An Unforgettable Summer In The Forest

by Anna Bolton // July - August - September

Summer’s here and that means it’s time for some fun! But where should you go and what should you do? Look no further than right here, because Wake Forest has a second-to-none lineup of family-friendly events that includes outdoor music concerts, family movie nights, a home and garden show, and much more. So gather your family and join your neighbors for what promises to be an unforgettable summer in the Forest.

Friday Night on White

The third season of Friday Night on White is in full swing. Recognized far and wide as Wake Forest’s most popular concert series, these free outdoor concerts continue on July 13, August 10, and September 14. Presented by White Street Brewing Co., the performances take place along South White Street from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. All concerts are free and feature a variety of premier local bands and food trucks. Grab your lawn chair and come enjoy the music while taking in the great atmosphere of Downtown Wake Forest. Thank you to these sponsors: White Street Brewing Co., Gladwell Orthodontics, McPherson Family Eye Care, Mitchell Heating & Cooling, iHeart Media, NuImage Surgical & Dental Implant Center, Capital Powersports, Wells Family Dental Group, Local Charm, Benchmark Community Bank, Orangetheory Fitness, The Wake Weekly, Pro Audio & Light, Dirty Dogs Spa, Sole Dimensions,

Tuscan Ridge Animal Hospital, Stanley Martin Homes, Hasentree by Toll Brothers, B&W Hardware, Coastal Credit Union, Birkner Insurance, Rainbow Child Care Center, Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Avance Primary Care, Carillon Assisted Living, Chronic Tacos, Triangle Family Dentistry, Nutrishop, Chick-fil-A, CIRCA Magazine, 27587 Magazine, Fidelity Bank, The Dental Care Center, Lowes Foods, Massage Envy, Ads N Art, Wake Forest Federal, and For Your Occasion Party Rentals. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Neck of the Woods

Presented and sponsored by Wake Forest Arts, Neck of the Woods is a variety performance series featuring emerging local artists. The event will take place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre on Friday, July 20, at 7:30 PM. Each show is different and may include actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, writers, and spoken word artists. Come out and enjoy a truly unique and entertaining event and support your local artists. Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 plus tax and may be purchased online or at the box office. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Neck of the Woods.”

Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park

You’re invited to enjoy a movie under the stars at Wake Forest’s most popular park. Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is excited to host Family Movie Nights at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Presented by McPherson Family Eye Care, Walters Insurance Agency, Edward Jones Investments, and Capital Powersports, the outdoor movie series continues on July 28 and August 11. Free and open to the public, the movies begin at 8:30 PM. New this year, Family Movie Nights will also feature movie-related pre-show activities for kids beginning at 7:15 PM. Assorted food vendors will also be onsite. Bring chairs or a blanket and arrive early in order to find a spot and settle in before the movie begins. Thank you to all the event sponsors: McPherson Family Eye Care, Walters Insurance Agency, Edward Jones Investments, Capital Powersports, Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics, Mosquito Joe, Vision Martial Arts, Primrose School of Heritage Wake Forest, Wells Family Dental Group, British Swim School, Michelle Palatine & Co., Triangle Family Dentistry, The College at Southeastern, Avance Care, and Kerr Family YMCA. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Family Movie Nights.”

Concerts in the Park

The Town of Wake Forest and PineCone will present two free concerts at E. Carroll Joyner Park on August 5 and September 2. Both of these Sunday performances are scheduled from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Amphitheater. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase or attendees may bring their own picnic. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Concerts in the Park.”

Wake Forest Home & Garden Show

Whether you are looking for a complete home remodel, a kitchen or bath makeover, a newly landscaped yard, or just like to shop for your home, you will find it all at the Wake Forest Home & Garden Show. Presented by Mitchell Heating & Cooling, the third annual Wake Forest Home & Garden Show will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 11-12 at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Showcasing the latest in-home improvement products, services, and features, the event is free and open to the public on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday from noon – 4:00 PM. This year’s show will again feature a “shopping marketplace” sponsored by BOHO.boutique, where you can browse a variety of local vendors and purchase unique décor, artwork, and gifts. Thank you to the 2018 sponsors: Mitchell Heating & Cooling, BOHO.boutique, Champion Windows, Capital Powersports, Leaf Filter, Mosquito Joe, B&W Hardware, and Wake Forest Power. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Home & Garden Show.”

Wake Forest Unplugged

Longing for an entire afternoon free from electronic devices? If so, then save the date for Wake Forest Unplugged on Sunday, September 2. Sponsored by the Wake Forest Recreation Advisory Board, this one-of-a-kind community event encourages Wake Forest-area residents to “disconnect” from cell phones and computers, and “re-connect” with their community, friends, and family. Beginning at 4:00 PM, join other Wake Foresters for an afternoon of free games and activities at E. Carroll Joyner Park. The electronics-free afternoon will culminate with a concert in the Joyner Park Amphitheater from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Even if you can’t make it out to Joyner Park, you and your family can still participate by simply “unplugging” from your televisions, personal computers, smart phones, and video games for the afternoon and instead engage in healthier, more active pursuits. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Wake Forest Unplugged.”

Good Neighbor Day

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will host the 13th Annual Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, September 15. This free, family-friendly event is scheduled from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at E. Carroll Joyner Park. Good Neighbor Day assembles people from all walks of life for a day of food, fun, and family entertainment. By bringing together a mix of cultures, music, ages, and ethnicities, the event celebrates diversity and promotes goodwill among all of Wake Forest’s citizens. Thank you to the event sponsors: Gladwell Orthodontics, The College at Southeastern, Passanante’s Home Food Services, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines, Wells Family Dental Group, Nest Egg Home Services, Wake Dental Wellness, Vision Marital Arts, and The Dental Care Center. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Good Neighbor Day.”

Wake Forest Dance Festival

Presented by Wake Forest Arts in partnership with the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, the Wake Forest Dance Festival will bring a day of dance to the Triangle in a spectacular outdoor setting. Free and open to the public, this family-friendly event will take place Saturday, September 29, at E. Carroll Joyner Park. The event will feature national and regional professional dancers from the Wake Forest dance community and beyond, along with local rising advanced dance performers. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Dance Festival.”

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 www.wakeforestnc.gov.

Anna Bolton

Communication Specialist with the Town of Wake Forest. To learn more about town events, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can be involved, contact Anna.