Sponsored by
Made In Cookware® - The Cookware Chefs Actually Use
Plenty of cookware brands will pay a famous chef to hold a pan and smile. Made In doesn't do that. Their cookware is used in 4,000+ professional kitchens and has been adopted by millions of home cooks.
Now you can cook with the exact pieces from your favorite restaurant at home. Every piece of cookware is built by craftsmen in the USA and Europe, using performance materials and construction that hold up to the rigors of the world’s most demanding kitchens. There’s a reason why it’s the cookware with the most 5-star reviews on the internet.
Most people who need a full kitchen replacement start with their Cookware Sets, where you’ll find their best deals. Pasta lovers need the 3 QT Saucier, the piece chefs call their most-reached-for pan and is the pan that powers world-famous Italian joints like Mother Wolf in L.A.
Good morning, Wake County—
We are delighted to announce that voting has officially begun in the Wake News & Events Readers’ Choice Awards—a celebration of the local businesses that make Wake County such a wonderful place to live, work, and gather.
When you vote, you’re doing much more than choosing a favorite. You’re helping hardworking local business owners gain valuable recognition, reach new customers, and continue serving our community. By encouraging your friends, family, and neighbors to vote, you can give the businesses you love an even greater opportunity to grow and thrive.
Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing Readers’ Choice Awards in many different categories. We’re beginning with three favorites everyone feels passionately about:
Best Cup of Coffee • Best Pizza • Best Hamburger
Voting takes only about two minutes, but your support could make a lasting difference. The winner in each category will receive a full year of FREE advertising in the Wake News & Events Business Directory—and much more!
Cast your vote, spread the word, and help your favorite local businesses earn the recognition they deserve!
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 Custom 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 Custom 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 Custom Designs today and bring home the beauty of handmade.
Check out her latest creations and order your own: B’s Custom Creations by BR
📞Call: 919-374-0535
Email: [email protected]
Why did the hamburger vote for the pizza in the Readers’ Choice Awards?
Because it thought the pizza was a pretty big dill—but the coffee said, “Don’t get steamed, you’re still on a roll!” 😄
A Taste of Switzerland—Here in North Carolina!
For a refreshing late-summer escape, visit Little Switzerland, a charming Blue Ridge Mountain community about 3½ to 4 hours from Wake County. At an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, it offers mountain scenery, fascinating history and plenty of small-town charm.
Friday evening: Check into a mountain inn or lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by beautiful Blue Ridge views. Reservations are recommended.
Saturday morning: Visit Emerald Village, where you can tour a historic underground mine, see antique mining equipment and search for gemstones. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 31. Museum admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $10 for children ages 5–12. Gemstone buckets begin at $15. Explore Emerald Village
Saturday afternoon: Head to the historic Orchard at Altapass for mountain views, educational exhibits, a pollinator garden, homemade treats and Appalachian music. Montana Ridge performs Saturday, August 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission and live music are free. The Apple Core Grill is scheduled to serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. View the event calendar
Because a spring freeze damaged much of the 2026 apple crop, apple-picking opportunities may be limited.
Sunday: Browse the three floors and more than 30,000 books at Little Switzerland Books & Beans, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then return to the orchard for a scheduled performance by the Southwind String Band before heading home. Visit Books & Beans
Before You Go
Check current Parkway closures and review directions to the orchard before traveling.
With mountain scenery, live music, mining history, homemade treats and a wonderfully unusual bookstore, Little Switzerland makes a delightful North Carolina weekend escape.
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!
WC Schools Make the Grade
More than 117,000 Wake County students on the traditional calendar returned to class on August 24—and they began the new school year with encouraging news.
The Wake County Public School System has filled 98.6% of its approximately 11,000 teaching positions, leaving about 156 vacancies. District officials say this is one of Wake County’s strongest teacher-staffing levels in recent years.
Improved compensation is helping the district recruit educators. Under the newly approved salary schedule, beginning teacher pay in Wake County is approximately $55,340, including the locally funded salary supplement.
Although challenges remain—particularly in special education and instructional-assistant positions—the district’s progress means more students are beginning the year with a dedicated teacher leading their classroom.
That is wonderful news for Wake County’s students, families and hardworking educators—and a promising start to the 2026–27 school year.
Two Colorful Ways to Spend Tonight!
Put down the remote and pick up a paintbrush—two creative evenings are waiting in Wake County!
At Wine & Design in Wake Forest, Open Studio runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Choose your painting in advance, and the studio will prepare a pre-traced canvas so you can work independently at your own pace. An artist will be available if you need advice. Tickets are $35, and guests may bring snacks, beer or wine. Advance online reservations are required, and the event is recommended for adults. Choose your painting and reserve a seat
Knightdale, Oak City Brewing Company hosts Paints & Pints with Art Anywhere from 6 to 8 p.m. This beginner-friendly, instructor-led workshop guides guests through painting a graceful willow tree. Tickets start at $47.75, and De Pana Flavor’s food truck is scheduled to serve from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase Paints & Pints tickets
Bring a friend, plan a creative date night or treat yourself to an evening where the only thing you need to draw is a little inspiration!
North Carolina Festivals
August 28–30, 2026
Carolina Open Air: Summer Edition — Charlotte
Dates: Friday, August 28–Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 4:30–11 p.m. each day
Location: Blackbox Theater, 421 East Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
Admission: Ticket required
Age requirement: 18 and older
This outdoor electronic-music festival features LSDREAM, Ravenscoon and AHEE on Friday, followed by Liquid Stranger, TVBOO and Jkyl & Hyde on Saturday. Official event information
Winterville Watermelon Festival — Winterville
Dates: Friday, August 28–Sunday, August 30, 2026
Friday: Activities begin at 5 p.m.; the opening ceremony and rides begin at 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: 1–6 p.m.
Location: Winterville Recreation Park, 324 Sylvania Street, Winterville, NC
Admission: Many activities are free; rides and Saturday’s concert require payment.
Friday includes bingo, rides, vendors and free performances by the Joe Brown Band and Feelin’ 22, a Taylor Swift tribute band. Saturday features a Veterans Appreciation Parade, craft vendors, a watermelon-eating contest and the ticketed Watermelon Jam, featuring Should’ve Been Cowboys, Colin Stough and headliner Easton Corbin. Sunday brings vendors, rides, inflatable games and magic performances. Official schedule
Black August in the Park — Durham
Dates: Friday, August 28–Sunday, August 30, 2026
Location: Several venues throughout Durham, NC
Sunday’s main festival: 4–11 p.m. at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street
Admission: Some activities are free; others require tickets.
This cultural weekend celebrates Black community, history, healing and self-determination through music, food, wellness activities, movement sessions, tours and community conversations. Official festival website
Lake Gaston Catfish Festival — Littleton
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Buck Springs Park, 217 Nathaniel Macon Drive, Littleton, NC
Admission: FREE
The main festival features live entertainment, local food, vendors and a dedicated children’s zone. The organizer currently publishes conflicting dates for the separate Float-Up Concert, so that activity is not included here. Official festival information
Savor High Point — High Point
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 2–8 p.m.
Location: Mendenhall Transportation Terminal, 220 East Commerce Avenue, High Point, NC
Admission: FREE; food, drinks and tasting packages cost extra.
This international food and cultural festival features global cuisine, food trucks, local makers, live music, art, interactive activities and cultural performances. Official festival website
Wood Mill Winery’s Annual Grape Stomp Festival — Vale
Dates: Saturday, August 29–Sunday, August 30, 2026
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.
Location: WoodMill Winery, 1350 WoodMill Winery Lane, Vale, NC
Admission and parking: FREE
Weather policy: Outdoor, rain or shine
Enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, complimentary wine samples for guests 21 and older, children’s bounce houses and a grape-stomping contest. Identification is required for alcohol tastings and purchases. Official festival information
The International Festival: Around the World in Raleigh — Raleigh
Dates: Saturday, August 29–Sunday, August 30, 2026
Saturday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Theatre Raleigh Arts Center, 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC
Admission: Ticketed; Visit Raleigh lists admission at $30 and above.
Experience international food, desserts, music, dance, cultural demonstrations and performances from around the world. The organizer states that selected food and one drink ticket are included with admission. Festival details
Highlands Mountaintop Art and Craft Show — Highlands
Dates: Saturday, August 29–Sunday, August 30, 2026
Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, Highlands, NC
Admission: FREE
More than 80 regional artisans will present original fine art, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, metalwork, fiber art, baskets and glass. The festival also includes live music, food, demonstrations and a children’s zone. Official event website
Your Weekend Just Got Bigger
100+ Things to Do in Wake County!
Click the banner below to explore the complete Wake News & Events Calendar!
Advertise Your Business With Us! Request Our Ad Rates!
Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!
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.”
