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Hello friends!

A brand-new week is here, and we've been busy making your Wake News & Events Calendar even better!

We've added more than 100 new events, so whether you're looking for live music, festivals, family fun, outdoor adventures, community happenings, classes, markets, or something completely new, there's even more to discover across Wake County.

But that's not all—we've also introduced new event categories to make finding exactly what you're looking for quicker and easier.

Now we'd love to hear from you! Is there an event category you'd like to see added? Maybe a type of event you search for that isn't listed yet? Your suggestions help us build a calendar that truly serves our community.

So grab your coffee, explore the updated calendar, and start planning a week filled with fun, adventure, and local discoveries. There's always something happening in Wake County—and we're here to help you find it!

Have a wonderful Monday, and thank you for being part of the Wake News & Events family. ❤️

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

When you shop through the Amazon affiliate links featured in our newsletter, a small portion of your purchase is donated to esophageal cancer research in loving memory of our son, Darren, whom we lost to this devastating disease three years ago.

Thank you for supporting our mission!❤️

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Looking for a road trip that's meaningful, memorable, and filled with fascinating stories? Pack up the car and set your GPS for northeastern North Carolina, where the African American Experience Trail invites visitors to discover the people, places, and events that helped shape our state's history.

This unique self-guided digital heritage trail connects more than 30 historic sites across the region, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Along the way, you'll find outdoor interpretive signs, monuments, museums, parks, waterways, and historic landmarks that tell the stories of courage, perseverance, innovation, and community.

One stop worth visiting is the Historic Jarvisburg Colored School, one of the few remaining schools built to educate African American children during segregation. At the Pasquotank River, you'll discover a waterway that played an important role in transportation, commerce, and everyday life for generations of local residents.

History comes alive at the Pea Island Cookhouse, where visitors can learn about the remarkable U.S. Life-Saving Service station and the courageous all-Black surfmen who risked their lives rescuing shipwreck victims along North Carolina's Outer Banks. Don't miss the Colored Union Soldiers Monument, a moving tribute honoring African American soldiers who fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War.

The journey also includes beautiful destinations like Colonial Waterfront Park, where scenic river views meet centuries of local history, and the legendary Dismal Swamp Canal, one of America's oldest continually operating canals. The canal is rich with stories of commerce, exploration, and the thousands of enslaved people who sought freedom through the vast Great Dismal Swamp.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for an educational day trip, or someone who simply enjoys discovering hidden gems, the African American Experience Trail offers a journey unlike any other. Every stop reveals another chapter in North Carolina's story while showcasing the natural beauty, small-town charm, and enduring spirit of the region.

Take your time, explore a few sites or spend an entire weekend completing the trail. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people whose resilience and achievements continue to inspire generations.

Road Trip Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and your sense of curiosity. Every stop offers a chance to learn something new—and you'll come home with stories worth sharing.

For maps, trail information, and to begin planning your adventure, visit the African American Experience of Northeastern North Carolina online. Click Here

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Before your next trip, take a few minutes to check whether your vehicle has an open safety recall.

Recent CARFAX data shows North Carolina ranks among the top states for dangerous "Park Outside" fire-risk recalls, with more than 120,000 vehicles affected statewide. Some recalls warn that a vehicle could catch fire even after it's turned off, prompting owners to park outside and away from homes until repairs are made.

If your vehicle is affected, repairs are free through your local dealership.

Check your vehicle by entering your VIN at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Lookup

It only takes a few minutes and could help protect your family and your home.

Home improvement scams are on the rise, and Wake Forest (ZIP Code 27587) has emerged as one of the Triangle's most frequently targeted areas for contractor and repair fraud, according to Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker data. Reports involving fake contractors, roofing, paving, driveway repairs, and other home repair scams have increased significantly compared to last year.

Scammers often appear after severe weather or go door-to-door offering "today only" deals, demanding large upfront payments, or claiming they have leftover materials from another job. Before hiring anyone, always get multiple written estimates, verify references, never pay the full amount in advance, and check for complaints or accreditation.

To learn more about common contractor scams and report suspicious activity, visit the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: BBB Scam Tracker

A little research before you hire can save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of headaches.

If your camera roll needs a little sunshine, head to Dorothea Dix Park—its spectacular five-acre sunflower field is officially in peak bloom! Just minutes from downtown Raleigh, thousands of bright yellow blooms are putting on one of the area's most beautiful summer displays, and the best part? It's completely FREE to visit.

The field is open daily from dawn to dusk at 1700 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, with free parking nearby, including ADA-accessible access from the Flowers Field Lot. Bring your camera, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, pack sunscreen and water, and don't forget the bug spray. Leashed pets are welcome, too! Just remember to leave the flowers for everyone to enjoy—please don't pick the sunflowers.

Peak bloom only lasts about two weeks, so don't wait too long to experience one of Wake County's most Instagram-worthy summer traditions!

Ready to get your hands a little muddy? Teens ages 12–18 can unleash their creativity during the Teen Pottery Wheel Workshop at The Makery in Wake Forest!

Over this 4-day, hands-on workshop, participants will learn the art of pottery from the ground up—mastering how to center clay, shape bowls and mugs, trim, and glaze their own unique creations. No experience is needed, and all materials are included, making it the perfect opportunity to discover a new hobby and create something truly one-of-a-kind.

Workshop Details

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Register online at The Makery Teen Pottery Wheel Workshop.

Calling all book lovers! Don't miss the chance to spend an unforgettable evening with bestselling authors James Patterson and Mike Lupica as they take the stage for a lively, moderated conversation about writing, storytelling, and their latest thriller, The Country Road Murders. Hosted by Wake County Public Libraries and NC State University Libraries, the event also includes an audience Q&A, giving fans the opportunity to hear directly from two of today's most popular authors. Best of all, admission is FREE with advance registration. Join the conversation on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Duke Energy Hall, James B. Hunt Jr. Library, 1070 Partners Way, Raleigh. Seating is limited, so register early at NC State University Libraries Event Page.

Grab your friends, your favorite drink, and your creative side for Sip & Paint: "Moths & Fireflies" at Wine & Design Wake Forest! This fun BYOB painting class lets you create a glowing summer canvas while an artist guides you step-by-step—no experience needed!

Join the fun on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 PM at Wine & Design, 12217 Hampton Way, Wake Forest. The cost is $39 per person, including all painting supplies. Make it a girls’ night, date night, or a creative night out! Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.wineanddesign.com/wakeforest.

Experience the heartfelt Broadway hit The Notebook as part of the Broadway at DPAC series! This beautiful musical adaptation runs Tuesday, July 14 through Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in nearby Durham.

Catch evening performances at 7:30 PM (with a Saturday matinee at 2:00 PM). Tickets start at $41.50.

Get your tickets here: Buy Tickets at DPAC.

Tired of scrolling? Good news — our calendar is absolutely stuffed with way more fun than your group chat on a Friday night. From sunrise runs and princess concerts to tear-jerking musicals and mindful walks, we’ve got something for everyone (yes, even your picky friend). Stop what you’re doing, click that calendar below, and go see what trouble we’re getting into next. Your weekend just called — it wants better plans. 📅✨

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Check out all the new events!

Have an event you would like to share, contact us.

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