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). While most listed events are free happenings, some ticketed events may be included. Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed without our knowledge. Contact organizers directly for updates.
Free and low-fee events are listed below. To request inclusion of an event, email details to the Editor. Sponsors and logos are not included in listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.
Event organizers: Our online display ads, with link, are available for a monthly fee.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration
Thursday, January 18, 2018 @ 6pm
Local churches and community organizations are coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during this free, public celebration. Area residents are invited to attend the observance, beginning with a light meal at 6pm, followed by the program at 7pm. The event’s theme will center around one of King’s messages: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Held at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road, Wake Forest NC. For more details, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov or call Margo Grant at 908.672.8115.
Ancient Photons: Photographic Time Travel
Thursday, January 18, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Come enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, and A Time for Science’s adult education series “Under the Microscope.” The evening includes a presentation by Dr. Tim Christensen, who will share his journey as both a molecular biologist and an artist. His art focuses on compelling photographs of deep space.
From his home in Greenville, North Carolina he captures light that has traveled millions of years and unimaginable distances. His images include the grandeur of spiral galaxies and the chaotic gas and dust of nebula in our own Milky Way.
Cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple. Held at 729 Dickinson Avenue, Greenville NC. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 252.364.2862.
Bill Lyerly, Clyde Mattocks, & Alan Hicks
*RESCHEDULED* New date is Thursday, February 15, 2018 @ 8pm
An evening of really country music, with a little bluegrass mixed in for good measure. Held at the Nash County Arts Council, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC. Tickets are $15 (plus service fees) in advance, or $18 at the door. (Nash Arts Member discounts available.) Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3191395.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Recreational Adventures: A Poppin’ Good Time
Friday, January 19, 2018 @ 3-4pm
Celebrate National Popcorn Day at Yates Mill! Learn about different varieties of corn and what gives popcorn that unique POP. Take part in a creative popcorn-themed craft and enjoy some fresh-popped popcorn. Fee is $1 per person. Registration is required for all ages and children must be accompanied by an adult. Held at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC.
Free Carriage Rides
Friday, January 19, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Free carriage rides by Historic Downtown Smithfield. Rides begin at the corner of Third and Market Streets, Smithfield NC, and are first come, first served. See www.downtownsmithfield.com.
Wilmington On Fire Screening & Racial Dialogue
Friday, January 19, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Held at Rock Central Church, Suite 1, 3233 Burnt Mill Drive, Wilmington NC. Come for the free film screening followed by a racial dialogue.
About Wilmington On Fire: Rosewood has long been infamous, but Wilmington came first and was even more devastating in its effects. In 1898, Wilmington was North Carolina’s largest city, with a majority black population, a thriving black middle class, and a biracial Republican-Populist fusion government. On November 10, an armed mob of Democrat-backed white supremacists opened fire on African American neighborhoods, slaughtering hundreds and driving thousands out of the city for good.
In a five-year passion project that consumed all his resources, director Christopher Everett amassed rare photographs, original research, and testimonies from historians and descendants of the victims to uncover a shocking event that marked a turning point in the politics of the post-Reconstruction South.
Flatbed Bluegrass Band Live
Friday, January 19, 2018 @ 7pm
Enjoy live music at the JAVA House and Venue, 20 Cheves Road, Bunn NC. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. See this event and more at www.facebook.com/javahousebunn.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Wake Forest Farmer’s Market
Saturday, January 20, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Pick up local produce and products at the Wake Forest Farmers Market, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. There will be live music, fresh food, “and lots of kindness.” See seasonal offerings on the farmer’s market Facebook page or www.wakeforestmarket.org.
Brown Bag Lunch
Saturday, January 20, 2018 @ 11am-12:30pm
Having a tough time and in need of food for yourself or your loved ones? Pick up lunch, at no cost, at Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. See www.zumchurch.org.
Fundraiser for Bailey Boy Scout Troop
Saturday, January 20, 2018 @ 11am-2pm
The Woodmen Life Bailey Chapter 1097, The Bailey Chamber of Commerce, and The Bailey Boy Scout Troop 12 will be having a fundraiser at 6270 Main Street, Bailey NC. There will be a bake sale, and all donations and money will be used to purchase an enclosed trailer for The Bailey Boy Scout Troop 12. Questions, call 252.235.6270.
2018 Raleigh Winter Pop-up Market
Saturday, January 20, 2018 @ noon-5pm
Free admission at downtown Raleigh’s original vintage market, offering vintage collectors and art lovers a great place to shop and sip at inside and outside of Trophy Brewing. Come shop over 60+ vintage and handmade vendors in a beautiful brewery. Purchase beer or a snack — food trucks all day. Held at Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh NC.
Empty Bowl Luncheon
Saturday, January 20, 2018 @ noon-2pm
Selma Parks and Recreation and Kosmic Kittens Rescue invite all to this fundraising lunch at Hula Girl Café, 103 S Raiford Street, Selma NC. A variety of soups will be available from area restaurants along with bread, drink, and dessert Meal is $15 per person OR donate a bag of dog or cat food to fill their empty bowls. Proceeds benefit Kosmic Kittens Adoption Services
Note that prior to this luncheon, the town’s annual Polar Bear Run will take place.
Wilson Reads 2018 Kick Off
Saturday, January 20, 2018 @ 3-5pm
Hear author Nina White, as she shares her book, A Town Called Crayonville. and enjoy activities too. Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
The Malpass Brothers: Heading Home Documentary Screening
Sunday, January 21, 2018 @ 3-6pm
Head to the Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC, for the world premiere of this documentary about The Malpass Brothers’ band and their hometown of Goldsboro. Tickets are $15-$20, available via www.goldsboroparamount.com/the-malpass-brothers.
Note that the theatre is holding a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction event following the documentary screening. Tickets are $35, with proceeds going to the Paramount Theatre Foundation’s documentary project.
Coming Soon
Finally Friday Movie
Friday, January 26, 2018 @ 5:30-9pm
Enjoy food, live music, science stations, and the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Held at the WRAL 3D Theater, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC. The museum’s expert, Patrick Treuthardt of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab will be on-hand to talk about the movie science. Fee is $2 per ticket for museum members, $5 per ticket for non-members. See details on this event page.
DreamFest 2018 Live
January 27, 2018 @ 8:30am-2pm
The live “Shark Tank-like” event is being held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Hosted by Upper Coastal Plain Business Development Center, tickets will be sold for those interested in watching the event and being part of the audience. In addition to the main event, two speakers are scheduled. Audience tickets are $25 per person, available via dreamfest2018.info. Also on that site, enter to win a free ticket to the event, a $25 value. Winning names will be drawn January 4, 2018.
DreamFest 2018 will begin with registration and festivities in Historic Downtown Wilson. Historic Downtown Wilson restaurants and retail stores will be open for business, food trucks will be out, and downtown will be alive with much anticipation, music, dance, marching bands, and more.
Then, settle in at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center and hear two fabulous speakers talk about their journeys in the development of their businesses. Learn from speakers Ken Adelglass (Waxhaw Kid Coders) and Julius Tillery (Farmers of Color).
Around 11:30am, the business dreamers pre-selected will give their Oral Presentations to judges. The judges will rate the oral presentations, add the small business plan scores, and come up with the top three winners. Winners will be announced in the afternoon.
2018 African American Cultural Celebration
January 27, 2018 @ 10:30am-4:30pm
The 17th annual African American Cultural Celebration will be held on January 27, 2018. There will be more than 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, chefs, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, reenactors, and more. Address is 5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh NC.
Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner Fundraiser
February 27, 2018 @ 6:30-8:30pm
With kitten season approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate “World Spay Day” and bring awareness to animal overpopulation. Come enjoy camaraderie with other cat-lovers, SAFE Care Clinic staff and volunteers, and enjoy a dinner of spaghetti with no meat-balls, at this 4th-annual a spaghetti fundraiser benefiting the SAFE Care Clinic at SAFE Haven for Cats, a 503(c)(3) nonprofit. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per child (under 12 years old). Purchase tickets on this EventBrite page. Held at Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh NC.
Muscle Mopar and More
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 8am-4pm
Spend St. Patrick’s Day at this Bunn vehicle-oriented event. Spectators enter for $1 per person. Enjoy a day of family fun at this car, truck, and motorcycle show with vendors, food, music and more. Low riders participate in a Car Limbo contest. Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. Register a vehicle, or see spectator details at carshowpro.com/events/view/156.
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. Any highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event or knowledge of offerings.
