CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF THE AUGUST TURAK FOUNDATION
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2025
On Saturday, September 27th, I’m opening up my home, Iron Gate Farm—all 75 acres— for my Foundations 25 Festival — an unforgettable afternoon of music, laughter, and community.We’re talking three sets by Bywater Call bringing their powerhouse mix of blues, rock, and southern roots to our stage all the way from Toronto, Canada. Complemented by local vendors, homemade, truly authentic Mexican food to keep you fueled, along with cold beer, wine and margaritas (because what’s a party without ‘em?). And the best part...Foundations 25 Festival is completely FREE!
Be sure to register before seats fill up - attendance is limited! Can’t wait to see you all there! It’s going to be a day to remember. #AugieFest
2PM ——— 8PM
09.27.2025
2008 Suitts Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525
REGISTER
BELOW
GORY
DETAILS
Friends, Romans, countrymen, colleagues, fellow seekers, assorted miscreants and reprobates give me a listen! I’m Augie Turak, and I’m throwing a backyard celebration and music festival you won’t wanna miss. Foundations 25 Festival (aka AugieFest) ain’t just any old party—it’s a celebration of 25 incredible years of our charity, the August Turak Foundation.
Grab a plate, soak in the music, and let loose under the open sky! We’re so excited to welcome you to come enjoy Bywater Call for a day of dancing, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Stretch out in the fields, move with free music, and enjoy amazing food, great company, and the magic of Iron Gate Farm.
The details:
💰 Price: 100% free! However, your tax-deductible donation to the August Turak Foundation is sincerely appreciated. Learn more about our mission and make your donation here.
📍 Where: Iron Gate Farm, 2008 Suitts Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525
⏰ When: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🎶 Who’s Playing: Bywater Call (and trust me, they’re amazing)
🌮 What’s to Eat: Authentic Mexican cuisine – Freshly sourced meats and vegetables straight from Augie’s farm!
🍻 What’s to Drink: Complementary with beer, wine & margaritas.
🏚️ Local Vendors: Enjoy offerings from North Carolina vendors with their own tents!
🪑 Seating: We’ve got plenty of chairs, tents and grass, but feel free to bring your own cozy setup.
🏕️ Camping: Bring your own facilities, but you’re welcome to camp out all night.
🔥 After Party: Stick around, there’s more! Join us after 8PM for a bonfire, mariachi band, and karaoke.
⚠️ Limited Space: Be sure to RSVP early!
Parking? Yep, plenty of it. Bathrooms? Got those too. Local Accommodations? Click here. Good vibes? Guaranteed. We even have some idyllic camping spots for RVs and rustic campers!
* * *
Steve Wozniak founded Apple with Steve Jobs. He made zillions. But he always regretted missing out on Woodstock as a kid. So he peeled off a few Benjamins and threw his own rock festival. I missed Woodstock too, so this is Iron Gate Farm’s send up to Max Yasgur’s famous venue!
Most importantly, the Foundations 25 Festival is about giving back. All the money I make from my books, lectures, workshops, coaching, and consulting is donated to the August Turak Foundation. Our mission is to help people find higher meaning and purpose through service and selflessness. So when you show up, you’re not just attending a festival—you’re making a difference. Your tax-deductible donation to the August Turak Foundation is sincerely appreciated. Learn more about our mission and make your donation here.
So register NOW! Mark your calendar, and come celebrate Foundations 25 Festival with us! I’ll be waiting with bells on. Or something. 🎶🌿✨
2PM ——— 8PM
09.27.2025
2008 Suitts Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525
WHERE
TO STAY
Looking for a place to stay during the event? There are several great options near Iron Gate Farm for your convenience.
For those who want to stay right on the festival grounds, Augie is offering camping on the beautiful Iron Gate Farm. Please note that porta-potties will be available on-site. If you’re bringing an RV or camper, you’re welcome to park in the open field, but there are no hookups or utilities available.
If you prefer the comfort of a hotel or the charm of a B&B, there are plenty of nearby options to choose from. Here are some suggestions:
Tru by Hilton Wake Forest Raleigh North –
12315 Hampton Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587 • (919) 488-4505 Just 12.5 miles from Iron Gate Farm, Tru by Hilton is highly praised for customer service and amenities including an indoor pool and firepit. This hotel is conveniently located right in the heart of Wake Forest; yet it’s such a simple drive to #AugieFest, we had to make it top on the list!
Airbnb - Wake Forest, NC – Perhaps you’d prefer a charming Airbnb located in the heart of Wake Forest, giving you easy access to both our festival and local attractions. We’ve just recently booked a wonderful (and wonderfully priced) immaculate home to host our powerhouse band, ByWater Call! We encourage you to explore these options.
The Westin Raleigh Durham Airport –
3931 Macaw Street, Raleigh, NC 27617 • (877) 522-2195 Fly in, unwind, relax and Live Well. Just minutes away from the airport, near both downtown Raleigh and Durham, this hotel offers easy access to Iron Gate Farm with a 25-mile drive, mostly through the country. Marvel in the sophisticated guestrooms, featuring Westin's Heavenly beds, rain shower and tea-infused amenities. Delight in the rooftop pool and then sample a meticulously crafted menu featuring local ingredients and wood-fired pizza. All this in addition to attending #AugieFest!
106 Mason Road, Durham, NC 27712 • (984) 384-5288
For a more homey experience, check out this cozy Bed & Breakfast located in Durham, NC and voted #1 best place to stay! The Arrowhead Inn is a little further away from Iron Gate Farm - 27 miles to be exact. However, this historic property with its inviting accommodations and amenities shouldn’t be overlooked. The only Select Registry and Four Diamond property serving North Carolina’s Triangle, they offer a unique blend of luxury and rustic charm that is hard to resist. Each morning, enjoy a delicious and creative homemade breakfast featuring local ingredients.
Planning for a larger group, a longer visit, or perhaps you’re looking for a more tailored option, simply email Melissa@AugustTurak.org for white glove service on specially curated collections and alternative lodging recommendations.
2PM ——— 8PM
09.27.2025
2008 Suitts Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525
GETTING
HERE
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Foundations 25 Festival at Iron Gate Farm which not only provides the perfect homestead for Augie — it’s also a sublime country venue with seventy-five acres of hardwood forest, pastures, ponds, and peacefully grazing cattle.
Located only 11 miles from Wake Forest, North Carolina, Iron Gate Farm combines convenience and plenty of parking only 30 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
Here’s everything you need to know to make your arrival to #AugieFest smooth and easy.
📍 Location: 2008 Suitts Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525
🚗 Parking: Plenty of parking - just follow the signs
🕒 Arrival Time: 1:00 PM
📢 Check-In: Simply provide your confirmation email at the festival entrance gate
🎶 Bywater Call On Stage: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Look out for signs and volunteers to guide you once you arrive. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before the event
See you soon!
2PM ——— 8PM
09.27.2025
2008 Suitts Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525
Our
VENDORS
Foundations 25 Festival isn’t just about music—it’s a celebration of community!
I am proud to support local NC artists and makers by giving them a space to share their craft with all of us. From one-of-a-kind handmade goods to unique creations, you’ll find something special in every tent.
Whether you’re looking for art, gifts, or just to meet our artists, Foundations 25 Festival vendor tents will be the perfect place to explore and connect.
Stay tuned for our full vendor lineup!
Are you a local vendor interested in setting up your own tent? We’d love to have you!
Contact us for more details on how to join:
