Fall is almost here, bringing with it cool crisp days, autumn leaves, and everything else the season has to offer. We are wrapping up another year with an impressive array of events for you and your family. From ghost tours to tree lightings, we’re confident you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Good Neighbor Day

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will sponsor Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at E. Carroll Joyner Park (701 Harris Road). This free, family-friendly event 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 everyone in our community. A special part of the day will be the presentation of the Good Neighbor of the Year Award. The honor will be presented to one local youth and one adult who consistently demonstrate an unfailing commitment to preserving and improving the quality of life in our community. For details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Good Neighbor Day.”

Mental Wellness Fair

The Town of Wake Forest and several community partners will host the Fourth Annual Wake Forest Mental Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 26, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (405 S. Brooks Street). Free and open to the public, the event is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to anyone seeking support, looking to learn more, or navigating untreated or undertreated mental illness. The fair will feature presentations on a variety of topics by experts from several local mental health organizations, along with an array of vendor advocate booths. This year’s panel discussion and breakout sessions will focus on youth and the mental health effects of social media and technology. For details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Mental Wellness Fair.”

Spirits of Wake Forest

If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall, then don’t miss the “Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walk in downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., these tours will be offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in October. For details and to purchase tickets, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Spirits.”

Halloween Boo Bash

Join us in downtown Wake Forest for the Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Presented by Capital Chevrolet, this year’s festivities will include inflatable slides, food trucks, sponsor booths, carnival games, and of course, lots of treats. Costumes are optional, but the best costumes may be featured on the Town website and social media. For details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Boo Bash.”

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off

Help us ring in the holiday season and launch our annual Holiday Donation Drive during the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off on Saturday, November 21, from noon – 4:00 PM in downtown Wake Forest. Free and open to the public, the Holiday Kick-Off will feature fun for the whole family, including community performances, roaming street performers, children’s craft activities, and more. Several food and dessert trucks will be onsite, with additional food and beverages available for purchase at downtown restaurants.

In addition to ringing in the holiday season, it will signal the start of our annual Holiday Donation Drive. As part of this effort, we invite you to support one or more of these Town-sponsored initiatives: Helping Others by Providing Electricity (HOPE); Northern Community Food Security Team; Shop with a Cop; Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Scholarship Program; Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation; and the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging Scholarship Program. For details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Holiday Kick-off.”

Little Women

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company, will present the beloved classic “Little Women,” from the novel by Louisa May Alcott and adapted by Marisha Chamberlain. Showtimes are Friday, December 11, at 7:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday, December 12-13, at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. A heartfelt coming-of-age story, “Little Women” follows the lives, dreams, and challenges of the four March sisters – spirited Jo, gentle Beth, romantic Meg, and artistic Amy – as they grow up together, navigating love, loss, ambition, and sisterhood. Celebrate the season with this beloved tale of resilience, compassion, and family.

Risers will be installed inside the Renaissance Centre to offer tiered seating and excellent sightlines for these performances. For details or to purchase tickets, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

’Tis the Season Holiday Happenings

Wake Forest offers a variety of yuletide events in November and December that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. From the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off and Lighting of Wake Forest to Calls from Santa and The Run, Run Rudolph Tour with Shaun Johnson & The Big Band Experience, the 2026 holiday season is jam-packed with magical events and holiday traditions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. You can stay current on all of our holiday happenings by bookmarking the ’Tis the Season portal on the Town website by visiting wakeforestnc.gov and searching “Tis the Season.”

Stay Connected!

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, breaking news, 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.”