Read Online

Hello friends!

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! We hope your week is off to a wonderful start and that you’re finding a little time to enjoy all that summer has to offer. As the days get warmer and the calendar fills up with exciting events, we’re here to help you discover what’s happening around Wake County—from local happenings and community updates to fun things to do with family and friends.

Speaking of slowing down and soaking up summer… today is 🛶 National Hammock Day! It’s the perfect excuse to step away from the hustle, find a shady spot, and enjoy a little well-deserved relaxation. Whether you’re swaying in a backyard hammock, lounging at a local park, or simply taking a quiet moment with a good book, today is all about celebrating the simple joy of taking a break.

So grab your favorite summer drink, kick back for a few minutes, and enjoy this week’s edition of Wake News & Events—your guide to what’s happening, what’s fun, and what’s worth checking out right here in our community!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

When you shop through the Amazon affiliate links featured in our newsletter, a portion of the commission is donated to esophageal cancer research in loving memory of our son, Darren, whom we lost to this devastating disease there 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.”

If you’re optimizing for growth, you need ecomm tactics that actually work. Not mushy strategies.

Go-to-Millions is the ecommerce growth newsletter from Ari Murray, packed with tactical insights, smart creative, and marketing that drives revenue.

Every issue is built for operators: clear, punchy, and grounded in what’s working, from product strategy to paid media to conversion lifts.

Subscribe for free and get your next growth unlock delivered weekly.

Sign up now

I don’t mean to brag but I just put a puzzle together in one day! The box said 2-4 years!

Tucked away among the breathtaking peaks of Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains is a destination that feels like stepping into another era. Biltmore Estate is more than a historic home—it is a magnificent story of architecture, artistry, gardens, and the vision of one family who created one of America’s most extraordinary landmarks.

Built between 1889 and 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, Biltmore’s grand château features 250 rooms, including beautifully preserved living spaces, a remarkable art collection, elegant furnishings, and fascinating glimpses into life during America’s Gilded Age. Today, visitors can wander through the grand halls, explore the sprawling gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, enjoy mountain views, and experience the estate’s winery, restaurants, and seasonal celebrations.

Ticket prices vary by season, date, and experience. General admission typically ranges from approximately $70–$120+ per adult, with discounts sometimes available for children, seniors, and advance purchases.

Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, garden admirer, or simply looking for an unforgettable North Carolina getaway, Biltmore Estate offers a timeless escape where the past comes alive and every corner tells a story.

Pack your curiosity, bring your camera, and prepare to experience one of North Carolina’s most breathtaking treasures.

📍📍➡️ Outback Steakhouse gives Senior’s 10% on their bill? ⬅️📍📍

_{Read Online}

Local officials are urging residents to prepare for a multi-day severe weather event as a strong cold front approaches central North Carolina.

Meteorologists warn that a widespread atmospheric threat will arrive on Wednesday afternoon and evening. The incoming system is classified as a Level 2 out of 5 "Slight Risk" for severe thunderstorms.

The primary hazards associated with Wednesday's cold front include:

The severe weather threat will peak late Wednesday night before transitioning into a steady, heavy rain event on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply from the upper 80s down into the mid-70s by Thursday morning. Residents should secure outdoor items, monitor local radar, and ensure multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

Raleigh leaders are referencing the severe 2007-09 drought to justify tightening water restrictions as current lake levels fall, warning of a potential transition to stricter Stage 2 rules. With Falls Lake at 62% capacity and over 850 violations reported, officials emphasize the urgency of restricting outdoor water use to avoid a crisis similar to 2008. Read the full story

Health officials are warning North Carolina residents about a continued increase in Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora Cayetanensis. The infection can cause symptoms including persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. The parasite is often linked to contaminated food or water, particularly fresh produce that has not been properly washed.

To help reduce the risk of infection, health experts recommend washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, avoiding unwashed produce, practicing good hand hygiene, and using safe food-handling practices when preparing meals. Travelers should also be cautious with food and water sources in areas where Cyclospora is more common.

If symptoms develop—especially prolonged diarrhea lasting several days—residents should contact a healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options. Staying informed and taking simple precautions can help protect you and your family during the summer months when foodborne illnesses often increase.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music as Death Cab for Cutie takes the stage at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Fans can enjoy the band’s signature heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and iconic alternative rock sound during this must-see summer concert.

📍 Location: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
3801 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
💲 Cost: Tickets start at approximately $74+ (prices may vary)
🎟️ Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster

Battle of the Wits:

North Carolina’s Funniest Person Contest Returns to Raleigh!

The search for the state's ultimate comic genius kicks off this summer as the 2026 North Carolina’s Funniest Person Contest returns to Raleigh. More than 150 aspiring local comedians are stepping up to the microphone, armed entirely with their own original material, to battle it out for the legendary title and a massive $3,000 cash grand prize.

Audiences can catch the high-stakes preliminary rounds live, where a mix of fresh faces and seasoned local favorites will have exactly one shot to win over the judges and escape the dreaded silence. It is an unpredictable night of raw comedy where the next big stand-up star might just be discovered.

Forget the chores and grab a glass! Wine+Weeds is the perfect excuse to sip, stroll, and pretend pulling weeds is a relaxing hobby. Join Raleigh City Farm for this fun weekly outdoor event where urban farming meets wine, good conversation, and a little dirt under your fingernails (the fancy kind!).

📍 Location: Raleigh City Farm
800 N. Blount Street, Raleigh, NC
📅 Date: Recurring weekly event
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 Cost: Check event details for ticket pricing
🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://raleighcityfarm.org/

Come enjoy fresh air, local agriculture, and a glass of wine—because sometimes the best way to relax is to get your hands dirty first! 🌿🍷

Grab your friends, a lawn chair, and your best summer vibes! The Live After 5 Summer Concert Series brings free outdoor live music to Seaboard Station in Downtown Raleigh. Enjoy an evening of great tunes, fresh air, and community fun as local and regional artists take the stage.

📍 Location: Seaboard Station, Downtown Raleigh
📅 Date: Select summer dates (check schedule)
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free admission
🎟️ Event Info: https://www.seaboardstation.com/

Come early, grab a bite, relax under the evening sky, and enjoy one of Raleigh’s favorite summer traditions! 🎸🌆

Food lovers, it’s time to treat yourself! Downtown Raleigh’s Summer Restaurant Week is serving up delicious dining experiences with special multi-course menus at participating restaurants throughout the city. From creative dishes to local favorites, it’s the perfect excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a beloved spot like Good Day Good Night while enjoying incredible flavors at special prices.

📍 Location: Participating restaurants throughout Downtown Raleigh
📅 Dates: Check the official schedule for current Restaurant Week dates
⏰ Times: Restaurant hours vary by location
💲 Cost: Menu prices vary by participating restaurant
🍴 Information & Participating Restaurants: https://downtownraleigh.org/

So gather your foodie friends, make a reservation, and enjoy a delicious Raleigh adventure—because calories don’t count when it’s Restaurant Week! 😉🍷

Get ready for an unforgettable night of island-inspired sounds as reggae legends Buju Banton and Stephen Marley take the stage at Red Hat Amphitheater. Fans can enjoy powerful vocals, infectious rhythms, and a celebration of reggae and dub music under the Raleigh summer sky.

📍 Location: Red Hat Amphitheater
500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC
📅 Date: Check official event schedule
⏰ Time: Check ticket details for show time
🎟️ Tickets & Information: https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/

Grab your friends, feel the beat, and get ready for a night of reggae magic in downtown Raleigh!

"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)

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!

👇👇👇