Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD) is a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed in 1985 by a group of citizens concerned by the increasing vacancies in downtown during the bad economy of the mid-80s.
The organization’s founders realized that Wake Forest could not retain its individuality without a solid and vibrant heart. The organization was formed as the Wake Forest Downtown Revitalization Corporation and operated that way until the name was changed to Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. in 2013.
Today, with the support of the Town of Wake Forest, an all-volunteer WFD Board of Directors and a dedicated group of community volunteers continues its work.
Our Vision
Downtown Wake Forest is a walkable destination for locally owned retail, dining, and entrepreneurship for northern Wake County and surrounding communities; the hub of signature quality-of-life events that bring the community together; and the crossroads where historic character, arts, and culture are actively experienced and celebrated, shaping our regional identity.
Our Mission
The mission of Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD)is tostrengthen connections between businesses, residents, and visitors by serving as a trusted community resource. Through collaboration with the Town of Wake Forest, local businesses, and community partners, we preserve downtown’s historic character and charm while welcoming thoughtful growth and new development. We promote a vibrant, welcoming downtown that supports thriving local businesses, meaningful experiences, and long-term community vitality.
North Carolina Main Street Rural Planning Center The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program. Main Street America™ is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As one of the first Main Street America™ Coordinating Programs designated in 1980, NC Main Street inspires placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies. The NC Main Street staff is charged by the NC Department of Commerce to facilitate downtown economic development using the Main Street America Four-Point Approach. The Main Street Approach™ focuses on economic development strategies to transform downtown. These strategies articulate a focused path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown economy. Designated NC Main Street community's work is organized around the Four-Point Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
The National Main Street Program | Main Street America™ Main Street America™ has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts since 1980. Today it is a network of neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, that share both commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Main Street America™ is a movement. It is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country. Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, Main Street America represents the broad diversity that makes this country so unique. Working together, the programs that make up the Main Street America network help to breathe new life into the places people call home.
The Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. Board of Directors is made up of members serving in a voluntary role. Members oversee the direction of WFD and its budget and may serve up to two, three-year terms. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors please email our Board Chair to request an application.
The work of our committee members is what makes things happen. While Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. board members serve on these committees, so do local volunteers who care about our downtown. We appreciate their assistance and the time they give to making Wake Forest downtown a vibrant, thriving community.
Committees for the Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization (bringing people/resources together), Promotion (marketing downtown as a destination through promotions and special events, etc.), Design (beautification, public art, preservation, etc.), and Economic Vitality (market data, business recruiting, business retention).
Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more about various ways to get involved with Wake Forest Downtown please complete our volunteer application.
Sponsor Opportunities
Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD) presents three key annual events to help showcase our wonderful downtown and all that there is to offer for both residents and visitors alike. These quality of life events help make Wake Forest a destination for many in our region. WFD also provides marketing and support to our Downtown through targeted merchant events, promotions, and Downtown Dollars giveaways.
Forest Fest celebrates the heart and history of our community in partnership with the Town of Wake Forest, Wake Forest Historical Museum, Wake Forest Farmers Market, and more.
Spirits of Wake Forest highlights our haunted history on this walking tour of downtown Wake Forest.
Lighting of Wake Forest is one of our Town’s most beloved holiday events! It includes musical performances by local groups, the lighting of the Town’s Christmas tree, and Santa's exciting arrival.
2026 sponsor opportunities are closed, but if you are interested in being an annual sponsor of WFD in the future please email info@wakeforestdowntown.com and we will reach out when our sponsor packet goes live for 2027.
