Growing With Purpose
HerbFest Wake Forest is A Celebration of Plants, Community & the Arts
April 24-26 & May 1-3, 2026 – Downtown Wake Forest, NC
Fridays & Saturdays: 9 AM–6 PM • Sundays: 10 AM–4 PM
Free • Family-Friendly • Outdoor • Rain or Shine
HerbFest Wake Forest returns to historic downtown Wake Forest for its 27th year. Each spring, this beloved biannual lifestyle festival brings together thousands of gardeners, homeowners, cooks, families, and plant lovers from across the region. Together they gather to celebrate plants, community, and the arts, all while supporting the GJCAE.
With one of the largest selections of organic herbs, heirloom vegetables, perennials, and native plants in the area, HerbFest is more than a plant sale. Instead, it’s a vibrant celebration of healthy living, gardening, and community.
🌱 Festival Highlights
At HerbFest you’ll find:
- A huge variety of organic, non-GMO herbs and heirloom vegetables
- Beautiful native plants and perennials for your landscape
- Expert tips and education on growing, cooking, and using herbs
- A vibrant marketplace of vendors offering handcrafted gifts, garden art, specialty foods and one of a kind artisan finds
- Live music — including the award winning Franklin Academy Jazz Band
- Family activities, including face painting by local student artists
- Local refreshments and food vendors
As you explore, you’ll discover new plants, meet fellow gardeners, and enjoy a festive spring atmosphere in the heart of downtown Wake Forest.
HerbFest & GJCAE: Growing Community Together
HerbFest is the primary fundraising event for the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment (GJCAE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Because of this, every purchase made at HerbFest helps supports meaningful community initiatives, including:
- Arts education programs in local schools
- Public art projects throughout the community
- Cultural initiatives that bring creativity and learning to Wake Forest and the surrounding area
In other words, your attendance does more than support a local festival — it helps strengthen arts and culture in our community. Learn more about the mission of the GJCAE.
Why Attend HerbFest Wake Forest?
Each year, thousands of visitors attend HerbFest Wake Forest to discover unique plants and gather fresh ideas for their gardens. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting your first kitchen herb garden, HerbFest offers inspiration. In addition, families enjoy live music, hands on activities and a welcoming community atmosphere in historic downtown Wake Forest.
Location
530 S. White Street
Wake Forest, NC 27587
For detailed information and event schedules please visit: