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Wake County Beekeepers Association

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Upcoming events

    • January 27, 2026
    • March 24, 2026
    • 9 sessions
    • 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610
    Registration is closed

    Our 2026 class is full.  Additional classes are offered through Johnston Community College at their Clayton/Cleveland Campus starting in April.  Check https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/personal-enrichment.php for details.

    WCBA Class Schedule:

    January 27: Welcome, Bee Basics
    February 3: Laurel Hills Park Community Center, 3808 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh (Bee Anatomy)
    Feb 10: Wake County Commons (Bee Races and Club Meeting)
    Feb 17: Wake County Commons (Frame Building)

    Feb 24: Wake County Commons (Colony Management and Foraging/Pollination)
    March 3: Laurel Hills Park Community Center (Varroa Management)
    March 10: Laurel Hills Park Community Center
    March 17: Wake County Commons (Products of the Hive and Club Meeting) 
    March 24: Wake County Commons (History of Beekeeping)

    What's Included:

    • A comprehensive handbook of lecture notes to accompany class presentations.
    • 2026 Wake County Beekeeper's Association membership

    What's NOT included:

    • March 08, 2026
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Marsh Creek Park, 3050 N New Hope Road, Raleigh
    Register

    Are you new to beekeeping and unsure of how to assemble frames or hive bodies?   We are hosting a workshop for all members to provide assistance with frame and hive body assembly.  A sample frame with wax foundation may be taken home as an example (1 per household, while supplies last).

    A $5 fee will be charged to offset costs.  This fee can be applied to future workshops with timely cancellation (at least 7 days in advance).

    Bring your unassembled frames, foundation and hive bodies.  We will have a supply of glue and appropriate wire/nails for assembly.

    Note:  if you are planning to use wax foundation, it is important to purchase the correct frames.  Wax foundation requires WEDGE TOP BARS and SLOTTED BOTTOM BARS.

    Plastic foundation requires groove top bars (wedge will work) and GROOVED bottom bars

    Volunteers needed to provide guidance, assembly jigs, and power/pneumatic tools.  Please email Chris Hagwood (chrishagwood@gmail.com) to  help.   If you're coming to help, do not register.

    • March 10, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Laurel Hills Park Community Center, 3808 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
    Register

    Location CHANGE TO LAUREL HILLS PARK

    7pm Workshop: Products of the Hive by Susan Benton


    Susan Benton attended WCBA Beginner Beekeeping school andA person holding a beehive Description automatically generated

    got her first honeybees in 2010.  She became a Certified Beekeeper in Jan 2013, Journeyman in 2015, and Master on 11-22-2025.  She has helped organize and speak at Bee School, volunteered at Bug Fest, State Farmer’s Market, Heritage Day ("Wild About Nature"), Mud Day, Hands on in the Hive and the State Fair for the WCBA.  She served as club Secretary 2016 – 2018, club Treasurer 2019-2022, and Director in 2023-2025.  She coordinates the club’s Certified testing and serves as Chapter Master Beekeeper Coordinator. She has 6 beehives in her backyard in Southeast Raleigh, next to her vegetable garden.  She works as Lead Wholesale Billing Analyst for ElectriCities of North Carolina.  She attended East Carolina University where she earned a BS in Mathematics in 1976 and MA in Mathematics in 1978.  She is married to Steve and they have lived in Raleigh, in the same house since 1980. Susan loves working with bees, the smells and sounds of the hive, growing a garden, playing ball with her black lab Lucy, and her family.


    7:30pm Topic: Hive Tracks Record Keeping/Hive Monitoring

    Speaker: James Wilkes PH. D


    James is a beekeeper, college professor, farmer, and entrepreneur. With a career in computer science education and years of practical beekeeping experience that includes building a small family farm and bee business, his expertise is working at the intersection of computing and honey bees. As the founder of HiveTracks, he creates technology solutions that deliver a positive impact for honey bees and the stakeholders and the food systems that depend on them. James enjoys engaging with the beekeeping community to improve our understanding and care of honey bees.




    • March 22, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Historic Oakview County Park, 4028 Carya Drive Raleigh NC 27610
    Register

    Bring your veil and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real colonies of bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, and suit.  
     The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • March 22, 2026
    • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Cary Bark Bar 302 S Walker St, Cary, NC 27511

    Swarm Team Captains and Members will gather to kick off swarm season.  We will discuss notifications, response, and expectations.  Meet your captains and get to know other swarm team members.  A zoom link will be sent to team members if you cannot attend in person.

    This event is open to all registered swarm team members.  No registration needed.

    • April 14, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    6:30 PM: Bee Stuff Sale (tools, woodenware honeybee products)

    The Wake County BeeKeeper's Association is hosting a Bee Stuff Sale.

    A few guidelines:

    If you plan to sell - be at Parking Lot by 6:15, to set up.  The parking lot will be marked for the Sale and look for volunteers to answer any questions.  Also, any items not sold during sale must be taken back by the owner or can be donated for club use.

    You can also post your items on the Wake County Facebook page.

    If you plan to buy - the event starts at 6:30. Please bring cash. You dont have to be a member to buy!

    Reach out to Lee Clark-Sellers with any questions. klclark@nc.rr.com or 919 637 2109

    7pm Workshop: TBD

    7:30pm Topic: TBD

    Speaker:  TBD  


    • April 19, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Historic Oakview County Park 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    Bring your veil and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real colonies of bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, and suit.  
     The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • May 12, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    7pm Workshop: TBD

    7:30pm Topic: Building a Profitable Beekeeping Business 

    Speaker: James Hartman MBA

    • May 17, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Historic Oakview County Park 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    Bring your veil and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real colonies of bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, and suit.  
     The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • June 09, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    7pm Workshop: TBD

    7:30pm Topic: Getting Younger Generations Into Beekeeping 

    Speaker:  Brandon Dillman

    • June 14, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Historic Oakview County Park 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    Bring your veil and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real colonies of bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, and suit.  
     The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • July 09, 2026
    • July 11, 2026
    • Benton Convention Center

    SAVE THE DATE


    • July 14, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • TBD
    Register

    7pm Workshop: FUN!!!

    7:30pm Topic: Food


    • July 19, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Historic Oakview County Park 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    Bring your veil and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real colonies of bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, and suit.  
     The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • August 11, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    7pm Workshop: TBD

    7:30pm Topic: Instrumental Insemination & Sustainable Hive Management

    Speaker: Brandon Simmons


    • August 15, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St, Raleigh
    Register

    Club member volunteers needed again at MUD DAY!  If you are available, please RSVP and details will follow closer to the event.

    Walnut Creek Wetland Park is proud to host our 8th annual Mud Day event on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM! This family-friendly festival highlights the importance of wetlands and encourages children to explore nature through activities like a mud slide, obstacle course, live animal encounters, and crafts. 

    Mud Day will take place in and around Walnut Creek Wetland Park’s Norman and Betty Camp Education Center located at 950 Peterson Street in Raleigh.

    • August 16, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Historic Oakview County Park 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    Bring your veil and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real colonies of bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, and suit.  
     The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • September 08, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    7pm Workshop: TBD

    7:30pm Topic: Do Insulated Hives Make a Difference?

    Speaker: Tito Sierra

    Tito is the founder of RALEIGH BEE (https://raleighbee.com), a small NCSBA Certified Honey Producer located 2 miles east of the State Capitol. Tito is a Certified Beekeeper in North Carolina, and is the Vice President of the Wake County Beekeeper Association.

    • September 20, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 4028 Carya Drive Raleigh NC 27610
    Register

    Bring your veil, hive tool and smoker! Grab a friend and come play with some bees!! 

    WHAT: Watch and participate as Mr. Buzz Ben Crawley inspects real hives with real bees. Questions from the crowd are encouraged!

    WHERE: The hives are located near the cotton field at Historic Oak View

    WHEN: This event usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday from March-September. The event is weather dependent and may be moved for other conflicts. 

    The practical exam for the NCSBA Certified Beekeeper program are also given at each Hands on the Hive event, no appointment necessary. Please make sure the instructor knows you are there to take the test at the beginning of the meeting. For the practical part you must bring your own equipment including a smoker, veil, suit and hive tool. The form with the criteria for the practical exam can be found on the state website.


    • October 13, 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    6:30 PM:  Annual Fall Plant Exchange & Club Swap Shop

    Plant Exchange
    Fall is the best time to divide most perennials.  With the approaching cold weather, plants focus on root development and wait until spring to focus on blooms.  Plants suffer less stress with being planted in the fall, and although you should water regularly (at least once a week) after transplanting, and continue until frost, after that, baring any droughts, most plants can handle a lot less attention going into the spring. 

    Want to participate?  Here is how it works:  You bring bee-friendly plants you want to exchange, and receive a ticket for each plant you bring, that can be exchanged for plants that others bring.  You are welcome to bring other plants that you think people might want, but you will only receive a ticket for bee-friendly plants. 

    Each plant should be accompanied by a tag indicating what it is, and each group of plants that are the same should have a description on an index card, suitable for taking a picture

    Equipment Sale (tools, woodenware honeybee products):

    If you plan to sell - be at the parking Lot by 6:15, to set up.  The parking lot will be marked for the sale and look for volunteers to answer any questions. Also any items not sold during parking lot sale must be taken back by the owner and is not eligible for raffle. However, items can be donated for club use.

    You can also post your items on the Wake County Facebook page.

    If you plan to buy - the event starts at 6:30. Please bring cash

    7pm Workshop: TBD

    7:30pm Topic: Flow Hives

    Speaker:  Willy Tracy

    • November 10, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    7:00 - PLEASE ARRIVE BY 7PM TO ALLOW TIME TO CHECK IN

    VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RAFFLE kicks off after everyone checks in.  Each member with participation and volunteer credits will earn raffle tickets towards some awesome prizes!   There will be many fantastic items you can enter to win.  You will be able to choose which prizes to enter your tickets.

    *No raffle tickets are for sale, only those earned by members


    • December 08, 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Wake County Commons 4011 Carya Dr, Raleigh
    Register

    6:30-8:30PM:   WCBA 2025 Potluck Holiday Gathering (Note Time Change!)

    Come join us for fun and food at our 2026 Annual Holiday Gathering at the Wake Commons building. This is a perfect time to visit and catch up with fellow club members.   BEEKEEPER OF THE YEAR will also be awarded. 

    The club will provide ham and turkey, as well as beverages and paper goods.  Members need to sign up to bring EITHER a side-dish, dessert or bread through signup genius.  Look for that!


    We look forward to having you come and celebrate this past year and share your bee stories with your fellow beekeepers. It's a great time to share your culture and traditions.


Past events

February 10, 2026 February Club Meeting
February 05, 2026 Club Website and App Bootcamp - evening edition
February 05, 2026 Spring (February) NCSBA Conference RSVP
February 04, 2026 Club Website and App Bootcamp - weekday edition
January 31, 2026 Club Website and App Bootcamp - weekend edition
January 13, 2026 January Club Meeting
December 09, 2025 December Membership Meeting
November 18, 2025 November Membership Meeting
October 18, 2025 Frame and Hive Assembly Workshop
October 14, 2025 October Membership Meeting
October 04, 2025 Kids in Nature Day
October 04, 2025 DJ's Berry Patch
September 27, 2025 Pollinator Garden 25th Anniversary
September 21, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
September 20, 2025 Bugfest
September 09, 2025 September Membership Meeting
August 22, 2025 NCPCA Field Day
August 17, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
August 16, 2025 Art Workshop
August 16, 2025 Mud Day
August 12, 2025 August Membership Meeting
August 09, 2025 Meadmaking Workshop
July 26, 2025 Wax Workshop
July 20, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
July 10, 2025 NCSBA Summer Conference
July 08, 2025 July Membership Summer Cookout at Anderson Point Park
June 22, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
June 21, 2025 Pollinator Party at JC Raulston Arboretum
June 14, 2025 Pollinator Festival at Lake Crabtree Park
June 10, 2025 June Membership Meeting
May 27, 2025 Journeyman Review Online Class
May 18, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
May 17, 2025 Spring Picnic
May 13, 2025 May Membership Meeting
April 15, 2025 Advanced Beekeeper Online Training
April 13, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
April 08, 2025 April Membership Meeting
March 23, 2025 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
March 11, 2025 March Membership Meeting
March 06, 2025 Spring Meeting with NC and SC Beekeepers
February 11, 2025 February Membership Meeting
February 08, 2025 Make your own mead workshop
January 14, 2025 Beginner Beekeeper School
January 14, 2025 January Membership Meeting
January 14, 2025 Trees for bees webinar
December 10, 2024 December Membership Meeting
November 12, 2024 November Membership Meeting
October 08, 2024 October Membership Meeting
September 14, 2024 BugFest
September 10, 2024 September Membership Meeting
August 18, 2024 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!!
August 17, 2024 MUD DAY at Walnut Creek Wetland Park
August 13, 2024 August Membership Meeting
July 21, 2024 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!
July 11, 2024 2024 Summer State Conference in Pinehurst, NC
July 09, 2024 July Membership Meeting
June 29, 2024 Pollinator Festival at Lake Crabtree County Park
June 23, 2024 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!
June 11, 2024 June Membership Meeting
May 19, 2024 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!
May 18, 2024 Club Picnic
May 11, 2024 Wild About Nature Day
May 07, 2024 May Membership Meeting
May 04, 2024 Kids In Nature Day Volunteer Signup
April 28, 2024 Hands on the Hive with Mr. Buzz!!!
April 27, 2024 Songbird Celebration
April 20, 2024 Earth Day at Marbles Museum
April 20, 2024 EarthFest
April 19, 2024 Arbor Day at Dix Park
April 09, 2024 April Membership Meeting
March 24, 2024 Hands on the Hive With Mr. Buzz!
March 12, 2024 March Membership Meeting
March 07, 2024 Join Us at the 2024 Spring State Conference in New Bern
February 13, 2024 February Membership Meeting
January 23, 2024 Beginner Beekeeper School
January 20, 2024 Introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping
January 16, 2024 January Membership Meeting
December 12, 2023 December Membership Meeting
November 14, 2023 November Membership Meeting
October 10, 2023 October Membership Meeting
September 16, 2023 BUGFEST
September 12, 2023 September Membership Meeting
September 09, 2023 Wax Products and Honey Bottling Workshop
August 20, 2023 Hands on the Hive
August 19, 2023 Mud Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Park
August 08, 2023 August Membership Meeting
July 22, 2023 Second Mead Making Workshop
July 16, 2023 Hands on the Hive
July 13, 2023 NCSBA Summer Conference
July 11, 2023 July Membership Meeting
June 25, 2023 Hands on the Hive
June 24, 2023 BEE JUBILEE at Granville County Expo Center
June 13, 2023 June Membership Meeting
June 03, 2023 BEE FEST at Lonerider Hideout Wake Forest
May 21, 2023 Hands on the Hive
May 09, 2023 May Membership Meeting
May 06, 2023 Apiculture Lab visit and BBQ Lunch
April 16, 2023 Hands on the Hive
April 11, 2023 April Membership Meeting
March 26, 2023 Hands on the Hive
March 14, 2023 March Membership Meeting
March 10, 2023 NCSBA Spring Conference
March 04, 2023 Mead Making Workshop
February 14, 2023 February Membership Meeting
February 01, 2023 WCBA Bee School
January 10, 2023 January Membership Meeting
January 06, 2023 Hive Life Conference & Trade Show
December 13, 2022 December Membership Meeting
November 08, 2022 November Membership Meeting
October 15, 2022 2022 State Fair Honey Sales
October 13, 2022 North Carolina State Fair
October 11, 2022 October Membership Meeting
October 01, 2022 Wild About Nature
September 24, 2022 Farm Aid
September 18, 2022 Hands on the Hive
September 13, 2022 September Membership Meeting
August 21, 2022 Hands on the Hive
August 09, 2022 August Membership Meeting
August 01, 2022 EAS 2022 Conference
July 28, 2022 North Carolina State Beekeepers Association Summer Meeting
July 17, 2022 Hands on the Hive
July 12, 2022 July Membership Meeting
June 14, 2022 June Membership Meeting
June 12, 2022 Hands on the Hive
May 15, 2022 Hands on the Hive
May 10, 2022 May Membership Meeting
April 12, 2022 April Membership Meeting
April 10, 2022 Hands on the Hive
January 15, 2022 Testing for Certified Beekeeper
January 08, 2022 Bee School for Beginners

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