the morning strolling through Waterfront Park and seeing the charming 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. Explore downtown boutiques, tour historic homes and climb aboard the trolley for stories from Edenton’s fascinating past. Later, enjoy a narrated cruise across Edenton Bay aboard the Liber-Tea, especially beautiful as the setting sun turns the water golden.
Visitors can stay in a romantic bed-and-breakfast, enjoy fresh seafood and watch an Edenton Steamers summer baseball game beneath the evening sky. It’s quieter than the Outer Banks, rich in history and ideal for couples, girlfriends or anyone craving a peaceful weekend beside the water.
Learn more and plan your visit through Visit Edenton.
Water Babies of Greater Raleigh offers expert-led swim lessons for babies and toddlers from birth to age 4 in warm, welcoming Triangle pools.
You’ll be in the water together for fun, child-led classes filled with songs, play, and gentle skill-building—creating special bonding moments while your little one gains confidence.
Why parents love Water Babies:
✅ Builds early water confidence and helps prevent fear of water
✅ Introduces foundational water safety skills
✅ Supports healthy physical and emotional development
✅ Creates quality parent-child bonding time
✅ Taught by caring, highly trained local instructors
Give your child the gift of water confidence and joyful memories. Spots fill quickly—contact Water Babies of Greater Raleigh today!
Let’s find more summer in Wake County!
Summer Isn’t Over Yet! Six Outdoor Concerts to Enjoy This Week
Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to fill these warm August evenings with music, laughter and a little dancing beneath the stars. Wake County has six outdoor concerts happening this week, including soulful local performances, a downtown street celebration, salsa dancing and a major pop-rock tour. Gather your family and friends, pack a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a little more summer before it slips away.
The music begins on Wednesday, August 12, with Live After 5 featuring Elora Dash at Seaboard Station Plaza, 20 Seaboard Avenue in Raleigh. This free, family-friendly concert runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Elora Dash and her five-piece ensemble combine jazz fusion, neo-soul and R&B to create an innovative, soul-stirring sound. Local food trucks and beverages will be available, making this an easy midweek evening out in downtown Raleigh. View the event information.
The celebration continues on Thursday, August 13, when Harvey Street performs at Moore Square, 201 S. Blount Street in downtown Raleigh. The free concert takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. and concludes Raleigh’s 2026 Live After 5 summer season. Harvey Street brings an energetic blend of indie rock and surf-inspired music to the stage. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs, find a comfortable place on the grass and enjoy the local food trucks and family-friendly atmosphere. Learn more about the concert.
On Friday, August 14, downtown Wake Forest comes alive for Friday Night on White, featuring The Amazing Lounge Lizards. This free community concert takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. along South White Street. The evening will be filled with live music, dancing, food, beverages and the lively spirit that has made Friday Night on White one of Wake Forest’s favorite traditions. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, explore the downtown businesses and enjoy dinner before or during the show. Chairs should not be placed in the street before 4:30 p.m. See the official event information.
Also on Friday evening, Faster Than Boys will perform on the outdoor patio at Carolina Ale House, 11685 Northpark Drive in Wake Forest. The live music is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. There is no separate concert admission listed, although food and beverages are purchased individually. Order dinner, relax with friends and enjoy an evening of local rock music in a casual open-air setting. View the Carolina Ale House music schedule.
For one of the week’s biggest concerts, 5 Seconds of Summer brings its EVERYONE’S A STAR! World Tour to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, 3801 Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh, on Friday, August 14. The ticketed event begins at 7 p.m., with ticket prices varying according to availability and seating location. Fans can select reserved pavilion seating or enjoy the show from the lawn beneath the summer sky. Parking may be sold separately, so review the venue information before leaving home. Find official concert and ticket information.
If dancing is more your style, head to Salsa at the Park on Friday, August 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N. First Avenue in Knightdale. This free, all-ages celebration begins with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by live music from the Latin Swing orchestra until 8:30 p.m. Food trucks and local vendors will also be on-site. Whether you are an experienced dancer, a complete beginner or simply want to watch and enjoy the music, everyone is welcome. Find additional event details.
Summer will not last forever, so take advantage of these warm evenings while you can. Dance in the street, sway beneath the stars or relax on a blanket while the music plays. However you choose to enjoy it, an outdoor concert is a wonderful way to squeeze a few more joyful memories out of the season.
Outdoor events may be delayed or canceled because of weather. Please check with the event organizer before leaving home for the latest updates.
One Stop, Shorter Lines: Bigger DMV Coming to Fuquay-Varina
A trip to the DMV could soon become quicker and easier for southern Wake County residents. A larger DMV facility is scheduled to open in early 2027 at 816 N. Main Street in Fuquay-Varina, inside a former Walgreens.
The new location will place driver license and license plate services under one roof, allowing customers to handle more of their DMV needs in a single visit. It will feature 14 service stations, compared with only four at the current driver license office.
The expansion is designed to serve rapidly growing Fuquay-Varina, southern Wake County and northern Harnett County. An exact opening date and operating hours have not yet been announced.
Turning Down the Heat—A Little!
Wake County may finally get a small break from the heat on Saturday, August 15. After several days in the mid-to-upper 90s, the National Weather Service forecasts a high near 90 degrees.
Saturday should be partly sunny and humid, with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and an overnight low near 72. It may not exactly be sweater weather, but after a week near 97 degrees, we’ll happily celebrate every missing degree!
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Chunky Blanket Workshop
Location: Wine & Design, 5456 Apex Peakway, Apex
Time: 6–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $95
Description: Learn to hand-knit a soft throw-size blanket during this beginner-friendly workshop. Registration includes instruction and five skeins of yarn. Guests may bring their own wine, beer and snacks. Register here.
Plant Bingo Night
Location: Vino & Tap, 307 S. Academy Street, Cary
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $30
Description: Play several lively rounds of plant-themed bingo in downtown Cary. Admission includes the games and a plant to take home. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Event information and tickets.
Mimi Montgomery: Murder Bites
Location: Quail Ridge Books, 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Ticket required; ticket includes a copy of Murder Bites and reserved seating
Description: Meet author Mimi Montgomery as she discusses and signs her new cozy mystery, Murder Bites, a lighthearted whodunit set in a dog-loving small town. Reserve a ticket.
Live After 5 with Elora Dash
Location: Seaboard Station Plaza, 20 Seaboard Avenue, Raleigh
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Description: Enjoy an outdoor performance by Elora Dash and her five-piece ensemble, blending jazz fusion, neo-soul and R&B. Local food trucks and beverages will be available. View event details.
Wednesday Pool Tournament
Location: Keith’s Store, 13041 Keith Store Road, Wake Forest
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $10 entry fee
Description: Test your skills during a friendly, double-elimination 8-ball tournament open to local pool players.
Al Strong & Friends Jazz Night
Location: Boatman Spirits Co., 713 Seaboard Station Drive, Raleigh
Time: 8–11 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; food and drinks sold separately
Description: Settle in for an evening of live jazz featuring trumpeter Al Strong and friends while enjoying cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired food. View event information.
Stargazing with the Raleigh Astronomy Club
Location: The Willard Rooftop Lounge, 9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
Time: 8–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Description: Raleigh Astronomy Club members will provide telescopes, guide guests through the night sky and answer astronomy questions. Small plates and cocktails will be available for purchase. Stargazing is weather-dependent. View event details.
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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.”
