Downtown Wake Forest, with its charming streets and century-old architecture, is more than just a picturesque backdrop for shopping and dining. Beneath its surface lies a rich history, intertwined with tales of the supernatural. Each fall, the “Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost tours pull back the veil of time, allowing visitors to explore the spooky side of the town’s storied past. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD) – an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to promoting Downtown’s economic vitality – these tours are not just ghost stories; they weave together the town’s rich past with eerie tales and local lore.

Founded in the early 19th century, Wake Forest began as a small town centered around what would become Wake Forest College. Though the college moved to Winston-Salem in 1956, many historic structures remain. As the town grew with the railroad, it thrived but also experienced tragedy, which led to tales of loss and mysterious events. Some believe that these past events have resulted in restless spirits still haunting Downtown Wake Forest.

The tours, led by expert storytellers from Firebox Theatre Company, bring these eerie tales to life. Blending history with accounts of unexplained activity and paranormal investigations, they offer a spine-chilling glimpse into the spirits said to inhabit these old buildings today.

Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of a spirit during the tour, Downtown Wake Forest is brimming with life, both past and present, making it the perfect place to explore after the sun sets.

Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just someone looking for a memorable fall activity, the Spirits of Wake Forest tours offer an experience that goes beyond typical ghost stories. They bring together the past and present, reminding us that history is not something that’s left behind, but something that lingers – sometimes, in the most unexpected ways.

As of this writing, tickets for the tours are still available, but they tend to sell out, so act quickly! If you end up missing your chance to tag along, mark your calendars for 2025. And as you shop, dine, and explore Downtown this fall and holiday season, be on the lookout for spirits and any eerie experiences that you may encounter yourself. With its charming shops, eateries, cocktail lounges, breweries, and more, Downtown Wake Forest is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, sip on a “spirit’’ (or two), and do a bit of holiday shopping. But beware – if you feel a sudden chill or catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye, you just might have stumbled upon one of Wake Forest’s many restless spirits. Happy hauntings, brave souls. The spirits are waiting …

Tours will be offered September 26 - October 31 (Thursdays and Fridays, 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and Saturdays, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:30 PM). For tickets and tour details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Spirits of Wake Forest.” If you encounter “unexplained activity” while exploring Downtown Wake Forest, please share your spooky encounters with us at spiritsofwf@gmail.com.