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Tickets on sale for two performances of Diggery’s Dino Adventure Oct 10
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will present performances of “Diggery’s Dino Adventure” on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
While presenting his remarkable dinosaur fossil collection to a live audience, Paleontologist Diggery accidentally activates the DinoSauroScope 3000 - sending everyone hurtling back in time for an unforgettable, up-close encounter with living dinosaurs.
Featuring enormous interactive puppets, music, magic, and realistic replica dino bones, this high-energy adventure is packed with thrills. Join Diggery on a rock-and-roaring prehistoric journey to help save the human race!
Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under.
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Residents & businesses invited to complete Downtown Traffic Study survey, attend Oct 28 open house
The Town of Wake Forest is conducting a study to recommend strategies that improve downtown mobility for people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving. The Board of Commissioners authorized the Downtown Traffic Study (DTS) earlier this year in anticipation of downtown redevelopment and major infrastructure changes, including the NCDOT S-Line rail corridor project.
The DTS will examine traffic volumes, intersection performance, impacts to historic districts, and the effects of upcoming S-Line infrastructure, including a Downtown Mobility Hub, road closures, and grade separations.
The DTS will offer two engagement opportunities in October:
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Downtown Traffic Study Open House - Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m., in the Town Hall lobby, 301 S. Brooks St. The session will have an informal, open house-style format, so you may drop in anytime from 6-8 p.m. to view displays, ask questions, and share comments.
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Downtown Traffic Study Survey – The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will be available until Friday, Nov. 6.
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Halloween Boo Bash returns to Downtown Wake Forest Oct 17
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host its annual Halloween Boo Bash Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Capital Chevrolet, the Halloween Boo Bash is a free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger.
This year’s festivities will include inflatables, food trucks, and a variety of other ghostly games and activities. Costumes are optional, but the best outfits will be featured on the Town website and social media pages.
Several food and dessert trucks will be onsite, including Carolina Fish Fry, Cartel Tacos, Smash Masters, The Flat Drum, Buoy Bowls, Tombachi Resturants, Mama Birds Ice Cream/Soda Box, Blazing Kettle, Magnificent Concessions, and Sweet Treat Express Cotton Candy.
Goodies for Goblins, an opportunity for kids to trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses, will coincide with this year's Halloween Boo Bash!
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Bi-monthly loose leaf collection is underway
The Town of Wake Forest’s annual loose leaf collection program began October 5 and continues through Friday, March 12, 2027. Residents are reminded that the Town provides bi-monthly loose leaf collection service which calls for crews to service Wake Forest streets twice each month.
When preparing leaves and yard waste for collection, residents are urged to follow these guidelines:
- Rake leaves into piles behind the curb, so they do not interfere with traffic or drainage.
- Do not mix sticks, rocks, pinecones, limbs, or other debris with loose leaves. The Town’s vacuum equipment is only designed to pick up loose leaves. Your cooperation will help prevent mechanical breakdowns and collection delays.
- Place limbs and brush behind the curb in a pile separate from leaves.
- Limbs and brush larger than one inch but smaller than six inches in diameter must be no longer than six feet. Limbs and logs larger than six inches in diameter must not exceed two feet in length. Logs must not exceed 10 inches in diameter.
- Keep brush away from other objects such as, fences, walls, water meters, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, and cars.
- Keep debris free of animal waste. Animal waste should be bagged and placed in rollout garbage carts.
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WFPD to host Drug Take Back Event at Wegmans Oct 24
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2026 National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wegmans, 11051 Ligon Mill Road. Weather permitting, the drop-off area will be situated just outside the Wegmans main entrance facing Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.
National Drug Take Back Day is a prescription medication take-back initiative that promotes proper medication disposal. By providing a safe, convenient, and responsible way for people to dispose of unwanted pills, tablets, and other medications, the event helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse, while also protecting local rivers and streams. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked.
Participants can help onsite personnel properly identify and sort the medications by disposing expired, unused, or unwanted medicine in their original containers with the drug labels intact. All the medications collected during the event will be secured by law enforcement and destroyed by incineration.
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Go Wake Forest now offering Sunday service
In 2024, the Town of Wake Forest introduced “Go Wake Forest,” a ridesharing microtransit service that connects riders directly from their doorstep to anywhere in Wake Forest’s jurisdiction and portions of Raleigh’s Wakefield neighborhood. Since its inception, Go Wake Forest has operated six days a week - Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fridays from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Now, riders can take advantage of Sunday service hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday service will initially launch with limited capacity to gauge rider demand. If demand is strong, the Town will increase capacity to levels typically available during standard weekday service.
Riders can schedule rides through the official Go Wake Forest smartphone app available for download on the Town website or by calling 984-342-2319.
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2026 Candidates Forum available on demand
The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Wake Forest, hosted the 2026 Candidates Forum, a nonpartisan community event, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Now available to watch on demand, the occasion offered an opportunity for the community to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent Wake Forest and the surrounding region.
Candidates from the following races participated:
- Wake County Board of Education – District 1
- District Court – District 10A
- North Carolina House – District 35
- North Carolina House – District 66
- North Carolina Senate – District 18
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2026 Police Department Turkey Drive continues
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of its 20th Annual Turkey Drive. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations.
Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Sr. Officer R. Wilkinson. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.
On Saturday, Nov. 21, the Police Department will accept monetary donations and donations of frozen turkeys at the WFPD Substation, 225 S. Taylor St., from 9 a.m. until noon.
Police officers and staff will then distribute the turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 23, from 7-9:30 a.m., at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.
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Go Wake Forest to offer fare-free rides to Joyner Park Community Center early voting site Oct 15-31
Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road, will serve as one of 18 early voting sites in Wake County October 15-31.
During the early voting period, Go Wake Forest will offer fare-free rides to and from JPCC to encourage the participation of eligible Wake Forest-area voters.
All residents and visitors within the Wake Forest town limits and a portion of Wakefield are eligible to use the Go Wake Forest on-demand transit service.
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Flaherty Park Community Center to offer limited indoor walking schedule Oct 8-Nov 2
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 8, and continuing through Monday, Nov. 2, Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St., will offer indoor walking opportunities for RecCard holders on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon-2 p.m.
The initiative is designed to lessen the impact of the Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC) walking track and gym closures during this year’s early voting.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road, will serve as one of 18 early voting sites in Wake County October 15-31. During this period, any eligible Wake County voter may vote at the JPCC or any other Wake County Early Voting location.
Individual voting enclosures will be erected inside the JPCC gymnasium for Wake County voters wishing to cast their ballot ahead of the November 3 General Election. To accommodate the early voting period and allow sufficient time to set up and breakdown the voting enclosures and other related equipment, the JPCC gym and walking track will be closed from Thursday, Oct. 8, through Monday, Nov. 2.
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Rules for political signs explained
The Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries from residents and candidates concerning rules for political signs. Although temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues are permitted, a combination of state law and municipal code regulates how political signs may be displayed within Wake Forest.
To ensure these conditions are met, adherence is required to the following regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs.
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Wake Forest Downtown & Public Art Commission issue Downtown Boulevard Banner “Call for Artists”
Wake Forest Downtown (WFD), Inc. and the Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC) are seeking local artists to submit vibrant original artwork for “Community in Motion” boulevard banners in downtown Wake Forest.
“Community in Motion” celebrates the energy, creativity, and connections that make Wake Forest a vibrant place to live, work, and gather. Artists are encouraged to explore how people, nature, and ideas move together to shape and strengthen the community. Designs should evoke a sense of vitality, collaboration, and forward movement while offering a unique artistic interpretation.
The online artwork submission form is available through Friday, Oct. 30. Selected artists will be notified by Monday, Nov. 16.
Selections will be chosen by a committee comprised of members of the PAC and WFD, Inc. and selected artists will receive a $100 honorarium.
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PRCR partnering with FUNGO to offer Off-Season Development Program for youth baseball & softball players
The PRCR Department is partnering with Wake Forest FUNGO to offer an off-season development program for baseball and softball players (boys and girls, respectively) ages 7-16.
Program participants will meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Nov. 17-Jan. 21, at Heritage High Park, 1150 Forestville Road. Participants ages 7-11 will assemble from 6-7:30 p.m., while ages 12-16 will meet from 7:30-9 p.m. Please note: No sessions will be scheduled on November 26 or December 24-31 due to the holidays. Make-up sessions may be scheduled on Saturdays during the program or added in late January through early February if needed.
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“Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walks return to Downtown Wake Forest, tickets on sale
If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall, then don’t miss the “Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walk in Downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown (WFD), Inc., in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company, these walking tours will be offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, October 1-30, according to the following schedule:
- Thursdays & Fridays - 6:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Saturdays - 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in advance.
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GFiber installations scheduled for week of Oct 5
During the week of October 5, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (unless otherwise noted), ITS contractors will install GFiber (formerly Google Fiber) fiber cables along the following Wake Forest streets:
- Lemongrass Lane
- Summertime Fields Lane
- Traditions Grande Boulevard
- Reservoir View Lane
- Marshall Farm Street (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Heritage Hills Way (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Heritage Lake Road (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
These fiber installations will often require lane reductions along portions of these streets. In such instances, signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work areas. Delays may occur, so motorists may wish to avoid these areas and take an alternate route.
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Sign up to receive NCDOT updates on Capital Boulevard North Upgrade (Raleigh to Wake Forest)
Final design and development is underway to improve traffic congestion and travel times on Capital Boulevard (US 1) between I-540 in Raleigh and Purnell/Harris Roads in Wake Forest.
The proposed project would convert the road from a four-lane, median-divided roadway with partial access control (private driveways and side streets) to a six-lane controlled-access highway with interchanges.
Controlled access means ramps at interchanges would provide entry onto the roadway, cross streets could have overpasses built over them, and private driveways would be prohibited.
The project was studied as a possible toll road from January 2024 to November 2025. That evaluation has ended and the project is proceeding as a traditional, non-tolled roadway.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2031.
To learn more and sign up to receive NCDOT email and text updates, visit the Capital Boulevard North Upgrade (Raleigh to Wake Forest) project page.
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Tickets on sale for Donna Washington's "Of Blood and Bone"
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will present Donna Washington's "Of Blood and Bone" on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Just in time for Halloween and not for the faint of heart, this spine-tingling evening features bone-chilling tales from master storyteller Donna Washington. Journey into the dark, devilish, and downright terrifying corners of mortal life - and beyond.
And what’s a night of tricks without a little treat? Tickets include individually plated “death by chocolate” desserts to be enjoyed at a communal table with friends or at an intimate place setting for two.
Purposefully blood-curdling, this event is recommended only for adults and the bravest of teens.
Tickets are for reserved tables and start at $25 & $35.
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Comic Book & Toy Expo returns to Flaherty Park Community Center Nov 7
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is partnering with Play4Life Comics & Used Books to host a Comic Book & Toy Expo Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St.
Free and open to everyone, the expo will feature dedicated vendors of your favorite pop culture nostalgia selling vintage comics, Pokémon cards, rare action figures, and more. Whether you're a collector, an aficionado, or just out on a family stroll, you will not want to miss this amazing show!
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Free Paper Shredding Event Nov 14
The Town of Wake Forest and Skylift Garage Doors will co-sponsor a drive-thru paper shredding event on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – or until the two paper shredding trucks are full. Free and open to the public, the shred event will take place rain or shine in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, 235 E. Holding Ave.
The occasion will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.
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Community Council seeks award nominations for exemplary volunteers
The Wake Forest Community Council (WFCC) is seeking award nominations of local individuals and organizations that have contributed exemplary volunteer efforts to our community. The submission deadline is noon on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Since 1965, the WFCC has annually presented the Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year (since 1977), and the Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award (since 2005). Information about each of these awards, including their respective nomination forms, is available on the Town website.
Award recipients will be honored during the annual Community Christmas Dinner on Monday, Dec. 7, at The Forks Cafeteria, 339 S. Brooks St.
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Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians & more invited to audition for Renaissance Centre’s “Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase”
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will host auditions for its “Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase” on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and more are invited to audition for this celebration of local talent.
The “Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase” will consist of two performances on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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PRCR Fall & Winter Program Guide now available
The 2026-27 Fall & Winter edition of RecConnect, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) program guide, is available online and at several Town facilities, including the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; Wake Forest Center for Active Aging (WFCAA), 235 E. Holding Ave.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.
Check out “RecConnect” for complete details on recreational programs, events, and activities for all age groups, including preschool, youth, and adult, scheduled from September 2026 through February 2027.
Program registration is underway. Register online and in-person at JPCC, FPCC, and AMC during normal business hours. Online registration closes two business days before the start of a program. For more information, call the PRCR Department at 919-435-9560.
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Wake Forest Fire Department offering CPR classes for Wake Forest residents
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) offers monthly American Heart Association CPR Certification classes for Wake Forest residents at the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, 235 E. Holding Ave. The next class with seating availability is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Attendees can enroll in a four-hour or seven-hour class. In the four-hour session (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), participants learn CPR and how to correctly use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, a medical device that can help restore a normal heartbeat in certain situations. In the seven-hour class (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), participants learn CPR, how to use an AED, and basic first aid. Students who complete either session earn American Heart Association CPR Certification.
The cost for either class is $40 per person, including the cost of the workbook. Preregistration is required. Please note: Only community members with a Wake Forest address are eligible to enroll in these classes.
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Knox Homebox program gives Fire Department quicker access during emergencies
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) offers a life-saving initiative that provides firefighters with the safe and efficient entry they need into the homes of vulnerable residents during fires, medical emergencies, and welfare checks.
The Knox Homebox Program involves homeowners purchasing a steel lock box and firefighters locking their house key inside it. Fire crews have a master key that opens the box in the event of an emergency or other urgent need.
The lock box starts at $227, but as a special bonus, the WFFD will install the box at no charge.
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Stay connected by downloading the Town of Wake Forest App
The Town of Wake Forest (TOWF) offers a free smartphone app that provides direct access to useful information about Wake Forest and encourages two-way communication between the Town and its residents.
Over 19,000 Android and iPhone users have downloaded the app allowing them instant access to important information about Town programs, services and events. Among its many functions, the TOWF app allows iPhone and Android users to:
- Receive breaking news messages
- Utilize “SeeClickFix” for prompt action on street maintenance, lights, potholes and graffiti, using the app to send a photo and exact location of the problem
- Access information about Town-sponsored events and events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
- Access information about the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging
- View Town job openings
- Utilize the “Waste Wizard”
- Access contact information for every Town department.
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Rules for motorized scooters, electric bicycles & electric assisted bicycles
In January, the Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to Chapter 30, Article III Section 30-1, and 30-90 thru 30-92 of the Code of Ordinances regarding motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles, pedestrian right-of-way, and requirements for helmets.
The updated ordinance allows motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles to operate on shared streets, greenways, parks, multi-use paths, and bicycle lanes – but not on sidewalks. It also requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle helmet when operating one of these vehicles.
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Other highlights of the amended ordinance:
- Motorized scooters must have a maximum speed of no greater than 15 mph.
- Electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles powered by motor only must have a maximum speed of no greater than 20 mph.
- A motorized scooter or an electric bicycle may not operate on any road with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.
- No motorized scooter, electric bicycle, or electric assisted bicycle shall exceed a speed of 10 miles per hour while being operated on a greenway, in a park, or on a multi-use path.
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NCFST Mobile Market
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival are pleased to provide a mobile grocery store across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., (typically) on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m. – rain or shine.
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Special Events Policy
Special events are a key contributor to Wake Forest’s exceptional quality of life. In addition to numerous Town-organized annual events, such as Friday Night on White, Fireworks Spectacular, Good Neighbor Day, and Halloween Boo Bash, Wake Forest residents also enjoy many “Community Events.”
Community Events are Town-permitted special events in a public area (Festival Street/East Owen Avenue, South White Street, etc.) that a business, church, community group, or other organization plans, manages, pays for, and executes after applying for and receiving a Special Event Permit. Examples of “Community Events” include Meet in the Street (Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce), Cars & Carnivores (Wake Forest Rotary Club), and the Lighting of Wake Forest (Wake Forest Downtown, Inc.) – just to name a few.
As part of the Town’s process for permitting Community Events, Wake Forest staff must approve the event location and may require the involvement of Police, Public Works, and/or other Town departments, as necessary.
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Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale
The Town of Wake Forest is offering Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History for $30 each.
Authored by Wake Forest resident and former “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.
Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.
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Check out WFTV 10
WFTV 10 is on the air on Spectrum Cable Channel 10 and streaming online.
WFTV 10 is the Town of Wake Forest's government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town's Communications Department, WFTV 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. For those who don't subscribe to Spectrum Cable, WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video and as a function of the Town App.
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WFTV 10 Schedule
Board of Commissioners work sessions are broadcast live on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Work sessions are then re-broadcast over the next week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Regular meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are broadcast live on the second Tuesday of each month, then re-broadcast daily the following week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
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Monthly meeting schedule
The following monthly meeting schedule is in effect for the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting
Second Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Third Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
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“Show Some Love” by picking up litter along streets & roadways
The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to join the “Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean” campaign by picking up trash in their neighborhoods and along local streets and roadways. The initiative allows volunteers to pick up litter on a one-time or ongoing basis. Participants may also choose the area they wish to clean or request direction to high need areas around town.
To aid the effort, volunteers may reserve litter kits at no charge by completing the online reservation form. Each litter kit includes reflective vests, gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags, data collection sheets, hand sanitizer and litter education materials. A special thanks to Lightbridge Academy for donating the litter kits.
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Secure your load!
Loose trash in trucks creates litter along Wake Forest roadways.
Help keep Wake Forest roadways clean by securing any trash in your truck bed. When you throw trash in the back of your truck, it inevitably blows out and becomes litter on the roadside. In fact, half of all litter is blown, not thrown! Roadside litter costs millions of dollars to remove, decreases property values and has a negative impact on tourism.
The NC Department of Public Safety reports that an even bigger problem is unsecured loads in the back of trucks. At high speeds, even large items can fly out and hurt or startle other drivers causing accidents. Put trash into built-in containers. Use tarps, cargo nets and tie-downs to secure any loads. #KeepWFclean
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-News, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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