Community Events
Wendell’s “Small Town, Big Charm,” is noticeable while attending our community events. Community events are open to residents and visitors. Our charm is apparent while walking our tree lined streets with historic homes while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of our community events that are safe and family friendly in our quaint and small town.
Residents and visitors of Wendell have the best of historic Wendell and modern Wendell. The Town of Wendell provides free Wi-Fi everyday while outside on Main Street and on the J Ashley Wall Square. Posting and tweeting about community events are encouraged and appreciated!
Princesses in the Park
February
New Wendell Community Event – Princesses in the Park!
“Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” was heard as the good fairy cast a spell for an afternoon of magic and delight. As your princess disembarks from her royal carriage at Wendell Community Center, she will begin her magical afternoon with greetings from a royal Disney Princess who will share training on how to be a princess and play games. After the training, the enchantingly good time continues with a movie. Just like all good spells, this one ends when your princess boards her royal carriage for home.
ProTown BMX
Mid-March
Come out and be in awe when professional bikers catch air on Main Street! ProTown BMX is high energy, fast paced and the opportunity for extreme biker enthusiasts to watch, meet, and hear about bike safety from professionals who show case their talents with tricks in the air on their bikes!
Opening Day at the Park
Late April
What better way to transition into the spring season than hearing, “Play Ball!” Kick off for the baseball and softball season in Wendell at our “Opening Day at the Park” celebration! Enjoy “Pitch, Hit and Run” competition, a homerun derby, inflatables, and a variety of vendors for your shopping pleasure. T-ball, baseball, and softball games will also be played.
Wendell has the honor of being Tar Heel Champions for three straight years in a row [2014, 2015, and 2016]. Looking forward to another great season of ball!
Public Safety Day
First weekend in May
Meet and greet the people who keep us safe at Public Safety Day! Join us in Downtown Wendell the first Saturday in May for this free community event in which citizens – young and old – interact with our police, fire and rescue. Get behind the wheel of the police cruiser and turn on the lights and siren as well as learn about the equipment on the fire and EMS trucks in a fun and interactive day with educational booths, inflatables, raffles and food.
Spring Into the Arts Walk
Second weekend in May
Spend the day meeting artists – young and adult - in this day long gala of visual, fine and performing arts! Young artists will have their art work from school on display showcasing our young and local talent. Adult artists are welcome to paint a picture that will be available for auction at the end of the day. Late afternoon, enjoy live music at the J Ashley Wall Town Square! After the entertainment on the Square, come over to the auction to view the art works and make a bid! Proceeds from the auction will be used for projects recommended by the Wendell Appearance Commission.
Big Truck Day
Early June
Curious about what it’s like to sit in the cab of the garbage truck or tow truck? Come out to the Big Truck Day! This is a fun, exciting and horn blowing extravaganza for truck enthusiasts of all ages. Touching and asking questions about the big trucks are welcomed!
Farm House Jams
Third Thursday of the month from June through September
Do you enjoy an evening of music in an intimate setting that is family friendly and safe? Bring a blanket or a chair and join us at Wendell Falls on the lawn beside the Farmhouse. Chill and unwind as you kick-back and enjoy live music, catch up with neighbors and savor the foods and beverages from the Grounds Café.
July 4th Parade and Celebration
Join the Wendell Historical Society and Town of Wendell for a July 4th parade and celebration. Parade begins on Main Street and includes veterans, children in their most patriotic wear, and bands and winds its way to the Town Square for a program appreciating our military and recognizing our most patriotic children. Reminiscent of how Independence Day was honored in the good ole days, it’s a quaint and wholesome observance for the whole family. Following the program are hot dogs and fellowship!
International Food Festival
Third Saturday in September
Are you a foodie and welcome the opportunity to sample new foods? Then join us at the International Food Festival the third Saturday in September in Downtown Wendell. Savor the foods and enjoy the music of the many cultures that call Wendell home!
Harvest Festival
First full weekend in October
From humble beginnings as an arts festival in 1927, take part in Wendell’s longest running traditional community gathering – the Harvest Festival! Join the Wendell Chamber for Wendell’s community festival that includes activities for all ages – parade, children’s pumpkin derby, bingo, crafts, and local vendors. Savor tasty fair like food. In the evening, join your neighbors on the J Ashley Wall Square for live music.
Treat Trail
Last Friday in October
Looking for a safe and spooktacular outing for your young ghouls and goblins? Join us at the Wendell Community Park on the Treat Trail! The trail is non-scary for our 12 years of age and under patrons. Activities include a costume contest, hay rides and booths of local businesses passing out treats. Moms and Dads can meet the local businesses and our young ghouls and goblins have a howling good time collecting treats on the walking trail. Join us on the Treat Trail for a ghoulishly splendid time!
Wendell Wonderland
First Friday in December
Kick-off the holiday season the first Friday in December with Wendell Wonderland. Visit with Santa Claus; experience historic downtown with a trolley ride; be amazed by our magnificent Light Show containing more than 400,000 lights and holiday music; participate in activities such the cookie walk, live nativity, wood and ice carvings, and cantata. Visit the downtown businesses and see how they decorated for the holiday and then walk over to J Ashley Wall Square and hear music performances, and so much more!
If you can’t make it to Wendell Wonderland on the first Friday in December, the Light Show is open to the public throughout the holiday season! This choreographed light show will come alive with dancing lights and music beginning Wednesday before Thanksgiving and will run nightly through New Year’s Eve. The show will be canceled if rain or snow occurs. Event hours are 6-10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 6-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.