Are you ready for some fun in the sun this summer? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Offering something for the entire family, Wake Forest’s impressive lineup of summertime events includes our two-day Independence Day Celebration, along with outdoor concerts, family movie nights, and more. Gather your family and join your friends and neighbors for these exciting events that are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable summer in the Forest.

Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks, food, live entertainment, and more await you at Wake Forest’s 2024 Independence Day Celebration. Presented by Capital Chevrolet, 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, 1150 Forestville Road. Admission is free and gates open at 5:30 PM. The Tyson Brothers will be opening for beach music favorite, Band of Oz. The evening will conclude with an amazing fireworks show beginning around 9:30 PM.

The excitement continues Thursday, July 4, with the annual Children’s Parade along North Main Street. Area youngsters are invited to hop on their bicycles and be a part of their very own “walking parade.” The lineup begins at 10:00 AM at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper Avenue, near the Wake Forest Historical Museum, located at 414 N. Main Street, and the procession gets underway at 10:30 AM. Participation in the Children’s Parade is free, but bicyclists must wear their helmets.

The festivities continue at 11:00 AM with Art & More in the Park. During this event, the Wake Forest Woman’s Club will offer free arts and crafts activities inside the Wake Forest Community House at 133 W. Owen Avenue, while the Wake Forest Fire Department will be outside interacting with children and their families, serving free hotdogs and providing information on fire prevention and safety.

A very special thanks to Dawn Nakash, the Wake Forest Optimist Club, a group of incredible volunteers, and the Wake Forest Police Department for making this year’s July 4 Children’s Parade possible. A sincere thank you also to the Wake Forest Woman’s Club for again sponsoring Art in the Park. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Independence Day.”

Friday Night on White

Friday Night on White is in full swing! Recognized far and wide as Wake Forest’s most popular outdoor concert series, these free performances continue July 12 with The Brickhouse Band, August 9 with Sleeping Booty Band, and September 13 with Crush. The concerts take place along S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. While you’re enjoying the music, be sure to visit sponsor exhibits and enjoy delicious food at Downtown’s outstanding dining establishments or from several food trucks that will be on site. A special thank you to our Grand Sponsor, White Street Brewing Co., for their continued support. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park

Join us for a movie under the stars. Our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is excited to host Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park, located at 701 Harris Road. The outdoor movie series continues Saturday, July 20, with Kung Fu Panda 4 and Saturday, August 3 with Guardians of the Galaxy - Vol.3. Family Movie Nights also include movie-related pre-show activities beginning at 7:30 PM. Showtime is 8:30 PM and admission is free. Assorted food vendors will be on site selling snacks and beverages. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Movie Nights.”

Renaissance Centre’s 2024-25 Main Stage Season

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is excited to kick-off its 2024-25 Main Stage Season with Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza on Saturday, September 21, at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. See the newest, funniest, zany spectacular from world-famous, Guinness Book of World Records-holding, master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer as he takes bubbles to the max with big bubble flair. Mixing comedy, music, and interactive bubble magic, Jeff engages and delights audiences of all ages. It’s a sensory-friendly bubble extravaganza for the whole family. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Spirits of Wake Forest

If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall season, then don’t miss the “Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walk returning to Downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., these tours will be offered Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting the last weekend of September and continuing every weekend in October. Ticket information will be coming soon! For details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Spirits.”

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.”