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 Wake Forest Community Builders Event (October, NC)

Monday • 6:00 PM

Lowes Foods of Capital Blvd

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Fall Festival 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 1:00 PM

Friendship Chapel Baptist Church

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Alpha Wake Forest - Launch Night

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:30 PM

Ela's Venue

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Oct 22 - Shopping & Mahjong at LILYMAES

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:30 PM

Lily Mae's

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Author Event: Ellery Adams

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:00 PM

Page 158 Books

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The Glow-Up Social

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

3319 Heritage Trade Dr suite. 201

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From Dreaming to the Keys: Your First Time Homebuyer's Roadmap

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Friendship Chapel Baptist Church

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Parmalee at Lonerider Live!

Sat, Apr 17 • 6:00 PM

Lonerider Wake Forest

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Free Wake Forest Community Builders Event (October, NC)

Monday • 6:00 PM

Lowes Foods of Capital Blvd

Check ticket price on event

Fall Festival 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 1:00 PM

Friendship Chapel Baptist Church

Check ticket price on event

Alpha Wake Forest - Launch Night

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:30 PM

Ela's Venue

Check ticket price on event

Oct 22 - Shopping & Mahjong at LILYMAES

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:30 PM

Lily Mae's

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Author Event: Ellery Adams

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:00 PM

Page 158 Books

Check ticket price on event

The Glow-Up Social

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

3319 Heritage Trade Dr suite. 201

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From Dreaming to the Keys: Your First Time Homebuyer's Roadmap

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Friendship Chapel Baptist Church

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Parmalee at Lonerider Live!

Sat, Apr 17 • 6:00 PM

Lonerider Wake Forest

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wednesday • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wednesday • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Community & Culture events

Tours of the Calvin Jones House

Today • 10:30 AM + 153 more

Wake Forest Historical Museum

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2026 Spirits of Wake Forest

Tomorrow • 8:30 PM + 24 more

301 Brooks St

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Alpha Wake Forest - Launch Night

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:30 PM

Ela's Venue

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Be a Savvy Ally

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:30 PM

Wake Forest Community Library

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Tours of the Calvin Jones House

Today • 10:30 AM + 153 more

Wake Forest Historical Museum

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2026 Spirits of Wake Forest

Tomorrow • 8:30 PM + 24 more

301 Brooks St

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Alpha Wake Forest - Launch Night

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:30 PM

Ela's Venue

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Be a Savvy Ally

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:30 PM

Wake Forest Community Library

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From nearby cities

Crown All Black Meets We Own The Night | 25+ Alumni ALL Black Affair

Today • 10:00 PM

Monaco Nightclub

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PERREOLAND | RALEIGH, NC

Tomorrow • 9:00 PM

Enigma Night Club

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DAYDREAM DAY PARTY-OCTOBER 10

Tomorrow • 11:30 AM

Level7 Rooftop

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Pinktober Festival

Sat, Oct 17 • 3:00 PM

1900 Poole Rd

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Oct 18- Mahjong & Wine

Sun, Oct 18 • 3:00 PM

Unwined on White

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All Things Open 2026

Raleigh Convention Center

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Bethany Joy Lenz | The Betrayal of Cora Wexford

Wed, Oct 21 • 6:30 PM

Quail Ridge Books

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Black Chamber Raleigh Gala - Black Excellence

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

1200 S State St

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Crown All Black Meets We Own The Night | 25+ Alumni ALL Black Affair

Today • 10:00 PM

Monaco Nightclub

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PERREOLAND | RALEIGH, NC

Tomorrow • 9:00 PM

Enigma Night Club

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DAYDREAM DAY PARTY-OCTOBER 10

Tomorrow • 11:30 AM

Level7 Rooftop

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Pinktober Festival

Sat, Oct 17 • 3:00 PM

1900 Poole Rd

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Oct 18- Mahjong & Wine

Sun, Oct 18 • 3:00 PM

Unwined on White

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All Things Open 2026

Raleigh Convention Center

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Bethany Joy Lenz | The Betrayal of Cora Wexford

Wed, Oct 21 • 6:30 PM

Quail Ridge Books

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Black Chamber Raleigh Gala - Black Excellence

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

1200 S State St

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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.