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August
2008
Summer vacations may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the
fun stops in Greater Raleigh. August offers a line-up of nationally acclaimed
artists and entertainers, blockbuster exhibitions, festivals and family-friendly
events. Plan your getaway with our Hot Deals and Special Offers at area
hotels, restaurants and attractions, found only on www.visitraleigh.com
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Rock
with the Legends On September 19 and 20, 2008, Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary will play host to one of the biggest concert events of 2008 -- the visitRaleigh.com Benefit Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the John Entwistle Foundation. Only 7,000 people from around the world will be fortunate enough to score a ticket to what is certain to be a concert event that will be talked about for years to come - go to www.visitRaleigh.com/rockhallbenefit and enter to win a chance for a VIP weekend to see the show. Or, if you are a member of the next big band, register to win a spot in the line-up of the concert event of the season. Learn more. |
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Move
to the Music If you can’t make it to the visitRaleigh.com Benefit Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, check out one of the other shows taking place in some of the hottest venues in the Carolinas. Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek welcomes the chart-topping country sensations, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift (8/2), classic rock legends Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick (8/10), the melodic acoustical sounds of Jack Johnson (8/11), the high-energy two night show from Kenny Chesney and LeeAnn Rimes (8/22, 8/23) and Grammy award winner John Mayer (8/27). Koka Booth Amphitheatre provides an intimate setting to see Wilco (8/8), Blues Traveler and Live (8/16), G. Love and Special Sauce (8/21), Carolina Music Festival (8/23-8/24) The Regeneration Tour with Belinda Carlisle (8/27) and Slightly Stoopid (8/28). Bud Light Downtown Live (8/9, 8/23) continues the FREE all-day concert series and the N.C. Museum of Art Amphitheatre hosts the folk/country sounds of John Hiatt (8/15) and Tift Merritt (8/23). Kids of all ages clap to the beat at the RBC Center during the "Pop Go the Wiggles Live" World Tour (8/22). Learn more. |
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Stage
Notes The curtain rises on another great month of performances from the area’s nationally acclaimed performing arts groups. Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy concludes their season with Skylight (through 8/3) and Personals (8/3-8/16) both taking different looks at love while the world-premier of God of Autumn (8/20-8/31) examines a look at our own mortality. Theatre in the Park premieres, Give it Up, Turn it Loose (8/1-8/10) and comedic opera meets a big band sound during Raleigh Little Theatre’s performance of Hot Mikado (8/8-8/31). Learn more. |
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Shopping Paradise The Greater Raleigh area is known for its 10 major shopping destinations and the schedule of August events proves that you can find everything from boats to bridal gowns and exotic animals all in a convenient setting. The N.C. State Fairgrounds hosts some of the largest consumer shows around including the weekly Flea Market (Saturdays and Sundays), find holistic living products at the Body, Mind, Spirit Expo (8/16-17) or try on the perfect gown, find an exquisite caterer or honeymoon destinations at the Southern Bridal Show and Expo (8/16-8/17). Boaters are wanted at the Carolina Fall Boat Show and Sale (8/22-23) and animal lovers will find unusual pets at the Reptile and Exotic Expo Show (8/30-8/31). The area is home to some of the best produce around and the Moore Square Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays), the NC State Farmer’s Market (daily) and the Holly Springs Farmers Market (Saturdays) offer the best in home-grown products. Learn more. |
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Festival
Season The tradition continues during the 32nd Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival (8/23) where more than 60,000 people gather in downtown Cary to experience the best in arts, crafts and entertainment. Sample more than 60 brews, 40 bourbons and pork from around the state during the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Fest (8/9) at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Stroll through intimate galleries and restaurants during First Friday (8/1) in Raleigh’s Moore Square or historic downtown Holly Springs. Learn more. |
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Family
Friendly Whether it’s taking in a match at world-class sporting venues, experiencing the magic of a 3-D movie or discovering the area’s array of festivals, there is always something appealing to all ages. AA Baseball’s Carolina Mudcats take to the mound at Five County Stadium against the Mobile Bay Bears (8/6-8/10), Mississippi Braves (8/18-8/22) and Tennessee Smokies (8/28-9/1). Wake Med Soccer Park heats up as the USL soccer league’s Carolina RailHawks take to the field against the Vancouver Whitecaps (8/1), Montreal Impact (8/8, 8/30) and Miami FC (8/15). If you prefer to get out of the heat, take in a larger-than-life film at North Carolina’s only 3-D IMAX theatre where The Dark Knight, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, Wild Ocean 3D and Bugs 3D are delighting audiences. Learn more. |
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Blockbuster
Exhibitions Discover the greatest archeological treasures ever discovered - the Dead Sea Scrolls (6/28-12/28) at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. This blockbuster exhibition will display 12 authentic scrolls, representing portions of the Biblical books of Genesis, Isaiah, Deuteronomy, Exodus and others. Also on display will be more than 100 ancient artifacts, non-biblical manuscripts, religious writings and prayer texts. In addition, the museum will also explore scientific conservation and preservation of the Scrolls. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences isn’t the only museum with worth exploring; the N.C. Museum of Art showcases Modern American Paintings (ongoing) and the N.C. Museum of History celebrates waterfowl culture with Art-Duck O (ongoing). Learn more. |
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For more information, a complete calendar of events, or to request
the Official Visitors Guide to Raleigh, Cary and Wake County, call
1-800-849-8499, visit www.VisitRaleigh.com or e-mail visit@visitraleigh.com. |
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