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.

In addition to the events below, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is hosting multiple events. Their February list may be found online here.

A variety of coastal events may be found via What’s On Wilmington’s calendar.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

“The Barter Players®” Great Expectations (February 16, 2017 @ 7pm)

The Barter Players, classic theatre for kids of all ages, will be performing this Charles Dickens classic. Edgecombe Community College’s Keihin Auditorium, 2009 W Wilson Street, in Tarboro NC. Reserved seating tickets are now available to the general public. Admission is free, but tickets are required. See www.edgecombe.edu/performance-series-event/barter-players.

Farm and Food Forum (February 16, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

Hosted by Pitt County Farm and Food Council at the Third Street Community Center, 600 W Third Street, Greenville NC. Public is invited to share ideas about food, farms, and hunger in Pitt County NC. See pcffcnc.weebly.com.

Leadership Development for Small Business Owners (February 16, 2017 @ 1-4pm)

From the NC Small Business Center Network‘s workshop series. “This seminar will help participants recognize the leadership qualities that they already possess — and those they may not — and how to develop and utilize them effectively to maximize the performance of both their associates and business. In addition, it addresses such topics as dealing with difficult people, managing conflict, motivating and team building and more.” Held at Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center-Franklin Campus, Louisburg NC.

How to Write A Business Plan (February 16, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

From the NC Small Business Center Network‘s workshop series. “This seminar is designed to explain exactly what goes into a business plan, why, and how to properly manage from it. Research techniques are also covered.” Held at Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center-Franklin Campus, Louisburg NC.

How to Finance a Small Business (February 16, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

From the NC Small Business Center Network‘s workshop series. “Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs. Discover the keys to financing success.” Held at Edgecombe Community College, Tarboro Campus, Fleming Building, Room 214, Tarboro NC.

Facebook for Small Business (February 16, 2017 @ 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM)

From the NC Small Business Center Network‘s workshop series. “Learn the basics of using Facebook and how it can enhance your business and keep you connected to customers. Find out the proper way to create your personal profile and your business page, how to manage fans, and how to incorporate this all into a busy life.” Held at Wake Technical Community College, North Campus, Building E, Room 235, Raleigh NC.

Bedtime Stories with Gammie Lil (February 16, 2017 @ 7-8pm)

Free event for children age 10 and under. Join “Gammie Lil” for themed stories. Read, sing, talk, and make crafts. No registration needed. necessary. Contact the children’s department at 919-735-1824 x.5105 with questions. Held at the Goldsboro Library, 1001 E Ash Street, Goldsboro NC. See more here.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Park Tales: The Six Swans (February 17, 2017 @ 4-5pm)

“The Six Swans” is a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. This free family program is open to all ages. No registration needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Held at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC. See more here.

UMW Soup & Sandwich Luncheon (February 17, 2017 @ 11:30am-2pm)

Held in the Fellowship Hall, St. James United Methodist Church, 211 E St. James Street, Tarboro NC. The cost is $7 per person.  See more at stjamestarboro.com. (Volunteers needed to cook and serve.)

Fish Fry (February 17, 2017 @ 4-8pm)

Seafood plates for eat-in or take-out. Meal of fried fish, crab cakes, sides, dessert, and tea/water is $8 per person. Held at Castalia Baptist Church 9563 Main Street, Castalia NC. See more on their Facebook page. (Volunteers may be needed.)

Plate Sale (February 17, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Barbecued chicken, hamburger steak, and much more are on the menu for $8 per plate. Pre-orders, call or text 252.668.9201 or 252.363.8766. Plates may be picked up at the church. Held at Solid Word Ministry, 612 Fairview Avenue, Wilson NC.

Plate Sale (February 17, 2017 @ 10:30am-1:30pm)

Cumberland County 4-H is conducting a BBQ plate sale! Come by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Cumberland Center
301 East Mountain Drive . Please contact Jeanie for your tickets! The plate pick up is Friday, February 17th from 10:30 – 1:30pm. Tickets and money must be turned in on February 13th. Jeanie’s number is 910-321-6864. These funds go directly to the youth incentive program.

Free Tax Service (February 17, 2017 @ 9am-5pm)

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance will be offering this service in the Town Council Chambers. This free service is first come, first served and will run through April 13, 2017. Held in Town Council Chambers, Harold D. Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville NC. See more dates here.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Bringing Back The Oldies (February 18, 2017 @ 7:30-10pm)

Dress for the times — poodle skirts or snazzy clothes — and enjoy this night of entertainment featuring songs from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s — Motown, Rock ‘n Roll, and Beach Boogie & Blues. Held at the Tar Heel Variety Theater, 485 Carrow Road, Chocowinity NC. For tickets or pricing, call 252.975.2117, email, or visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com.

ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program (February 18, 2017 @ 10:30-11:15am)

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 needed. Held at Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC.

This reading program is also being held on this date, 10:30-11:30am, at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC.

Yoga Day (February 18, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

The emphasis of this year’s Yoga Day will be “Listen”. Held at the Wilson Family YMCA, 3436 Airport Blvd, Wilson NC. Guest speaker Cyndi Bulka will teach and speak on Listening and Whole Life Living. YMCA instructor Cindy Cash will teach too. The day is open to YMCA members and non-members. Fee is $5. Limited to 30 participants. See more about Wilson Family YMCA here.

1st Annual NC KoreaFest (Febrary 18, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

Organized and held by the Global Korean Wave Federation-Carolinas at 421 Chapanoke Road, Raleigh NC. Come enjoy dance performers, cooking, craft demonstrations, selfies in Korean clothing, a painting contest, storytelling, and more. Admission is free. Refreshments, special activities, and Korean gifts will be for sale. Art Competition entries were accepted last month, and cash prizes will be awarded to winners at the Festival. More details here.

Purses with Purpose (February 18, 2017 @ 11am-1pm)

Purse auction fundraiser by All the King’s Children Foundation. Tickets $10 per guest. Bid on purses, which might have items tucked inside Fundraising event happens at Wayne Center, 208 W Chestnut Street, Goldsboro NC. See more on this foundation, with a mission to help local children with basic human needs, at www.allthekingschildren.org.

Black Superheroes(February 18, 2017 @ 3:30-4:30pm)

Local comic enthusiast and expert Brandon Robbins will discuss the evolution and image of the black superhero, followed by a question and answer session. This program is free at the Goldsboro Library; no registration is necessary to attend. (The discussion format of this program is aimed at teens and adults, rather than for young children). For more information, call 919.735.1824 x.5130 or x.3. Held at the Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E Ash Street, Goldsboro NC. See more on the library’s calendar.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Origins of The Dream (February 19, 2017 @ 2-3:30pm)

This special event, Poetry and King’s Rhetoric, is being held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC.
Join us as Dr. Jason Miller of North Carolina State University presents his book and original documentary film “Origin of the Dream,” which explores the connection between Langston Hughes’ poetry and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Light refreshments provided. Registration requested for this free event; contact Celia Glenn, Adult Services Librarian, via email. See more at www.wakegov.com/libraries.

JFS Senior Connections: Levels of Care (February 19, 2017 @ 2:30-4:30pm)

Home care… home health… day care… independent/assisted living, memory care… hospice care and so much more! When is what level of care needed and why? Raleigh-Cary Jewish Family Services Senior Connections social worker, Abby Palmer and a panel of community professionals to gain valuable information for you or family. Program is free but a donation of $5 per person will help offset costs. Register at RaleighCaryJFS.org/LevelsOfCare. Held at Beth Meyer Synagogue, 504 Newton Road, Raleigh NC.

A Tribute to African-American Poets (February 19, 2017 @ 4-5:30pm)

Soprano Waltye Rasulala recites the poems of her grandmother, poet Maggie Pogue Johnson, and sings the poetic writings of Langston Hughes set to music by composers Ricky Ian Gordon, Margaret Bonds and Jean Berger in honor of the contribution of African-American poets to our society. Hosted at Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, Raleigh NC. Contact information and more on their Facebook page.

United Negro College Fund Benefit Concert (February 19, 2017 @ 3-6pm)

The Eastern Ministerial Alliance auxiliary to the Wake Missionary Baptist Association cordially invite you to “An Evening of Music!” Come and enjoy sensational musical talent and ministry and help raise funds for the United Negro College Fund. Hosted by Wakefield Missionary Baptist Church, 809 Proctor Street, Zebulon NC.

Coming Soon

Wednesday Hemp Day (February 22, 2017 @ 6-11pm)

Festival hosted by Carolina Hemp Company at THE BLOCK off biltmore, 39 S Market Street, Asheville NC. This seventh-installment of Wednesday Hemp Day features Keynote Jeffry Cartonia with the NCIHA and Founder Hemp. With the next NC Hemp Commission meeting on February 13, 2017, a complete look at what the regulations are should be available, along with information on how to get permitted and what to expect through 2017. Chalwa will be bringing the atmosphere to life! Plus, spend time with Amy Massey in the Massage Chair to discover the benefit of a CBD massage. Hemp Beer, Hemp Coffee, Hemp Extracts, and The Green Team from Carolina Hemp Co. Updates posted here.

Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet (February 23, 2017 @ 5:15-8pm)

Zebulon Chamber of Commerce is holding this annual event. Come and help the Chamber celebrate the year. Mayor Matheny will announce the Citizen of the Year for Zebulon. Look back at 2016, and see their vision for 2017. Registration is $35 and registration is required. Held at East Wake Academy, 400 NMC Drive, Zebulon NC. More details here.

Driving Miss Daisy (February 23-25, 2017 @ 8pm & February 26, 2017 @ 3pm)

Playhouse of Wilson, located at 137 Goldsboro Street S, in Wilson NC, is offering four performances of this stage play. Call 252.363.1933 for tickets or visit www.playhouseofwilson.com.

Synopsis: The year is 1948 in the deep south. Seventy-two year old Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp tongued Jewish widow demolished another car. Her son Boolie demands she no longer drive and instead have a chauffeur. She strongly resists, but losses out to her son. Boolie hires a chauffeur and a black chauffeur at that. Their relationship evolves over a 25 year period of time.

Dancing with the Arts (February 24, 2017 @ 7-9:30pm)

Fourth annual fundraiser hosted by the Nash County Arts Council at 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC. Admission is $16. $1 per bid to vote for your favorite couple. The couple with the most bids at the end of the competition wins! Bids accepted now through event. Checks payable to Nash Arts and may be mailed to Nash Arts PO Box 701 Nashville NC.

Call 252.459.4734 for tickets. Early ordering recommended, as event is anticipated to be a sell out. Tickets may also be purchased by visiting here.

Coopers Fire & Rescue Pork Chop Plate Sale (February 24, 2017 @ 11am-6pm)

Coopers annual pork chop plate fundraiser! Coopers Fire & Rescue Dept. / Nash EMS 100, 2408 Volunteer Rd, Elm City NC. Plates $7 (two pork chops, potatoes, green beans, and bread). Our Ladies Auxiliary will be selling homemade cake slices for $1. Come out Friday,February 24th and enjoy a plate and satisfy that sweet tooth. Eat in or Carry out. No tickets will be sold. First come,first serve

Walk-up Rabies Clinic (February 25, 2017 @ 8-9am)

No appointment needed. Tar River Veterinary Hospital is holding rabies clinics at the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 351 T. Kemp Road, Louisburg NC. Rabies Vaccines will be $5 for one-year vaccines. Three-year vaccines will be available, but will only be administered with a current certificate of previous rabies vaccine. Also available are one-year vaccines, at $15 per vaccine, for the following: Canine Distemper-Parvo, Canine Kennel Cough,Feline Distemper, and Feline Leukemia Vaccine. Tar River says, “Be sure to thank Dr. Goldman for her service to Franklin County and the surrounding areas!” Call 919.494.5500 if you have any questions.

Carolina Mudcats / Five County Stadium Annual Job Fair (February 25, 2017 @ 10am-1pm)

Get to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39, Zebulon NC, for their annual Job Fair. Applicants ages 16 and up may apply for positions in promotions, production, concessions, and much more! Cattails Restaurant will also be interviewing from 10am-12pm for bartenders and backup servers. All interested are encouraged to fill out this application before the job fair: atmilb.com/2jZEWMQ.

Race For Epilepsy (February 25, 2017 @ 7-11am)

Hosted by Race For Epilepsy in Washington NC. Participate in a: half marathon race, 5k race, or 1 mile walk to raise awareness for epilepsy. All proceeds will be donated to CURE Epilepsy (Non-Profit Organization). See more at www.raceforepilepsy.org.

Successful Small Farms Opportunities Conference (February 25, 2017 @ 7:30am-3:30pm)

All day conference; $60 registration fee. To register, contact Martha Mobley at 919.496.3344 or via email. Program details at www.FranklinCountyFarmFresh.com. Held on the Louisburg College campus (501 N Main Street), in Louisburg NC.

Industrial Hemp Meeting (February 27, 2017 @ 1-3pm)

Purpose of the the meeting is to “discuss hemp legislation and research opportunities related to industrial hemp production.” Held at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering’s auditorium, 2907 E Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro NC. RSVP by email or call 336.285.4701.

Readers’ Theater “Fetishes” (February 28, 2017 @ 7pm)

“Fetishes” by Richard Selzer tells of a woman who has never informed her husband about her false teeth and now must remove them to undergo surgery. She deals with the differing personalities of several physicians in seeking a solution to her dilemma. This presentation by The Brody School of Medicine and College of Nursing at East Carolina University is being held at the Edgecombe County Memorial Library, 909 North Main Street, Tarboro NC. For further information contact Roman Leary, ECML Director via email or call 252.823.1141.

Open Volunteer Book Sort (February 28, 2017 @ 10am-1pm)

Volunteer! Drop in to help sort donated books. Children under 16 welcome with a parent or guardian. Held at the Book Harvest nonprofit’s offices, 2501 University Drive, Durham NC. Call 919.428.0511 with questions or visit bookharvestnc.org.

Spayghetti Fundraiser (February 28, 2017 @ 6:30-8pm)

Celebrate World Spay Day and to bring awareness to the issue of animal overpopulation. Come and enjoy the 3rd Annual Spayghetti Dinner benefitting the SAFE Care Clinic at SAFE Haven for Cats in Raleigh NC. Guests can enjoy camaraderie with other cat-lovers, clinic staff and volunteers while they eat a delicious meal of pasta. Adult dinner ticket $10, child dinner ticket $5. Held at Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh NC. See more at www.safehavenforcats.org/event/spayghetti.

Coming Up: March-May 2017

Seussical The Musical (March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12, 2017)

Performances will be at The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, located at 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. If you have any questions, contact the Theater Manager of the Imperial Centre via email, or visit the website at imperialcentre.org.

International Festival of Cultures (March 4, 2017 @ noon-4pm)

Celebrate the diverse cultures of Rocky Mount. There will be food and entertainment. Held in the Brown Auditorium, Nash Community College, 522 N Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount NC.

Dig In! (March 4, 2017 @ 8:15am-2pm)

This annual event is organized by Advocates for Health in Action, and held at the Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh NC. All are invited to “Get all the “dirt” on starting and maintaining community, school and child care gardens and learn about the growing urban ag scene in Wake County.” Tickets $15-$25. See more on the event webpage.

Small Business Seminar: Business Essentials (March 7, 2017 @ 5:45-7:45pm)

The North Carolina Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service will present this seminar. Each agency will cover basic requirements to help businesses in North Carolina understand the laws and obligations necessary to be compliant. At the end of the seminar, there will be a question and answer session with the presenters and networking possibilities with other business owners. Location for this business seminar is Braswell Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. For more information and to register, visit dornc.com/business/smallbusseminars.html.

Paramount Movie Nights (March 7, 2017 @ 7pm)

Come for a special showing of Spaceballs on the movie’s 30th anniversary. Tickets for Movie Nights are free for age 12 & Under with a paying adult. Adult tickets are $5 per person. Held at the City of Goldsboro’s Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC. See more here.

Family Movie Night (March 10, 2017 @ 7pm)

Come on the second Friday of each month for this free movie and popcorn event by the Zebulon Parks & Recreation Department. Open to all ages. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. A parent/guardian must be present. Call 919.823.0432 for movie title. Additional movie night on April 14, 2017. See more here.

Tree Giveaway (March 11, 2017 @ 9am-4pm)

Hosted by We Plant It Forward, come get free tree seedling. Seedlings will be given out while supplies last along with planting instructions. Held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC. See more at www.weplantitforward.org.

Kids in the Kitchen Program (March 14, 21, 28, and April 4, 2017 @ 4:30-5:30pm)

Chef Victor Moore leads this class at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Chef and kids ages 8-12 create sliders, grilled cheese, and more with an emphasis on cleanliness, food prep, and fun. Event is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents. Limited space. Call 919.823.0432 for details or to register.

Poisonous Plants on Horse Farms (March 23, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Educational event planned at the Franklin County Extension Annex (103 S Bickett Blvd), in Louisburg NC. Registration is required; call 919­.496.3344 to sign up.

Pig in the Park (April 8, 2017 @ 9am-4pm)

Barbecue teams compete in a whole-hog cook-off for the “Wayne County’s Best Barbecue” title. There will be music, vendors, inflatables for children, and more. This festival is held in Old Waynesborough, 801 US-117 Bypass S, Goldsboro, NC. Note that Friday evening, before the cook-off day, music is planned. For details on this Wayne County Boys and Girls Club event, visit www.piginthepark.com.

Zebulon Farm Fresh Market Opening Day (April 22 @ 9am-1pm)

“ZFFM” is open every Saturday from May to October 2017. This year’s location is the same: Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 North Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and eggs, baked goods, honey, and more. Meet local nonprofit groups, and participate in programs that help feed the community. See more here or on the ZFFM Facebook page.

Art Of Murder (April 28-May 12, 2017)

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. Tickets for this dinner-and-a-show venue go on sale in March.

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.