North Carolina events › Triangle › Apex
Apex, NC is a Wake County railroad town with a historic Salem Street downtown, more than 22 miles of town greenways and the American Tobacco Trail. Below: upcoming events, parks, food, history and estimated drive times, all from official town pages.
- CountyWake Countyofficial town pages
- 2025 Estimate80,419Census Bureau estimate
- Growth Since 2020+24.9%estimate vs April 2020 base
- To RTPabout 22 minestimate, no traffic
About Apex
Apex takes its name from its spot at "the highest point along a 30-mile section of the Chatham Railroad." The town calls its downtown "one of the most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns in the area"; it became a historic district in 1994.
The town maintains "over 22 miles of public greenway," and more of the American Tobacco Trail runs inside Apex than in any other Wake County community. Greenway hours are sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Arts and festivals center on the Halle Cultural Arts Center on Salem Street, the Brett Gantt Sculpture Walk, PeakFest, Peak City Pig Fest and the Rotary Christmas Parade, which the town calls "the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County." Downtown's social district runs daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Growth: The town's pages read on November 3, 2026 gave no growth statement; it is running a long-range "Peak Plan 2055" planning process. The Census estimate below is the best measure. Census Bureau estimates put Apex at 80,419 people in July 2025, +24.9% since April 2020. See Triangle growth towns.
Anything marked “Not confirmed” was not stated on an official page when we looked on November 3, 2026. Check with the town, venue or business before you go.
Apex Events
This list updates itself from our checked North Carolina calendar: past events drop off each day. Every date was read on an official town, venue or organizer page; times or prices the page did not state say so.
30 upcoming events in Apex on our checked calendar, next up: Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables (2 PM) (Nov 7); Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables (4 PM) (Nov 7); SuperFun Saturday (Nov 7).
This list is rebuilt from our North Carolina events dataset (calendar last re-checked Nov 3, 2026). Every date and price was read on the organizer’s own page; “See event page” means the organizer does not publish one. Plans change, so check the organizer’s page before you drive.
Apex This Weekend (Nov 7-8, 2026)
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables (2 PM) | Sat, Nov 7 (2:00 PM-3:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables (4 PM) | Sat, Nov 7 (4:00 PM-5:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| SuperFun Saturday | Sat, Nov 7 (10:30 AM-12:30 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
Upcoming Apex Events
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables (2 PM) | Sat, Nov 7 (2:00 PM-3:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Infinity Ballet: Fairytale Fables (4 PM) | Sat, Nov 7 (4:00 PM-5:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| SuperFun Saturday | Sat, Nov 7 (10:30 AM-12:30 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Veterans Day Ceremony | Wed, Nov 11 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM) | Apex · Triangle | Free |
| Apex Community Dance | Fri, Nov 13 (7:00 PM-9:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Classical Concert Series - The KDA Trio: A World in Three Voices | Sun, Nov 15 (3:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | $18 adult / $15 senior / $12 student (16 & under) |
| Wednesday Morning Movie | Wed, Nov 18 (10:00 AM-12:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Native American Tasting Experience | Thu, Nov 19 (6:00 PM-8:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | $15 per person |
| Love Local Fall Into Downtown - Jazz & Jive Night | Fri, Nov 20 (5:00 PM-8:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| On The Steps: Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz - The Poet's Songbook | Fri, Nov 20 (7:30 PM-9:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | $35 all ages |
| 28th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run | Sat, Nov 21 (10:00 AM) | Apex · Triangle | Competitive $30, Recreational $25, Youth competitive (12 and under) $15; more prices on the event page |
| SuperFun Saturday | Sat, Nov 21 (10:30 AM-12:30 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| JazzLive with Lenore Raphael and Friends | Sun, Nov 22 (3:00 PM-4:30 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| 5th Annual Kid's Holiday Craft Fair | Sun, Nov 29 (2:30 PM-5:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony | Fri, Dec 4 (4:30 PM-7:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Rotary Christmas Parade | Sat, Dec 5 (5:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Chanukah Festival | Sun, Dec 6 (3:00 PM-6:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Drive-In Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) | Fri, Dec 18 (Time not confirmed on the official page) | Apex · Triangle | $10 + tax per vehicle |
| Classical Concert Series - Jacobowitz-Larkin Duo (clarinet and piano) | Sun, Jan 31, 2027 (3:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | $18 adult / $15 senior / $12 student (16 & under) |
| Engage Apex Expo | Thu, Feb 4, 2027 (3:00 PM-7:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Run the Peak | Sat, Mar 6, 2027 (8:00 AM-10:00 AM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| On The Steps: Sachal Vasandani - Let's Be Frank | Fri, Apr 2, 2027 (7:30 PM) | Apex · Triangle | $35 all ages |
| Classical Concert Series - Cao-Larkin Duo (violin and piano) | Sun, Apr 4, 2027 (3:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | $18 adult / $15 senior / $12 student (16 & under) |
| Peak City Pig Fest | Apr 9-10, 2027: 5:00 PM (Fri) / 11:00 AM (Sat) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Apex EarthFest | Sat, Apr 24, 2027 (Time not confirmed on the official page) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| PeakFest | Sat, May 1, 2027 (Time not confirmed on the official page) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Dog Mom Mini Fest | Fri, May 7, 2027 (Time not confirmed on the official page) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Memorial Day Ceremony | Mon, May 31, 2027 (9:30 AM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
| Juneteenth in the Peak | Sat, Jun 19, 2027 (Time not confirmed on the official page) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
Running for Weeks in Apex
Not checked for each date: these run for weeks, and some open only on certain days or nights.
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Tour of Lights | Dec 5-31 (6:00 PM-9:00 PM) | Apex · Triangle | Price not confirmed on the official page |
Apex Events by Month
- November 2026 14 in Apex
- December 2026 5 in Apex
- January 2027 1 in Apex
- February 2027 1 in Apex
- March 2027 1 in Apex
More nearby: The Triangle, NC.
Annual Events and Unconfirmed Dates
These return each year or had a date we could not fully confirm. The date shown is the last one an official page printed; plan with the organizer, not with this table.
| Event | Last Or Listed Date | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Events | 2026-01-17 | Salem Street / Town Hall | Annual; next date not announced |
| Black History Month events | 2027-02-01 | Various (Not confirmed) | Confirmed (range, year inferred); events Not confirmed |
| Women's History Month events | 2027-03-01 | Various (Not confirmed) | Confirmed (range, year inferred); events Not confirmed |
| AAPI Heritage Month events | 2027-05-01 | Various (Not confirmed) | Confirmed (range, year inferred); events Not confirmed |
| Pride Month events | 2027-06-01 | Various (Not confirmed) | Confirmed (date); events Not confirmed |
Things to Do in Apex
| Place | Type | Address | Hours | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brett Gantt Sculpture Walk | Attraction | Downtown Apex and surrounding area (PDF map on town page) | Available April 2026 through March 2027 | Eleven sculptures installed in and around downtown Apex; the 6th annual walk. |
| Halle Cultural Arts Center | Arts Venue | 237 N. Salem Street, Apex, NC 27502 | Mon-Fri 9 am – 6 pm; Sat 9 am – 1 pm | Town arts center in historic downtown with a 150-seat theatre, two galleries and a studio classroom. |
| Historic Downtown Apex and The Depot | Historic Site | Downtown Apex (Salem Street); Depot address Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Downtown Historic District designated 1994; the Depot (built between 1867 and 1873) is a Wake County landmark with a caboose museum. |
| Downtown Apex Social District (The Local Spot) | Downtown | Salem St (Heritage Plaza to Williams St.), Chatham St, Elm St,… | Daily 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Designated downtown area where adults 21+ may walk with alcoholic drinks in official cups from participating businesses. |
| Apex Farmers Market | Market | Depot Plaza, 220 N. Salem St. | Every Saturday; April-October 8:00 am – 12:00 pm; November-March 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Community-organized Saturday farmers market at Depot Plaza. |
Parks and Greenways
| Place | Type | Address | Hours | Cost | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Community Park | Park | 2200 Laura Duncan Road (Lake Trail entrance 1808 Lake Pine Drive) | 6:30 am – 10:00 pm, year round | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Apex Nature Park & Seymour Athletic Fields | Park | 2600 Evans Road (Seymour fields 2500 Evans Road) | 5:30 am* – 10:00 pm year round (*fields, courts, restrooms open 6:30 am) | Not confirmed | Dog park requires annual dog registration and key card (Dog Parks… |
| Hunter Street Park | Park | 1250 Ambergate Station | 5:30 am* – 10:00 pm year round; Trackside Skate Plaza open 24/7 | Not confirmed | Dog park requires annual dog registration and key card (Dog Parks… |
| Pleasant Park | Park | 3400 Pleasant Plains Rd (address from town drive-in movie page) | Park 5:30 am* – 10:00 pm (*fields/courts/restrooms 6:30 am); Splashlantis 10 am-6 pm when open | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Apex Jaycee Park | Park | 451 NC Hwy 55 / W. Williams Street | 5:30 am* – 10:00 pm year round (*fields/courts/restrooms 6:30 am) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Kelly Road Park | Park | 1609 Kelly Road | 6:30 am – 10 pm year round | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Salem Pond Park | Park | 6112 Old Jenks Road | 5:30 am* – 10:00 pm year round (*fields/courts/restrooms 6:30 am) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Seagroves Farm Park | Park | 201 Parkfield Drive | 6:30 am – 9:00 pm | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Clairmont Park | Park | 801 E. Chatham Street | Sunrise – 9:00 pm | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Kelly Glen Park | Park | 1701 Kelly Glen Lane | Sunrise – Sunset | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Sue Helton Park | Park | 703 Matney Lane (Perry Farms neighborhood) | Sunrise – Sunset | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Beaver Creek Greenway | Greenway | Not confirmed | Sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset (all public greenways) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Middle Creek Greenway | Greenway | Not confirmed | Sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset (all public greenways) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Reedy Branch Greenway | Greenway | Not confirmed | Sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset (all public greenways) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Apex West Greenway | Greenway | Not confirmed | Sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset (all public greenways) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| American Tobacco Trail (Apex section) | Greenway | Not confirmed | Sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset (all public greenways) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Food and Drink
Apex has no official restaurant directory. The places below are the businesses the town lists in its downtown social district, without addresses or hours.
| Place | Type | Address | About |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna's Pizzeria | Restaurant | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex business selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (green sign: outside social-district drinks welcome). |
| HighCraft Beer Market | Shop | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex business selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign); category inferred from name. |
| Kilwins | Shop | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex shop that welcomes social-district drinks (blue sign); listed on the Local Spot page. |
| La Rancherita | Restaurant | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex business selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign); category inferred. |
| Neat & Sweet Lounge | Cafe | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex lounge selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign); category inferred. |
| Oaklyn Springs Brewery – Taproom | Brewery | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex taproom selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign). |
| Peak of the Vine + the Cellar | Shop | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex business selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (green sign); category inferred from name. |
| Salem Street Pub | Restaurant | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex pub selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign). |
| Scratch Kitchen and Taproom | Restaurant | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex business selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign). |
| Serafina Ristorante | Restaurant | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex Italian restaurant selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign). |
| TapStation Brewery | Brewery | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex brewery selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign). |
| The Groovy Duck Bakery | Bakery | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex bakery that welcomes social-district drinks (blue sign); listed on the Local Spot page. |
| The Provincial | Restaurant | Not confirmed | Downtown Apex business selling drinks in the Local Spot social district (yellow sign); category inferred. |
Drive Times From Apex
| To | Estimated Drive | Estimated Road Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Research Triangle Park (12 Davis Dr) | about 22 min | about 16.6 mi |
| Cary | about 18 min | about 11.4 mi |
| Holly Springs | about 13 min | about 8.0 mi |
| Morrisville | about 22 min | about 13.4 mi |
| Raleigh | about 28 min | about 19.0 mi |
| Durham | about 31 min | about 24.0 mi |
| Fuquay-Varina | about 23 min | about 14.2 mi |
About these numbers: populations for 2025 are Census Bureau estimates (Vintage 2025, July 1, 2025), not counts. Growth is measured from the Census estimates base for April 1, 2020, so it can differ from the raw 2020 census count, and it includes land a town annexed after 2020, not only people moving in. Drive times are estimates routed on OpenStreetMap roads with no traffic, from each town’s Census map point; rush hour is often much slower.
Apex History
| When | What Happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1854 | A railroad station is chartered; the first train does not pass until 1869. | Official page |
| 1867 to 1873 | The Depot is built; it is now a Wake County landmark. | Official page |
| 1873 | Apex is incorporated. | Official page |
| 1905 | The first tobacco auction market in Wake County opens in Apex. | Official page |
| 1911 | A fire on June 12 destroys much of the business district. | Official page |
| 1994 | Downtown becomes a historic district. | Official page |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the Apex greenways?
The town says it maintains over 22 miles of public greenway, plus its stretch of the American Tobacco Trail.
When is the Apex Christmas parade?
See the events table above. The town describes the Rotary Christmas Parade as the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County.
How far is Apex from Research Triangle Park?
About 22 minutes and 16.6 road miles with no traffic, by our routing estimate from the town’s Census map point. Rush hour takes longer.
Is Apex part of the Triangle?
Yes. This guide places Apex in the Triangle region. See the Triangle region guide for every town.
Sources
- Town of Apex, Our History (checked Nov 3, 2026)
- Town of Apex, Greenways (checked Nov 3, 2026)
- Town of Apex, Special Events (checked Nov 3, 2026)
- Town of Apex, Downtown Social District (checked Nov 3, 2026)
- Town of Apex calendar (checked Nov 3, 2026)
- Halle Cultural Arts Center (checked Nov 3, 2026)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates (sub-est2025.csv) (read Nov 3, 2026)
- OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads (drive-time estimates, no traffic) (computed Nov 3, 2026)
Checked November 3, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Apex, NC”, itsnorthcarolina.com/apex-nc/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.