Explore the Mims Park Nature Trail
OPEN DAILY
5 A.M. TO SUNSET
Enjoy a quiet run or hike on historic property just a stone’s throw from the bustle of downtown Holly Springs on the new Mims Park Nature Trail. A nearly 1-mile natural surface loop connects with an accessible paved trail, both leading to a historic spring. Trailheads can be found on W. Ballentine Street and W. Earp Street.
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
M.A.N.iFest — A Juneteenth Celebration
JUNE 16, 5:30–8:30 P.M.
JUNE 19, 6 P.M.
FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER
The two-day M.A.N.iFEST event, hosted by BrainSTEMology, will kick off with an interactive game show for middle and high school students that includes hip-hop, STEM, a panel discussion, and networking. Free registration required. The event concludes with the Freedom to What? original dramatization that tells the history of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Juneteenth holiday.
Shop the Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER
8 A.M. TO NOON
121 N. MAIN ST.
Find farm-fresh produce, pastured beef, pork, and poultry, local seafood, artisanal cheese, homemade baked goods, cut flowers, and specialty products produced by North Carolina growers and makers. The market takes place in the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce parking lot.
Photographed by Bryan Regan
Apex Pride Festival
JUNE 10
11 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
73 HUNTER ST.
Area residents come together in celebration of LGBTQ+ community members and loved ones at the third annual Apex Pride Festival. Enjoy a day of inclusion with live music, food trucks, games, crafts, story hour, vendors, photo opportunities, and performances.
Photographed by Town of Apex
Shop the Curated Craft Market
JUNE 17
10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
DEPOT STREET, DOWNTOWN FUQUAY-VARINA
Visit 15 local artisan booths next to The Mill on Depot Street. Enjoy live music from Vaughn and Mr. Puebla’s Tacos food truck. Click here for more information on Curated Craft Market, and its founder Taylor McGee.
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Women’s Empowerment Conference
JUNE 20
10 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
EMBASSY SUITES, CARY
The Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2023 Women’s Empowerment Conference at the Embassy Suites hotel in Cary, complete with networking, lunch, breakout sessions, a silent auction, and an awards presentation. Keynote speaker Jess Ekstrom, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, takes the stage after lunch, followed by breakout sessions on stress reduction techniques and women’s mental health and wellness.
Live After 5 Concerts Return
JUNE 21, JULY 19
5–8 P.M.
CITY PLAZA, DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
Join the ’80s and ’90s block party in Downtown Raleigh that pays homage to the original Live After 5 concert series started more than 20 years ago. The concert lineup features Hard Tuck with King Akira on June 21, and Spin Doctors with Adam Pitts on July 19.
Independence Day Events
Fuquay-Varina
JULY 1
6 P.M.
SOUTH PARK, FUQUAY-VARINA
Live music, South Park’s famous splash pad, and a fireworks show commemorate Independence Day in Fuquay. Fireworks will begin at sundown, around 9:15 pm. Bring a blanket or chair and arrive early. Coolers are allowed, but the event is alcohol-free.
Holly Springs
JULY 5
6–10 P.M.
SUGG FARM AT BASS LAKE PARK
Enjoy a second day for the USA, with live music, food trucks, games, and spectacular fireworks — free and open to all. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Apex
Fireworks Frenzy
JULY 3
5–10 P.M.
HUNTER STREET PARK, 1250 AMBERGATE STATION
Olde Fashioned Fourth of July
JULY 4
9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
DOWNTOWN APEX
This fun family festival and long-standing Apex tradition features games and activities for all ages. Enjoy inflatables, a giant slide, food vendors, face painting, a karaoke contest, and carnival games. Kids are invited to decorate bikes, wagons, tricycles, or non-motorized vehicles in red, white, and blue for the Parade of Wheels, which begins at noon. The Parade starts at the corner of Salem Street & Chatham Street. Helmets are required. Event concludes with a Fire Department Splash Down — expect to get wet!
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day
JULY 16 (OR ANYTIME, REALLY)
HOURS VARY
I scream, you scream, we all scream for National Ice Cream Day. Enjoy Fuquay-Varina’s annual Ice Cream Social at Fuquay Mineral Spring Park from 4–6 p.m. Or visit one of Southern Wake’s local artisan ice cream parlors: JT’s Creamery, Mama Bird’s Ice Cream, Pints Ice Cream & Beer, Waves Shave Ice food truck, or the brand new FRESH Local Ice Cream on Main Street in Holly Springs.
Follow Fuquay’s First StoryWalk
ALSTON RIDGE PARK, 6850 HILLTOP-NEEDMORE ROAD
Enjoy the Alston Ridge Park playground, picnic shelters, and Fuquay-Varina’s first installment of StoryWalk, an initiative designed to encourage children to enjoy reading and the outdoors. Book pages are laminated and posted on wooden stakes along a trail. Books rotate every two to three months. Fuquay’s StoryWalk is a collaboration between Fuquay-Varina Junior Woman’s Club, the Town of Fuquay-Varina, and Wake County Public Libraries.
Photograph by Town of Fuquay-Varina
- Pets on Parade 2023
- Right on Track
- Friday Night Lights
- Dig In & Drink Up: Columbia West Coast IPA
- Nonprofit Spotlight: DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care
- Restaurant Spotlight: El Cantarito Bar & Grill
- Making the Most of a Southern Wake Summer
- Standout Students: Holden Bierman
- Standout Students: Leah George
- Meet & Greet: Taylor McGee
- See & Do: June to July 2023
