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.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
A Side of History: High Flying Kites (May 10, 2017 @ 10:30am-noon)
Learn about how kites fly, hear about Benjamin Franklin, and make a ite to try out at the park. Held at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC. Tickets are available with ages 5 & up free, others $2 per person. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Register here.
2017 Hurricane Awareness Tour Stop RDU (May 10, 2017 @ 2:30-5pm)
See a NOAA and USAF Hurricane Hunter Aircraft and meet the crew. This public event is organized by the US National Weather Service-Raleigh and takes place at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville NC. Start at “Park & Ride #2 on the back side of the airport.” Much more detail at www.weather.gov/rah/2017HAT.
CHASIN TRANE: The John Coltrane Documentary (May 5-11, 2017)
This documentary will be screened at The Chelsea Theater, 1129 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill NC. See more details here along with documentary information and Coltrane’s connections to NC, where he was born and raised.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Downtown Live! (May 11, 2017 @ 6-8:30pm)
The city’s summer concert series kicks off with the Wallers. Doors open at 5pm. Local food vendors on-site. Held at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. For the full band line-up and for more information, visit www.downtownrockymount.com. Next date is May 25, 2017.
Free Concert by Band of Oz (May 11, 2017 @ 7-10pm)
Held at Kenly 95 Petro, 923 Johnston Pkwy, Kenly NC. Celebrate the first night of the East Coast Truckers Jamboree (which runs May 11-13, 2017) with a free concert by the Band of Oz. See more at kenly95.com/trucker-jamboree.
20th Anniversary Dunn Center Concert (May 11, 2017 @ 7:30pm)
Held at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Chamber Singers will present their last concert of the 2016-17 season. The 24 member chorus was invited to present the final concert in this year’s series that celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Dunn Center. Tickets are $15 and available here.
Friday, May 12, 2017
Nashville Blooming Festival (May 12-13, 2017)
The Blooming Festival with rides, vendors, food, and so much more takes place on Saturday and takes over the downtown Nashville NC area — you can’t miss it with the rides section and dozens (hundreds?) of vendors. Lead-in events are happening Thursday and Friday too, including a free concert Friday with food vendors too. See full schedule at nashvillencchamber.org/blooming-festival.
Carolina Strawberry Festival (May 12-13, 2017 @ Fri 7-10pm; Sat. 11am-11pm)
Enjoy this festival with pork/strawberry cook-offs, live bands, food, rides, and more. This Town of Wallace event is held downtown, address for navigation is 100 W Main Street, Wallace NC. Visit www.carolinastrawberryfestival.com for schedule and details.
KidsFest (May 12, 2017 @ 9:30am-12:30pm)
Join the fun at this 10th-annual event presented by Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County. Outdoor Pavilion, hands-on crafts, bubbles, corn hole, face painting, photo booths, cool treats, and more. Held at Roanoke Island Festival Park, 1 Festival Park, Manteo NC. Rain date, May 19.
Think Like An Intrapreneur (May 12, 2017 @ 12:30-1:30pm)
Having an entrepreneurial mindset is good for a businessperson, students, and professionals. This seminar will unpack the term “intrapreneur”, discuss characteristics that make a great entrepreneur, and cover how to practice those in everyday life as an intrapreneur. Speaker is David Joyner, President of Joyner Media & Strategies, Inc. Hosted by Young Professionals of the Twin Counties and held at the Gateway Technology Center Inc., 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount NC. Register here.
Friday Night on White (May 12, 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.
African American Music Series (May 12, 2017 @ 7-10pm)
Celebrating the rich heritage of African American musicians at this free event at the Emerge Gallery and Art Center, 404 S Evans Street, Greenville NC. Music with Marcus Parker and presentation about Melvin Parker. See future series dates at www.pittcountyarts.org
Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Games: May 12-18, 2017)
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 online here.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Shearing Day at Clover C Farm (May 13, 2017 @ 8am-3pm)
Head over to Clover C Farm, 117 Cheves Road, Bunn NC. The farm is holding their annual shearing day with Fred Pugh III, master shearer. Come and watch this “age-old management practice” as the farm harvests wool from their flock. Check out hats and other goods made from the wool and learn too. The farm is on Facebook here.
Spring into the Arts Walk (May 13, 2017 @ 9am-7pm)
Head to downtown Wendell NC for the Art Walk, vendors, classic car show, concert, and much more. See details at www.townofwendell.com/discover/events.
4th Annual Fun Bike Ride and Rodeo (May 13, 2017 @ 9am-noon)
The event will begins with a Bike Rodeo for children ages 5-10. Children must wear helmets and be supervised. The Fun Bike Ride is open to all ages, and will begin at 10am at the shelter located beside the tennis courts at Sunset Park, 1550 River Road, Rocky Mount NC. The 6.5 mile route will take riders through four national historic districts, downtown, and the Tar River Trail. Free hot dog lunch; pre-register to participate by calling Bob League at 252.972.1129 or sending an email. More information at www.rockymountnc.gov.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (May 13, 2017 @ 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. On May 13, ZFFM invites all to come out and find a unique gift for Mother’s Day at the market’s Spring Craft Fair. Note that May 20, 2017 will be “Pet Day at the Market.” See market updates on their Facebook page.
Family Fishing Derby (May 13, 2017 @ 9am-2pm)
This public event is hosted by the Rolesville Masonic Lodge 683 and is being held at 11920 Louisburg Road, Wake Forest NC. This event is for kids and their families and is Catch & Release only. Prizes will be awarded in several age categories (6-U, 7-11, 12-15, 16/up). Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish / smallest fish per age division, biggest fish overall. Hot Dogs, chips, and drinks will be available for purchase at the site during this fundraiser. Fee is $6, or $20 for a family (up to 5 members). Questions, call 919.730.7520 or 919.559.8392.
48HFP Panel Discussion (May 13, 2017 @ 10-11:30am)
Public filmmaking discussion hosted by the Greensboro 48 Hour Film Project. Learn from the trials and tribulations of team leaders in this free panel discussion. Their insights can be your foresights. Moderated and open to audience questions. Held at the Stephen D Hyers Studio Theater, 200 N Davie Street, Greensboro NC.
Stepping Into The Past (May 13, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)
This weekly series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission. On May 13, the topic is “Documenting Past & Present” and features North Carolina authors. 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.
Brown Bag Lunches (May 13, 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.
Also scheduled at Zebulon UMC on this date, Community Fish Fry.
BBQ Chicken Plate Sale (May 13, 2017 @ 11am-until)
Stop by for chicken, potatoes, green beans, bread, and dessert for $8 per plate. Buy 10 or more, and Girl Scout Troop 3306 will arrange delivery, locally. All proceeds support the troop. Plate sale location is Zebulon Baptist Church, 400 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC.
Community Fun Day (May 13, 2017 @ 11am-2pm)
Join the One Blood “movement of Unity” at Archer Lodge Middle School, 762 Wendell Road, Wendell NC. There will be free food, music, inflatables, games, and more. See more on this Facebook event page.
Pondapalooza (May 13, 2017 @ noon-11pm)
A full day of live music, food, craft beer and good clean fun. Bring the family and settle in for the day to celebrate our community at the Rocky Mount Mills, 1107 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC. Find band names, food truck info, hours, and more at koipondbrewingcompany.com.
Steve Love Art Exhibit & Artist Reception (May 13, 2017 @ 1:30-3:30pm)
Opening reception for exhibit at Nash County Arts Council, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC. Come “meet and greet” artist Steve Love. Exhibit runs throughout the month of May 2017.
Art Of Murder Dinner Theatre (May 13, 2017 @ 6pm)
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. Show tickets and times listed here.
Showtime at the Boykin (May 13, 2017 @ 7:30-10pm)
Showtime at the Boykin May 13 at 7:30 Entry Deadline: April 18 This spring, the Arts Council of Wilson will be hosting a talent show as a fundraiser to support its performing arts programming. Held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson NC. Tickets $10 for adults, students, and seniors. See more at www.wilsonarts.com or call the Arts Council for details, 252.291.4329.
Family Movie Series (May 13, 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. Future movie dates are June 10 and August 12, 2017.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
GeekCraftExpo RDU 2017 (May 14, 2017 @ 11am-6pm)
Check out this free, curated craft market featuring awesome handmade “geek goods” created by local artisans. The GeekCraft Expo RDU is Sunday at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham NC. See more at www.geekcraftexpo.com including events coming up across the US.
Summer Concerts on the Lawn (May 14, 2017 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
Grab a spot on the lawn for this free and family-friendly concert. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. Held at the Freeman Roundhouse Museum, 1202 Nash Street SE, Wilson NC. Concerts will run every Sunday (weather permitting) from May 7 through June 25, 2017. Next concert date is May 21, 2017. See more at www.theroundhousemuseum.com.
Coming Soon
Home-based Business Celebration (May 15, 2017 @ 11:30am-2pm)
Held at the Upper Coastal Plain Business Development Center, 121 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Celebrate the local home-based businesses that contribute to the fabric that is the City of Wilson. Home-based small business owners are invited to come out, enjoy a free networking lunch, and learn about low-to-no cost community business development services available locally and statewide. Register by email or call 252.234.5900.
Garden Talks: Grow Strawberries! (May 15, 2017 @ 3-4pm)
Join Nash County Extension agent Matt Stevens to learn all about growing and harvesting strawberries in your home garden. Held at Wilson Botanical Gardens, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson NC. Wilson Botanical Gardens posts updates and events on their Facebook page here.
Downtown Alive (May 17, 2017 @ 5:30-8:30pm)
Come join the tradition of food, beverages, dancing and fun at the annual Downtown Alive concert series. This night’s performers are Band of Oz. Held on the grassy lot on 210 Tarboro Street, (Historic Downtown) Wilson NC. No coolers; no pets. It is recommended that you bring a chair, blanket, sunscreen, and/or dance moves. Park in the adjacent Centre Brick lot or the BB&T parking lot. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be rescheduled. See more at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/events. Next Downtown Alive date is May 31, 2017.
Center Street Jam – Mikele Buck Band (May 18, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
Come for this free downtown summer concert series, which is open to the public. “Bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes and prepare to enjoy live music, great food, cold drinks & children’s activities.” Concert located in the John St. parking lot, 130 N. Center Street, Goldsboro NC. No coolers or pets allowed. See more details and future concerts at www.dgdc.org/events. Next date is June 1, 2017 (Military Appreciation).
Fraud and Identity Theft Protection (May 18, 2017 @ 6-7pm)
The Rocky Mount Police Department will host this informational session in the council chambers on the third floor of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building, 331 S Franklin Street, Rocky Mount NC. Topics for the hour-long seminar include the different types of fraud common to Rocky Mount, telephone scams, identity theft, and more. For more information, contact Yvette Jones at 252.972.1436.
Screening of “Homeplace Under Fire” (May 18, 2017 @ 7-9pm)
Documentary on family farms and advocacy. Movie screening will be in the Griffith Theatre, Bryant Center at Duke University, 125 Science Drive, Durham NC. RSVP at events.duke.edu/homeplace. Event Speakers are Charles D. Thompson and Farm Aid Co-founder John Mellencamp. With questions, call 919.660.3663 or visit the film website www.homeplaceunderfire.org to learn more.
Tackle The Tar (May 18-20, 2017)
Rocky Mount Rotary Club #6122 and Rocky Mount Mills present a concert Thursday at Rocky Mount Mills, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC, plus their Tackle the Tar information here describes additional happenings at Rocky Mount Municipal Stadium/Imperial Centre events on Friday and Saturday.
Kids & Family Movie Night (May 19, 2017 @ 6-8pm)
Come see the movie, Moana, plus enjoy live entertainment and bounce houses. This free, family-friendly event is held at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, 600 Independence Drive, Rocky Mount NC.
The Legacy Motown Revue at Clayton Town Square (May 19, 2017 @ 5:30-9pm)
Join the crowd for this 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 concerts May 19, June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 8, 2017.
Rocky Mount Picture Show! (May 19, 2017 @ 6:30-11:30pm)
Local business team up to present — for one night only in a true movie house — small-screen style Rocky Horror Picture Show with a special pre-presentation of American Werewolf in London. Held at the Booker T. Washington Theater, 170 W Thomas Street, Rocky Mount NC. Dress as your favorite Rocky Horror character and have some fun. Tickets are $15, available at Arkham Comix, 3010 Sunset Avenue, in Rocky Mount. or wait until the night of at the door — seats are limited so its suggested that tickets be purchased early. Event is geared toward adults 18 and older. Brought to you by:
- Arkham Comix
- Koi Pond Brewing Company
- Angelo’s Pizza of Rocky Mount
- Modern Electric Tattoo
- RedPhish Music
- Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
- Rock City Powersports
- The Barber Room
- Digital Repair, LLC
Koi Pond Brewing and Angelo’s Pizza will be onsite offering food/drinks for purchase throughout the night.
Zaxby’s Movie Night with Selma Parks and Recreation (May 19, 2017 @ 7-10pm)
Come early and pick a spot, buy a snack, and hang out and enjoy entertainment before the movie. This is a free event. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket for comfort. The feature presentation is The Secret Life of Pets. Movie starts at dusk. Address is 201 N Raiford Street, Selma NC. In case of inclement weather, movies will be rescheduled. Visit the Selma Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates.
Got to Be NC Festival (May 19-21, 2017)
An always-fun free celebration of and about NC. This event runs three days and offers food, music, beverages, a carnival, antique farm equipment, and so much more. Held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Daily ride wristbands available on Friday and Saturday. Check out the “Homegrown Fare” section to see food/drink made in NC. Ride the Fair Flyer too. Got to Be NC Festival details and schedule are online at gottobencfestival.com.
Wings Over Wayne Air Show 2017 (May 20-21, 2017)
“The most exciting air show in eastern North Carolina!” See the legendary US Navy Blue Angels, the mightly F-15E Strike Eagle, and more. This free, family friendly event is held at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), 688 South Oak Forrest Road (Main Gate), Goldsboro NC. See entertainment schedule, vendors, and more at www.wingsoverwayne.com.
Family Fun Day (May 20, 2017 @ 9:30am-12:30pm)
Head over to Sunset Park, 1550 River Road, in Rocky Mount NC for free rides, food, activities, a spray park, games, health screenings, entertainment, and more. This event is free and open to the public. Organized by the Twin County Domestic Violence Task Force.
RoseFest (May 20, 2017 @ 10am-10pm)
Come celebrate our towns beauty and rebirth on Saturday in Pink Hill NC. This tiny town features “2230 pink roses blooming, white picket fences, and one stoplight.” Enjoy the flowers, plus food, entertainment, a pet parade, vendors, and much more.
Gary Presents – How Birds Fly (May 20, 2017 @ 11am-noon)
Gary Sherman Davis, Sales Associate of Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill, a North Carolina native, ex-Marine, and a resident of Hillsborough, holds a PhD in Avian Physiology from NCSU, is a retired professor of Poultry Science and Physiology at NCSU, has been a wildlife enthusiast and birder for the majority of his life. Attendance this event and learn “How Birds Fly.” Held at Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC.
Family Movie Night at Joyner Park (May 20, 2017 @ 8:30-10pm)
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department hosts this outdoor movie in Joyner Park, located at 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC.
Tent Revival (May 22-June 2, 2017 @ 7pm)
This revival is being held at Norris Creek, 751 Old Halifax Road, Louisburg NC (near Bunn NC). For details, contact Evangelist Dr. Jack Sizemore of China Grove at 704.857.3327 or see drzack.org.
Outdoor Movie: “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them” (June 1, 2017 @ 8-10pm)
The 2017 Outdoor Movie Series shows movies on the Back Lawn at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner NC. The show starts at sunset, around 8pm. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. This Outdoor Movie Series is presented by Downtown Garner, Planet Fitness, Home Towne Realty, and the Town of Garner. No pets. Due to film rating, parents should use discretion when deciding to bring children under the age of 13. If it rains, the movie will be cancelled. Watch this event on Facebook for updates.
Community Yard Sale (June 3, 2017 @ 7-11am)
Open to all surrounding areas, come and check out the local yard sales in Black Creek NC. Should be a variety of items offered throughout the community. VENDORS/RESIDENTS: Free spaces may be reserved to sell/resell by calling Dale Edmundson at 252.373.1890.
First Annual Book Fest (June 3, 2017 @ 2-5pm)
Free admission to this community event and Literacy Campaign promoting reading in the community. The organization which bring the most guests will receive a cash donation. Meet/greet authors and purchase their books. Held at Wilson Community Church, 2301 Montgomery Drive, Wilson NC. Organized by Epps CreativeMindz Enterprises / CreativeMindz Book Lounge.
Spring Concert Series (June 3, 2017 @ 5:30-7pm)
Come to Mill Bridge Nature Park for this free Spring Concert in the Park. Bring family and friends to enjoy live music. Food trucks available at the site. Held at Mill Bridge Nature Park, 4600 Winslet Drive, Rolesville NC. Music by the Will McBridge Group. See more on this and other events at secure.rec1.com/NC/town-of-rolesville/catalog.
Sunday in the Park (June 4, 2017 @ 6-8pm)
Enjoy a concert at Dix Park Harvey Hill, 693 Palmer Drive, Raleigh NC. Bring a blanket or short lawn chairs and enjoy the music. Register for this free event at www.eventbrite.com. For refreshments, Food Trucks will be on-site.
Family Movie Series (June 10, 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. Future movie date is August 12, 2017.
301 Endless Yard Sale (June 16-17, 2017 @ 7am-5pm)
Plan to take part in this fifth-annual event with over 100 miles of antiques, thrift store finds, and yard sales with more than 500 vendors along US Hwy 301 from Weldon NC to Dunn NC through five counties. Map and information available at www.301endlessyardsale.com.
MUFON-NC Chapter Meeting (TBD Summer 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.
