Downtown Wake Forest guide: South White Street shops and restaurants, the social district, Renaissance Centre, parking and the big yearly events.
Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Businesses and addresses come from the Town of Wake Forest’s downtown pages and interactive downtown map; event dates from each event’s own page. Businesses change; check before you go.
Downtown Wake Forest is the few walkable blocks of South White and South Brooks streets around Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.: independent shops, more than 20 places to eat and drink, a town-run theater and a social district where you can carry a drink between businesses Thursday to Saturday. The town calls it the place “Where Quaint Meets Cool.”
Who to call
- Town Hall: 919-435-9400, 301 S. Brooks St.
- Renaissance Centre box office: 919-435-9458
- Downtown events: Wake Forest Downtown, Inc.
- Police non-emergency: 919-554-6150
What downtown is
Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit formed in 1985 when downtown storefronts sat empty, now works with the town to promote downtown and runs many of its events; it is part of the Main Street America network, according to its town page. Many buildings carry historic plaques, and the town’s virtual historic district tour tells their stories. The town’s history itinerary pairs it with the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St., and lunch at Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs, serving the town since 1916. More history is on our history and landmarks guide.
Eat and drink
From the town’s downtown dining map:
| Type | Places |
|---|---|
| Sit-down | Over the Falls, 419 Brooks St.; Bodega Tapas, Wine and Rum, 110 S. White St.; George’s Pizzeria, 238 S. White St.; Las Mas Mexican Food & Cantina, 111 S. White St. |
| Quick | Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs, 214 S. White St.; The Burger Shop, 203 Wait Ave.; Lil Hombre Smoked Taco Joint, 535 S. White St.; The Forks Cafeteria, 339 Brooks St. |
| Cafes | The Lemon Tree, 415-C Brooks St.; Sugar Magnolia Café, 219 S. White St.; White Story Cafe, 113 S. White St. |
| Coffee and sweets | Wake Forest Coffee Company, 156 S. White St.; Black & White Coffee Roasters, 314 Brooks St.; Plant Cakes Bake Shop, 410 S. White St.; Lumpy’s Ice Cream, 216 E. Roosevelt Ave. |
| Beer, wine, cocktails | Norse Brewing Company, 203 Brooks St.; White Street Brewing Co., 218 S. White St.; Unwined on White, 153 S. White St.; Tonic Bar and Social Club, 158 S. White St.; Broadsides & Brews, 223 Brooks St.; The Cardinal Bar, 535 S. White St. |
Breakfast spots are on our brunch guide, and evenings out on our date night and live music and nightlife guides.
Shop
Downtown’s shops lean local: gifts and NC-made goods at The Cotton Company, 306 S. White St., and Southern Suds & Gifts, 213 S. White St.; books at Page 158 Books, 415B S. Brooks St.; records at Record Krate, 208 S. White St.; vintage toys and comics at Magpie and Crow, 145 Wait Ave.; old-time candy at the NC General Store; and B&W Hardware, 232 S. White St. Downtown Dollars, sold in $10 amounts at The Cotton Company and Town Hall, work like cash at participating shops. More on our holiday shopping page.
Arts and entertainment
- Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.: the town’s arts center, with concerts, theater and art classes.
- The Wake Forest Listening Room, 415-C Brooks St.: seated concerts, usually Fridays.
- Strike & Barrel, 413 Brooks St.: bowling, axe throwing and an arcade.
- Galleries and studios: The Cotton Company Gallery; Amanda Wilson Art, 225 S. White St.; The Makery, 317 E. Roosevelt Ave.; and the Carolina Theater, 217 S. White St., for voice, drama and dance classes.
The social district
Since June 5, 2025, people 21 and older can carry a drink bought downtown through the Wake Forest Social District from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Drinks must be in the official clear district cup, 16 ounces or less, from a participating business; no BYOB, no drinks into the Town Hall campus or non-participating stores, and finish before you leave the district or get in a car. Window signs show which businesses sell (blue) or welcome (green) district cups.
Big downtown events
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| Second Friday, April to September, 6 to 9 p.m. | Friday Night on White free concerts |
| Early May | Meet in the Street arts festival (May 2 in 2026) |
| Early June | Cars and Carnivores car show; June 5 in 2027 |
| October | Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walks and the Halloween Boo Bash |
| Late November and December | Holiday Kick-Off, Lighting of Wake Forest and Holiday Open House; see Christmas parade and tree lighting |
Parking and getting there
- The town’s downtown parking map and entry points map show public lots and the best ways in.
- Accessible parking is in the Town Hall lot.
- For big events, the town points visitors to free lots at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, all within a 15-minute walk, plus the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging and Christ Church Wake Forest, its concert parking page says.
- Some lots that look public, such as the Renaissance Plaza lot, are private. Read the signs.
- Using Go Wake Forest, Uber or Lyft on event nights? The town suggests Town Hall as the pickup point.
Related: things to do this month, free things to do and farmers markets.
Frequently asked questions
Where is downtown Wake Forest?
Downtown centers on South White Street and South Brooks Street, with Town Hall at 301 S. Brooks St. and the Renaissance Centre at 405 S. Brooks St.
Can you walk around downtown Wake Forest with a drink?
Yes, inside the social district, noon to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, in an official district cup bought from a participating business. No outside alcohol, and drinks must be finished before you leave the district.
Where do I park in downtown Wake Forest?
The town publishes a downtown parking map. Accessible spaces are in the Town Hall lot, and for big events the town points visitors to free lots at the Center for Active Aging and the seminary. Some lots that look public are private.
What events are held in downtown Wake Forest?
Friday Night on White concerts on the second Friday of each month from April to September, Meet in the Street in May, the Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walks and Halloween Boo Bash in October, and the Holiday Kick-Off, tree lighting and Holiday Open House in late fall.
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