It’s the beginning of another great year, and that means it’s time to grab your calendar and start planning for 2017. The Town of Wake Forest has several exciting events that you won’t want to miss and are guaranteed to help you stay engaged and active over the next several months. From magic shows and musical performances to street festivals and community celebrations, everyone is sure to find an event around town to enjoy!

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 19 at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, located at 237 Friendship Chapel Road. Area residents are invited to attend the observance, beginning with a light meal at 6:00 PM followed by the program at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “MLK.”

Special Needs Family Game Night

Families with special needs can enjoy a fun-filled evening playing board games on Friday, January 27, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Wake Forest Community House (133 W. Owen Avenue). A library of games will be provided for you to enjoy or you can bring your own. Concessions will be available for purchase or you can bring your favorite snack. Make memories while enjoying a night of fun and laughter with your family! Pre-registration is required. For more information on this and other special needs events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “special needs.”

Special Needs Valentine Party

The Town of Wake Forest invites youth with special needs and their siblings to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 11 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Wake Forest Community House, again located at 133 W. Owen Avenue. The party will feature music, crafts, games, and refreshments. Drop in for a game of BINGO and try your luck at winning a prize. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “special needs.”

Happy Dan the Magic Man

Everyone laughs louder when Happy Dan the Magic Man is in the house! Happy Dan has traveled the world entertaining families just like yours for more than 30 years and is now preforming at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Children are quickly drawn into his tale of magical fantasy as he performs various feats of magic and more. The laughter never stops as Happy Dan struggles with his misbehaving props and the children fly to his rescue. Happy Dan teaches lessons on confidence, safety, reading, and more into magic bits throughout the show. Children walk away feeling better about themselves and their vibrant imaginations. Performances are scheduled from 11:00 AM – noon on February 15, March 15, April 19, and May 17. Tickets are $5 per person, plus tax, and can be purchased online, at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, or at the door the day of the event. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

State of the Town Address & Dinner

The 2017 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 20 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 event 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. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov
and search “State of the Town.”

Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival

Children and adults can enjoy a fun-filled day in downtown Wake Forest during the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival on Saturday, February 25. This family-friendly celebration is scheduled from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and admission is free. The annual event features music, entertainment, face painting, and a walking parade for children and adults. There will also be a variety of contests and activities throughout the day. For more information and a schedule of events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Mardi Gras.”

Neck of the Woods

Neck of the Woods is a variety performance series featuring emerging local artists. Each show is different and may include actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, writers, and spoken word artists. Come enjoy a truly unique and entertaining event and support your local artists. Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is presented and sponsored by Wake Forest ARTS! The next show will take place on Friday, February 17 at 7:30 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. For more information, including a list of scheduled performers, visit wakeforestrencen.org. 

Rockin’ the Forest

Here’s your chance to stay close to home, discover exciting artists, and experience the joy of live music in northern Wake County’s newest performing arts venue. Rockin’ the Forest is an emerging concert series featuring top acts and a variety of musical genres, including rock, Americana, and power pop. Upcoming performances include Sarah Shook & the Disarmers on Friday, February 24, and 6 String Drag on Friday, March 24. Tickets for each concert are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Dirt Day

Wake Forest’s fourth annual Dirt Day will take place along S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, April 1 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. A fun-filled outdoor event for children and adults, Dirt Day is sure to help you shake off the winter blues. A variety of demonstrations and activities will be offered on gardening, landscaping, camping, and more. For detailed information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Dirt Day.”

Friday Night on White

The second season of Friday Night on White is quickly approaching! Presented by White Street Brewing Co., the 2017 edition of Friday Night on White will take place from April through September along South White Street in historic Downtown Wake Forest. The free concerts will take place from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and feature a variety of premier local bands.

Due to Good Friday on the second Friday in April, this year’s con-cert series will get underway on the third Friday in April (April 21). The remaining concerts will take place on the second Friday of each month from May through September. For more inforamtion, 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 at wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx, downloading the Town of Wake Forest app at wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx, or visiting the town’s website at wakeforestnc.gov.