Forest returned to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as Everton visited The City Ground.
Head Coach Steve Cooper made one change from last weekend's defeat at West Ham United, with Serge Aurier returning to the starting line-up in place of Neco Williams. There was also a welcome return to the matchday squad for Ryan Yates, who was named among the substitutes.
Following a minute's silence to remember those who sadly lost their lives in the Greece train tragedy last week, it was The Toffees who created the first half-chance on Trentside as Dwight McNeil blazed a left-footed strike over the crossbar from the edge of the area.
On nine minutes, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Jonjo Shelvey was adjudged to have fouled McNeil inside the box. Following a VAR check, referee John Brooks pointed to the spot where Demarai Gray stepped up and found the back of the net.
The Reds responded in positive fashion and were back on level terms on 19 minutes, Chris Wood playing a neat one-two with Morgan Gibbs-White before the attacking midfielder saw his strike well saved by Jordan Pickford, however Brennan Johnson was on hand to tuck the rebound into the back of the net.
Just before the half hour mark, Everton re-took the lead as Abdoulaye Doucouré latched on to Michael Keane's header to steer the ball past Keylor Navas.
On 39 minutes, McNeil came close as he arrowed a strike from the edge of the area which forced Navas into a save to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Just before the break, Johnson was fouled by Godfrey on the right hand side, a challenge which earned the Everton defender a first yellow card of the afternoon.
Half time: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Everton
Following a coming together on 55 minutes, both Renan Lodi and Gray were booked before James Tarkowski picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on our Brazilian full-back.
With chances few and far between in the second half, Cooper made a triple change on 69 minutes as Yates, André Ayew and Emmanuel Dennis entered the fold in place of Wood, Remo Freuler and Jack Colback.
On 77 minutes, The Reds were level as Johnson scored his second of the game in superb fashion. After Yates had the ball on the right, he had the awareness to find the Wales international before curling an effort into the top corner.
On 81 minutes Forest had a big chance on the break, Gibbs-White releasing Ayew whose shot towards the back-post was well saved by Pickford but Johnson couldn't quite keep his footing to connect with the loose ball.
The Reds were roared on by the electric City Ground crowd and Johnson nearly netted his hat-trick on 84 minutes after connecting first time with Gibbs-White's pull back but his effort dropped just wide of the far post.
With two minutes of normal time remaning the visitors introduced Neal Maupay and Tom Davies in place of Alexander Iwobi and Gray.
Referee Brooks added five minutes on and The Reds continued to push for a winner, however a late goal eluded Cooper's side who had to settle for a share of the points.
Full time: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Everton
Line-ups
Nottingham Forest: Keylor Navas, Serge Aurier, Jack Colback (Ryan Yates 69'), Morgan Gibbs-White, Joe Worrall (C), Renan Lodi, Brennan Johnson, Jonjo Shelvey, Remo Freuler (André Ayew 69'), Felipe, Chris Wood (Emmanuel Dennis 69')
Substitutes: Wayne Hennessey, Harry Toffolo, Neco Williams, Orel Mangala, Jesse Lingard, Sam Surridge
Goals: Johnson (19', 77')
Everton: Jordan Pickford, Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Alexander Iwobi (Tom Davies 88'), Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Dwight McNeil, Demarai Gray (Neal Maupay 88'), Ben Godfrey
Substitutes: Asmir Begović, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate, Ruben Vinagre, Conor Coady, James Garner, Ellis Simms
Goals: Gray (9'), Doucouré (29')