It’s time to grab your calendar and start planning for a fun 2018. Wake Forest has several exciting events planned that are guaranteed to help you stay engaged and active, while kicking off a new year. From carnivals and musical performances to street festivals and community celebrations, everyone is sure to find an event to enjoy.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration 

Several local churches and community organizations will come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, January 18, at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, located at 237 Friendship Chapel Road. Area residents are invited to attend the observance, beginning with a light meal at 6:00 PM, followed by the program at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “MLK.”

Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival

Children and adults can enjoy a fun-filled day in downtown Wake Forest during the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival on Saturday, February 10. This family-friendly celebration is scheduled from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and admission is free. The annual event features music, entertainment, face painting, and a walking parade for children and adults. There will also be a variety of contests and activities throughout the day. For more information and a schedule of events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Mardi Gras.”

State of the Town Address & Dinner

The 2018 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 19, at 6:00 PM at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, located at 12605 Capital Boulevard. Since 2009, the town of Wake Forest has partnered with the Wake Forest Rotary Club to sponsor the annual event 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. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “State of the Town.”

Carnival for the Kids

The Wake Forest Police Department will host its annual “Carnival for the Kids” from Tuesday, March 20, through Sunday, March 25, in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Home Depot, 11915 Retail Drive. The Carnival for the Kids promises fun and entertainment for the entire family, including rides, games, and lots of food. Admission is free and open to the public. Unlimited ride wristbands will be available for purchase at the carnival for $20 each. A portion of the proceeds will support the Police Department’s youth programs, including the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, which teaches youth the importance of making healthy decisions and remaining drug-free, and Police Explorer Post 401. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Carnival.”

Easter Egg Hunt

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 24, at E. Carroll Joyner Park at 701 Harris Road. This free event will be packed full of crafts, games, food, prizes, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. This year’s Egg Hunt will include over 15,000 eggs containing prizes and candy hidden across four locations for children of all ages. Registration is not required for the hunts, but participants should come with baskets in hand ready to fill. Sweet treats will be available for purchase onsite. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Egg Hunt.”

Flag Raising Ceremonies

From April through October, area residents are invited to attend Wake Forest’s monthly flag-raising ceremonies. Presented by local veterans’ organizations, these ceremonies are designed to honor the sacrifices of deceased Wake Forest veterans and their families. The services take place in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza at 11:00 AM, typically on the first Monday of each month. Each ceremony includes patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying, and the ceremonial flag-raising. The services are provided at no cost and are intended solely to honor departed veterans and their families. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Flag-Raising.”

Dirt Day 

Wake Forest’s 5th Annual Dirt Day will take place along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, April 7, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. A fun-filled outdoor event for children and adults, Dirt Day is guaranteed to help you shake off the winter blues. A variety of demonstrations and activities will be offered on gardening, landscaping, camping, and more. For detailed information visit, wakeforestnc.gov and search “Dirt Day.” 

Friday Night on White

The third season of Friday Night on White is quickly approaching! Presented by White Street Brewing Co., the 2018 edition of Friday Night on White will occur on the second Friday night of each month from April through September along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest. The free concerts are scheduled from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and will feature a variety of popular local bands. To stay up to date on Friday Night on White, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Arbor Day Celebration

The Town of Wake Forest will host its annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 21, in the vicinity of the E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road. The festivities will include the Arbor Day Expo, with a tree seedling giveaway, food trucks, musical entertainment, and more. During the tree seedling giveaway, Urban Forestry Board (UFB) members, town staff, and volunteers will distribute hundreds of seedlings to area residents while they last. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Arbor Day.”

2018 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo

The American Public Power Association (APPA) has chosen Wake Forest as the site of the 2018 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo. The event will take place in Wake Forest’s Holding Village on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 8:00 AM. On that day, hundreds of electric lineworkers from public power utilities across the United States will descend on Holding Village to compete in timed con-
tests to showcase their skills and knowledge in the craft of line work. Teams of lineworkers will climb poles, build overhead construction, pull up wire, and hang transformers, all within a set time limit. Events will be judged on safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and speed. Free and open to the public, the event will include a variety of food trucks, activities for the kids, and much more.

Stay Connected! 

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier at www.wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx, downloading the Town of Wake Forest app at www.wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx, or visiting the town’s website at www.wakeforestnc.gov.