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 or dates erroneous, 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.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Wilson Farmers Market (July 19, 2017 @ 7:30am-noon)

This market is open from the end of April through August at two locations, depending on day of the week. Wednesdays (8am-1pm), the market is open at 207 W Green Street, Wilson NC. Saturdays (7:30am-noon), the market is at the Hwy 301, Wilson County Fairgrounds on Highway 301, Wilson NC. Updates are posted here.

Carolina Puppet Theatre (July 19, 2017 @ 11am)

Come for storytelling, music, and puppetry in this interactive show geared toward ages 3-7. Tickets are $5 online or at the door (if still available). Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, located at 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. See www.wakeforestnc.gov/carolina-puppet-theatre-1. Next date is August 2, 2017.

SRC: Brushbots! (July 19, 2017 @ 3-5pm)

Build and race your own toothbrush robot. Event is being held in the Warner Room at Braswell Memorial Library 727, N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. This event is part of the summer reading program. Space is limited, so Register by calling Scott Houston, MLS Teen & Information Services Librarian, at 252.442.1951 x.257.

Special Olympics Interest Meeting (July 19, 2017 @ 6pm)

Special Olympics Nash County (SONC) is hosting an interest meeting on Wednesday evening. The meeting is to improve and grow the Special Olympics program and recruit volunteers for fundraising and finance positions. The location is the Booker T. Theatre, 170 E Thomas Street, Rocky Mount NC. For more information, contact Brian Harrell at nash@sonc.net.

Fayetteville SwampDogs Baseball (Home Games: July 19-22, 2017 @ 7:05pm)

Enjoy a baseball game at “The Swamp” — J.P. Riddle Stadium, 2823 Legion Road, Fayetteville NC. See full schedule at www.goswampdogs.com.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Sprinkler Fun Days (July 20, 2017 @ 3-4pm)

The Bridge Church presents this event every Thursday through mid-August. 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.

Concert at Clayton Town Square (July 20, 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 concerts August 17 and September 8, 2017. See the town website here.

Art Exhibit Opening Reception (July 20, 2017 @ 5:30-7:30pm)

Andrea Horton-Morton, Wilson Active Artist Association, is the Featured Artist starting with the July 20 reception. Andrea Horton-Morton is an artistic crafter and painter, who lives and has a studio in historic downtown Wilson. She is owner of Art 123, which is located on Barnes Street in Historic Downtown Wilson. Come for the reception in the Lowe Gallery,  Arts Council of Wilson, 124 Nash Street E, Wilson NC. Her work will remain on display at the gallery through August 26, 2017.

Teen Movie Night (July 20, 2017 @ 5:30-7:30pm)

Part of the summer reading program at Braswell. Held Thursday evening in the Computer Lab, Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. Questions, call librarian Scott H. at 252.442.1951 x.257.

Food Truck Thursday (July 20, 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 July 20, 2017 with live music. Next date is August 17, 2017.

Downtown Live! Featuring The Main Event Band (July 20, 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 3, 2017.

RTP 180 “Biomedical Engineering” Presentation (July 20, 2017 @ 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.

Soul Sistas The Musical: Dinner Theatre (July 20, 2017 @ 6pm)

Spend an evening 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.

ACP Public Hearing on Water Impacts (July 20, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

State agencies are holding this Public hearing on how the Atlantic Coast Pipeline impacts water.  These hearings are being held so that NC DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Quality) and NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) can hear from the public. Held in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College, 522 N Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount NC.

End of Summer Cosplay Party (July 20, 2017 @ 6:30-7:30pm)

Dress as a favorite character or person. Enjoy ice cream and decorate cookies. Designed for ages 12-18. Held at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield NC. See more at www.pljcs.org.

10 Plants that Love Hot and Dry Conditions (July 20, 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. Next date is August 11, 2017. See all dates at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/03/2017-ten-plant-tours.

Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Games: July 20-21, 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 and game times online here.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Crafting at the Library (July 21, 2017 @ 3:30pm)

Children ages 6 and up are invited to come and join activities including CD Spinners and Log Cabin. Call 252.459.2106 and register a child. Held at the Harold D Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville NC. Library events may be found here.

Town of Princeville Open House (July 21, 2017 @ 5:30-8:30pm)

Come to the Edgecombe County Administration Building Auditorium, 201 St. Andrews Street, Tarboro NC. and hear about changes coming to the Town of Princeville. Come for discussions of long-range recovery plans, new growth, and a new senior center. See flyer and updates via the town’s Facebook page.

Summer Night Lights (July 21, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

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. July 21 location is Three Sister’s Park, 221 Water Drive, Battleboro. Questions, call 252.972.1151. Future date is July 28, 2017 at Aycock Park, 1200 Aycock Street.  See schedule here.

Free Carriage Rides (July 21, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Head to Historic Downtown Smithfield NC on Friday for free carriage rides. Horses and carriages will be at the corner of Third and Market streets where rides will begin. First come, first served. See updates here, along with info on businesses open downtown during this event.

Tobs Baseball (July 21, 2017@ gates 6pm; game 7pm)

Faith and Family Night / Mt. Olive Pickle Week. Head over to from Fleming Stadium, 300 Stadium Street SW, Wilson NC, for a Tobs home game. See game times, promotions, and more at wilsontobs.com.

Pokemon Friday Night Tournaments (July 21, 2017 @ 6:30pm)

Held at Uncle Sleepys Sports Memorabilia and Supplies, 6204 Main Street, Bailey NC. This location holds Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon Tournaments. See more on the shop’s Facebook page.

Lawn Chair Theatre (July 21, 2017 @ 8:30pm; doors 7pm)

Bring chairs/blankets and get comfortable on the lawn at the Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Doors open at 7pm, and admission is free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the site. For information, call 252.972.1266 or see imperialcentre.org/events/lawn-chair-theater.

Friday Nights on the Tar (July 21, 2017)

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 date is August 18, 2017.

The Best of the 2017 Greensboro 48 Hour Film Project (July 21, 2017 @ 7-10pm)

Held at The Carolina Theatre, 310 S Greene Street, Greensboro NC. Ticket $10 each, details and ticket link at carolinatheatre.com. “Filmmakers spent the weekend of June 23-25 making a short film. They were premiered, audiences voted their favorites, and now the judges are reviewing the films. Come see the award’winning films and stay for the awards reveal.”

Outdoor Movie Night (July 21, 2017 @ 8pm)

Come and enjoy the first-ever movie night at Lick’s Ice Cream, 2628 NC-97 Hwy, Wendell NC. The ice cream stand will be open for those who would like to purchase their homemade ice cream and waffle cones, popcorn, or soda. Bring a chair/blanket for comfort. See more at www.facebook.com/licksicecreamwendell.

North Carolina Watermelon Festival (July 21-23, 2017)

Organized by the Fair Bluff Watermelon Growers Association, Inc. this festival is held around 100 Main Street, in downtown Fair Bluff NC (Columbus County). This family-friendly festival includes a parade, entertainment, vendors, and more. The festival’s website is www.ncwatermelonfestival.org.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Princeville Beautification Day (July 22, 2017 @ 6:30am-noon)

Help beautify the Town of Princeville this Saturday. Register at Town Hall, 201 S Main Street, Princeville NC, at 6:30am. Come prepared to work; town clean-up is 7am to noon. If you have landscaping tools, bring them along. For more information or with questions, call the Princeville Town Hall at 252.823.1057. See updates on the Town of Princeville Facebook page.

Wilson Farmers Market (July 22, 2017 @ 7:30am-noon)

This market is open from the end of April through August at two locations, depending on day of the week. Wednesdays (8am-1pm), the market is open at 207 W Green Street, Wilson NC. Saturdays (7:30am-noon), the market is at the Hwy 301, Wilson County Fairgrounds on Highway 301, Wilson NC. Updates are posted here.

Wendell Farmers Market (July 22, 2017 @ 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 (July 22, 2017 @ 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 (July 22, 2017 @ 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.

“ZFFM” — Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (July 22, 2017 @ 9am-1pm)

July 22 is the annual “Christmas in July” event!  Vendors will be there, plus Santa, Christmas music, and lunch available for purchase 11am to 1pm from the Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck. 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 (July 22, 2017 @ 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.

Hummingbird Banding Demonstration (July 22, 2017 @ 9am-1pm)

Come and see hummingbirds up close. Learn how to identify Ruby-throated hummingbirds by age and sex, find out what a “white” hummingbird is, hear the latest on nesting ecology, and more. Bring a camera. Held at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation, 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh NC. See the NC Hummingbirds organization’s Facebook page here.

Stepping Into The Past (July 22, 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 July 29, 2017. Note that November 10-11, 2017, a BBQ cook-off is scheduled.

Pork, Pickles, & Peanuts (July 22, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

Enjoy BBQ, pie contests, and more while celebrating NC food and history at a historic site. “Venture back in time at the Duke House where costumed interpreters will demonstrate historical cooking methods.” Held at the Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham NC. Free of charge! Enter the Pie Contest via this link.

Individualism and Liberty in the Little House Books (July 22, 2017 @ 11am-noon)

This free, open-to-the-public events is being held at the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma NC.  “The Little House on the Prairie Books have inspired generations young and old alike. Historian Eric Jackson will explore the messages of freedom, liberty, and individualism in the books and talk about the relationship between Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. This will be a program about the history of the west, family dynamics, and the message of liberty and freedom that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder and inspires all of us today.” For more information, call  919.333.4899 or email.

Brown Bag Lunches (July 22, 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 (July 22, 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 at www.facebook.com/events/1322836614461463.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Fur-baby Adoption Event (July 23, 2017 @ 1-4pm)

Head to the Pounce Cat Lounge and Gift Shop and see ten adoptable rescue fur babies with Kosmic Kittens Animal Rescue and Adoption. Adoption application and $50 adoption fee required. Give these babies a new start and check out the Cat Lounge.  Held at  101 S Raiford Street, Selma NC. See more on Facebook here.

Sunday in the Park (July 23, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

Enjoy a concert at Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, 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. Next date is July 30, 2017.

Coming Soon

Night Sky Over Hatteras (July 25, 2017 @ 9-10pm)

Check out the night sky over Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This free skywatching night is held every Tuesday (summertime) by the National Park Service. Meet at the parking lot near ORV Ramp 43 in Buxton NC.  See details, upcoming dates, and other Cape Hatteras National Seashore events at www.nps.gov/caha/…/event-details.htm.

Democracy for Sale Movie Night (July 26, 2017 @ 6pm)

Free movie showing at the Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E Ash Street, Goldsboro NC. Come for the movie, refreshments, and a panel discussion with honored guests and experts. Find out why redistricting- “gerrymandering”- has been such a hot topic in NC and the controversy surrounding Coal Ash. Note that a similar event is being held July 27, 2017, also at 6pm, at the Steele Memorial Library, 119 W Main Street, Mount Olive NC.

Real to Reel International Film Festival (July 26-29, 2017)

This Cleveland County (NC) Arts Council festival is held in Kings Mountain NC. See film schedule and purchase tickets at www.ccartscouncil.org/realtoreel. In addition to the regular screenings, “Real to Reel Kids Fest” screenings take place Saturday, July 29, 2017, 10am-noon.

Center Street Jam (July 27, 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. Next date is August 10, 2017.

Kids’ Day (July 28, 2017* @ 2-8pm)

Join the fun at Toisnot Park, 1500 Corbett Avenue, Wilson NC. There will be games, prizes, food, drink, and a volleyball tournament presented by SweetRiches. For more information, call Crystal R. at 252.315.8553. Fee $2-5 depending on age. Parents free with children. *This event was rescheduled from earlier in the summer due to weather. 

CedarFest (July 29, 2017 @ 9am-4pm)

Held by the town at the historic “Octagon House” property, 427 Sherwood Avenue, Cedar Point NC (coastal area). CedarFest is an annual event with arts and crafts, music, boat rides, pony rides, and more. Entry fee is a non-perishable food item or cash donation, with all proceeds going to the Hem of his Garment Food Pantry. To sign up as a vendor for this festival, visit www.cedarpointnc.org.

Family Movie Night at Joyner Park (July 29, 2017 @ 8:30-10:30pm)

This Town of Wake Forest free, open-to-the-public outdoor movie is being held at the E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC. There will be on-site food vendors. Bring a blanket and/or chairs. Arriving early is recommended. No alcohol, smoking, or unleashed pets. (To obtain the movie title, sign up for The Week Ahead, www.wakeforestnc.gov/enews.aspx or call 919.556.7063.) If it rains, Family Movie Night will be moved inside Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N White Street, in Wake Forest. Next date is August 12, 2017. See details at www.wakeforestnc.gov/family-movie-nights-at-joyner-park.aspx.

Barefoot on the Farm Festival (July 30, 2017 @ 4-8pm)

Vendors, food, music, and activities on the farm — a sunflower maze, wagon rides, playground, and water balloon fights. First-annual festival held at Odom Farming Co Inc, 1426 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro NC. Vendor spaces may be available. See vendor link and more at www.odomfarmingcompany.com/barefoot-on-the-farm-festival.

Coming in August

2017 Outdoor Movie Series (August 3, 2017 @ 8-10pm)

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-groundhog-day.

1st Friday on the Lawn (August 4, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

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 September 1, 2017. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.

First Friday Flix (August 4, 2017 @ 7pm)

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, located at 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC, hosts free, movie showings on the first Friday evening of each month. Concessions will be available for purchase. For information, call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919.435.9458 or visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/featured-events.aspx.

Tarboro Home Grown Hand Made Market (August 5, 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.

Mill Music Sessions Free Concert (August 11, 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. Next date is September 8, 2017.

Friday Night on White (August 11, 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.

Family Movie Night (August 11, 2017 @ 7pm)

Enjoy free family movie and popcorn on the second Friday of each month. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Doors open at 6:30pm. Free popcorn and bottled water. Call Zebulon Parks and Rec at 919.823.0432 for movie title. See more on the town website at www.townofzebulon.org.

PSI Games (August 11, 2017 @ 7-9pm)

Ever wondered about your ESP ability? Come for a unique event  and participate in ESP games with Zener cards, Remote Viewing, and a Spoon Bending Party. The PSI Games take place in the Alex Tanous Library at The Rhine Research Center, 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Durham NC. Admission fee is $25, or $15 for Rhine members, students, and senior citizens.

If you’re interested in attending and taking part in the PSI Games, register on the Rhine website. Early registration is recommended as space is limited. With questions, call 919.309.4600.

The Market @ Knightdale Station Park (August 12, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

The 2017 market operates the second Saturday of each month (May through October). Each market Saturday has a will be a themed event with live music and activities. Held at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater located at 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. See details at www.knightdalenc.gov.

Bluegrass Picnic Summer Series (August 12, 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. Future date is September 9, 2017.

Family Movie Series (August 12, 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 September 15, 2017.

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (August 12-13, 2017)

Enjoy shrimp, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, fun activities, and fireworks too. Adult admission is $6, children 6-12 are $3, and ages 0-5 are free. See full schedule at www.sneadsferryshrimpfestival.org/events.

2017 Paws For Life Quarter Auction (August 13, 2017 @ 3-6pm)

Come join the auction and raise funds for Paws For Life NC Animal Rescue. This special event is being held at the The Sutherland Estate and Gardens, 13371 Wake Union Church Road, Wake Forest NC. All money raised from this charity auction goes directly to the care and support (including medical costs) associated with the animals in their program.  Auction Paddle fee at the door will be $3 (one paddle per person). Bring food and drink. Bring 2 rolls of quarters (or more) for bidding. There will be a raffle and other items given away too. “Come enjoy the fun and help save animals.”

Summer 2017 Under the Stars Movie Series (August 19, 2017 @ 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. Click link to see the Town of Nashville movie series PDF with movie titles. Next movie date is September 16, 2017.

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.

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.

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.

Coming in September

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wilson County Fair (September 19-24, 2017)

Watch the fairground’s website for details and schedule: www.wilsoncountyfair.org.

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.

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.