Buddy Willis, owner of B & W Hardware, helping an eager holiday shopper.
Photos by Eliza Kay Photography
Major Downtown Wake Forest Events Lighting of Wake Forest
Wake Forest Classic Car Show
Sponsored by Wake Forest Downtown
Sponsored by Wake Forest Downtown
Held the first Friday of every December at Wake Forest Town Hall, the Lighting of Wake Forest is the traditional beginning of the holiday season. Experience the charm of downtown mixed with the spirit of the season by listening to performances by local choir groups, taking free photos with Santa, enjoying free horse and carriage rides, and enjoying cookies and hot cocoa. All festivities are free to the public – and the mayor handles the tree lighting countdown.
Visit historic downtown every June to view more than a hundred antique and vintage cars. The event includes live entertainment, special demonstrations, and great places to eat. A small fee for participants benefits local charities, but the event is free to the public.
Wake Forest Christmas Parade Sponsored by Wake Forest Downtown
Downtown Merchant’s Holiday Open House Sponsored by the Downtown Merchant’s Association and Wake forest Downtown Held the first Saturday in December, this is a free event featuring horse and carriage rides, face painting, pictures with Santa – special activities and offerings in the downtown shops and restaurants.
Held the second Saturday every December, the parade takes place in historic downtown – along South White and Brooks streets. The parade boasts nearly 100 entries, including local bands, groups, businesses and beautifully decorated floats.
Sponsored by Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce
Art After Hours
Held the first Saturday of May, this street fair is among the largest annual events in Wake Forest.
Sponsored by Wake Forest Downtown Held the second Friday each month, the event features local artists, entertainers and other special guests inhabiting the shops, storefronts and restaurants along White Street, and Jones and Owen avenues on the second Friday each month. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Attendees can enjoy shopping, music, art, kids’ activities, horse carriage rides and more. Free to the public.
Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest Held the Saturday before Ash Wednesday each year, this is a free family-friendly event that offers activities for children and adults – including face painters, live music, games, special food offerings, acrobats, jugglers and a Mardi Gras family parade. 919 Magazine WF
Herb Fest Sponsored by Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment Held two consecutive weekends in April, this event features live entertainment, vendors, seminars, and plant offerings.
Farmer’s Market This event is open in downtown Wake Forest yearround on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., featuring local, fresh produce, crafts, entertainment and more.
Wake Forest’s Mardi Gras Street Festival
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Meet In the Street
For more information, contact Lisa Newhouse at lisa@wakeforestdowntown.com or 919-435-9415, or visit wakeforestdowntown.com.
November | December 2013
www.919Magazine.com