Happy New Year from the Town of Wake Forest! We are kicking off 2023 with several exciting events to help you stay engaged and active. From musical performances and educational opportunities to film festivals and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone. So get out your calendar and let’s get started!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration

Several local churches and community organizations will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, community celebration on Thursday, January 19, at 6:30 PM at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, located at 237 Friendship Chapel Road. The event’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee will offer a slate of contests for students in the Wake Forest and Rolesville schools to recognize their talents. Based on this year’s theme, the contests involve creative performance, writing, and art. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “MLK.”

Comedian Jen Kober

Jen Kober will bring her original blend of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and improvised rock-n-roll comedy to the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre on Friday, January 27, at 7:30 PM. Kober has appeared in several TV productions, including Netflix’s AJ and The Queen and Dead to Me (2019) and Disney’s Diary of a Female President (2019). Additionally, she was the 2017 and 2018 NPR SNAP JUDGEMENT winner. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission is celebrating by partnering with the Wake Forest Historical Museum to offer historic walking tours throughout the Northeast Community. Along the way, each tour group will discuss the developmental and architectural history of the area, along with the significant men and women who shaped the Northeast Community. These events are free and open to everyone, but pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Black History Month.”

Rosa Parks & Friends

Bright Star Theatre presents Rosa Parks & Friends at the Alston-Massenburg Center on Saturday, February 4, at 11:00 AM. This production takes the audience on an amazing journey through time with Rosa Parks where some of the most remarkable figures in Black history come to life. This show gives an extraordinary view of the challenges met by these amazing Black Americans. Admission is free, but seating is first come, first serve, so plan to arrive early. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Shana Tucker – Valentine’s Brunch

What could be more romantic than treating your Valentine to a Jazz brunch featuring Shana Tucker? The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre welcomes the cellist and singer-songwriter on Saturday, February 11, at 11:00 AM. Tucker, who invites you in with her voice and captures your heart with her unique ChamberSoul style, has opened for heavy hitters, including the Indigo Girls and Blind Boys of Alabama, and played several years in Las Vegas with Cirque du Soleil. Brunch will be provided by Cannon Catering. Reserved seats are $60 (includes brunch). For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

State of the Town Address & Dinner

The 2023 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 20, at 6:00 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Since 2009, the Town of Wake Forest has partnered with the Wake Forest Rotary Club to sponsor the annual State of the Town Address & Dinner on the third Monday in February. The occasion offers Wake Forest citizens the opportunity to reflect on the Town’s list of accomplishments during the previous year and learn about its goals in the coming months. Tickets are $15 each, including dinner. The mayor’s address will be recorded and replayed daily throughout March on WFTV 10. It will also be available on demand on the Town website. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “State of the Town.”

Wake Forest Film Festival

Mark your calendars for the Fourth Annual Wake Forest Film Festival on Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. The Wake Forest Film Festival will spotlight passionate, creative, and thought-provoking movies by some of today’s most promising and accomplished local, national, and international filmmakers. The two-day film showcase will engage audiences with films of all lengths and genres. Intended for both the general public and film professionals, the festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their movies in a unique location to a discerning audience. Tickets are $20 plus tax for both days. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Friday Night on White

Friday Night on White returns to downtown Wake Forest in 2023 for another incredible season. This year’s dates are April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8. The free concerts are scheduled from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest and feature a variety of popular local bands. While these exciting events are still a couple of months away, you won’t want to miss them, so be sure to mark the dates on your spring and summer calendars now! To stay up to date on Friday Night on White, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Stay Connected!

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier, downloading the Town app, visiting the Wake Forest website, and/or following the Town on social media @TownofWakeForest. For complete details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Communications.”