Things To Do in NC When You’re Bored — May 17-21

Things To Do in NC When You're Bored. Source: The Grey Area News, Zebulon NC.
Things To Do in NC When You're Bored. Source: The Grey Area News, Zebulon NC.

By Kay Whatley, Editor

This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond. Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included. Events below range from free happenings (majority) to mid-level and ticketed events.

Event information comes from organizers, event postings, and emailed announcements. Attempts are made to verify events from confirmed sources, or multiple sources when possible. Events may be added in the days following publication.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Downtown Alive (May 17, 2017 @ 5:30-8:30pm)

Come join the tradition of food, beverages, dancing and fun at the annual Downtown Alive concert series. This night’s performers are Band of Oz. Held on the grassy lot on 210 Tarboro Street,  (Historic Downtown) Wilson NC. No coolers; no pets. It is recommended that you bring a chair, blanket, sunscreen, and/or dance moves. Park in the adjacent Centre Brick lot or the BB&T parking lot. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be rescheduled. See more at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/events. Next Downtown Alive date is May 31, 2017.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Fraud and Identity Theft Protection (May 18, 2017 @ 6-7pm)

The Rocky Mount Police Department will host this informational session in the council chambers on the third floor of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building, 331 S Franklin Street, Rocky Mount NC. Topics for the hour-long seminar include the different types of fraud common to Rocky Mount, telephone scams, identity theft, and more. For more information, contact Yvette Jones at 252.972.1436.

Screening of “Homeplace Under Fire” (May 18, 2017 @ 7-9pm)

Documentary on family farms and advocacy. Movie screening will be in the Griffith Theatre, Bryant Center at Duke University, 125 Science Drive, Durham NC. RSVP at events.duke.edu/homeplace. Event Speakers are Charles D. Thompson and Farm Aid Co-founder John Mellencamp. With questions, call 919.660.3663 or visit the film website www.homeplaceunderfire.org to learn more.

Tackle The Tar (May 18-20, 2017)

Rocky Mount Rotary Club #6122 and Rocky Mount Mills present a concert Thursday at Rocky Mount Mills, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC, plus their Tackle the Tar information here describes additional happenings at Rocky Mount Municipal Stadium/Imperial Centre events on Friday and Saturday.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Kids & Family Movie Night (May 19, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

Come see the movie, Moana, plus enjoy live entertainment and bounce houses. This free, family-friendly event is held at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, 600 Independence Drive, Rocky Mount NC.

The Legacy Motown Revue at Clayton Town Square (May 19, 2017 @ 5:30-9pm)

Join the crowd for this free concert in Town Square, 110 W Main Street, Clayton NC. Event begins at 5:30pm with food trucks, inflatables, vendors, and more, with live music starting at 6pm. This Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA) concert series offers free concerts May 19, June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 8, 2017.

Rocky Mount Picture Show! (May 19, 2017 @ 6:30-11:30pm)

Local business team up to present — for one night only in a true movie house — small-screen style Rocky Horror Picture Show with a special pre-presentation of American Werewolf in London. Held at the Booker T. Washington Theater, 170 W Thomas Street, Rocky Mount NC. Dress as your favorite Rocky Horror character and have some fun. Tickets are $15, available at Arkham Comix, 3010 Sunset Avenue, in Rocky Mount. or wait until the night of at the door — seats are limited so its suggested that tickets be purchased early. Event is geared toward adults 18 and older. Brought to you by:

  • Arkham Comix
  • Koi Pond Brewing Company
  • Angelo’s Pizza of Rocky Mount
  • Modern Electric Tattoo
  • RedPhish Music
  • Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
  • Rock City Powersports
  • The Barber Room
  • Digital Repair, LLC

Koi Pond Brewing and Angelo’s Pizza will be onsite offering food/drinks for purchase throughout the night.

Zaxby’s Movie Night with Selma Parks and Recreation (May 19, 2017 @ 7-10pm)

Come early and pick a spot, buy a snack, and hang out and enjoy entertainment before the movie. This is a free event. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket for comfort. The feature presentation is The Secret Life of Pets. Movie starts at dusk. Address is 201 N Raiford Street, Selma NC. In case of inclement weather, movies will be rescheduled. Visit the Selma Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates.

Got to Be NC Festival (May 19-21, 2017)

An always-fun free celebration of and about NC. This event runs three days and offers food, music, beverages, a carnival, antique farm equipment, and so much more. Held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Daily ride wristbands available on Friday and Saturday. Check out the “Homegrown Fare” section to see food/drink made in NC. Ride the Fair Flyer too. Got to Be NC Festival details and schedule are online at gottobencfestival.com.

Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Games: May 16-18, 2017)

Come and root for the home team at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39, Zebulon NC. Home games often include special promotions and Friday fireworks. See full schedule online here.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (May 20, 2017 @ 9am-1pm)

“ZFFM” is open Saturdays from May to October 2017. The location is the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC — just across Arendell Avenue from the Food Lion plaza. May 20 will be “Pet Day at the Market.” See market updates on their Facebook page.

Rabies Vaccination Clinic (May 20, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

The city of Rocky Mount is holding this event at the former Rocky Mount Animal Shelter, 1101 North Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rabies Vaccination Clinic is for cats and dogs only, four months and older. Pets must be on leashes or in carriers, and the cost is just $5 per pet, cash only. Animal adoptions are also available. For more information on the Rabies Vaccination Clinic, call Boykin at 252.972.1390.

Selma Saturdays Arts & Crafts Market (May 20, 2017 @ 9am-1pm)

Live entertainment and handcrafted items for sale from local artists. The Gazebo is located at the 100 Block of E. Anderson Street, Uptown Selma NC, in the back parking lot of Town Hall. Market will also be open June 17, September 16, October 21, November 18.

Stepping Into The Past (May 20, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

This weekly series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission. May 20 focus is NC agriculture. Confirm topic and details at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past. Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC. Next date is May 27, 2017, when the topic is Whittling.

Happening on the Common (May 20, 2017 @ 10am-9pm)

This free event is held on the Tarboro Historic Town Common, along Main Street, Tarboro NC. Come for music, food, arts and crafts, and activities. (Watch for street closures.)

Brown Bag Lunches (May 20, 2017 @ 11am-12:30pm)

Just about every Saturday, Zebulon United Methodist Church provides free “brown bag lunches” to anyone who drives or walks by the church at 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. For more information on food distribution for those in need, or to volunteer, visit www.zumchurch.org, which also lists other events on this date.

Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival (May 20, 2017 @ noon-8pm)

This family-oriented event is “a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions.” Held at 701 Stadium Drive, Durham NC. Free admission, free parking at Durham County Stadium. Enjoy Music, ethinic foods, arts and crafts, activities, and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. See lineup and schedule at durhamnc.gov/999/Bimbe-Cultural-Arts-Festival.

Family Fun Day (May 20, 2017 @ 9:30am-12:30pm)

Head over to Sunset Park, 1550 River Road, in Rocky Mount NC for free rides, food, activities, a spray park, games, health screenings, entertainment, and more. This event is free and open to the public. Organized by the Twin County Domestic Violence Task Force.

RoseFest (May 20, 2017 @ 10am-10pm)

Come celebrate our towns beauty and rebirth on Saturday in Pink Hill NC. This tiny town features “2230 pink roses blooming, white picket fences, and one stoplight.” Enjoy the flowers, plus food, entertainment, a pet parade, vendors, and much more.

Gary Presents – How Birds Fly (May 20, 2017 @ 11am-noon)

Gary Sherman Davis,  Sales Associate of Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill, a North Carolina native, ex-Marine, and a resident of Hillsborough, holds a PhD in Avian Physiology from NCSU, is a retired professor of Poultry Science and Physiology at NCSU, has been a wildlife enthusiast and birder for the majority of his life. Attendance this event and learn “How Birds Fly.” Held at Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC.

Family Movie Night at Joyner Park (May 20, 2017 @ 8:30-10pm)

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department hosts this outdoor movie in Joyner Park, located at 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC.

Art Of Murder Dinner Theatre (May 20, 2017 @ 6pm)

Check out this comedy/drama about art, retribution, and murder. Held at the Barn Dinner Theatre, 120 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro NC. Tickets and show information available at www.barndinner.com or by calling 336.292.2211. Show tickets ($48+) and times listed here.

Wings Over Wayne Air Show 2017 (May 20-21, 2017)

“The most exciting air show in eastern North Carolina!” See the legendary US Navy Blue Angels, the mightly F-15E Strike Eagle, and more. This free, family friendly event is held at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), 688 South Oak Forrest Road (Main Gate), Goldsboro NC. See entertainment schedule, vendors, and more at www.wingsoverwayne.com.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Summer Concerts on the Lawn (May 21, 2017 @ 6:30-7:30pm)

Grab a spot on the lawn for this free and family-friendly concert. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. Held at the Freeman Roundhouse Museum, 1202 Nash Street SE, Wilson NC. Concerts will run every Sunday (weather permitting) from May 7 through June 25, 2017. Next concert date is May 28, 2017. See more at www.theroundhousemuseum.com.

Sunday Supper at The Mills (May 21, 2017 @ 4-7pm)

Enjoy sharing a Southern Supper and homemade dessert auction.  This United Way Tar River Region event is being held at 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC. Food by Lou Reda’s: an American Table and Tap @ 1918. Hosted by WRAL’s Greg Fishel.  Live Entertainment by Luther Barnes, local Bluegrass favorites, and Martin County Spinners. Family activities too. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased by May 18 via www.unitedwaytrr.org.

Coming Soon

Tent Revival (May 22-June 2, 2017 @ 7pm)

This revival is being held at Norris Creek, 751 Old Halifax Road, Louisburg NC (near Bunn NC). For details, contact Evangelist Dr. Jack Sizemore of China Grove at 704.857.3327 or see drzack.org.

First in Flight RC Jet Rally (May 24-28, 2017)

Head over to Wilson Industrial Air Center Airport in Wilson NC for this free, open to the public event. See remote control jets and watch the competitions. Updates on organizers’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FIFJETRALLY.

Downtown Live! (May 25, 2017 @ 6-8:30pm)

The city’s summer concert series kicks off with the Wallers. Doors open at 5pm. Local food vendors on-site. Held at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. For the full band line-up and for more information, visit www.downtownrockymount.com. Next date is June 8, 2017.

Outdoor Movie: “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them” (June 1, 2017 @ 8-10pm)

The 2017 Outdoor Movie Series shows movies on the Back Lawn at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner NC. The show starts at sunset, around 8pm. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. This Outdoor Movie Series is presented by Downtown Garner, Planet Fitness, Home Towne Realty, and the Town of Garner. No pets. Due to film rating, parents should use discretion when deciding to bring children under the age of 13. If it rains, the movie will be cancelled. Watch this event on Facebook for updates.

Center Street Jam: Military Appreciation (June 1, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Come for this free downtown summer concert series, which is open to the public.  “Bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes and prepare to enjoy live music, great food, cold drinks & children’s activities.” Concert located in the John St. parking lot, 130 N. Center Street, Goldsboro NC. No coolers or pets allowed. See more details and future concerts at www.dgdc.org/events. Next date is June 15, 2017.

Community Yard Sale (June 3, 2017 @ 7-11am)

Open to all surrounding areas, come and check out the local yard sales in Black Creek NC. Should be a variety of items offered throughout the community. VENDORS/RESIDENTS: Free spaces may be reserved to sell/resell by calling Dale Edmundson at 252.373.1890.

First Annual Book Fest (June 3, 2017 @ 2-5pm)

Free admission to this community event and Literacy Campaign promoting reading in the community. The organization which bring the most guests will receive a cash donation. Meet/greet authors and purchase their books. Held at Wilson Community Church, 2301 Montgomery Drive, Wilson NC. Organized by Epps CreativeMindz Enterprises / CreativeMindz Book Lounge.

Spring Concert Series (June 3, 2017 @ 5:30-7pm)

Come to Mill Bridge Nature Park for this free Spring Concert in the Park. Bring family and friends to enjoy live music. Food trucks available at the site. Held at Mill Bridge Nature Park, 4600 Winslet Drive, Rolesville NC. Music by the Will McBridge Group. See more on this and other events at secure.rec1.com/NC/town-of-rolesville/catalog.

Sunday in the Park (June 4, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

Enjoy a concert at Dix Park Harvey Hill, 693 Palmer Drive, Raleigh NC. Bring a blanket or short lawn chairs and enjoy the music. Register for this free event at www.eventbrite.com. For refreshments, Food Trucks will be on-site.

Family Renaissance Fair (June 4, 2017 @ noon-4pm)

Head over for this special, free event hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. “Step back in time and visit Venice for an afternoon of merriment, music, games, traditional craft demonstrations, and art-making for the whole family! Princesses and kings, pirates and comedians, fairies and acrobats are just some of the people you will encounter at the NCMA’s Renaissance Village. Activities take place inside and out, rain or shine, and will include calligraphy, blacksmithing, maskmaking, interactive drumming, and performances.” Details and Fair food information at ncartmuseum.org.

Coffee with a Cop (June 7, 2017 @ 8-10am)

“The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve. By removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.” Join the Zebulon Police Department at McDonald’s, 141 Wakelon Street, Zebulon NC, for coffee and conversation.

Friday Night on White (June 9, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

The Town of Wake Forest holds free outdoor concerts along S White Street, Wake Forest NC. See details and future dates on the town website here.

Family Movie Series (June 10, 2017 @ 8:15pm)

Come and watch a free movie on the football field at Rolesville Middle School, 4700 Burlington Mills Road, Rolesville NC. Concessions available. See more on this and other events at secure.rec1.com/NC/town-of-rolesville/catalog. Future movie date is August 12, 2017.

301 Endless Yard Sale (June 16-17, 2017 @ 7am-5pm)

Plan to take part in this fifth-annual event with over 100 miles of antiques, thrift store finds, and yard sales with more than 500 vendors along US Hwy 301 from Weldon NC to Dunn NC through five counties. Map and information available at www.301endlessyardsale.com.

MUFON-NC Chapter Meeting (TBD Summer 2017 @ 2-5pm)

The Mutual UFO Network – North Carolina’s next chapter meets several times a year, rotating between Winston-Salem NC and other locations.  Admission is usually $10, payable at the door, which includes the presentation, networking, and often door prizes. An optional dinner gathering follows meetings, for those who’d like to continue discussions. See upcoming announcements at www.mufon-nc.com.

Winterville Watermelon Festival (August 24-26, 2017)

Held annually in Winterville NC, the festival includes entertainment, watermelon, and much more. Watch for coming schedule at www.watermelonfest.com.

 

Ed. Note: Event information gathered from various sources. While attempts are made to verify data, for most events contact details are included. If you’re planning to attend an event, use contact information or event links to confirm, check for updates or changes, or verify space is available. These events are publicized by The Grey Area News, but are not events overseen by this news site or staff.

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About Kay Whatley 2309 Articles
Kay Whatley serves as Editor and Reporter with The Grey Area News. Kay is a published author with over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. Kay Whatley is wife to Frank Whatley, founder of The Grey Area™ newspaper and The Grey Area News online news website.