First Friday in Downtown Fuquay
July 3, Aug. 7 & Sept. 4, 5–9 P.M.
Fuquay-Varina downtown districts
Live music, local shopping, and vibrant community activities entice residents to a fun-filled evening on the first Friday of every month, organized by the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association. Discover special deals, enjoy delicious food, and experience a lively arts scene throughout both of Fuquay-Varina’s charming downtown districts.
fuquay-varinadowntown.com/first-fridays
Kalie Cassidy Author Event
July 14, 6:30–7:30 P.M.
Fable Books & Café
Holly Springs’ cozy bookshop welcomes author Kalie Cassidy for the release of In the Wake of the Ruined, a dark fantasy romance full of sirens, prophecy, and magic, the sequel to In the Veins of the Drowning. Kalie will be joined in conversation with Brittney Arena, author of A Dance of Lies, for an evening celebrating fantasy, love, and monsters lurking beneath the surface.
Food Truck Fridays at Beech Bluff County Park
July 31, 5:30–7:30 P.M.
Aug. 28, 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Sept. 18, 5:30–7:30 P.M.
Oct. 30, 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Beech Bluff County Park
Whether it’s “Supper at Sunset” or “Lunch on the Lawn,” Beech Bluff welcomes families with picnic blankets and folding chairs to enjoy local food vendors, entertaining activities, and the opportunity to relax and play in the park’s open spaces. Food Truck Friday events occur once per month through October.
Yoga in the Park
Sundays through September, 8–9 A.M.
Fuquay Mineral Spring Park
Enjoy a one-hour outdoor yoga practice led by experienced area instructors. No experience needed and all levels welcome. Dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat, beach towel, or ground cover to practice on.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
July 31, 6 P.M.
Aug. 1, 2 P.M.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
The name of this favorite foodie festival says a lot, but it doesn’t say it all. In addition to all-you-care-to-taste samples of bourbon and beer, attendees enjoy numerous barbecue vendors, live music, carnival games, and shopping. If you love sipping, snacking, and smoked cooking, you’ll love it here. VIP and general admission tickets available.
Summer at the Springs Concerts
July 17 & Aug. 21, 6–9 P.M.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
Two dates remain to enjoy the summer tradition of free Friday night concerts on the lawn at the Holly Springs Cultural Center. See the band Dark Echoes, Pink Floyd Experience, on July 17 and All Y’all Country All-Stars on August 21. Live music pairs well with onsite food trucks, craft beer, and wine available for purchase. Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs for the whole family.
hollyspringsnc.gov/1417/Summer-at-the-Springs
Catch a Salamanders Game
Weekly through early August
North Main Athletic Complex
With 12 home games during the month of July alone, you’re never more than a few days from enjoying an evening of Holly Springs Salamanders Baseball. Frequent special events offer even more reason to attend with friends and neighbors. Check out Hockey Night on July 12 or bring the crew to Y Guides Night on July 17. Summer wouldn’t be complete without fan favorite Bark in the Park, which welcomes four-legged friends on leashes (July 23 and 30). And don’t miss the 150th Anniversary Celebration night on July 25 against the Morehead City Marlins.
Scoops & Hooves with Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream
Aug. 7 & Sept. 4, 6–7:30 P.M.
Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary, 7221 Sunset Lake Road, Fuquay-Varina
Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary opens to the public for a sweet summer evening mingling with the goats and savoring Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream. Guests will mingle with the herd, snap adorable photos, and enjoy casual lawn games such as cornhole and giant checkers while soaking in the farm atmosphere. Browse the Wild Goat Trading Post for gifts, handmade goods, and goat-inspired treasures.
Free Arts Lab
Aug. 8, 1–4 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
Join the community for a hands-on summer art project in the gallery of the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. Arts Lab is a recurring series that offers a monthly opportunity to explore art, music, or dance with a local art expert. Registration is free, but required. Participants under 13 must be accompanied by a parent. Previous programs have included a spring flowers art project, piano and beatmaking for elementary and middle schoolers, and butterfly-inspired dance and movement instruction.
fuquay-varina.org/1752/Arts-LAB-2026
150th Anniversary Restaurant Week
Aug. 21–29
Holly Springs restaurants and cafés
Sip and savor your favorite drinks and eats from Holly Springs restaurants, plus some new menu items and anniversary offerings. Pair your meal on the town with one of the other 150th anniversary events, such as the All Aboard Holly Springs! train show on August 22 or the commemorative farmers market on August 29.
- Recipes from Readers: Chicken Pot Pie with Veggies
- Bold Beginnings
- Everyday Goodness
- Small Business Spotlight: Track Record Vinyl Shop and Listening Lounge
- Chronicles of an HOA: The Enclave at Sunset Lake, Part Deux
- Dig In & Drink Up: Crimson Verde
- Meet & Greet: Tina Barnard
- See & Do: July to August 2026
- From Tail to Tale
