City and tourism leaders say the steady flow of large gatherings is energizing the local economy and signaling broader growth.
Residents are asked to reduce non-essential water use whenever possible.
Raleigh Water officials say they are increasing enforcement efforts and urging residents to cut back on water use as demand rises and drought conditions persist.
Drought conditions are worsening an already concerning situation at Falls Lake, where water levels continue to recede, exposing more sandbars and shoreline.
Boaters at Falls Lake are noticing significantly lower water levels, with exposed shoreline and new hazards emerging.
As rain moved into the area Thursday evening, it offered long-awaited relief to farmers struggling through an unusually dry spring.