Good morning, Wake County—
As we welcome August 7, we hope your day begins with gratitude, kindness and a renewed appreciation for the wonderful community we call home.
Today is also Purple Heart Day, a solemn occasion to honor and remember the courageous U.S. military service members who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country. The observance commemorates August 7, 1782, when General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit—the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart.
To every Purple Heart recipient and military family: we see your sacrifice, we honor your courage, and we are deeply grateful for your service. May we never forget that the freedoms we enjoy were secured through the bravery and sacrifice of others.
As you head into the weekend, we hope today’s edition helps you discover something special, support a local business and enjoy more of what makes Wake County such a wonderful place to live.
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
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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…
“I’m not arguing—I’m just explaining why I’m right!”
Sun, Sand and Summer Fun: The Outer Banks Is Calling
Looking for a memorable North Carolina getaway? The Outer Banks is especially inviting this time of year, offering miles of beautiful beaches, warm ocean breezes and activities for every generation.
Families can climb historic lighthouses, watch the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial or search for Corolla’s legendary wild horses. Kayaking, dolphin tours, fishing, waterfront dining and quiet walks along the shore make it easy to create your own perfect coastal adventure.
This weekend brings even more reasons to visit. The free, family-friendly Ocracoke Fig Festival, happening August 7–8, celebrates the island’s beloved fig-growing tradition with live music, square dancing, children’s activities, local vendors and plenty of delicious fig-inspired treats.
On Friday evening, historic downtown Manteo comes alive during First Friday, a lively street celebration featuring music, artists, food, shopping and activities for the entire family.
The weekend also marks the beginning of two exciting Outer Banks fishing traditions. The Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament takes place August 8–9, while the renowned Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament begins August 8 and continues through August 14.
Whether you come for the festivals, fascinating history or the simple pleasure of sand between your toes, the Outer Banks offers the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect and make unforgettable summer memories.
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!
Wake County Counts Down to Pre-K
Excitement is building as the Wake County Public School System prepares to welcome nearly 3,000 young learners into approximately 200 Pre-K classrooms this school year.
To help children and parents feel comfortable and prepared, the district will host its first Countdown to Pre-K event on Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum, located at 201 E. Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh.
Families will have an opportunity to meet school staff, connect with helpful community organizations and discover resources designed to support a successful start to school. Pre-K teachers will also offer home visits before classes begin, giving families additional time to ask questions and build a relationship with their child’s teacher.
The event is free, but advance registration is required. Traditional-calendar Pre-K classes begin September 8.
Bigger Paychecks Ahead for Wake County Educators
North Carolina’s newly approved state budget provides teachers with an average 8% pay raise, along with raises for eligible instructional support staff and one-time employee bonuses. Wake County school leaders hope to include the new salary rates in September paychecks, with retroactive pay and bonuses expected by October 31.
Wake County Home Prices Rise as Spring Market Heats Up
Wake County’s median home sale price increased by $10,000 from March to April 2026, rising from $465,000 to $475,000—a 2.2% monthly increase.
Despite the springtime gain, the April median remained $10,000 below the $485,000 recorded in April 2025. The figures suggest that buyer activity strengthened during the spring while home prices remained slightly lower than the same period last year.
Things to Do in Wake County
Friday, August 7, 2026
The following events are arranged chronologically. Prices can change, and ticketed events may sell out, so readers should confirm details before leaving home.
7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Back-to-School Supply Drive
Location: Hartwell, 620 W. South Street, Raleigh
Cost: Free to visit; donations encouraged
Drop off school supplies benefiting Tools4Schools while visiting Hartwell. The collection continues Tuesdays through Sundays through August 30. Event details
10:00 a.m. — Free Kids’ Movie: Penguins of Madagascar
Location: Triangle Cinemas, 9500 Forum Drive, Raleigh
Cost: Free; concessions available
Families can enjoy a free morning screening of the animated comedy. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the movie begins at 10:00 a.m. Movie series details
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Audio Advice Live 2026
Location: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, 421 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
Cost: $30 one-day pass; free for children and students age 21 and younger
Explore high-end sound systems, home theaters, headphones, turntables, racing simulators and new entertainment technology. The show continues through August 9. Event and ticket information
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Drawing Studio with Mary Lou Amy
Location: The Makery, 317 E. Roosevelt Avenue, Wake Forest
Cost: $30 per two-hour class
A relaxed, semi-private drawing lesson using charcoal, colored pencils or pastels. Participants choose their own projects; open to ages 12 and older. Class information
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. — Crepe Brunch
Location: Steep Right Up, 111 W. Main Street, Garner
Cost: Ticket required; check availability
Enjoy a special Friday brunch featuring freshly prepared crepes and tea in downtown Garner. Downtown Garner calendar
12:30–2:30 p.m. — Teen Drawing and Painting Studio
Location: The Makery, 317 E. Roosevelt Avenue, Wake Forest
Cost: $30
A semi-private creative studio for young artists ages 12–18 who want to develop their drawing and painting skills. Class information
3:30–5:00 p.m. — Beginners’ Wheel Throwing: First Spin
Location: The Makery, 317 E. Roosevelt Avenue, Wake Forest
Cost: Registration and class fee required
Participants ages 8 and older can learn how to center clay, pull walls and safely operate a pottery wheel. No previous experience is required. Class information
5:00–9:00 p.m. — First Friday in Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Location: Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Cost: Free admission
Explore downtown businesses, restaurants and gathering places during a relaxed First Friday evening featuring local specials and activities. Event listing
5:00–9:00 p.m. — First Friday Market and Movie: Zootopia 2
Location: Moore Square, 200 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
Cost: Free; advance RSVP encouraged
The evening includes vendors and food trucks beginning at 5:00 p.m., live music at 5:30 p.m. and an outdoor screening of Zootopia 2 at approximately 7:15 p.m. All ages are welcome. Official event details
5:00–10:00 p.m. — Artspace First Friday
Location: Artspace, 201 E. Davie Street, Raleigh
Cost: Free
Meet local artists, watch live art-making, visit working studios and explore contemporary exhibitions during downtown Raleigh’s First Friday celebration. First Friday information
Want to see even more things to do in Wake County?
Click the banner below to explore the complete Wake County Events Calendar, featuring more of today’s events, tomorrow’s activities and exciting events happening throughout the month. I just posted 50 more things to do this weekend!
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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.”
