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.

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

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

Thursday, March 16, 2017

2017 Come to the Table Conference (March 16, 2017 @ 8am-5pm)

This Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) event is a biennial gathering of food, faith, and farm advocates focused on relieving hunger and strengthening local, sustainable agriculture in NC. Tickets are $30. Exhibitor space is $75. The conference location is the Durham Convention Center, 301 W Morgan Street, Durham NC. See program, schedule, and keynote details at rafiusa.org/cttt.

A Night to Honor Veterans (March 16, 2017 @ 7pm)

Held in the Fellowship Hall, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 125 S Selma Road, Wendell NC. Kathryn Watson Quigg is speaking about her book To Any Soldier, which she co-wrote with G. C. Hendricks, a North Carolina native. Books will be available for sale. Al White and Rocky Ray of Wendell’s Cedric Harris American Legion Post will also have a part in the program. See this and other Wendell Historical Society events at www.wendellhistoricalsociety.com.

Friday, March 17, 2017

NIC Test Prep Workshops (March 17, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Hosted by NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf & the Hard of Hearing at 902 Herring Avenue E, Wilson NC. “This workshop will prepare potential candidates to pass the written component of the National Interpreting Certification examination. We will cover the ten content domains tested in this examination and techniques for handling the type of multiple choice test questions utilized as well as examine the computer-based format test takers will experience. Participants will take a simulated test to gauge readiness for the actual examination.” Contact Lee Williamson via email for details.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 17, 2017 @ noon-9pm)

Head down to 217 Brew Works, 217 South Street, Wilson NC and bring all things green or Irish (including Irish Setters). Enjoy music, food trucks, beer, and more in downtown Wilson.

Boykin Series: The Bellamy Brothers (March 17, 2017 @ 7:30-9pm)

The Bellamy Brothers — Howard and David Bellamy — are celebrating 40 years in the music business as a result of their enduring popularity. Tickets: $35, or $30 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets at www.wilsonarts.com. Scheduled at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson NC.

Foot Care Services (March 17, 2017 @ 2pm)

Doctor Sellers will provide foot care service at the E. L. Roberson Center, 305 W Baker Street, Tarboro NC. Space is limited. If you have never seen the doctor before, bring photo id and insurance information to the center prior to the day of service. Call 252.641.4263 for sign-up details.

The Compassion Experience (March 17-20, 2017)

Held at The Summit Church-Blue Ridge Campus, 3249 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Experience life in another part of the world right in Raleigh. “This interactive, immersive display allows you to step into the life of a child who has suffered under the crippling weight of poverty. In the span of 20 minutes, you will travel with that child from hardship to hope. And in the midst of hope, you will see that child’s story transformed through the support of Compassion and the child’s life-giving relationship with a sponsor. Don’t miss this life-changing event.” Free to all ages. Make a reservation at this link: cts.compassion.com/events. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Brown Bag Lunches (March 18, 2017 @ 11am)

Each 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.

Grow And Share Volunteer Day (March 18, 2017 @ 10am)

Each Spring, nonprofit Grow And Share holds garden plant giveaways to help people start their gardens and grow their own food with free plants — tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more. Volunteer to help Grow And Share each Saturday as they go from seed to seedlings, with free plants distributed in April-May. Held at the Grow And Share “Tucker” greenhouse, Raleigh NC. See their Facebook page for more information and contact/address.

Arbor Day Celebration (March 18, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Hosted by NCSU Extension Forestry at the State Farmers Market, 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh NC. Open to the public. Includes a tree seedling giveaway, exhibits, demonstrations, and a KidZone with activities just for youth. Sponsors include the Triangle Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, NC Forest Service, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State University.

ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program (March 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.

Ready, Set, School Community Playdates (March 18, 2017 @ 11:30am-1:30pm)

Join Marbles Kids Museum at the East Regional Library for family play designed to help children ages 3-5 get ready for school. Location is East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Questions, contact Brandy Hamilton at 919.217.5300.

Children’s Home Society with Book Discussion (March 18, 2017 @ 2-3pm)

Held at Quail Ridge Books-North Hills, 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh NC. Steve Pemberton’s inspiring memoir, A Chance in the World, “details his overcoming abuse and neglect in foster care to lead a successful life. It’s only part of the story. Child welfare experts from the Children’s Home Society, the state’s leading private adoption agency, lead a discussion on Steve’s experiences, system reforms to prevent mistreatment, and why the number of children in foster care has risen by 25% in the last five years. A Chance in the World launches the conversation about how lives are impacted when we fail to protect the most vulnerable. Join the discussion on Saturday, March 18, at 2 pm. Learn about the children in the system who need loving families.” (Not an author event.) For more on the Children’s Home Society of NC, visit www.chsnc.org.

Transforming Color: Family Workshop (March 18, 2017 @ 1-4pm)

Come to this Family Workshop in the Arts Education Building at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. “Learn how to transform color using common materials to create a lively and colorful artwork.” Instructed by Jamil Burton. Class is $15 for a Rocky Mount resident family, $22.50 for a non-resident family. Family registration fee includes up to 3 individuals; individuals also welcome. Open to ages 6 and up. Contact Tracy Grosner at 252.972.1632 or via email, or visit imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events.

Pizza Brunch Fundraiser (March 18, 2017 @ 12:30-4pm)

Pizza, music, storytelling , and fun at this Saturday fundraiser. Enjoy handmade pizzas from a wood-fired pizza oven, served in Siglinda’s magical garden at The Goathouse Refuge, 680 Alton Alston Road, Pittsboro NC. Siglinda and her fellow chefs craft artisan pizzas. Fee is $17 per pizza, which includes water or lemonade. Also available, $5 beer and wine. Live music by the M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio. Cats at their adoption building from noon to 3pm. All proceeds support the cats and kittens at The Goathouse Refuge nonprofit. Call 919.542.6815 or visit www.goathouserefuge.org.

Pig in the Park at Sylvan Heights Bird Park (March 18, 2017 @ 5-8pm)

Join this fourth-annual fundraiser for Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Tickets are $20, or $10 for 12 and under. Ticket includes all-you-can-eat BBQ, beer, and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased online at shwpark.com. Tickets (if not sold out) will be $25/$12 at the door. Location is Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck NC (Halifax County, NE of Tarboro/Rocky Mount).

PetSaver Pet CPR, First Aid & Care Class (March 18, 2017 @ 8am-4pm)

Organized and hosted by Pet ‘n Nanny, Wake Forest NC. The PetSaver™ course will cover things like rescue breathing, canine and feline CPR, choking management, vital signs, senior care, and more. Fee is $115 for all day class plus course handbook and completion certificate. Sign up at www.petnnanny.com/services/pet-tech-petsaver-pet-cpr-first-aid-care.

Raleigh Tamale Festival / Festival del Tamal de Raleigh (March 18, 2017 @ noon-4pm)

Enjoy the tamale competition, food vendors, games, free Chavis Carousel rides, info booths, music, and more. The festival is a celebration of Latino culture and includes a tamale competition, Informational booths, food vendors, games, live music and authentic entertainment for the whole family. Held at Carolina Pines Park, 2305 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC. See more at www.everfest.com/e/raleigh-tamale-festival-raleigh-nc.

Gospel Music Concert (March 18, 2017 @ 6pm)

Enjoy an evening of great Gospel Music by The Anchormen, Generation III, Covenant, and The Chandler Trio. Bring family and friends too. Held at First Free Will Baptist Church, 4865 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. For more information, call 252.291.6446.

NC Comicon: Oak City (March 18-19, 2017)

It’s Raleigh’s hometown show, NC Comicon: Oak City! Where comic books, creators, cosplay, and gaming collide! With mega-events, creator panels, massive contests, hands-on workshops, and the Saturday night Guardians of the Gala party, there’s something for everyone! March 18-19, 2017! Buy your tickets early as prices are subject to increase. Tickets here ($15-$60; kids free). Held at the Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury Street, Raleigh NC.

152nd Anniversary “War So Terrible” (March 18-19 @ 10am-4pm)

Held at the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks NC. View examples of modern military field hospitals, or tour the Harper House to learn about Civil War era medicine. Daytime programs feature artillery, infantry, and home-front demonstrations throughout both days, and are free. A Saturday night hospital-reenactment is available with tickets, which will only be available the day of the event. See www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi for more information.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Romance Writers Tea (March 19, 2017 @ 2-3:30pm)

Registration requested. Bring a favorite teacup and enjoy refreshments. Hear local Romance authors talk about writing, including Cheris Hodges, Deborah Mello, and Susan Schild. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. To sign up, contact Janet Morley at 919.217.5300 or visit Wake County Public Libraries online.

Spring Food Truck Rodeo & Motorbilly (March 19, 2017 @ noon-4pm)

Held at Deep River Brewing Company, 700 W Main Street, Ste 102, Clayton NC. Food truck rodeo with Wandering Moose, Chirba Chirba Dumpling, Cousins Maine Lobster, Baguettaboutit, and Two Roosters Ice Cream. Motorbilly band 1-4pm on the outdoor stage.

Coming Soon: Late March

Auditions for Musical (March 20-21, 2017 @ 6:30pm)

Playhouse Community Theatre is holding Auditions for “9 to 5, The Musical”. The auditions are scheduled at the Arts Council of Wilson’s Grand Studio, 124 Nash Street NE, Wilson NC. For more information, email  kjw701@hotmail.com. The Playhouse of Wilson is online at www.playhouseofwilson.com and on Facebook here.

Write It!: Elements of Writing (March 22, 2017 @ 7-8:30pm)

Explore the elements of writing with well-known local authors. Registration requested for this free event. Held at East Regional Library 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Call 919.217.5300 to register or for details.

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.

Lunch and Learn: Spring Into Healthier Eating (March 23, 2017 @ noon-1pm)

Focused on healthier cooking and eating. Start making better choices with eating and cooking. Learn how to make recipes healthier and take home recipes. Held at the E. L Roberson Center, 305 W Baker Street, Tarboro NC. Lunch provided. Registration required; call 252.641.4263 to reserve a spot.

Teen Game Night (March 23, 2017 @ 5:30-7:30pm)

On Thursday, a variety of games will be available for play with friends or family. Join the fun in the Teen Area and Computer Lab. Braswell Memorial Library is located at 727 N Grace Street, in Rocky Mount NC. For more information, contact Scott Houston, Teen and Information Services Librarian, at 252.442.1951 x.257. Future game night date is April 27, 2017.

Job Fair (March 24, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

This free students and community members job fair is being held in the Fleming Building Atrium, Edgecombe Community College, 2009 W Wilson Street, Tarboro NC. Bring resume copies, dress professionally, or check out the resume review service.

Wendell Arbor Day Celebration (March 24, 2017 @ 1pm)

Held in Wendell Park, 601 W Third Street, Wendell NC. Learn how and help plant the town’s new tree in the Pecan Orchard at Wendell Park. (Article)

Spring Bazaar (March 25, 2017 @ 8:30am-2pm)

Hickory Baptist Church, 12702 NC Highway 48, Whitakers NC. HBC’s 2017 Spring Bazaar is an opportunity to shop from vendors offering handmade items, jewelry, makeup, soaps, clothing, and more. There will also be a Quilt Raffle, hot dogs, baked goods, and drinks to benefit HBC’s Children’s Ministry. The church is on Facebook here.

Art in Your Face ArtFest (March 25, 2017 @ 11am-4pm)

Nine local artists representing there Artwork thru Demonstration. Fun activities. Spray paint can Art Demo, clay Art, drawing demo, making window charms. Wood cuts, door decor, pottery and more. Refreshments and drinks too. Bring kids, family, and friends. Hosted by ART at 123 studio, 123 Barnes Street W, Wilson NC.

Stepping Into The Past (March 25, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

Weekly series focused on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission. See more at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past. Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC.

Note that the museum expects to be closed on March 18, 2017, for a Day of Sharing: Volunteer Projects.

Coloring Club (March 25, 2017 @ 3:15-4:30pm)

Open to teenagers and adults, this club is for stress relief through quiet conversation, relaxation, and contemplation while coloring. Materials are provided. Held in the Wiley Conference Room at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N. Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. Call 252.442.1951 with questions.

ProTown BMX 2017 (March 25, 2017 @ 11am-3pm)

Come out to Downtown Wendell and be in awe when professional bikers catch air on Main Street at this free event. ProTown BMX is high energy, fast paced and the opportunity for extreme biker enthusiasts to watch, meet, and hear about bike safety from professionals who show case their talents with tricks in the air on their bikes.  The action will be set up on Main Street between Fourth Street and Depot Street, Wendell NC. Watch the Town of Wendell Facebook page for updates.

Free Bluegrass Concert (March 25, 2017 @ 6pm)

Fun annual event featuring Diamond Creek Bluegrass Band. Free hot dogs, door prizes too. Held at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market, 1006 Peachtree Street, in Rocky Mount NC. For further information, the contact number is 252.459.9810.

Knightdale Chamber Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony (March 28, 2017 @ 5:30-8pm)

Attend this Knightdale Chamber’s 44th-annual event. Held at the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown, 3415 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh NC. Celebrate the collective success and contributions of members and community partners. Tickets $40-$45 per person. Advance purchase required. Deadline to register, March 24, 2017. For more information, call 919.266.4603 or visit www.knightdalechamber.org.

Music in the Library: Triangle Youth Philharmonic Ensembles (March 29, 2017 @ 6:30-7:30pm)

Come for a free hour of string and woodwind music performed by the talented youth of the Philharmonic Association. No registration required. Held at the East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. For more information, call Celia Glenn, Adult Services Librarian, at 919.217.5300.

RiverRun International Film Festival (March 30-April 9, 2017)

This film festival includes screenings at several locations in Winston-Salem NC. To see what’s showing and purchase tickets, visit the festival website at riverrunfilm.com.

Coming in April

Park Opening Day (April 1, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Hosted by Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation. Join us for Opening Day at J. W. Glover Park, 1782 North Carolina Hwy 58, Nashville NC. Muddy the Mudcat will be there from 9:45-10:45am to help with the opening pitch. Come out for good food (see the new choices at the concession stand) and watch the kids play. Follow the Nashville NC Parks and Rec updates on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nashvillencparksandrec.

Yard Sale Fundraiser (April 1, 2017 @ 6:30am)

This annual yard sale fundraiser is at Wakefield Central Baptist Church, 308 Proctor Street, Zebulon NC. Proceeds raises going to the church ministry helping kids and families affected by Chernobyl radiation since 1986, and serves as the church’s Belarussian Day. Yard sale goes through the morning. In the evening, a live auction continues the fundraiser. More information here.

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (April 6-9, 2017)

This 20th annual festival is held at the Carolina Theatre, Durham Convention Center, Durham Arts Council theater, and other sites in Durham NC. Tickets and details are online at www.fullframefest.org/attend.

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.

Community Recycling Day (April 8, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

Drop off your old paint, tires, oil and antifreeze, computers, televisions, and appliances to Town Hall for recycling and disposal. A shred truck will be on site to shred your confidential documents. Need more info? Call Public Works at 919.269.5285. Held at the Zebulon Town Hall, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC.

Paws in the Park (April 8, 2017 @ 11am-2pm)

The seventh-annual Paws in the Park includes new games, vendors, entertainment, food and more. Bring your family and fur kids out to enjoy the afternoon of fun. Held at Best Friends Dog Park, 480 N Lee Street, Rocky Mount NC. See more about the dog park here.

Paws in the Park Easter Egg Hunt (April 8, 2017 @ 9:30am)

Bring the pup(s) and head to the Ashley Wilder Dog Park located at Knightdale Station Park, 810 S Main Street, Knightdale NC. With questions, contact Knightdale’s Recreation Program Supervisor, Megan Thornton, at 919.217.2236 or via email.

Beach Fest (April 8, 2017 @ 11am-5:30pm)

Come for this fourth-annual concert and fun day, part of The Farm Concert Series. Presented by YETI Coolers, this event is at The Farm,
215 Batten Road, Selma NC. This year’s best beach music lineups includes: Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers, Band Of Oz, and Hip Pocket. Tickets are $20; parking $10. Find more details on The Farm and Beach Fest at www.thefarmnc.com/news.cfm/page/4th-annual-beach-fest.

Tax March on Raleigh (April 15, 2017 @ 10am-8pm)

Hosted by The Ascent of the Resistance, this march is focused on gathering a crowd on the annual Tax Return deadline day to show the president that they want to see his returns. Location is the North Carolina State Capitol, 1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh NC. See the Raleigh march details here or visit taxmarch.org to view all locations.

Retro Film Series Double Feature (April 21, 2017 @ 7pm)

Two movies for $9. The Retro Film Series movie showings are held at the Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W Morgan Street, Durham NC. Come and watch Terry Gilliam’s Adventures of Baron Munchausen and Monty Python’s And Now for Something Completely Different. See more at www.carolinatheatre.org/films/festivals/retro-film-series.

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.

Bailey NC Flea Market / Craft Fair (April 22, 2017 @ 8am-2pm)

Bailey Chamber of Commerce is planning its town flea market and craft fair in downtown Bailey NC. Details will be forthcoming. See the Bailey Chamber Facebook page for updates and vendor details. Note that the town generally plans a Spring town-cleaning day in April too.

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.

Eastern NC Film Festival (April 29, 2017)

This festival promotes a mix of amateur and professional filmmakers and actors. Held at Pitt Community College, in Winterville NC. Details on films and ticket availability are online at encff.com/passes-tickets.

Wilmington Jewish FILM Festival (April 23-25, May 2-4, 2017 and May 7-9, 2017)

Fourth-annual festival is presented “3 by 3” — three days over three weekends. Held at the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington NC. Details and ticket information may be found at www.wilmingtonjff.org. Tickets go on sale April 1.

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.