Things To Do in NC When You’re Bored — August 16-20

Things To Do in NC When You're Bored - greyareanews.com
Things To Do in NC When You're Bored - greyareanews.com

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 21, 2017, a partial solar eclipse is happening over most of NC, with a total solar eclipse over the western part of the state. See Eastern NC eclipse viewing events here.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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.

Community Open House (August 16, 2017 @ 4-8pm)

Come and discuss long-range recovery plans and the vision for Princeville NC. All are welcome at this event, held at the Edgecombe County Administration Building, 201 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro NC. See notice here.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Sprinkler Fun Days (August 17, 2017 @ 3-4pm)

The Bridge Church presents this event every Thursday. This is the final date of the season. 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.

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.

Downtown Live!  (August 17, 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 31, 2017.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Summer Night Lights (August 18, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

**UPDATED 08/15: Summer Night Lights scheduled for Friday, August 18, 2017 at Hornbeam Park has been postponed. A new date will soon be announced. **

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. Questions, call 252.972.1151. Location for August 18 is Hornebean Park, 150 Cunningham Drive, Rocky Mount NC.  See schedule here.

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 (final) date is September 15, 2017.

Military Appreciation Night (August 18, 2017 @ 7pm)

Head to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC, for their annual Military Appreciation Night. Military members with an ID and their families will receive tickets at the discounted price of $5. This offer can only be redeemed at the box office, or by phone at 919.269.2287.  Normal ticket prices start around $8. The team will wear patriotic jerseys. Fireworks end the night.  See the Carolina Mudcats baseball team schedule and buy tickets via www.milb.com/schedule.

10 Plants that You Should Know But Don’t (August 25, 2017 @ 7pm)

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. See all dates at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/03/2017-ten-plant-tours. Next date is September 8, 2017, at noon.

Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Games: August 18, 19 & 20, 2017 @ various times)

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.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Area Farmers Markets

  • 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.
  • 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 19, 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.

“Bee Amazed” – National Honey Bee Day Celebration (August 19, 2017 @ 9am-3pm)

Held at 801 South US 117, Goldsboro NC. A day of fun and education, hosted by the Beekeepers of the Neuse. Activities for the entire family. Learn about beekeeping, gardening, and more. Children’s activities including face painting, candle-making, and a scavenger hunt. Products, food, ice cream available for purchase. See www.facebook.com/beekeepersoftheneuse.

Family Outings at Duke Homestead: Historic Clothing (August 19, 2017 @ 10am-noon)

Join this free history-themed event with activities and crafts for children and their families, at Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham NC. “Try on life from another century — literally! Learn about clothing from the 19th century. Get hands-on as you experience life without a washing machine and try out hand-sewing.” Next date is September 16, 2017, which will be Fall Harvest Day with a focus on farmers. Make a corn husk doll. See more at dukehomestead.org/family-outings.php.

Stepping Into The Past (August 19, 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 26, 2017. Note that November 10-11, 2017, a BBQ cook-off is scheduled.

Revolutionary War Day (August 19, 2017 @ 10am-4pm)

Come and hear stories of New Bern’s Revolutionary War patriots, soldier games, civilian medicine making, and more. Held at Tryon Palace, 529 S Front Street, New Bern NC. The First NC Regiment of the Continental Line will demonstrate black powder firing at 10:30am and 2:30pm on the South Lawn. Children can sign up to join the Continental Line and participate in “musket” drills on the front lawn throughout the day. Adult tickets are $6, youth tickets are $3. See more at tryonpalace.org/events/revolutionary-war-day.

ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program (August 19, 2017)

This event offers three library locations on this date. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this free, interactive program with an alphabet craft to nurture pre-reading skills through writing and play and to give opportunity to develop fine motor skills children require to start school. No registration necessary.

Held 10:30-11:15am at the Wendell Community Library, 207 S. Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC.

Held 10:30-11:30am at the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC.

See more Wake County Public Library events at www.wakegov.com/libraries.

Bread for Life Mobile Market (August 19, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle will be at the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club, 1320 Shepard School Road, Zebulon NC. They will set up 9-11am, and serve the public 11am-noon. See upcoming Mobile Market locations at www.foodshuttle.org/where-can-get-food.

Brown Bag Lunch (August 19, 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.

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. This is the final movie date of the season. Their “Flicks in Flannel” movies will begin in November.

Summer 2017 Under the Stars Movie Series (August 19, 2017 @ 7:30pm; movie at 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.

Note that for the August 19 movie night, the Nashville Academy of Martial Arts will give a demonstration 7:30-8:30pm. See their students showing their skills, or have your kids participate, before the Ninja-themed movie begins. See the Town of Nashville movie series PDF with movie title. Future movie dates are September 16, 2017 and October 31, 2017 (Halloween).

Back to the Block (August 19, 2017 @ 7-11pm)

Head over to the Nash County Arts Council, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC, for this special music event. Tickets $15 per person for this Urban Music Showcase featuring Barcode Society (with Ace Boon Coon, Roc P, & T Gutta); Gorreallaz on Deck (with Freieze aka Geechie Gambino & Truth) ; and The Hynchmyn (with Merc & Syze). Music begins at 7:30pm. For tickets, call 252.459.4737 or contact participating artists for tickets. See the Nash County Arts Council’s Facebook page for updates.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Make Your Own Zoo (August 20, 2017 @ 2-4pm)

Visit the Art Galleries and participate in a free kids craft with the theme Make Your Own Zoo. For all ages; available multiple Sundays. Held at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. See more on the Imperial Centre website at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events.

Coming Soon

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.

Center Street Jam (August 24, 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. This is the final Center Street Jam of the season.

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.

Monster Drawing Rally 2017 (August 25, 2017 @ 5:30-9pm)

At this live drawing event/fundraiser, 80+ artists take shifts drawing in front of a live audience. As spectators spy on the creative process, sketches morph into full-fledged works of art. Finished drawings are immediately available for $50 each. The evening also includes a collaborative art project, music, and food trucks. Tickets to this fundraiser are $5 for NCMA members and $10 for non-members. Children under 6 are free, ticket required. Held at the North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. See ncartmuseum.org.

Creekside Music Series (August 25, 2017 @ 6:30-8:30pm)

Held at Stoney Creek Environmental Park, 455 W Washington Street, Nashville NC. Live music by Bantum Rooster. Ribs, brews, and more will be available for purchase. See more here.

Movies on the Farm: Growing Cities Documentary (August 25, 2017 @ 7:30-10pm)

Free family-friendly documentary film screening under the stars. Bring lawn chair/blanket. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Concessions available. The movie begins at 8:30pm. Held at Raleigh City Farm 800, N Blount Street, Raleigh NC. See raleighcityfarm.org/movies-on-the-farm.

Cars & Coffee Wake Forest (August 26, 2017 @ 8-11am)

Run by a handful of local residents who enjoy being around cars and people, this is a free event held on the 4th Saturday of each month in the Gateway Commons shopping center’s parking lot, 950 Gateway Commons Circle, Wake Forest NC. Check out old school to exotic cars, motorcycles, or whatever drops in. This is an active shopping center with food, bathrooms, and coffee.

Summer Family Film Festival (August 26 & 28, 2017 @ 2pm)

Families are invited to the in the assembly room at the Wilson County Public library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. See the library calendar for movie titles.

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.

Downtown Beats & Eats (August 26, 2017 @ 1-5pm)

Free concert hosted by 217 Brew Works, 217 South Street S, Wilson NC. Food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a chair/blanket. No coolers. Food vendors and more, plus check out downtown Wilson stores. See this and more Historic Downtown Wilson events at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/events.

Crafting Class: Faux Metallic Finishes (August 30 & 31, 2017)

On Wednesday, August 30 at 6pm and again on Thursday, August 31 at 2pm, adults and teens (13 and older) are invited to take part in this crafting class. Registration is required. To register, call 252.237.5355. Held at the Wilson County Public library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. See more on the library website.

Interviewing Skills: Before, during, and after the Interview (August 31, 2017 @ 1-2:30pm)

This jobs program will be offered in the conference room at the Wilson County Public library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. See more on the library website.

Coming in September

First Friday on the Lawn (September 1, 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 _____, 2017. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.

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.

Agri-Cultural Market (September 5, 2017 @ 5-7:30pm)

Enjoy an evening of food trucks, craft beer, and shopping at the green space in Farmville NC. All-local vendors will be offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more. Farmville Chamber and the Arts Council are hosting this event at The GlasStation, 3732-B West Wilson Street, Farmville NC. See updates on the Farmville Chamber’s Facebook page.

2017 Outdoor Movie Series (September 7, 2017 @ 7:30-10pm)

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.

Mill Music Sessions Free Concert (September 8, 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.

Friday Night on White (September 8, 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.

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.

K-Fest: Knightdale Education Festival (September 9, 2017 @ 10am-9pm)

Special annual events with interactive activities including educational events, athletic challenges, and live entertainment. Held at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater located at 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. See details at www.knightdalenc.gov.

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.

Bluegrass Picnic Summer Series (September 9, 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.

Family Movie Series (September 15, 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.

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.

2017 Footcandle Film Festival (September 22-24, 2017)

This annual film festival takes place in Drendel Auditorium on the SALT Block, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory NC. Tickets on sale now. View the Festival Film schedule and ticket information at. www.footcandlefilmfestival.com.

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.

Annual Storytelling Festival (September 30, 2017 @ 11am-4pm)

Held by the Wake County Public Library system at Historic Oak View County Park. Spend the listening to storytellers at this free event. See more on this annual Saturday event at http://www.wakegov.com/…/storytelling.aspx.

MUFON-NC Chapter Meeting (TBD Fall 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.

 

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.

TGA Banner Ad
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.