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Hello friends,

Today is the perfect excuse to load up your favorite hot dog with all the toppings (yes—even if you're team ketchup!) because it's National Hot Dog Day! Whether you're grilling in the backyard, grabbing one at the ballpark, or stopping by your favorite local hot dog spot, today is all about enjoying one of America's most iconic foods.

And here's a fun bit of history: On this day in 1903, the Ford Motor Company sold its very first automobile—the Model A. That one sale helped put America on the road and launched one of the world's most influential car companies.

So today, celebrate the simple things that make summer great—a tasty hot dog, a fun drive, and discovering something new happening around Wake County. We've rounded up the best local news, events, and things to do, so buckle up...it's going to be a great ride!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

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

Do you own a restaurant with amazing happy hour specials or weekly deals? Let us know — we’d love to feature your business in the Wake News & Events newsletter and add you to the list. email: [email protected]

Dollar-denominated accounts — 401(k)s, IRAs, savings — are fully exposed to inflation, currency debasement, and government policy. Most financial advisors won't tell you that, because most of them don't profit when you know. Here's what's actually available to you:

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Mom: "Do you want ketchup or mustard on your hot dog?"

5-year-old: "Neither."

Mom: "Really? Then what do you want?"

Child: "Another hot dog."

Looking for an excuse to hit the road this weekend? North Carolina is serving up everything from mountain music and rodeo thrills to craft brews and gourmet tastings. Pack the car, gather your favorite travel buddies, and discover four unforgettable festivals happening across the state!

📅 Dates: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26
🕘 Times: Gates open daily at 9:00 AM (music throughout the day and evening)
📍 Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley, NC
💲 Cost: Daily and weekend passes available (children 10 and under are typically free with a paid adult).

If you're craving authentic mountain music and old-fashioned fun, the Hillbilly Jam delivers. Set against the beautiful Smoky Mountains, this beloved festival features nonstop live entertainment from bluegrass, country, and Americana favorites including The Twisted Trail Band, The Tricia Ann Band, and many more. Browse craft vendors, enjoy classic festival foods, and soak in a weekend filled with Appalachian charm and Southern hospitality. Bring your lawn chair and settle in for one of the state's most treasured music traditions.

📅 Dates: Friday, July 24 – Saturday, July 25
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM each evening
📍 Location: Heritage Park, Newland, NC
💲 Cost: General admission approximately $15–$20 for adults; children's tickets available.

Dust off your cowboy boots because the Avery County Rodeo Showdown is bringing all the excitement of the Wild West to the High Country! Watch fearless riders compete in bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and team roping while the crowd cheers from the grandstands. After the rodeo, stick around for live country music and family-friendly entertainment. It's an action-packed evening that's perfect for all ages.

📅 Date: Sunday, July 26
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, NC
💲 Cost: General admission tickets start around $35; select tastings and experiences may require additional tickets.

Nestled beside the sparkling lake at Chetola Resort, the Toast & Taste Festival offers one of the most relaxing culinary experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend the day sampling wines, craft beers, spirits, and delicious bites from regional chefs while enjoying live lakeside music. Browse a charming farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan products, and handmade crafts before taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. It's the perfect blend of food, music, and mountain hospitality.

📅 Date: Saturday, July 25
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Mills River Brewing Co., Mills River, NC
💲 Cost: Admission varies by ticket type; advance tickets recommended.

Raise a glass and celebrate local creativity at the Bele Cheers Festival, a lively day filled with music, art, craft beverages, and community spirit. Hosted by Mills River Brewing Co., the festival features multiple live bands performing throughout the day, artisan vendors showcasing handcrafted goods, food trucks serving delicious eats, and plenty of locally brewed beer and beverages. Whether you're dancing to live music, shopping unique creations, or relaxing with friends, this festival captures the vibrant spirit of Western North Carolina.

Whether you're listening to bluegrass in Maggie Valley, cheering on rodeo champions in Newland, savoring mountain flavors in Blowing Rock, or enjoying live music and local brews in Mills River, this weekend is packed with reasons to explore the Tar Heel State. Fill up the gas tank, grab your camera, and discover a new corner of North Carolina—your next adventure is just a scenic drive away!

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Three Wake County elementary schools—Durant Road Elementary, Hodge Road Elementary, and Beaverdam Elementary—will begin the school year at temporary campuses after engineers identified significant structural concerns in their buildings. Wake County Public Schools is coordinating the emergency relocations to provide a safe learning environment while repairs and long-term solutions are evaluated. Families will receive ongoing updates from the district with details on school assignments, transportation, and back-to-school plans.

Following recent state audits, several Wake County municipalities are taking steps to strengthen financial oversight and improve accountability. Reviews identified improper spending practices in Cary and raised concerns about inadequate financial oversight in Zebulon, prompting local leaders to evaluate policies, tighten internal controls, and strengthen financial tracking procedures. Officials say the changes are designed to increase transparency, safeguard public funds, and help ensure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly as the communities continue to grow.

From superheroes and summer markets to baseball, Broadway-style musicals, and live country music, Friday night is packed with fun across the Triangle. Here are some great ways to get out and enjoy the area!

📍 Location: Raleigh Convention Center, Downtown Raleigh
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary by pass type
🎟️ Tickets: Available through the Galaxy Con website

Calling all comic book fans, gamers, sci-fi lovers, and cosplay enthusiasts! GalaxyCon Raleigh brings together thousands of fans for an unforgettable celebration featuring celebrity guests, panels, autograph opportunities, cosplay contests, gaming, vendors, and everything pop culture.

📍 Location: S. White Street, Downtown Wake Forest
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free admission

Grab your friends and enjoy a summer evening in downtown Wake Forest! This outdoor block party features more than 30 local vendors, food trucks, live music, shopping, and a community atmosphere perfect for a Friday night stroll.

📍 Location: De Ann S. Jones Theatre, Theatre Raleigh
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
💲 Cost: Ticket prices vary
🎟️ Tickets: Available through Theatre Raleigh

Get ready for a fairy-tale twist with a pop music soundtrack! Once Upon A One More Time brings the songs of Britney Spears to the stage in this fun, energetic musical featuring a fresh take on classic fairy-tale characters.

📍 Location: North Main Athletic Complex, Holly Springs
🕖 Time: Evening game time (check team schedule)
💲 Cost: Ticket prices vary; family-friendly options available
🎟️ Tickets: Available through the Holly Springs Salamanders

Enjoy America's favorite pastime with an exciting night of collegiate summer baseball. Bring the family, grab some ballpark snacks, and cheer on the Holly Springs Salamanders under the lights.

📍 Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
💲 Cost: Ticket prices vary by seating area
🎟️ Tickets: Available through Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Country music fans won't want to miss rising star Ella Langley as she brings The Dandelion Tour to Cary. Featuring special guests Kaitlyn Butts and Laci Kaye Booth, this outdoor concert is the perfect summer night experience.

📍 Location: Kings, Downtown Raleigh
🕖 Time: Evening performances
💲 Cost: Varies by show
🎟️ Tickets: Check Kings Raleigh event listings

End your Friday with live indie-rock sounds at Kings in downtown Raleigh. The popular music venue continues its tradition of showcasing local and touring artists in an intimate concert setting.

From mythical creatures and motorsports to craft beer celebrations, soccer, theater, and family fun, Saturday is packed with exciting ways to get out and explore the community!

📍 Location: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; admission prices vary

Dive into the strange, mysterious, and unexplained at Carolina Cryptid Con, a weekend celebration of legendary creatures and folklore. Explore everything from mermaids and Mothman to cryptids, paranormal stories, unique vendors, guest speakers, and fascinating exhibits for fans of the unusual and mysterious.

📍 Location: Carolina Brewing Company, Holly Springs
🕛 Time: Afternoon and evening celebration (check brewery schedule)
💲 Cost: Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase

Raise a glass as Carolina Brewing Company celebrates 31 years of craft brewing! The anniversary party features exclusive beer releases, live music from the Undercover Band, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends and fellow craft beer fans.

📍 Location: Wake County Speedway, Garner
🕖 Time: Evening racing event
💲 Cost: Admission tickets required; pricing varies

Get ready for high-speed excitement as NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series drivers compete on the quarter-mile oval track at Wake County Speedway. Fans can enjoy thrilling racing action, roaring engines, and a classic night at the racetrack.

📍 Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
🕖 Time: Evening kickoff (check team schedule)
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary by seating

Cheer on professional women's soccer as the NC Courage take on the Utah Royals at WakeMed Soccer Park. Bring the family, wear your team colors, and experience the excitement of top-level soccer right here in the Triangle.

📍 Location: De Ann S. Jones Theatre, Raleigh
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
💲 Cost: Ticket prices vary

Fairy tales meet pop music in Theatre Raleigh's production of Once Upon A One More Time, featuring the chart-topping songs of Britney Spears. This energetic musical puts a modern spin on classic characters with plenty of humor, music, and dancing.

📍 Location: Forest Ridge Park, Wake Forest
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free

Celebrate local creativity and entrepreneurship at the Mompreneur Showcase, a family-friendly event highlighting businesses created by local moms. Enjoy shopping, children's activities, story time, and a chance to support talented small business owners in the community.

Wrap up the weekend with a full lineup of family adventures, live entertainment, food, sports, and unique experiences. From pop culture celebrations to car shows and comedy, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

📍 Location: Raleigh Convention Center, Downtown Raleigh
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary by pass type

The four-day celebration of comics, sci-fi, gaming, anime, and pop culture comes to a close with one final day of celebrity guests, cosplay, panels, vendors, gaming, and fan experiences. Galaxy Con Raleigh is a must-see event for anyone who loves all things fandom!

📍 Location: Raleigh City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free admission; food and activities available for purchase

Celebrate the grand finale of the Taste of Soul NC series with an afternoon packed with flavor and fun. Enjoy food trucks, live performances, a DJ, axe throwing, a mini car show, and a lively community atmosphere celebrating local culture and entertainment.

📍 Location: Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
🕚 Time: Check event schedule for performance times
💲 Cost: Admission varies; some activities may be free

Get ready for a bubbly adventure the whole family will love! The Bubble Fest brings magical bubble shows, face painting, food trucks, and a reptile experience to Moore Square for a fun-filled day designed especially for kids and families.

📍 Location: Raleigh Improv, Cary
🕗 Time: Evening performances
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary

Enjoy a night of laughs as comedian and entertainer Desi Banks brings his energetic stand-up performance to the Raleigh Improv.

📍 Location: Cary Arts Center, Cary
🕒 Time: Performance times vary
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary

Experience a moving theatrical production of The Giver, based on the popular novel, featuring local performers and a story filled with imagination and thought-provoking themes.

📍 Location: Raleigh Little Theatre, Raleigh
🕒 Time: Performance times vary
💲 Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary

Step into a hilarious mystery filled with secrets, suspects, and surprises as young performers bring the classic whodunit Clue to life on stage.

📍 Location: Pleasant Valley Promenade, Raleigh
🕒 Time: Check event schedule
💲 Cost: Free for spectators

Car enthusiasts can admire an impressive collection of rare, classic, and exotic vehicles at this showcase featuring beautifully restored favorites, luxury automobiles, and unique rides from local collectors.

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