🌳Veterans Day, New Eats, and Highschool Football Playoffs

Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors! November is here and sweater weather has officially settled in. Halloween candy is half gone, holiday lights are peeking into storefronts, and the weekend lineup is full. There’s a lot to see and do before the holiday rush kicks into full gear.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

Let's get to it.

— Dave & Egle

Don’t Forget: Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11th

Let’s all take a moment to thank a veteran. Also, Wake Forest, Youngsville, and Rolesville Town Halls will be closed in observance. Many government offices and banks may also be closed. So check before you go.

Wake Forest Police Turkey Drive Now Underway

The Wake Forest Police Department is collecting monetary donations for its 19th Annual Turkey Drive through November 22. Each $20 donation provides a frozen turkey for a local family. Donations can be made online or delivered to the police department.
Learn more

Wake Forest Elects New Mayor and Commissioners

Wake Forest voters elected Commissioner Ben Clapsaddle as the town’s new mayor, defeating incumbent Vivian Jones with approximately 70 percent of the vote. Haseeb Fatmi was elected to the Board of Commissioners, and Keith Shackleford was re-elected. These officials will be sworn in soon.
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Strike & Barrel 6th Anniversary Party
6:00–10:00 PM | 413 Brooks St., Wake Forest | Free

Celebrate six years of fun with free food, swag, giveaways, and a live DJ. Bowling, drinks, and raffles make it a festive night for families or a fun date.
Learn more

Trivia Night at Norse Brewing: Clean or Cringe?
6:30 PM | 203 Brooks St., Wake Forest | Free

Join a themed trivia night in Norse Brewing's lively beer hall. Win prizes, enjoy fresh pours, and show off your random knowledge.
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Chocolate & Bourbon Tasting at The Chocolate Boutique
7:00–8:00 PM | Lafayette Village, North Raleigh | $59.99

Sample premium bourbons paired with artisan Belgian chocolates in an intimate setting. A delicious outing perfect for couples or a night out with friends.
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The Waterboys Tribute Concert
7:30 PM (doors 6:45) | Wake Forest Listening Room | $17

Catch The Vagabond Saints Society as they play The Waterboys' "Fisherman’s Blues" album live. Intimate venue with great acoustics and community vibes.
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Wake Forest Cougars Playoff Game
7:00 PM | Wake Forest High School | Tickets

Friday Night Lights kicks off the playoffs as Wake Forest hosts round one. Come support the Cougars in their championship run.
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Rolesville Rams vs. Green Hope
7:00 PM | Rolesville High School | Tickets

Rolesville takes on Green Hope in a first-round home playoff matchup. Bring the family and wear your school colors.
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Wake Forest Farmers Market
10:00 AM–12:00 PM | 235 S. Taylor St., Wake Forest | Free

Shop local produce, baked goods, flowers, and crafts while enjoying live music. It's a cheerful start to the weekend.
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Holiday Cultural Market at Envision Academy
11:00 AM–3:00 PM | 7624 O’Neal Rd., Wake Forest | Free

Over 50 vendors offer handmade gifts, food, and fun. A global celebration with food trucks and family activities.
Learn more

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Buffalo Sabres
7:00 PM | PNC Arena, Raleigh | Tickets

Hockey is back as the Canes take on Buffalo. It’s Salute to Service night, so expect a big crowd and patriotic touches.
Learn more

Moonlight in the Garden
5:30–9:30 PM | JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh | $20–30

Stroll through lighted gardens with fire pits, cider, and live music. A peaceful outdoor experience perfect for all ages.
Learn more

_{This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.}

Grub Smokehouse is now open in Youngsville at 14101 Capital Blvd, serving up wood-smoked barbecue with a modern twist. The chef behind the concept has cooked for presidents, Snoop Dog and the Dalai Lama, and now he’s bringing smoked pastrami, smoked bacon potato salad, and sweet potato cinnamon rolls to our local table.

This family-run, fast-casual spot offers indoor and patio seating and is kid and dog friendly. They are open Monday through Friday until 5:30 PM and Saturdays until 2:30 PM.

Build Your Feast: Celebrate Thanksgiving the Grub way. Slow-smoked, made-from-scratch comfort that’s ready for your table. Pre-order now and let them handle the cooking so you can enjoy the feast. All orders are served warm and prepared for easy transport to your family or friend’s celebration.

Check out the menu and plan your visit: grubsmokehouse.com

Open Paint Studio | The Makery WF | 1-3 PM

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Nature Stories | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 10:30 AM

Baby Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 11:15 AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-5 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM

K-5th Adventures: Flight School | Wake Forest Community Library | 4:30 PM

K-2nd Adventures | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

🎶 LIVE Music & Food Trucks | Zinchouse | 5 PM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-11:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park Cc | 8 AM-4 PM

Story Time at the Museum | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 10:30 AM

Touch a Truck | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

🎶 LIVE Music & Food Trucks | Zinchouse | 5 PM

Museum Movie Night: Princess Bride | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 5:30 PM

Paint Your Own Ceramic Christmas Tree | The Makery WF | 7 PM

ABC Craft & Learn: Kindergarten Readiness Program | Youngsville Library | 10:30 AM

Family Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Storytime: Community Helpers | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

🎶 LIVE Music & Food Trucks | Zinchouse | 12-8 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 2 PM & 3 PM

STEAM Free Play | Youngsville Library | 2-3 PM

ABC Craft & Learn | Wake Forest Community Library | 2:30 PM

Spooky Game Night | Northeast Regional Library | 2:30 PM

Book Club (3rd-5th grades) | Northeast Regional Library | 3-4 PM

🏀 Duke Basketball vs. Western Carolina at 1:30 PM

🏈 Duke Football will be playing away against University of Connecticut at 3:30 PM

🏈 UNC Football vs. Stanford Cardinal at 4:30 PM

Dueling Dinosaurs (sensory friendly morning) | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 10 AM-12 PM

Yoga by Serenity Farms | Zinchouse | 11:30 AM Register

🎶 LIVE Music & Food Trucks | Zinchouse | 12-8 PM

🏀 Duke Women’s Basketball vs. Holy Cross at 1 PM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-11:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Baby Story Time | Wake Forest Community Library | 9:30 AM

Family Storytime | Wake Forest Community Library | 11:00 AM

Teen Vanilla Cupcake Day | Northeast Regional Library | 5:30 PM 

Drop-In Zumba | Joyner Park CC | 6:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Government offices and libraries closed. Happy Veteran’s Day!

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-11:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Toddler Storytime | Northeast Regional Library | 9:15 AM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Toddler Storytime | Wake Forest Community Library | 9:30 AM

Family Storytime | Northeats Regional Library | 10:15 AM

Family Storytime: Letter W | Wake Forest Community Library | 11 AM

Baby Story Time | Northeast Regional Library | 11:15 AM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Teen Time: Duct Tape Wallets | Wake Forest Community Library | 4 PM

Bingo Bash | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30 PM

🎶 LIVE Music & Food Trucks | Zinchouse | 5-9:30 PM

Wake Forest Writers’ Group | Wake Forest Community Library | 6:30 PM

_{This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.}

If you’re enjoying this content, consider supporting this newsletter by fueling us with a cup of coffee.

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Forecast captured on the Wednesday before this newsletter edition. The weather around here changes fast, so double‑check closer to the day before finalizing plans.

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s already replaced their skeleton decorations with Santa.

See you around town!
TheWYReNewsletter.com

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