Back to school blues are sinking in, but the Raleigh area has a jam-packed calendar of events (festivals, concerts and sporting matches) that will make the last days of summer memorable. Make sure to take advantage of Hot Deals and Special Offers at area hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The word for August is hot, and we aren’t just talking about the weather! Music Maniacs are in for a treat this month when bands from every genre take the stage at some of the area’s best venues. The N.C. Museum of Art has a full schedule with American icon Joan Baez (8/1) and Latin group Los Lobos (8/8); Dan Zanes (8/15), the crown prince of contemporary kids’ music will delight children of all ages, and get your ticket early for a performance by indie songstress Neko Case (8/19). Koka Booth Amphitheatre will host the infamous Sheryl Crow with Colbie Caillat (8/15). The Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion will provide music of all genres beginning with the Mayhem Festival featuring Rob Zombie and Korn (8/3); for a change in style, check out the Zac Brown Band (8/11) or Jack Johnson (8/21). Then Canadian rockers Creed (8/27) will hit the stage followed by country star Brad Paisley (8/28). August ends with a bang with a visit from the infamous band Kiss (8/29) to the music pavilion. The Raleigh Amphitheater continues its stellar inaugural season line-up with The Goo Goo Dolls (8/9) and O.A.R (8/10).  Try something new and become fans of Umphrey’s McGee (8/13) or enjoy old favorites Heart (8/14) and Maroon 5 (8/17).  Blood, Sweat, and Tears (8/21), STS9 (8/25) and The Dukes of September (8/28) round out the month with each of their unique sounds. The Progress Energy Center welcomes reunited group Asia (8/17) and American Idol star Adam Lambert (8/28).  No matter what music you listen to, Raleigh area music venues have a concert for you.

For those of you who consider yourself a Free Spirit and have interests ranging from arts and culture to movies and family-friendly events, you won’t be disappointed with the activities this month brings.  Pack a blanket and some snacks and head to an outdoor movie at the N.C. Museum of Art; on the big screen this month: Sherlock Holmes (8/6), Bright Star (8/13), Fantastic Mr. Fox (8/14), The Big Lebowski (8/20), Crazy Heart (8/21) and The Breakfast Club (8/27). Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre screens New Moon (8/12) and Monsters vs. Aliens (8/19) in the big outdoors. Children will be entertained this month with two fantastic shows: Curious George Live (8/13-15) at the RBC Center and The Wiggles: The Wiggly Circus (8/15) at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. The Triangle Town Center & Commons presents exciting Kidsfest (8/8 and 8/22) featuring activities for kids of all ages.  Celebrate Latino culture and music by attending the Aniversario de la Ley (8/8) at Koka Booth Amphitheatre or the 5th Annual Latino Ritma Festival at Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary. The African-American GLBT community joins together this month during the Inaugural Triangle Black Pride 2010 (7/29-8/1), when there will be workshops, seminars and cutting-edge films in venues throughout the area. Arts abound in August as Cary hosts The 34th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival (8/28), an event featuring arts, crafts, food and entertainment. If you can’t make it to the festival, Raleigh area communities each offer monthly art walks: First Friday in Raleigh (8/6), The Cary Art Loop (8/27), Art After Hours (8/13) in Wake Forest, or Art After Dark (8/13) in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. Car lovers--there is even an event for you this month: the Classics at the Capital (8/20-22) on Fayetteville Street and in the Raleigh Convention Center showcases hundreds of classic cars of all makes and models.

August heat doesn’t get in the way of a true fan! Take in a game at Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park as the Carolina RailHawks take to the soccer field against the Montreal Impact (8/7), Rochester Rhinos (8/11), Miami FC (8/18) and the Puerto Rico Islanders (8/28). Zebulon’s Five County Stadium is full of screaming fans as the Carolina Mudcats hit the diamond against the Jacksonville Suns (8/1), Chattanooga Lookouts (8/7-11), Mobile Bay Bears (8/18-22) and Birmingham Barons (8/23-25). Carousel Farms hosts professional bull riders and barrel racers during the weekly Rodeo (Tuesdays), and the N.C. State Fairgrounds welcomes boaters of all ages for the Carolina Fall Boat Show and Sale (8/20-22).

Enjoy a matinee or make it a date night and enjoy a performance by one of the area’s best performing arts groups. The Raleigh Little Theatre presents the hilarious musical 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (8/6-29). While you’re there make sure to check out the Rose Garden; it’s a Raleigh treasure. Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy brings intimate professional theater to Raleigh with Death of a Maiden (through 8/8) and Tell Me on a Sunday (8/18-9/5). Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre presents its first annual outdoor theatre production with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night or What You Will (8/26-27).

What could be better than a month of fresh fruits and veggies, events dedicated to the South’s favorite drink and tours to experience the area’s celebrated culinary scene all in one day? Start at one of the area’s numerous Farmers Markets like the State Farmers Market (daily), North Hills (Tuesday), Downtown Raleigh (Wednesday) and Wake Forest (Saturday), just to name a few. Take the newest culinary walking tour through North Hills with Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours, or discover the heart of downtown Cary with Triangle Food Tours. Koka Booth Amphitheatre celebrates Beer, Bourbon and BBQ (8/6-7), and the Carolina RailHawks are hosting Taste of the Triangle (8/18) at WakeMed Soccer Park. Experience some of downtown Raleigh’s most celebrated restaurants during Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week (8/23-29), when select restaurants will offer tantalizing, three-course, prix fixe dinners for either $20 or $30, depending on the venue. Restaurants and bars in the Raleigh area take beer seriously, and in an effort to create a “beer community,” five downtown Raleigh bars have collaborated for an Inaugural Raleigh Beer Week (8/30-9/2), with a series of events, classes and dinners throughout the week.

You don’t need an excuse to shop in the Raleigh area; from 11 major shopping destinations to special events and sales, you’ll find the perfect gift for any occasion. Find a unique item from furniture to jewelry at the weekly Flea Market (Sat. and Sun.) at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, or find the perfect wedding dress, caterer, florist or DJ at the Southern Bridal Show and Expo (8/15). Chat with local artists at Artspace (open Tues.-Sun.) or during the Oak City Market (8/14) at the Raleigh City Museum. Make sure to check out the Rock and Shop Market during downtown Raleigh’s First Friday (8/6).

Head indoors to one of the area’s museums and discover why the Raleigh area is often called the “Smithsonian of the South.” The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences presents the blockbuster exhibit GLOW: Living Lights (through 9/12) and explores the phenomenon of bioluminescence. Across Bicentennial Plaza the N.C. Museum of History presents Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina (ongoing) and Behind the Veneer: Thomas Day, Master Cabinetmaker (ongoing). If you haven’t had a chance to visit the new N.C. Museum of Art, don’t delay; the new building, more than 28 Rodin sculptures and newly acquired works of art make for a perfect afternoon outing for all ages.