By Kay Whatley, Editor

This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond. Piedmont and Coastal events are sometimes on this weekly list. 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. Events may be added/updated.

Feel free to email event notices to the editor.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Wilson Farmers Market (July 5, 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.

The Lost Colony (July 5-8, 2017)

Outdoor theatre drama showcases Roanoke Island area history at the Historic Waterside Theatre, 1409 National Park Drive, Manteo NC. Ticket prices vary, with adult tickets $20-$35 and kids’ tickets offered at lower prices. See details and buy tickets at thelostcolony.org.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Sprinkler Fun Days (July 6, 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.

Tobs Baseball (July 6, 2017 @ 6pm)

July 2 is “Bang for Your Buck Sunday” with $1 hot dogs, $1 popcorn, and $1 snow cones. July 4 is fireworks. Head over to from Fleming Stadium, 300 Stadium Street SW, Wilson NC, for a Tobs home game. See game times and more at wilsontobs.com.

RMT’s Downtown Live! (July 6, 2017 @ 6-8:30pm)

Free outdoor concert featuring Spare Change. Held on the lawn at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Doors open at 5pm. Food and beverages available for purchase. No coolers. For more information, go to www.downtownrockymount.com or call 252.972.1266. Next date is July 20, 2017.

Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Game: July 6, 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 online here.

2017 Outdoor Movie Series: The Sandlot (July 6, 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. The 2017 Outdoor Movie Series is presented by Downtown Garner, the Town of Garner, Planet Fitness, and Home Towne Realty. 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-fantastic-beasts. Next movie date is August 3, 2017.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Seniors Ice Cream Social and Movie Day (July 7, 2017 @ 2-3:30pm)

Enjoy movie and ice cream at this special senior event. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Fee is $2 per person. Call Zebulon Parks and Rec at 919.823.0432 for movie title. See town happenings at www.townofzebulon.org.

Summer Night Lights (July 7, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

The city of Rocky Mount 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 7 the fun is in Branch Street Park, 1731 Branch Street, Rocky Mount NC. Questions, call 252.972.1151. Future date is July 14, 2017 in Martin Luther Park, 800 E Virginia Avenue. See schedule here.

1st Friday on the Lawn: Gal Friday Band (July 7, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Kick-off event, 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. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.

Pokemon Friday Night Tournaments (July 7, 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.

Outdoor Movie Night (July 7, 2017 @ 7pm)

Knightdale Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs hosts this Series. Movies are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket and/or chairs for comfort. The series will be held at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC.  Movie will begin at dusk. “Doors” open before dusk so get there early, settle in, and check out the concessions too. Next date is July 7, 2017. See more at www.knightdalenc.gov.

First Friday Flix (July 7, 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.

Brush to the Beat (July 7, 2017 @ 7-10pm)

Painting party for Station Square Records, 301 S Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. Be a part of the action and help to paint a ceiling tile that will hang in this record shop. Enjoy the satisfaction of making art. Fee of $5 at the door includes paint supplies, dinner, refreshments, and music will be provided. See the shop’s Facebook page for updates.

Fayetteville SwampDogs Baseball (Home Games: July 7 & 14, 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.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Wilson Farmers Market (July 8, 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 8, 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 8, 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.

Tarboro Home Grown Hand Made Market (July 8, 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 may be posted on their Facebook page here.

Franklin County Farmers Market (July 8, 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 8, 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. See market updates and weekly themes on their Facebook page.

Clayton Farm and Community Market (July 8, 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.

The Market @ Knightdale Station Park (July 8, 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.

Stepping Into The Past (July 8, 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 8, 2017 (ice cream social).

Brown Bag Lunches (July 8, 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.

Down East Music Festival (July 8, 2017 @ 1-10pm)

Head over to the Wilson County Fair, 2331 US Hwy 301 S, Wilson NC, for this day of music. Live bands/performers scheduled starting at 3pm; gates open at 1pm. Tickets in advance $35, at the gate $45. Event proceeds will Benefit the annual Back-to-school Giveaway that aids over 4000 kids in 6 different counties. Website is www.downeastmusicfestival.com. Ticket information is here.

Bluegrass Picnic Summer Series (July 8, 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 dates are August 12, 2017, and September 9, 2017.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Sunday in the Park (July 9, 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.

Coming Soon

Flix4Kidz (July 10, 2017 @ 10:30am)

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC, hosts free, family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month. Flix4kidz shows only G or PG rated children’s and family films. 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.

Free at 3 (July 10, 2017 @ 3pm)

Designed for adults ages 50 and over, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre offers this free, open to the public, film screening. Concessions will be available for purchase. To obtain the title of each month’s featured film, call the Special Events Hotline at 919.435.9428. The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is located at 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. See events online at www.wakeforestnc.gov/featured-events.aspx.

Informational Meeting on the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program (July 11, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

This is a free event, open to the public, scheduled for the Leicester Community Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester NC. Register by calling 828.255.5522 or email Meghan Baker.

Night Sky Over Hatteras (July 11, 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.

Center Street Jam (July 13, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Come and enjoy this free, after-hours summer concert series in Downtown Goldsboro, 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 July 27, 2017.

10 Plants that Bloom in Shade (July 14, 2017 noon-1pm)

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 July 20, 2017. See all dates at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/03/2017-ten-plant-tours.

Friday Night on White (July 14, 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.

Mill Music Sessions Free Concert (July 14, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Chatham County Line plays on June 16 as part of the Rocky Mount Mills free music series. 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. Event is pet friendly. This this series and more events at www.rockymountmills.com/calendar-events. Next date is August 11, 2017.

Family Movie Night (July 14, 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. Call Zebulon Parks and Rec at 919.823.0432 for movie title. See more on the town website at www.townofzebulon.org. Next date is August 11, 2017.

Lawn Chair Theatre (July 14, 2017 @doors open 7pm, movie 8:30pm)

Held on the Imperial Centre lawn, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Be sure to bring a lawn chair! Kids activities available before the free movie showing. Additional dates July 14, and July 28, 2017. See imperialcentre.org/events/lawn-chair-theater.

Summer 2017 Under the Stars Movie Series (July 15, 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 August 19, 2017.

Soul Sistas The Musical: Dinner Theatre (July 15, 2017)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lawn Chair Theatre (July 20, 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. 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.

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.

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

This Town of Wake Forest event is being held at the E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC. The town’s “free, monthly outdoor movie series features a variety of family-friendly film favorites and genres, all projected on an inflatable movie screen in the park’s amphitheater.” There will be on-site food vendors. Movie night is free and open to the public. Bring a blanket and/or chairs, and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.