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.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
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 Blackout Poetry (March 23, 2017, 4pm)
Location is the Wilson County library system’s Elm City Branch, 114 N Railroad Street, Elm City NC. With questions, call 252.236.4269.
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.
Low Income Energy Assistance (March 23, 2017 @ 6-8pm)
Need help paying your energy bill? Head to East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Wake County Human Services Crisis Assistance staff will be on site to take applications for energy assistance. No registration required. Bring with you: photo ID, heating bill, SSN for all household members, income verification for anyone living in the home, and a bank statement from the prior month. Contact Brandy Hamilton at the library — 919.217.5300.
Dinner Theatre (March 23, 2017 @ 7:30pm)
The Zoo Story will be performed at Big Harold’s Diner on Thursday evenings — March 23, 2017, March 30, 2017 and April 6, 2017. Big Harold’s Diner is located at 126 Tarboro Street W, Wilson NC. Dinner at 7:30pm, with the show beginning at 8pm. Tickets $25 include dinner and the show. Call 252.291.3663 or email dulamaes@gmail.com to reserve in advance.
Friday, March 24, 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)
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Brown Bag Lunches (March 25, 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 25, 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.
Teddy Tea (March 25, 2017 @ 10:30am-noon)
Bring your teddies to have tea with special guest Houghie Bear. Moms and dads can enjoy afternoonifieds, while the little ones enjoy Wee Teas with their teddies! A Teddy and Tea story will be read, and Houghie Bear will be there to take pictures with the youngins and their bears. Fee is $10 for the Wee Tea, $15 for the Adult afternoonifieds. Call 919.803.2704 or email to reserve a spot. Oak Park Tea Roomis located at 5208 Hollyridge Drive, Raleigh NC.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program (March 25, 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.
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. See more here.
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.
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.
Gary Presents: Egg and Embryo Development (March 25, 2017 @ 11am-noon)
Gary Sherman Davis, a Sales Associate of Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill for 2-1/2 years, a NC native, and a resident of Hillsborough, has his PhD in Avian Physiology from NCSU, is a retired professor of Poultry Science and Physiology at NCSU, an ex marine, works for the Durham Bulls, collects and plays guitars, believes “there’s nothing that cannot be fixed with duct tape”, has been a wildlife enthusiast, and birder for the majority of his life? Attendance is limited; call 919.969.6778 to make reservations. Held at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC.
Spring Stunt Show (March 25, 2017 @ 11am-4pm)
Held at Team Powersports, 222 US Highway 70 E, Garner NC. Team Powersports Garner and StuntARMY are porud to present the Spring Stunt Show! Watch as stunt riders from StuntARMY perform some of the coolest motorcycle stunts you’ve ever seen! With free food, and door prizes. See more here.
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.
Movie By Moonlight at Dorothea Dix Park (March 25, 2017 @ 8:30pm)
Come watch a classic movie in beautiful Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh NC. Free and open to the public. Arrive early to get a space. There will be popcorn and food trucks available. Bring a blanket and a picnic if you like. Note only portajohns are available, and there is no drinkable water in the park, so plan accordingly.
Heroes Among Us (March 25, 2017 @ 7:30-9:30pm)
Concert dedicated to military and civil servants — honoring all “heroes among us.” The concert includes classical and popular works dedicated to heroism, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” Admission $10-$25. Held at Huff Concert Hall, Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville NC. See www.fayettevillesymphony.org.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Lunafest : Film series by women, for women, about women (March 26, 2017 @ 5:30pm)
LUNAFEST, a documentary film series, has combined 9 short films into one powerful 90 minute documentary. This series is written by, for, and about women. Its goal is to inspire those to make positive changes in their communities. Held at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh NC. Hosted by Curamericas. Light drinks and snacks provided. The event is free, but all donations are welcome will be used to support the Breast Cancer Fund as well as Curamericas Global, a Raleigh-based charity that provides health care for mothers and children in high-need communities around the world.
Know Your Rights (March 26, 2017 @ 2-4pm)
Held at 1214 E Lenoir Street, Raleigh NC. Evelyn Smallwood and Patrick Hatch of Hatch Rockers Immigration will be discussing immigration rights and the executive order. We will also be discussing what to do when those rights are ignored and how we can come together as a community to fight these injustices. This workshop is open to absolutely anyone who feels they or their community may be targeted by law enforcement and government agencies. See more here.
Coming Soon
In addition to the upcoming events listed below, check out our articles on:
Good Reads Book Club
On March 27, 2017, 10:30am-noon, join the discussion of “I am the Messenger” by Markus Zusak in the Wiley Room. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Book Club, contact Kesha Joyner 252.442.1951 x.253. Braswell Memorial Library is located at 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC.
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.
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.
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.
