Happy New Year from the Town of Wake Forest! We are kicking off 2022 by offering several exciting events that will 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 will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, located at 237 Friendship Chapel Road, on Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 PM.

The event’s theme will center around one of King’s messages – “I have decided to stick to love … Hate is too great a burden to bear.” The Wake Forest MLK Committee will 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 two webinars on African American history in our community and state. There will also be weekly historic walking tours throughout the Northeast Community where residents can learn about its rich history. These events are free and open to everyone, but pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Black History Month.”

Shades of Gospel

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will present the “Shades of Gospel” featuring Pastor John P. Kee on Saturday, February 5, at 7:30 PM. Join us for a celebration of gospel music that connects community members of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds.

Known for his soulful, husky voice, Pastor Kee will be backed by a talented six-piece band and a host of backup singers. The pastor of Charlotte’s New Life Fellowship Center, Kee is a widely acclaimed gospel musician with six solo albums to his credit, plus 20 more with his choir. A 2007 Christian Hall of Fame inductee, he has garnered several awards and honors for his singing and songwriting, including 27 Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence awards. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

State of the Town Address and Dinner

The 2022 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 21 at 6:00 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Since 2009, the Town of Wake Forest has partnered with the Wake Forest Rotary Club to sponsor the annual State of the Town Address and Dinner on the third Monday in February. The occasion offers Wake Forest citizens 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 limited; however, the mayor’s address will be replayed daily throughout the end of February and during the month of 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.”

Wake Forest Film Festival

Mark your calendars for a cinematic tour de force! The Third Annual Wake Forest Film Festival is scheduled for Friday - Saturday, March 4-5, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Entitled “A Light in the Forest,” the Wake Forest 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 two-day film showcase will engage audiences with films of all lengths and genres, including short and feature, documentary, horror, animation, and student (high school and college).

Intended for both the general public and film professionals, the film festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to highlight their films in a unique location to a discerning audience. Tickets are $15 for both days. Visit wakeforestrencen.org for more information.

Sons of Mystro

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will welcome the “Sons of Mystro” on Thursday, March 24 at 7:00 PM. These incredibly talented brothers play over 10 different genres of popular music, using the violin instead of their voices to express a song’s lyrics.

Reflecting their Caribbean roots, the Sons of Mystro have graced the same stage with reggae and dancehall veterans such as Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Dobby Dobson, Freddie McGregor, Frankie Paul, Barrington Levy, and artists from the now generation such as Mr. Vegas, Beenie Man, Romain Virgo, and Etana. Many of these artists have expressed amazement at the depth and variety of their musical selections and their innovative and artistic arrangements. Tickets are $12. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Friday Night on White

Everyone’s favorite event, Friday Night on White, is quickly approaching! The 2022 series dates are April 8, May 13, June 10, July 15, August 12, and will conclude on September 9. The free concerts are scheduled from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest and feature a variety of popular local bands. To stay up to date on Friday Night on White, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Stay Connected!

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest announcements, programs, 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.”