Anniversary celebration marks a milestone first year with more than 25,000 bowling games played, 400 local jobs created and a day of family-friendly festivities
FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (August 3, 2026) — One year after opening its doors, McWally’s is inviting Triangle-area families and adventure seekers to celebrate an incredible first year of fun during its One-Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Since opening in August 2025, the 42,000-square-foot family entertainment destination has become a gathering place for the community, creating more than 400 local jobs, recording more than 25,000 bowling games played, hosting countless birthday parties and celebrations, and serving guests from across the Triangle and beyond.
The business has also embraced its role as a community partner. Throughout its first year, McWally’s collected six bags of toys, more than 100 canned food donations, and contributed more than $5,000 through charitable giving initiatives benefiting local organizations and families.
“Our first year has exceeded every expectation,” said Bryden McCormick, owner of McWally’s. “From welcoming families through our doors every day to creating hundreds of local jobs and giving back to organizations that make our community stronger, we’ve been incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. This anniversary is our chance to celebrate with the guests who helped make our first year such a success while looking ahead to an exciting future.”
Guests can spend the day August 22 enjoying McWally’s signature attractions, including bowling, laser tag, the arcade and Valo Arena — the world’s first mixed-reality playground — while taking part in a full day of anniversary festivities. No advance tickets are required; attendees can simply purchase a play card or bowling lane upon arrival and join the celebration.
As a thank-you to the community for an unforgettable first year, the first 25 guests through the doors when McWally’s opens at 11 a.m. will receive a free $10 arcade card.
Throughout the day, the event will feature special entertainment and interactive experiences, including:
- Face Painting: 12–2 p.m.
- Caricature Artist: 3–6 p.m.
- Magician: 4–7 p.m.
- Live Music: 7–9 p.m.
The celebration also features a lineup of limited-time anniversary-inspired food and beverage specials available throughout the month of August, including Blue Wave Lemonade, Blue Strike Margarita, The Wally Trio and Birthday Bash Butter Cake.
While guests can enjoy these special offerings, they’ll also have the opportunity to try McWally’s signature Wally Smash Burger, the venue’s best-selling menu item during its first year.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, McWally’s ongoing value promotions continue through September 4. Bowling is just $5 Monday through Thursday before 3 p.m., and the popular Play Your Way Pass is available Monday through Friday before 3 p.m.
The customizable Play Your Way Pass includes any two attractions for $15, any three for $20 or all four for $25. Options include one laser tag game, one Valo Arena game, a $15 redemption game card and one hour of unlimited video arcade play on non-redemption games. A lunch combo can also be added starting at $10 to complete the experience.
“Over the past year, we’ve watched friendships form, birthday traditions begin and families create memories together under one roof,” McCormick added. “That’s exactly what we envisioned when we opened McWally’s, and we’re excited to continue growing with this community for many years to come.”
Located at 1475 N. Judd Pkwy. NE in Fuquay-Varina, McWally’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information about the One-Year Anniversary Celebration, visit www.mcwallys.com or follow McWally’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
About McWally’s
Founded in the summer of 2025, McWally’s is the ultimate family entertainment center located in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Sitting off Highway 55 at 1475 Judd Pkwy NE, the state-of-the-art, 42,000-square-foot venue includes 14 traditional and six VIP bowling lanes, a 5,000-square-foot laser tag arena, 60 interactive arcade games, full-service restaurant with menu items ranging from classic arcade snacks to gourmet options, indoor and outdoor bar and patio, four private party rooms for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and other group celebrations, and Valo Arena – the world’s first mixed-reality playground. As a social hub that encourages people to have fun and make memories, McWally’s delivers an immersive, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience designed to spark joy, laughter and connection across generations. For more information, visit www.mcwallys.com and follow McWally’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
