By Kay Whatley, Editor

This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond (Inner Coastal Plains / Five County area of Eastern NC). Piedmont and Coastal events are sometimes included on this weekly list.

Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included. Some may be rescheduled, so check with organizers as needed. 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/updated.

Feel free to email event notices to the editor.

Note that Tuesday, August 1, 2017 is National Night Out. See Eastern NC National Night Out events here.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Wilson Farmers Market (August 2, 2017 @ 7:30am-noon)

This market is open from the end of April through August at two locations, depending on day of the week. Wednesdays (8am-1pm), the market is open at 207 W Green Street, Wilson NC. Saturdays (7:30am-noon), the market is at the Hwy 301, Wilson County Fairgrounds on Highway 301, Wilson NC. Updates are posted here.

Ditch and Switch: Chemical Free Options (August 2, 2017 @ 6pm)

Held at the Zebulon Community Center 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Attend and learn more about reducing the chemicals in your home. It is much easier then you think. Hosted by My Organic Foundation.

Exhibit Reception for Food for Thought: Immigration and Dining in NC (August 2, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Head to the City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh NC, for a special reception; exhibit to be on display through August 31. The City of Raleigh Museum, in collaboration with The Mexican Consulate of Raleigh, Peter Marin (curator), Peter Eversoll (photographer), Jillian De Gezelle (ethnographer), present a photographic installation and documentary exhibition into the relationship that Latino immigrants have in growing, preparing and serving our food in North Carolina. It is the goal of this project to highlight the relationship between the local Latino immigrant community and Raleigh’s most beloved leisure activity: dining out.

Bark in The Park (August 2, 2017 @ 7:05pm)

This is the final “Bark in The Park” for the Durham Bulls 2017 season. Human tickets for the event are priced at just $7.99, plus tax, and canine tickets are priced at $5 per dog, plus tax. See details and rules on the MILB site.

Purchase tickets for this date’s game using the order code “BARK” here.

Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Games: August 2, 5 & 6, 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 and game times online here.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Sprinkler Fun Days (August 3, 2017 @ 3-4pm)

The Bridge Church presents this event every Thursday through August 17, 2017. Held at Cornerstone Commons, 200 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC. Beat the heat this summer. Supervised by the City of Goldsboro Fire Department. See www.dgdc.org/events.

Downtown Live! Featuring The Main Event Band (August 3, 2017 @ 6pm; doors 5pm)

Join the fun Thursday evening on the lawn at the Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Doors open at 5pm, and admission is free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the site. For more information, call 252.972.1266 or visit downtownrockymount.com. Next date is August 17, 2017.

2017 Outdoor Movie Series (August 3, 2017 @ 8-10pm)

Held on the back lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner NC. Free outdoor movie starting at sunset, around 8pm. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. No pets. Parents are asked to use discretion when deciding to bring children under age 13. In case of rain, the movie will be cancelled, so watch this event on Facebook for updates. See more about this event at downtowngarner.com/event/outdoor-movie-groundhog-day.

Friday, August 4, 2017

Franklin County Horse Farm Tour (August 4, 2017 @ 7:30am-3pm)

This 22nd-annual event is organized by Franklin County Cooperative Extension, Louisburg NC.  See all new horse farm facilities. $10 per person donation. To pre-register (by August 2), call Franklin County Cooperative Extension at 919.496.3344.

First Friday on the Lawn (August 4, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

This date, National Night Out will be celebrated during First Friday. Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. The first Friday of each month, from July to October, join the city of Wilson on the library lawn for a free community concert. Next date is September 1, 2017. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.

First Friday Flix (August 4, 2017 @ 7pm)

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, located at 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC, hosts free, movie showings on the first Friday evening of each month. Concessions will be available for purchase. For information, call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919.435.9458 or visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/featured-events.aspx.

Nash Arts Fundraiser (August 4, 2017 @ 7pm)

Come for this benefit concert with all proceeds to help support local-area art programs. Tickets are $8. Three local groups will be performing; “Ekklesia” a brother sister duo from Servants Heart Fellowship,” FEED” who have reunited to celebrate their 2005 CD release Silver Lining, and local 10-piece music group “Worship Suite” who’s strong vocals and modern approach is to spread the gospel through popular Christian music. Held at the Nash Arts Center, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Area Farmers Markets

• Wilson Farmers Market ( @ 7:30am-noon) — This market is open from the end of April through August at two locations, depending on day of the week. Wednesdays (8am-1pm), the market is open at 207 W Green Street, Wilson NC. Saturdays (7:30am-noon), the market is at the Hwy 301, Wilson County Fairgrounds on Highway 301, Wilson NC. Updates are posted here.
• Wendell Farmers Market ( @ 8am-noon) — This market includes produce and goods from local farmers and crafters. Held at the corner of Pine Street and Wendell Boulevard, Wendell NC. Check schedule/updates on their Facebook page.
• Rocky Mount Farmers Market ( @ 8am-1pm) — The market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The market is open Saturdays (8am-1pm) from April to November. During summer months — June, July, and August — the market is also open on Wednesdays (8am-1pm). Updates are posted to this Facebook page.
• Franklin County Farmers Market ( @ 8am-1pm) — Held outdoors at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg NC, this market is open Saturdays (8am-1pm), Tuesdays (9am-1pm), and Fridays (9am-1pm). Updates are posted on their Facebook page.
• “ZFFM” — Zebulon Farm Fresh Market ( @ 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. See market updates and weekly themes on their Facebook page.
• Clayton Farm and Community Market ( @ 9am-1pm) — Held at 348 E Main Street, Clayton NC. This market has two seasons: Regular Season runs Saturdays through October, and Winter Season is every-other Saturday November through March. See more on their Facebook page.

Tarboro Home Grown Hand Made Market (August 5, 2017 @ 8am)

This farmers market is open the first and third Saturdays of the month. The location is 500 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. Updates and schedule information may be found on their Facebook page here, along with calls-for-vendors.

Horse Farm Volunteer Information Session (August 5, 2017 @ 10am-noon)

Head to Kindred Spirits Farm, 5591 Massey Road, Zebulon NC, and learn about this therapy and riding farm and volunteer opportunities. Everyone is welcome. Come out and enjoy time with the horses. Farm information is online at www.kindredspiritsfarmnc.com and on Facebook.

Stepping Into The Past (August 5, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

This weekly series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission. 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 August 12, 2017. Note that November 10-11, 2017, a BBQ cook-off is scheduled.

Authors in August (August 5, 2017 @ 10am-5pm)

Come for this special event with in the Warner and Riley Rooms with local authors, book presentations, and book signings. Held at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. Questions, call Kesha Joyner at 252.442.1951 x.253.  Braswell Library information may be found here.

Brown Bag Lunch (August 5, 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.

Urban Beach Party (August 5, 2017 @ 4-7pm)

Have a “Splashing Good Time” in Uptown Selma with the Urban Beach Party hosted by Selma Parks and Recreation. They are bringing the beach to Selma for kids and adults alike. TaylorMade DJ Services will spin the tunes on South Raiford Street, between Anderson and Railroad Streets, Selma NC. There will be games, water, cool treats, water, relay races, water, inflatable water slides, water sprinklers, sand digging, water balloon fights, water guns, volleyball, and more. Admission is free for kids and adults. Visit www.selma-nc.com/urban-beach-party or call Melissa Dooley 919.965.9841 x.8003.

Fayetteville SwampDogs Baseball (Home Game:  August 5, 2017 @ 7:05pm)

Enjoy a baseball game at “The Swamp” — J.P. Riddle Stadium, 2823 Legion Road, Fayetteville NC. See full schedule at www.goswampdogs.com.

Family Movie Night at Joyner Park (August 12, 2017 @ 8:30-10:30pm)

This Town of Wake Forest free, open-to-the-public outdoor movie is being held at the E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC. There will be on-site food vendors. Bring a blanket and/or chairs. Arriving early is recommended. No alcohol, smoking, or unleashed pets. (To obtain the movie title, sign up for The Week Ahead, www.wakeforestnc.gov/enews.aspx or call 919.556.7063.) If it rains, Family Movie Night will be moved inside Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N White Street, in Wake Forest. This is the final date. See details at www.wakeforestnc.gov/family-movie-nights-at-joyner-park.aspx.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Mudcats Bark in the Park (August 6, 2017 @ 2-5pm)

Load up your furry friend and head to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC, for this Carolina Mudcats Baseball event. Tickets are $5 for dogs, and $7 for owners. Gates opening up at 1pm. See ticket information here.

Tobs Baseball (Home game: August 6, 2017@ gates 4pm; game 5pm)

“Bang for your Buck” Sunday with giveaways and prizes all night long. Opponent is the Wilmington Sharks. Head over to from Fleming Stadium, 300 Stadium Street SW, Wilson NC, for a Tobs home game. See game times, promotions, and more at wilsontobs.com.

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

Enjoy a concert at Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, 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. This is the last Sunday in the Park for Summer 2017.

Coming Soon

An Intimate Evening by Old Milburne Farm (August 9, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

Nashville based singer-songwriters Olivia Rudeen and Madeleine will be having an intimate performance under the pavilion. Olivia Rudeen recently had one of her songs featured on CMT’s show “Nashville” and she is making a special stop at Old Milburnie Farm during her Summer Tour. Dinner plates and beer will be on sale. Held at Old Milburnie Farm, 1901 Old Milburnie Road, Raleigh NC. Tickets are $20, available here.

Coffee with a Cop (August 10, 2017 @ 8:30-9:30am)

Join the Goldsboro Police Department for conversation and a cup of coffee. Held at Starbucks, 603 North Berkeley Blvd, Goldsboro NC. See updates on their Facebook page.

Center Street Jam (August 10, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Come and enjoy this free, after-hours summer concert series in downtown Goldsboro NC, with music, cold drinks, delicious food from local vendors, kids activities, and more. Bring a lawn chair, dancing shoes, and friends and family. See more details at www.dgdc.org/events. Next final 2017 Center Street Jam date is August 24, 2017.

10 Plants that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies (August 11, 2017 @ noon)

Part of the 10 Plant Tour series in the Nash County Arboretum, located at the Nash County Agriculture Center, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville NC.  Tours are free; call call 252.459.9810 with questions. Next date is August 25, 2017. See all dates at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/03/2017-ten-plant-tours.

Summer Night Lights (August 11, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

The city of Rocky Mount NC Parks and Recreation Department presents this free block-party style program every Friday night through August 18. Join the fun outside with sports, a DJ, inflatables, and more at a city park. August 11 location is Meadowbrook Park, 1742 Bedford Road, Rocky Mount NC. Questions, call 252.972.1151. Future date is August 18, 2017, at Hornebean Park, 150 Cunningham Drive, Rocky Mount NC.  See schedule here.

Mill Music Sessions Free Concert (August 11, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Held on the lawn at Rocky Mount Mills, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, family, and friends. Concerts are free, open to the public and are fun for all ages. No coolers; pick up a picnic dinner from one of the Mill restaurants and grab a drink from one of the local breweries and the bottle shop. This series and more events at www.rockymountmills.com/calendar-events. Next date is September 8, 2017.

Friday Night on White (August 11, 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 Night (August 11, 2017 @ 7pm)

Enjoy free family movie and popcorn on the second Friday of each month. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Doors open at 6:30pm. Free popcorn and bottled water. Call Zebulon Parks and Rec at 919.823.0432 for movie title. See more on the town website at www.townofzebulon.org.

The Market @ Knightdale Station Park (August 12, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

The 2017 market operates the second Saturday of each month (May through October). Each market Saturday has a will be a themed event with live music and activities. Held at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater located at 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. See details at www.knightdalenc.gov.

Bluegrass Picnic Summer Series (August 12, 2017 @ 5-7pm)

Hear local artists live at these free, family-friendly, alcohol-free outdoor concerts. Held at J. Ashley Wall Town Square, Wendell NC. Future date is September 9, 2017.

Family Movie Series (August 12, 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 September 15, 2017.

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (August 12-13, 2017)

Enjoy shrimp, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, fun activities, and fireworks too. Adult admission is $6, children 6-12 are $3, and ages 0-5 are free. See full schedule at www.sneadsferryshrimpfestival.org/events.

2017 Paws For Life Quarter Auction (August 13, 2017 @ 3-6pm)

Come join the auction and raise funds for Paws For Life NC Animal Rescue. This special event is being held at the The Sutherland Estate and Gardens, 13371 Wake Union Church Road, Wake Forest NC. All money raised from this charity auction goes directly to the care and support (including medical costs) associated with the animals in their program.  Auction Paddle fee at the door will be $3 (one paddle per person). Bring food and drink. Bring 2 rolls of quarters (or more) for bidding. There will be a raffle and other items given away too. “Come enjoy the fun and help save animals.”

National Geocaching Day Raffle (August 16, 2017)

The Wayne County Museum, 116 N William Street, Goldsboro NC,  is holding a variety of raffles throughout the day on National Geocaching Day. Join this day of celebration at the museum. Online submission to the raffle may be made at waynemuseum.org/geotrail.  The winner of this raffle will win a pre-paid visa that will pay for 1 year’s subscription to the Geocaching app to complete the Wayne County Heritage Geotrail.

RTP 180 “Hacking” Presentation (August 17, 2017 @ doors 5pm; event 6-8pm)

Held at The Frontier, 800 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park NC. At RTP180 events, speakers from universities, local companies, and the community take the stage to speak about what matters to them. Doors open at 5pm for networking. Show kicks off at 6pm. The hashtag for this event is #RTP180. Tickets are free, but often “sell out” — so they always livestream from their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/TheRTPNC for those unable to attend. See future event dates and topics at www.rtp.org/program/rtp-180.

Concert at Clayton Town Square (August 17, 2017 @ 5:30-9pm)

Join the crowd for a 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 concert September 8, 2017. See the town website here.

Food Truck Thursday (August 17, 2017 @ 6pm)

Stop by to purchase dinner 6-8pm near the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. Food trucks arranged weekly at the park. See the full schedule on the town website here. This date is dinnertime only — no lunch trucks — on August 17, 2017 with live music. Next date is September 7, 2017.

Friday Nights on the Tar (August 18, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Come and join the Town of Louisburg, Tar Bank Brewing Company, and local business sponsors for this free Summer concert Series in downtown Louisburg NC. The band performing is Big Fat Gap. This event is family friendly. Bring lawn chairs or blanket for comfort. No Pets. Food and beverages will be offered for sale, and there will be games to play. No coolers. See lineup and food truck information at townoflouisburg.org. Next date is September 15, 2017.

Movies on the Lawn (August 19, 2017 @ 7-10pm)

Come and watch a movie in this “picnic style, drive-in movie event.” Held on the lawn at the Wayne County Museum, 116 N. William Street, Goldsboro NC. Bring a blanket, loved ones, and friends. Local food trucks will offering food and drinks for sale and the museum will provide popcorn. See more on their Facebook event page.

Summer 2017 Under the Stars Movie Series (August 19, 2017 @ dusk)

Come for an outdoor movie presented by the Nashville Parks and Recreation Department at Glover Field — J W Glover Memorial Park, 1434 S First Street, Nashville NC. Click link to see the Town of Nashville movie series PDF with movie titles. Next movie date is September 16, 2017.

Music on Main Concert (August 22, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Join the fun Tuesday night in downtown Farmville NC. The Farmville Chamber of Commerce and Music on Main present The Band of Oz for your listening pleasure. See www.facebook.com/MusiconMainFarmvilleNC.

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.

Triangle Vegfest (August 26-27, 2017)

This year’s festival is in Durham. Day 1 is “Presenter Day” 10am-5pm at the Durham Arts Council’s PSI Theater,120 Morris Street, Durham NC. Day 2 is “Vendor Day” 11am-5pm, at the Durham Armory, 220 Foster Street, Durham NC. Admission to this plant-based diet event is free. Come and learn, eat, have fun, and do something good for your family and the Earth. See details at www.trianglevegfest.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.

Coming in September

Cumberland County Fair (September 1-10, 2017)

Annual fair held at the Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville NC. Labor Day weekend enjoy the fair with amusements, food, rides, animals, and more. See cumberlandcountyfair.org.

2017 Raleigh Greek Festival (September 8-10, 2017)

Music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, vendors, and Greek food on sale. Held in the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and ages 13-18, and kids under 13 are free. Note that a free admission ticket might be available on the website. See performer information, ticket link, and more at raleighgreekfestival.com. A portion of the proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest (September 9, 2017 @ 11am-4pm)

This spicy, 11th-annual event takes over Main Street in Oxford NC. Celebrate North Carolina hot sauces and BBQ sauces, breweries, wineries, and fiery foods. Compete, or enjoy a Classic Car Show, watch “North Carolina’s only Pepper Eating Contest” with Bailey Farms, live local bands, food trucks, children’s rides, a craft show, an Antique Farm Show with the Lord Granville Agricultural Heritage Association, and a day of family fun. See more at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.

International Food and Music Festival (September 16, 2017 @ 11am-5pm)

This annual festival by St. Eugene Catholic Church draws thousands for a wide variety of foods and world dance performances. held at J. Ashley Wall Towne Square, W Third Street and W Cypress Street, Wendell NC. See festival details, raffle and vendor information, and more at www.thefoodfestival.com.

Asheville Film Festival (September 16, 2017)

Head to Asheville NC and enjoy watching some of the 46 films at this film fest. Watch for updates at www.ashevillencfilmfestival.com or on their Facebook page.

Wilson County Fair (September 19-24, 2017)

Watch the fairground’s website for details and schedule: www.wilsoncountyfair.org.

Family Fun at the Farm (September 23, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Come out and enjoy some family time at the horse farm with games, activities for kids, demonstrations, information, and more. Held at Kindred Spirits Farm, 5591 Massey Road, Zebulon NC,  Farm information is online at www.kindredspiritsfarmnc.com and on Facebook.

Eastern Triangle Farm Tour (September 23-24, 2017 @ 1-5pm)

One fee per car and visit dozens of farms from Durham to Bunn/Louisburg, Rougemont to Angiers, depending on farm signed up for 2017. Drive where you want to drive, and see what you want to see, from a wide variety of farms. See details, maps, and ticket information at www.carolinafarmstewards.org/eastern-triangle-farm-tour (Note that they need volunteers each year.)

Downtown Clayton Movie Nights (September 29, 2017 @ 7pm)

When it starts getting dark early, Clayton breaks out the Town Square for free, Friday night movies. Bring a blankets, drinks, and food and enjoy a free film outdoors at Clayton Town Square, 110 W Main Street, Clayton NC. Fun begins at 7pm with face painting, inflatable, games, and more. Refreshments, food trucks, and vendors will be available before and during the movie, which begins when the sun goes down. Additional dates October 13 & 27, 2017. See www.townofclaytonnc.org/…/movie-night.

NC Muscadine Festival (September 29-30, 2017)

Entertainment, cooking contests, shag dancing, vendors, food, and more. Held at the Duplin County Events Center, 195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville NC. Tickets range from $5-10, with more details at www.ncmuscadinefestival.com/tickets.html.

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.