Happy New Year from the Town of Wake Forest! We’re kicking off 2025 with several exciting events to help you stay engaged and active. From musical performances and educational opportunities to film festivals and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone. So, get out your calendar and let’s get started!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration

Several local churches and community organizations are coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, January 23, at 6:30 PM. Area residents are invited to attend the observance at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road.

The event’s theme will center around one of King’s messages – “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” The Wake Forest MLK Committee will also offer a slate of contests for students in the Wake Forest and Rolesville schools to recognize their talents. Based on this year’s theme, the contests involve creative performance, writing, and art. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “MLK.”

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission is celebrating by partnering with the Wake Forest Historical Museum to offer historic walking tours throughout the Northeast Community. Along the way, each tour group will discuss the developmental and architectural history of the area, along with the significant men and women who shaped the Northeast Community. These events are free and open to everyone; however, each tour is limited to 15 people and pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Black History Month.”

Empowered, Brilliant, and Brave: Great Women of Black History

Bright Star Touring Theatre presents Empowered, Brilliant, and Brave: Great Women of Black History at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor Street, on Saturday, February 8, at 11:00 AM. This powerful production will showcase several of Black History’s most inspiring women. Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-serve, so plan to arrive early. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

State of the Town Address & Dinner

The 2025 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 17, at 6:00 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks Street. Since 2009, the Town of Wake Forest has partnered with the Wake Forest Rotary Club to sponsor this annual event on the third Monday in February. The occasion offers Wake Forest community members the opportunity to reflect on the Town’s list of accomplishments during the previous year and learn about its goals in the coming months.

Tickets are $15 each, including dinner. The mayor’s address will be recorded and replayed daily throughout March on WFTV 10. It will also be available on demand on the Town website. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “State of the Town.”

2025 Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will host the 2025 Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo on Saturday, February 22, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. Free to the public, the event will bring enterprising professionals together from the Wake Forest community to network and showcase their products and services. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Minority & Women-Owned.”

Wake Forest Film Festival

Mark your calendars for the Sixth Annual Wake Forest Film Festival on Saturday, March 1, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks Street. The film festival will spotlight passionate, creative, and thought-provoking movies by some of today’s most promising and accomplished local, national, and international filmmakers. The film showcase will engage audiences with films of all lengths and genres. Intended for both the general public and film professionals, the film festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their films in a unique location to a discerning audience. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Easter Egg Hunt

Save the date for the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 5. The celebration will feature music, fun, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more. Details coming soon. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Eggstravaganza.”

Friday Night on White

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Friday Night on White (FNOW), and we’re expecting another incredible season! This year’s FNOW dates are April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, and September 12. Featuring a variety of popular party bands, the free concerts are scheduled from 6:00 – 9:00 PM along S. White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest. To stay up to date on FNOW, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

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 app, visiting the Wake Forest website, and/or following the Town on social media @TownofWakeForest. For complete details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Communications.”