WAKE COUNTY, NC — United Arts Wake County invites the community to Wake on Stage!, a fun, high-energy celebration of the arts taking place on April 17, 2026, at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by live performances beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Wake on Stage! is the successor to the beloved Big Night In for the Arts, reimagined for a new stage and a new era. The evening features an extraordinary lineup of Wake County community leaders, elected officials, educators, and artists stepping outside their comfort zones to entertain, inspire, and celebrate what makes this community extraordinary.

•  The Wake County Commissioners featuring jazz artist Shana Tucker

•  WRAL Meteorologist Chris Michaels on drums

•  The Dawson Family Fun Time Band starring Jamie Dawson (Aspire Homes), Lynda Dawson & their daughters

•  The Broughton High School Jazz Ensemble featuring Rep. Mike Schietzelt, NC House, on trumpet

•  Raleigh City Councilperson Christina Jones performing a monologue

•  Former Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchinson performing “The World’s Greatest Magic Trick”

•  Former WRAL Anchor Valonda Calloway in a dance piece

•  Mayor William “Bill” Harris of Fuquay-Varina on trumpet

•  Wake County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor performing a monologue

“There is truly nothing else like Wake on Stage! Where else can you watch your county commissioners sing, your school superintendent deliver a monologue, and a former TV anchor dance, all in one evening? It’s joyful, it’s surprising, and it reminds us why the arts matter so much to this community,” says Lee Pike, Vice President of Development at United Arts.

All proceeds from Wake on Stage! directly support United Arts Wake County’s education programs, which touch thousands of children across the county each year. Flagship initiatives include Artists in Schools, which places professional teaching artists into Wake County classrooms; the High School Spoken Word Contest; and Wheels on the Bus, which provides transportation funding to bring students to arts experiences.

The evening also features a Silent Auction, opening April 10th to the public. Bidding is open to anyone — attendees and non-attendees alike — and closes promptly at 8:15 p.m. on April 17th.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, ranging from $500 to $20,000, with recognition and benefits at every level. To learn more about sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit unitedarts.org/events/wake-on-stage or contact Lee Pike at [email protected].