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 the weekly list.
Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included. Some may be rescheduled, 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.
Be sure to check out our Labor Day Weekend events list at greyareanews.com/news/local-nc/labor-day-weekend-2017-events.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Hornbeam Park Dedication (August 31, 2017 @ 10:30-11:30am)
Celebrate the renovation of Hornbeam Park, located at 150 Cunningham Drive, Rocky Mount NC. Check out the new tennis courts, new playground equipment, and picnic shelter upgrades. See details on the city’s website.
Interviewing Skills: Before, during, and after the Interview (August 31, 2017 @ 1-2:30pm)
This jobs program will be offered in the conference room at the Wilson County Public library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. See more on the library website.
Downtown Live! (August 31, 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 September 14, 2017.
Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Game: August 31, 2017 @ 7pm)
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, September 1, 2017
First Friday on the Lawn (September 1, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
This date, kick off Labor Day weekend 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 October 6, 2017. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.
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.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Area Farmers Markets
- Wendell Farmers Market ( @ 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 ( @ 8am-1pm) — The market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The market is open Saturdays (8am-1pm) from April to November. Updates are posted to this Facebook page.
- Franklin County Farmers Market ( @ 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.
- Zebulon Farm Fresh Market ( @ 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. See market updates and weekly themes on their Facebook page.
- Clayton Farm and Community Market ( @ 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.
Stepping Into The Past (September 2, 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 September 9, 2017. Note that November 10-11, 2017, a BBQ cook-off is scheduled.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program (September 2, 2017 @ 10:30am)
This event offers three library locations on this date. 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 necessary.
Held 10:30-11:15am at the Wendell Community Library, 207 S. Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC.
Held 10:30-11:30am at the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC.
This program is also at 11:30am at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Sign-up is required at this location.
See more Wake County Public Library events, or sign up for events, at www.wakegov.com/libraries.
Brown Bag Lunch (September 2, 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.
Live Music at Small Town USA (September 2, 2017 @ 7:30pm)
Come and hear South Bound And Down on the stage at Small Town USA, 8928 Main Street, Castalia NC. Admission is $10, with kids 12 and under free. Refreshments available for purchase. Call 252.462.0408 to reserve seats. See more about this venue’s events on their Facebook page.
UBW Ninja Warrior Competition (September 2-3, 2017)
This Ultimate Backyard Warrior event is being held by Church On The Rise as a fundraiser. Tickets start at $10. Address is 2550 N Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. American Ninja Warrior Competition features Ninjas from all over the US competing over two days. See details here.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Goats and Yoga! (September 3, 2017 @ 8-11am)
Join this unique fitness event at Equis Run Farm, 11316 Centaur Road, Wake Forest NC. Details and registration ($20 fee) on EventBrite here.
Food Truck Rodeo (September 3, 2017 @ noon-4pm)
Gathering of dozens of the Triangle’s most popular food trucks! The event is free to attend; purchase food, drink, or snacks from the food trucks. Held at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham NC. Live music from Wood Robinson’s New Formal begins at 12:30pm. Dogs are allowed at the Food Truck Rodeo on regular (not retractable) leashes. Free parking in nearby lots. Bring blanket or lawn chair for comfort. See more at durhamcentralpark.org.
Coming Soon
Agri-Cultural Market (September 5, 2017 @ 5-7:30pm)
Enjoy an evening of food trucks, craft beer, and shopping at the green space in Farmville NC. All-local vendors will be offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more. Farmville Chamber and the Arts Council are hosting this event at The GlasStation, 3732-B West Wilson Street, Farmville NC. See updates on the Farmville Chamber’s Facebook page.
Food Truck Thursday (September 7, 2017 @ 11:30am & 6pm)
Stop by to purchase lunch (11:30am-1:30pm) or 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. Next date is September 14, 2017.
2017 Outdoor Movie Series (September 7, 2017 @ 7:30-10pm)
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.
10 Plants That Are Deer Resistant (September 8, 2017 @ noon)
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. See all dates at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/03/2017-ten-plant-tours. Next date is September 22, 2017 (10 Plants That Attract Pollinators).
Mill Music Sessions Free Concert (September 8, 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.
Concert at Clayton Town Square (September 8, 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 is on the town website here.
Friday Night on White (September 8, 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.
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.
Fish Fry (September 8, 2017 @ 11am-until)
The Zebulon Shrine Club (ZSC) is holding a Fish Fry at 1201 W Gannon Avenue, in Zebulon NC — on the road just about halfway between J&M Chevrolet and Theo Davis Printing. Watch for updates on the ZSC Facebook page.
K-Fest: Knightdale Education Festival (September 9, 2017 @ 10am-9pm)
Special annual events with interactive activities including educational events, athletic challenges, and live entertainment. Held at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater located at 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. See details at www.knightdalenc.gov.
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.
Bluegrass Picnic Summer Series (September 9, 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.
Teens: Would You Survive on The Moon? (September 11, 2017 @ 6-7pm)
Test your survival skills and celebrate our recent eclipse with games, challenges, and snacks. For grades 6-10. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC.
Downtown Live! (September 14, 2017 @ 6pm; doors 5pm)
This date, this event features live music by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. 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. No coolers. For more information, call 252.972.1266 or visit downtownrockymount.com. Next date is September 28, 2017 (season finale).
Friday Nights on the Tar (September 15, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
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. This is the final date in the series.
Family Movie Series (September 15, 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.
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.
Downtown Beats & Eats (September 16, 2017 @ 1-5pm)
Free concert hosted by 217 Brew Works, 217 South Street S, Wilson NC. Food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a chair/blanket. No coolers. Food vendors and more, plus check out downtown Wilson stores. See this and more Historic Downtown Wilson events at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/events.
Summer 2017 Under the Stars Movie Series (September 16, 2017 @ 7:30pm; movie at 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. Future movie date is October 31, 2017 (Halloween). See movie titles in the Town of Nashville NC movie night PDF.
Asheville Film Festival (September 16, 2017)
Head to Asheville NC and enjoy watching some of the 46 films at this film fest. Watch for updates at www.ashevillencfilmfestival.com or on their Facebook page.
Wilson County Fair (September 19-24, 2017)
Watch the fairground’s website for details and schedule: www.wilsoncountyfair.org.
RTP 180 “Women in Business” Presentation (September 21, 2017 @ doors 5pm; event 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.
2017 Footcandle Film Festival (September 22-24, 2017)
This annual film festival takes place in Drendel Auditorium on the SALT Block, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory NC. Tickets on sale now. View the Festival Film schedule and ticket information at. www.footcandlefilmfestival.com.
Cars & Coffee Wake Forest (September 23, 2017 @ 8-11am)
Run by a handful of local residents who enjoy being around cars and people, this is a free event held on the 4th Saturday of each month in the Gateway Commons shopping center’s parking lot, 950 Gateway Commons Circle, Wake Forest NC. Check out old school to exotic cars, motorcycles, or whatever drops in. This is an active shopping center with food, bathrooms, and coffee. See events online via www.facebook.com/candcwakeforest.
Family Fun at the Farm (September 23, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)
Come out and enjoy some family time at the horse farm with games, activities for kids, demonstrations, information, and more. Held at Kindred Spirits Farm, 5591 Massey Road, Zebulon NC, Farm information is online at www.kindredspiritsfarmnc.com and on Facebook.
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.
Annual Storytelling Festival (September 30, 2017 @ 11am-4pm)
Held by the Wake County Public Library system at Historic Oak View County Park. Spend the listening to storytellers at this free event. See more on this annual Saturday event at http://www.wakegov.com/…/storytelling.aspx.
MUFON Meeting (September 30, 2017 @ 2-3pm)
Held at the Archdale Public Library, 10433 Main Street, Archdale NC. At this free meeting, Kent Senter will discuss some interesting cases he has investigated recently. Lakita Adams will give an update on recent NC sighting statistics. 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.