Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors! The air is turning crisp, and our calendar is heating up. From candlelit concerts to Oktoberfest celebrations and a community day packed with family fun, this weekend has something for everyone.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

  • Good Neighbor Day at Joyner Park

  • Oktoberfest fun at Lonerider and Lafayette Village

  • Electric Carnival at Rolesville’s new amphitheater

Let's get to it.

β€” Dave & Egle

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

It’s Wife Appreciation Day this Sunday, and I just wanted to take a quick moment and thank my wife, Egle, for all the curation and research she does every day to make sure this newsletter is the best it can be. I love and appreciate you, Egle! Without you, this newsletter would not exist.

β€” Dave

THE DIGEST

Celebrate Raleigh: 919 Day
Friday, August 15 | Gates 5 PM, Music 6 PM | The Corner at NC State Centennial Campus | Free

Four artists, two stages, and one electric evening. 919 Day is Raleigh’s annual celebration of local culture, and this year’s lineup includes Chatham County Line, The Old Ceremony, and Jason Adamo, plus more. Explore a bustling vendor market, grab dinner from food trucks, and even enter for a chance to win a VIP experience with Mt. Joy. Admission and parking are free.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele
Friday, September 19 | 9 PM | Historic Wakefield Barn | Tickets from $36

Step inside a century-old barn transformed by candlelight. A live string quartet will reimagine Adele’s greatest hits, β€œHello,” β€œSomeone Like You,” β€œRolling in the Deep”, and more, all in a setting that’s equal parts intimate and awe-inspiring. The performance lasts 60 minutes, but the atmosphere lingers longer. Doors open at 8:15, and late arrivals won’t be admitted, so plan ahead.

Good Neighbor Day at Joyner Park
Saturday, September 20 | 1-4 PM | Joyner Park Amphitheater, Wake Forest | Free

Wake Forest’s most feel-good annual tradition returns. Expect hot dogs and refreshments, kids’ crafts, face painting, and live performances, including gospel singer Mayia Warren and the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra. A Home Depot DIY station keeps the little ones busy, while the Good Neighbor of the Year awards celebrate locals making a difference. Bring a blanket or chairs, grab a shady spot, and spend the afternoon reconnecting with community spirit.

Oktoberfest at Lonerider Brewery
Saturday, September 20 | 12-11 PM | Lonerider Hideout, Wake Forest | Free entry

Prost! Lonerider goes full Bavarian with a day-long festival of German food trucks, stein-hoisting contests, and costume prizes. Kids can enjoy giant Jenga and cornhole earlier in the day, while the evening shifts into beer garden party mode with live music and specialty cocktails. Come hungry, bring friends, and expect a lively crowd celebrating fall, beer, and community all in one spot.

Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
Saturday, September 20 | 1-5 PM | Lafayette Village, Raleigh | Free entry, $25 dog race registration

German eats, seasonal brews, and live music fill this open-air shopping village. Browse boutique shops while savoring bratwurst and pretzels. Don’t miss the annual Wiener Dog Races, a crowd favorite, with divisions for puppies, juniors, and adult dachshunds. Register your dachshund early if you want them in the race (limited to the first 50 entrants).

Electric Carnival at Rolesville’s Mill Bridge Park
Saturday, September 20 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Mill Bridge Amphitheater, Rolesville | Free

Rolesville unveils its brand-new amphitheater with a free concert. Electric Carnival brings funk, pop, and rock that’s guaranteed to get people dancing. Bring a blanket or chairs, maybe pack a picnic, and settle in for music as the sun sets over the water. Limited parking means carpooling is encouraged.

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.

πŸ“… WHAT’S HAPPENING

Thursday

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Baby Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 11:15 AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-5 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM

Open Paint Studio | The Makery WF | 1-3 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Craft It: Junk Journals | Northeast Regional Library | 2:30 PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM

Teen Time: Now That’s What I Call Pizza! | Youngsville Library | 4 PM

K-5th Adventures: Whirligig Adventures | Wake Forest Community Library | 4:30 PM

K-2nd Adventures: Rice Krispies Treat Day! | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

Paint & Sip: Highland Cow | Cha House | 6-8:30 PM Tickets

Tutored Wine Experience | The Hasentree | 6:30 PM Tickets


Friday

919 Day | NC State Centennial Campus | 5 PM

American Red Cross Blood Drive | 514 Southtown Cir, Rolesville | 9 AM

Early Birds at Prairie Ridge | Prairie Ridge | 6:45-9 AM
Mornings can be an especially magical time in nature, so we are pleased to welcome early risers to Prairie Ridge! Bring binoculars or a camera and go for a bird walk, take a hike on our trails, bring a morning picnic, go for a trail run, watch the sunrise – come take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Prairie Ridge earlier than our usual opening hours one Friday a month!

This is a drop-in, self-guided birding or exploration opportunity designed to give you extra morning time at Prairie Ridge β€” we hope you enjoy!

No pre-registration is required. Rain cancels the event.


Scavenger Hunt Stroll | Prairie Ridge | 10-11 AMΒ 
This program requires registration.Β 

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park Cc | 8 AM-4 PM

Storytime & Crafts | Joyner Park Cc | 10:15-11 AM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Karaoke Night | Joyner Park CC | 5-7 PM

Hammered Trivia Music Bingo | Greenway Beer & Wine | 5 PM

Tango & Tempranillo | Unwined on White | 6:30-8 PM $35/couple

Paint & Sip: Highland CowΒ  | The Makery WF | 7 PM

A Tribute to Adele - Candlelight Concert | Historic Wakefield Barn | 9 PM ($)


Saturday

International Festival | State Fair Grounds | 10 AM-7 PM


End of Summer Shuckin’ & Shaggin’ Oyster Roast| Bud’s Tavern | 1PM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Nature Play Day |Β  Prairie Ridge | 10 AM-12 PM

Kids Club: Glow in the Dark Painting | The Makery WF | 10 AM

ABC Craft & Learn: Kindergarten Readiness Program | Youngsville Library | 10:30 AM

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Storytime: A Hint of Spanish | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

Petsense Adoption Event | Petsense Raleigh | 11 AM

Oktoberfest | Lonerider WF | 12-11 PM

Oktoberfest | Lafayette Village | 1 PM

Good Neighbor Day | Joyner Park | 1-4 PM


The Marvelous Wonderettes | WF Renaissance Center for the Arts | 2 PM & 6 PM

Open Play Basketball (17 and younger) | Joyner Park CC | 1-3:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 2 PM & 3 PM

STEAM Free Play | Youngsville Library | 2-3 PM

ABC Craft & Learn | Wake Forest Community Library | 2:30 PM

NC Drive For the Flame | Zinchouse | 12-4 PM Details and registration

Electric Carnival | Mill Bridge Park Amphitheater | 5:30-7:30 PM

Comedy Night | Norse Brewery | 7 PM

🏈NC State football will be at Duke University on Sept 20th at 4 PM
Catch the game on ESPN2

🏈 UNC Tar Heels Football will face off against UCF at 3:30 PM during an away game

Sunday

Wife Appreciation Day | Brookfields Indoor Golf | 10 AM-6 PM

Raleigh Foodie Fare | Moore Square Park | 11 AM

Yoga by Serenity Farms | Zinchouse | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Register

13th Anniversary Party | White Street Brewing | 12 - 4 PM

Support Our Local Farmers | Burnt Barrel | 4 PM

Monday

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-9:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Baby Story Time | Wake Forest Community Library | 9:30 AM

Family Storytime:Farm Animals | Wake Forest Community Library | 11:00 AM

STEM for Teens: Apple Bash | Northeast Regional Library | 5:30 PMΒ 

Tuesday

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Family Storytime | Northeats Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Story Time | Youngsville Library | 10:30 AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-5 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

K-5th Adventures: Fairy Houses | Wake Forest Community Library | 3:30 PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM

STEAM K-5th Adventures | Youngsville library | 4 PM

3rd-5th Adventures | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

Wednesday

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-9:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Toddler Storytime | Wake Forest Community Library | 9:30 AM

Family Storytime | Northeats Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Storytime: Farm Animals | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

Baby Story Time | Northeast Regional Library | 11:15 AM

BotTales | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

Comedy Show | Zinchouse | 7-8:30 PM Tickets

The Art of Wine: A Tasting Experience | Zinchouse | 7-8:30 PM
Food trucks and LIVE music will start at 5 PM if you want to get there early and grab dinner beforehand. To register for the wine tasting, click here.Β 

This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.

If you’re enjoying this content, consider supporting this newsletter by fueling us with a cup of coffee.

πŸ₯™ LOCAL BITES - KIDS EAT FREE

Thursday

I Heart Mac and Cheese
5011 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
Monday to Thursday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrΓ©e.

Backfins Crab House
1009 Stadium Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-562-8500
Thursdays, kids eat free from 12 to 8 p.m., dine-in only. Kids under 12 get a free kids’ meal with each adult meal purchase.


Saturday

Pat Murnane’s Irish Pub
2108 S Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-562-5570
Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal

Baskin Robbins
Multiple locations
All day discounts (30%) on scoops


Sunday

Nantucket Grill and Cafe Durham
1145 Falls River Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27614
919-870-1955

Moe’s Southwest Grill
10760 Wakefield Commons Drive
919-570-3222Β 
One free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entree

Jersey Mike’s
Several area locations (call to verify your location)
Free kids’ meal with the purchase of a regular sub


Monday

I Heart Mac and Cheese
5011 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
Monday to Thursday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrΓ©e.

Remington Grill
309 N. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, NC 27549
919-496-7005Β 
Kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Drink included.

Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant Raleigh
3905 Western Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27606
919-851-0473
Monday’s kids 10 and under eat free with the purchase of one adult entree, dine-in only.

The Big Easy
222 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
919-832-6082
Mondays, one free kids’ meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entree purchased.

BurgerFi
Raleigh
3000 Wake Forest, Raleigh, NC
919-999-3700

Armadillo Grill
439 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC
919-546-0555


Tuesday

I Heart Mac and Cheese
5011 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
Monday to Thursday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrΓ©e.

Carolina Ale House
All area locations. Tuesdays after 5 p.m., kids 10 and under eat for 99Β’ with the purchase of an entrΓ©e. All items come with fruit. Dine-in only.

Mac’s Speed Shop β€” Five Points
1626 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608
984-238-9770
Kids eat free from 5 p.m. until close with the purchase of an adult entrΓ©e. This location only.

Ruby Tuesday
All locations. Tuesdays after 5 pm, kids eat free, drink included, with each purchase of a regular adult entree.

Sassool Mediterranean Cafe
9650 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC
919-977-2700
After 4 p.m., kids eat free with each purchase of an adult meal.

The Mac House
11016 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest, NC 27614
919-263-8776
Tuesdays, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Dine in only from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.


Wednesday

I Heart Mac and Cheese
5011 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
Monday to Thursday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrΓ©e.

Zaxby’s
Several area locations. Call to confirm.
Wednesdays after 5:00, kids eat for $1.99, which includes a drink and a cookie. Two kids’ meals per adult meal.

East Coast Wings + Grill
12646 Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest, NC 27587
984-377-3294
Wednesdays after 3:30 PM, kids 12 and under eat free with each adult meal purchase. Drink included.

Red Robin
All locations
Kids’ meals are 50% off. Includes entrΓ©e, side, and drink. Dine-in includes unlimited β€œbottomless” sides and drink refills. Online orders use code KIDSMEAL50.

🌀️ WEATHER

Thursday

80 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―61 | β˜€οΈ

Friday

85 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―62 | β˜€οΈ

Saturday

82 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―61 | 🌀️

Sunday

79 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―62 | 🌀️

Monday

79 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―60 | 🌀️

Tuesday

79 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―64 | 🌀️

Wednesday

81 πŸŒ‘οΈβ€―64 | 🌀️


Forecast captured on the Wednesday before this newsletter edition. The weather around here changes fast, so double‑check closer to the day before finalizing plans.

🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

LIVE Music & Food Trucks | Zinchouse | 5-9:30 PM
Chick and Danger | Blackbird Brewery | 6-9 PM
Sterling Scott | ZincHouse | 6:30-9:30 PM

Friday

Chris Overstreet | ZincHouse | 4-7 PM
LIVE Music | Blackbird Brewery | 5-8 PM
Luke Schofield | Salty Turtle Beer | 6 PM
Heather Rodgers | Lonerider WF | 6-8 PM
Faster Than Boys | Carolina Ale House WF | 7 PM
CHILL E MAMOTH | Burnt Barrel | 7 PM
Grace Lucia | Tonic WF | 7-10 PM
LIVE Music | ZincHouse | 7-10 PM
Crossroadz | Bud’s Tavern | 8 PM
Rony Thomas | Broadsides and Brews | 8-11 PM
A Tribute to Adele - Candlelight Concert | Historic Wakefield Barn | 9 PM ($)
Downpour | Real McCoys | 9-12 PM

Saturday

The Embers | Bud’s Tavern | 12-4 PM
Brad Benson | ZincHouse | 4-7 PM
The Amateurs | Yacht Club Beverage House | 5 PM
Kevin Lee | Fortnight Brewing WF | 6-9 PM
LIVE Music | Compass Rose Brewery | 7-9 PM
LIVE Music | ZincHouse | 7-10 PM
Jared Place | Tonic WF | 7-10 PM
LIVE Music | Carolina Ale House | 7-10 PM
LIVE Music | Broadsides and Brews | 7 PM
LIVE Music | Wakefield Tavern | 7-10 PM
Police & Thieves | Saints and Scholars Pub | 7-11 PM
Crossroadz | Bud’s Tavern | 8 PM
Sayer McShane | Main Street Tavern | 8 PM
454 | Real McCoys | 9-12 PM
DJ IGKnight | HomeSlice Tavern | 9 PM-1 AM

Sunday

Eddie Graves | Bud’s Tavern | 1 PM
Open Mic | Blackbird Brewery | 3 PM
THIRSTY | Saints and Scholars Pub | 3 PM
Open Mic hosted by Adam Lee Decker | Blackbird Brewery | 3-6 PM
Steve Compton | Lonerider WF | TBD

Wednesday

Andy Hall | ZincHouse | 6:30-9:30 PM

THANKS

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with a friend who thinks pumpkin spice lattes are a lifestyle. β˜•πŸŽƒ

See you around town!
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