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Hello friends,

Did you know that today is known as National Food Truck Day, making it the perfect excuse to grab a tasty local bite and enjoy all the great events happening around Wake County.

As always, we're excited to bring you the latest local news, community happenings, family activities, festivals, concerts, and can't-miss events from across Wake County.

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Now let's see what's happening around town!
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.”

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.

There are places you visit, and then there are places you experience. Ocracoke Island, tucked away at the southern end of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is one of those rare destinations that feels untouched by time. With miles of pristine beaches, charming village streets, wild dunes, historic landmarks, and breathtaking sunsets, Ocracoke offers a coastal escape unlike anywhere else on the East Coast.

Located approximately 220 miles from Raleigh, Ocracoke Island is about a 4½- to 5-hour journey from the Triangle, depending on your route. Part of the adventure is getting there. Visitors can drive through the Outer Banks and board a ferry or take passenger ferries from nearby coastal communities.

The moment the ferry leaves the mainland behind, the pace of life begins to slow. Cell phones are forgotten, schedules become flexible, and the rhythm of the ocean takes over.

Ocracoke has a rich maritime history dating back centuries. The island was once a haven for sailors, fishermen, and even pirates. The infamous pirate Blackbeard frequented Ocracoke's waters and met his fate nearby in 1718 during a battle with British naval forces.

The island is also home to the iconic Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823 and recognized as North Carolina's oldest operating lighthouse. Standing white and simple against the blue coastal sky, it remains one of the island's most photographed landmarks.

The first thing visitors notice is the island's remarkable beauty. Much of Ocracoke is protected as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, preserving miles of undeveloped coastline.

Soft white sand stretches for miles. Sea oats sway atop rolling dunes. Pelicans glide just above the waves while dolphins often appear offshore. The beaches are wide, uncrowded, and frequently ranked among the best in America.

Unlike many beach destinations crowded with high-rise hotels and commercial development, Ocracoke remains refreshingly authentic. You'll find colorful cottages, maritime forests, winding lanes, and friendly locals who greet visitors with a smile.

Consistently ranked among America's best beaches, Ocracoke Beach offers miles of shoreline perfect for swimming, shell collecting, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.

The island's most famous landmark is a must-see and provides a glimpse into North Carolina's maritime past.

This beautiful nature preserve features walking trails through maritime forests and salt marshes. Local legend says Blackbeard may have once visited the area.

Few places in North Carolina offer sunsets as spectacular as those over Pamlico Sound. The sky often explodes with shades of orange, pink, purple, and gold.

Ocracoke Village is compact and easy to explore. Biking through the village is one of the best ways to soak in the island's charm.

The surrounding waters offer outstanding opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and paddling adventures.

The village features unique local shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and waterfront cafes. Fresh local seafood is a highlight of any visit.

What makes Ocracoke special isn't just its scenery—it's the feeling. There are no traffic lights. There are no towering resorts. Life moves at a slower pace.

It's the kind of place where children still chase crabs along the shoreline, neighbors wave from front porches, and evenings are spent watching the sunset rather than staring at a screen.I

The Wake County Public School System has paid approximately $2.2 million in legal settlements to families of special-education students since January 2025, according to a review by The News & Observer.

The settlements stem from disputes over educational services and accommodations for students with disabilities. While details remain confidential, agreements often cover specialized services, private school tuition, and legal fees. Read the full story:

Parents may want to keep their calendars handy during the 2026-27 school year. Wake County students on the traditional calendar will have full five-day school weeks only about 64% of the time, thanks to a large number of teacher workdays and scheduled breaks throughout the year.

The calendar includes frequent teacher workdays, creating more three- and four-day school weeks than many families are accustomed to. School officials say the workdays provide valuable time for teacher planning, training, and student support activities.

Families are encouraged to review the calendar early to plan for childcare and scheduling needs. Read the full article:

A troubling trend is emerging in Wake County's housing market. According to data reported by the Triangle Business Journal, foreclosure filings have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.

While Wake County remains one of North Carolina's strongest real estate markets, rising housing costs, higher interest rates, and ongoing financial pressures may be contributing to the increase.

Experts say foreclosure filings don't always result in homeowners losing their properties, but the sharp increase is a sign that more families may be facing financial challenges.

Read the full article:

There's something magical about a summer evening in Wake County. As the sun dips below the trees and families spread blankets across the lawn, the sounds of classic rock, Motown, country favorites, and today's hits begin to fill the air. Across towns like Apex, Cary, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, and Rolesville, summer concert series have become one of the season's most beloved traditions.

These community concerts offer much more than live music. They create a safe, family-friendly atmosphere where neighbors gather, children dance barefoot in the grass, and visitors experience the welcoming spirit that makes Wake County special. Local police, town staff, and event volunteers help ensure concerts remain well-organized and secure, making them an enjoyable evening for all ages.

Music lovers can expect an impressive lineup of tribute bands and performers covering multiple decades of hits. One evening may feature the timeless sounds of The Beatles and the British Invasion of the 1960s. Another might celebrate the disco era of the 1970s with crowd favorites from ABBA and the Bee Gees. Fans of classic rock can sing along to music made famous by Journey, Bon Jovi, and Tom Petty, while country enthusiasts enjoy tributes to legends such as Garth Brooks and modern stars like Luke Combs.

Beyond the music, these events offer a chance to discover local food trucks, explore charming downtown districts, and enjoy a relaxing evening without the expense of a major concert venue. Most performances are free, parking is convenient, and the casual atmosphere encourages visitors to stay awhile and soak in the experience.

Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting the area for the first time, Wake County's summer concert series delivers the perfect blend of entertainment, community, and summer nostalgia. Bring a lawn chair, gather some friends, and prepare to sing along to the soundtrack of generations. After all, some of the best summer memories are made under the stars with great music and great company. Check The Schedule

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• NC Symphony: Classics Under the Stars

• Goose – An Evening with Goose

• Emo Night

• It Takes a Village

• Happy Birthday America Party

• NC Symphony: The Music of Billy Joel

• Splash Pad Bash

• Goose – An Evening with Goose

• Wake Forest Farmers Market

• Apex Farmers Market

• Farmers Market at Jefferson L. Sugg Farm

• Main Street Summer Stroll

Click the Events Calendar below for Sunday listings. 👇

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