🌳Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is here!

Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors! It’s the Catalina Wine Mixer! While we can’t promise an appearance by Prestige Worldwide, this weekend promises to be full of fun things to do.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

Let's get to it.

— Dave & Egle

Youngsville is throwing a big SummerFest downtown on Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM with live music, artisan vendors, a kids’ zone, and plenty of food and drinks. Don’t miss the “Catalina Wine Mixer” at Burnt Barrel (yes, like the movie!) – an adults’ corner of the festival featuring wine tasting, line dancing, and summer vibes for the grown-ups. This free festival on Main Street is a perfect family outing, with fun for all ages from bounce houses to beer and wine tents.

Saturday, July 26, at the Sunflower Field (1700 Umstead Dr, Raleigh) with golden blooms and good vibes. 9-11 AM offers pollinator pros, hands‑on activities, Sunny the Fun Fairy, and live tunes from Raleigh Music Collective. Then come back 6-9 PM for illuminated flowers, local food trucks, craft brews (Trophy Brewing’s special birthday brew!), and live music by Poetry Fox and Garland Mason & Good Company—all free and blooming bright. Details here »

Celebrate your inner fan at GalaxyCon Raleigh, a four-day pop‑culture fiesta from July 24–27, 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center (500 S Salisbury St). Expect celeb panels, autograph/photo ops, cosplay contests, gaming zones, StreetFest outdoors on Saturday, and wrestling meets comics, anime, sci‑fi, fantasy, and more.

Thursday kicks off at 2 PM and runs through late-night hours Friday–Saturday, wrapping Sunday at 8 PM. Whether you're hunting rare merch, crafting your cosplay, or debating the best MCU moment, there’s something for every fandom—and the whole weekend is ticketed, with Sunday family pricing galore. Details here »

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is back July 24–August 3, and it’s a food lover’s dream. Over 30+ local gems are serving up killer prix fixe dinners, lunch steals, and craft drink specials. From sushi and steak to Southern comfort, it’s your chance to taste the best of Raleigh without breaking the bank. Tables go fast — book now and eat happy! Details here »

Looking for a rainy day play idea? The Greystone community center has an indoor playground. Free.

The tennis court and pickleball courts at Owens Park officially opened on July 18th! The courts are open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. There is no play allowed at dawn/dusk/dark as the park is closed. Please follow all park and court rules.

Wake Forest Fungo advanced to the Piedmont Division playoffs! They are currently #2 and will be facing the winner of #3-#6’s game on July 24 @ 6:30PM

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

Toddler Storytime at Northeast Regional Library kicks off the day with songs and stories for your little one at 9:15 AM.

Family Storytime at Northeast Regional Library follows at 10:15 AM, perfect for all ages to gather ‘round and read together.

Baby Storytime at Northeast Regional Library wraps up the morning lineup with gentle stories and bonding time at 11:15 AM.

K–2nd Adventures at Northeast Regional Library starts at 4:30 PM — think stories, crafts, and imagination on the loose.

Lego fun meets learning at Wake Forest Community Library’s K–5th Adventures at 4:30 PM. Bricks provided, creativity required.

Christmas in July Sip & Shop is happening at Mary & Co. Gifts from 6 PM-8 PM — festive finds, summer cheer, and wine? Yes, please.

Music Bingo at 411D S Main St. in Rolesville starts at 6:30 PM — it’s bingo with a beat, and yes, there are prizes.

Gnome Knows Trivia at Norse Brewing Company kicks off at 6:30 PM — bring your A-game (and your beer hand).

Family Storytime at Northeast Regional Library brings shared tales and giggles for all ages at 10:15 AM.

Pop-in & Play at Wake Forest Community Library turns your Friday morning into a sensory playground from 10 AM-12 PM — think messy art meets outdoor fun!

ABC Craft & Learn at the Wake Forest Community Library has little hands getting crafty and minds learning at 2:30 PM — perfect for curious preschoolers.

Stories & Styles Market at hOMe Yoga Studio & The Winebrary in Rolesville (6440 Rogers Rd) for a unique secondhand shopping experience! Tons of used books, pre-loved fashion, and local vintage finds from 5-9 PM.

Punchlines and Pints comedy night at Norse Brewing WF keeps the beers flowing and the laughs coming from 7-8:30 PM — Friday never sounded funnier.

Free Kids Activity at the Wake Forest Farmers Market from 8 AM-12 PM — make your own flower bombs with native NC seeds thanks to Mama Dy’s Soaps. It’s messy, magical, and pollinator-friendly.

Family Storytime at Northeast Regional Library kicks off at 10:15 AM — the classics, cuddles, and community all in one place.

Family Storytime continues at Wake Forest Community Library at 11 AM — same good vibes, different location.

Youngsville Summer Fest runs 10 AM-4 PM in Downtown Youngsville — food, vendors, games, and small-town charm turned all the way up.

The Catalina Wine Mixer (yes, that one) lands at Burnt Barrel from 10 AM-4 PM — no helicopters, but plenty of wine, music, and mixers.

3rd–5th Grade Book Club meets at Northeast Regional Library at 3 PM — your chapter-loving kiddo’s weekend highlight.

Comedy Night at Local 919 Beer & Wine starts at 7 PM — sip something local while local comics bring the laughs.

Dix Park’s Sunflower Field 10th Birthday Party is blooming all day — photo ops, fun, and fields of gold.

Night Market at North Hills Visit the Night Market at North Hills Midtown Park from 3-8 PM for an evening of shopping small, delicious eats, and fun for the whole family—including your pups! Event page »

Let’s Paint: Football Door Signs at The Creative Exchange kicks off at 3 PM — craft your own game day-ready décor. Registration required ($).

Firebox Theatre Hosting Auditions for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is searching for local talent to take the stage at its upcoming production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Adapted from C.S. Lewis’ portal fantasy novel, the show offers a variety of roles for actors and actresses between the ages of 12 and 65. Auditions are scheduled for Sunday, July 27, from 5-9 p.m. at the Carolina Theatre Company, 217 S. White St., for the roles of Aslan, Fenris Ulf, White Stag, Edmund, Susan, and more. To learn more about the casting for these roles, visit
www.fireboxtheatre.com/auditions.

Baby Storytime at Wake Forest Community Library starts soft and sweet at 9:30 AM.

Family Storytime at Wake Forest Community Library follows at 11 AM — big siblings welcome!

Teens String Art Craft hits Northeast Regional Library at 5:30 PM — a creative outlet for your artsy teen (no experience needed).

Toddler Storytime at Northeast Regional Library starts the day with giggles at 9:15 AM.

Family Storytime keeps the stories flowing at 10:15 AM.

K–5th Adventures (Slime Edition) hits Wake Forest Community Library at 3:30 PM — ooey, gooey fun you don’t have to clean up!

3rd–5th Adventures at Northeast Regional Library starts at 4:30 PM — more crafts, games, and brain-boosting fun.

Free Kids Summer Movie at Marquee Cinemas Wakefield starts at 9:30 AM — choose between The Garfield Movie or Minions: Rise of Gru.

Toddler Storytime at Northeast Regional Library kicks off at 9:15 AM, and Wake Forest Community Library follows at 9:30 AM — pick your library, bring your wiggle monster.

Family Storytime at 10:15 AM (Northeast) and 11 AM (Wake Forest) — double the stories, double the smiles.

Baby Storytime at Northeast Regional Library wraps the morning at 11:15 AM.

The Science of Summer hits Northeast Regional Library at 4:30 PM — cool experiments and hands-on fun for curious kids.

Free Kids Summer Movie at Marquee Cinemas Wakefield at 9:30 AM — catch The Garfield Movie or Minions: Rise of Gru.

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

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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.

“My favorite restaurant is Tlaquepaque Mexican Restaurant because not only is the food delicious and the service fast, but Bella, the musical robot cat, delivers your meals. The grandkids love it!”

—Valerie P.

*Format is Who | Where | When

JT Parrothead | Blackbird Brewery | 6 PM
Sayer McShane | Bud’s Tavern | 6:30 PM
“Weird Al” Yankovic | Red Hat Ampitheater | 7:30 PM

Just Us | Salty Turtle Beer Co Raleigh | 6-9 PM
Live Music | Compass Rose Brewery | 7-9 PM
Grace Lucia | White Street Brewing | 7-9:30 PM
America Revisited | Gatehouse Tavern | 7-10 PM
Matt From Boston | Tonic Bar & Social Club | 7-10 PM
Nine Times Around | Burnt Barrel | 7-10 PM
DJ Curry | Broadsides | 8-11 PM
DJ Sobel Dance party | Carolina Ale House | 8 PM-Midnight
Live DJ | Strike and Barrel | 8 PM-Midnight
Real Rowdy | Real McCoy’s | 9 PM-Midnight

Kevin Lee | Fortnight Brewing WF | 6-9 PM
Ryan Mullaney | Salty Turtle Beer Co Raleigh | 6-9 PM
Wiz Khalifa & Sean Paul | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | 6:30 PM
Cole Spade | White Street Brewing | 7-9:30 PM
Maverick Rose | Tonic Bar & Social Club | 7-10 PM
Wake Moody | Broadsides | 7-10 PM
Goo Goo Dolls | Red Hat Ampitheater | 7:30 PM
Michael Hogden | Unwined On White | 8-10 PM
Live DJ | HomeSlice Tavern | 9 PM-1 AM

Matt From Boston | Burnt Barrel | 1-4 PM
Chic and Danger | Gatehouse Tavern | 2-5 PM
Outlaw - Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Turnpike Troubadours | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | 3:45 PM
Matt Letch | Salty Turtle Beer Co Raleigh | 4-7 PM

Mike Davis | Local 919 Beer & Wine | 6:30-9 PM
Mumford & Sons | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | 7:30 PM

Chris Hooper | Tonic Bar & Social Club | 7:30-9:30 PM
Jazz Jam | Broadsides | 8-11 PM

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with someone who likes to say “live long and prosper”.

See you around town!
TheWYReNewsletter.com

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