Summer’s here so local events are heating up! But where should you go and what should you do to experience the best our community has to offer over the next few months? Look no further because we have it all laid out – just for you. Guaranteed to please the entire family, Wake Forest’s impressive lineup of events includes outdoor concerts, family movie nights, the Wake Forest Home & Garden Show, and more. Gather your family and join your friends and neighbors for these exciting events guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable summer in the Forest!

Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks, games, live entertainment, and more await you at Wake Forest’s 2019 Independence Day Celebration. Presented by Power Secure, this community extravaganza is Wake Forest’s most eagerly anticipated summertime event, serving up two days’ worth of free fun and excitement for the entire family. The festivities get underway with the Fireworks Spectacular on Wednesday, July 3, inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School. Gates open at 5:30 PM and the program begins at 6:00 PM. Sleeping Booty, one of our area’s most popular party bands, will headline this year’s celebration, followed by an unforgettable 20-minute fireworks display. The revelry continues Thursday, July 4, with the Children’s Parade along North Main Street and concludes with Art in the Park at the Wake Forest Community House. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Independence Day.”

Friday Night on White

The fourth season of Friday Night on White is in full swing! Widely recognized as one of our region’s most popular outdoor music series, Friday Night on White continues July 12 with Soul Psychedelique and August 9 with Big Love, before concluding Septem-ber 13 with Crush. The free performances take place along South White Street in historic Downtown Wake Forest from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. All include a variety of food trucks. Grab your lawn chair and come enjoy the music while experiencing the undeniable charm of Downtown Wake Forest. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Neck of the Woods

Presented and sponsored by ARTS Wake Forest, Neck of the Woods is a variety performance series featuring emerging local artists. The summer event takes place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre on Friday, July 19 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. Visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park

You’re invited to enjoy a movie under the stars! The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is excited to host Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park. Presented by Walters Insurance Agency, Inc. and Mosquito Joe of Eastern Wake County, the outdoor movie series continues Saturday, July 27 with Mulan (G) and Saturday, August 10 with Bumblebee (PG-13). Free and open to the public, the movie screenings begin at 8:30 PM. Each Family Movie Night also includes a movie-related pre-show activity for kids beginning at 7:15 PM. Bring chairs or a blanket and arrive early to give you and your family time to find a spot and settle in before the movie begins. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Family Movie Nights.”

Concerts in the Park

The Town of Wake Forest will present free concerts at E. Carroll Joyner Park on Sunday, September 1 and Sunday, September 8. Both performances are scheduled from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Joyner Park Amphitheater. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, or attendees may bring their own picnics. 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 fourth annual Wake Forest Home & Garden Show will take place Saturday - Sunday, August 24 - 25, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Showcasing the latest in home improvement products and services, the event is free and open to the public Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday from noon – 4:00 PM. Returning this year, don’t miss the “Buy at the Show” opportunities available in the Shopping Marketplace, featuring everything from local art and handmade decor to kitchen essentials and household cleaning products. Thank you to the 2019 event sponsors: Mitchell Heating & Cooling, Champion Window of Raleigh, Capital Powersports, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Mosquito Joe of Eastern Wake County, B&W Hardware, and Wake Forest Power. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Home & Garden Show.”

Wake Forest Unplugged … Get Connected!

Longing for an entire afternoon free from electronic devices? If so, then save the date for Wake Forest Unplugged on Sunday, September 1. Sponsored by the Wake Forest Recreation Advisory Board, the event encourages Wake Forest-area residents to “disconnect” from cell phones, PDAs, and computers and “re-connect” with their community, friends, and family. Beginning at 4:00 PM, join your Wake Forest friends and neighbors 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 engaging in healthier, more active pursuits. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Wake Forest Unplugged.”

Music at Midday

Beginning Thursday, September 5 and continuing consecutive Thursdays throughout September, area residents are invited to enjoy live performances by local music artists from noon – 1:00 PM in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza. Assorted dessert vendors will be onsite during each concert. Bring your lunch and come enjoy the entertainment while experiencing the beginning of the fall season in beautiful Downtown Wake Forest. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Midday Music.”

Good Neighbor Day

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will host the 14th Annual Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, September 21. This free, family-friendly event will take place 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. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Good Neighbor Day.”

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 of Wake Forest app, and/or visiting the Town of Wake Forest website.