Best events in
Wake Forest

For events and things to do in Wake Forest, NC, the town's social calendar is rooted in community gatherings and a lively downtown core. Life here often revolves around a series of recurring outdoor concerts and street festivals that bring neighbors together along South White Street. Beyond the large-scale public events, smaller venues offer intimate settings for live music, theatre, and local art.

Stroll through historic Downtown Wake Forest, where South White Street hosts major events including a popular monthly outdoor concert series and the annual 'Meet in the Street' festival.
Find a variety of cultural performances, from plays at the Firebox Theatre Company to concerts and art exhibits at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre.
Enjoy live music in intimate settings, with original artists at the Wake Forest Listening Room or craft cocktails and tunes at Tonic, Bar and Social Club.

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Popular in Wake Forest

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Free Saturday Barre3 45 Minute Signature Class with Courtney

Today • 9:30 AM + 1 more

MK Creative Arts Studio

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The Glow-Up Social

Wednesday • 4:00 PM

3319 Heritage Trade Dr suite. 201

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Nov 5 - Shopping & Mahjong at Yellow Butterfly

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Yellow Butterfly Boutique

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Local Author Book Fair

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Page 158 Books

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Best Business Networking in Wake Forest, NC!

Tue, Nov 10 • 5:00 PM + 1 more

Real McCoy's

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SOULFUL HOUSE MUSIC WAKE FOREST @ Bird’s Nest

Sun, Nov 15 • 2:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

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Wake Forest… PLUS Dueling Pianos is BACK

Fri, Nov 20 • 7:00 PM

The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge

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Parmalee at Lonerider Live!

Sat, Apr 17 • 6:00 PM

Lonerider Wake Forest

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Free Saturday Barre3 45 Minute Signature Class with Courtney

Today • 9:30 AM + 1 more

MK Creative Arts Studio

Check ticket price on event

The Glow-Up Social

Wednesday • 4:00 PM

3319 Heritage Trade Dr suite. 201

Check ticket price on event

Nov 5 - Shopping & Mahjong at Yellow Butterfly

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Yellow Butterfly Boutique

Check ticket price on event

Local Author Book Fair

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Page 158 Books

Check ticket price on event

Best Business Networking in Wake Forest, NC!

Tue, Nov 10 • 5:00 PM + 1 more

Real McCoy's

Check ticket price on event

SOULFUL HOUSE MUSIC WAKE FOREST @ Bird’s Nest

Sun, Nov 15 • 2:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Wake Forest… PLUS Dueling Pianos is BACK

Fri, Nov 20 • 7:00 PM

The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Parmalee at Lonerider Live!

Sat, Apr 17 • 6:00 PM

Lonerider Wake Forest

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària?

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM GMT+1

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

Check ticket price on event

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària?

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM GMT+1

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Music events

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SOULFUL HOUSE MUSIC WAKE FOREST @ Bird’s Nest

Sun, Nov 15 • 2:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Wake Forest… PLUS Dueling Pianos is BACK

Fri, Nov 20 • 7:00 PM

The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Johan Glidden House Concert

Sat, Jan 9 • 7:00 PM

House on the Rock Concerts

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Parmalee at Lonerider Live!

Sat, Apr 17 • 6:00 PM

Lonerider Wake Forest

Check ticket price on event

SOULFUL HOUSE MUSIC WAKE FOREST @ Bird’s Nest

Sun, Nov 15 • 2:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Wake Forest… PLUS Dueling Pianos is BACK

Fri, Nov 20 • 7:00 PM

The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Johan Glidden House Concert

Sat, Jan 9 • 7:00 PM

House on the Rock Concerts

Check ticket price on event

Parmalee at Lonerider Live!

Sat, Apr 17 • 6:00 PM

Lonerider Wake Forest

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Food & Drink events

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Nov 5 - Shopping & Mahjong at Yellow Butterfly

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Yellow Butterfly Boutique

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Intelligent Singles Mixer in Wake Forest NC!

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

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Singles Mixer in Wake Forest NC!

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

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Singles Mixer in Wake Forest NC!

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Nov 5 - Shopping & Mahjong at Yellow Butterfly

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Yellow Butterfly Boutique

Check ticket price on event

Intelligent Singles Mixer in Wake Forest NC!

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Singles Mixer in Wake Forest NC!

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Check ticket price on event

Singles Mixer in Wake Forest NC!

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

Bird's Nest at Blackbird Brewery

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Points of Interest near Wake Forest

Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails

E Carroll Joyner Park

Frequently asked questions about Wake Forest

What is the live music scene like in Wake Forest?

The town offers a mix of large outdoor concerts and intimate indoor performances. Downtown's 'Friday Night on White' series draws big crowds monthly from April to September, while venues like the Wake Forest Listening Room and Tonic, Bar and Social Club feature local artists regularly.

Are there free events in Wake Forest, NC?

Yes, Wake Forest hosts several popular free events, especially for music lovers. The 'Six Sundays in Spring' concert series at E. Carroll Joyner Park is a free, family-friendly outdoor event. The downtown 'Friday Night on White' concert series is also free to attend.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Wake Forest?

Many community celebrations are designed for all ages. The annual Fourth of July Celebration features a children's parade and fireworks, while 'Meet in the Street' is a downtown festival with kids' activities and entertainment. The Wake Forest Farmers Market is also a great weekend outing.

Where can I find art events and local crafts?

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is a primary venue for local art exhibits and cultural events. For artisan goods, The Cotton Company features a marketplace with local vendors, and the annual Holiday Artisans Market is a popular shopping event showcasing handcrafted items.

What are some good date night ideas in Wake Forest?

A great date night could involve a book and a cocktail at Broadsides & Brews. This unique spot hosts author readings and live piano music. For a performance, the intimate Firebox Theatre Company offers compelling plays in a historic downtown warehouse setting.

What kind of outdoor events does Wake Forest offer?

The town specializes in lively outdoor music events that take over downtown. 'Friday Night on White' and 'Beach Night on White' turn South White Street into a concert venue. For a park setting, the 'Six Sundays in Spring' series offers free concerts at E. Carroll Joyner Park.

How is the nightlife in downtown Wake Forest?

Downtown nightlife centers on relaxed social clubs and bars with live entertainment. Tonic, Bar and Social Club offers craft cocktails and music, while Broadsides & Brews provides a unique piano bar atmosphere. The area becomes particularly active during large outdoor community events.

How can I find things to do on a typical weekend?

Weekends often start at the year-round Wake Forest Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Evenings frequently feature community gatherings or live music. Check for performances at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre or see what local bands are playing at downtown venues like the Wake Forest Listening Room.