Things To Do in NC When You're Bored. Source: The Grey Area News, Zebulon NC.

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 in the days following publication.

Feel free to email event notices to the editor.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Wilson Farmers Market (June 14, 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.

Wilson’s Downtown Alive (June 14, 2017 @ 5:30-8:30pm)

Come join the tradition of food, beverages, dancing and fun at the annual Downtown Alive concert series. 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.

Pops on the Commons (June 14, 2017 @ 7-10pm)

Held by the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber on the Town Common, 500 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. Hear the North Carolina Symphony play. Chamber event information is online here.

Fayetteville SwampDogs Baseball (Home Games: June 14 & 16, 2017 @ 7:05pm)

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

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Food Truck Thursday (June 15, 2017 @ lunch & dinner)

*This date includes live music.) 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. See the full schedule on the town website here.

Knightdale Business Expo (June 15, 2017 @ 1-6pm)

The Business Expo is being held at the The Life Enrichment Center, 3805 Tarheel Club Road, Raleigh NC. The public Expo is open 1-6pm, so all are welcome to walk through and meet local businesses and organizations.

Businesses interested in exhibiting, check out the Knightdale Chamber of Commerce exhibitor booth map and access registration forms on the Chamber’s Expo page.

RTP 180 “Design” Presentation (June 15, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

So, what is design anyway? In today’s world it can take on many different forms – architecture, user experience, graphics, and many more. With technology ever-evolving, design has to keep pace and innovate around those technological advances. For instance, what will the impact of autonomous vehicles be on urban design? Speakers for this Design event are:

Rob Surra — Spotlight Solar
Chad Parker — Gensler
Lenny Terenzi — Hey Monkey Design

Held at The Frontier, 800 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park NC. At RTP180 events, speakers from three universities, local companies, and the community at-large 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 and we always livestream from our YouTube channel over at www.youtube.com/TheRTPNC.

Center Street Jam (June 15, 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.

Concert at Clayton Town Square (June 15, 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 July 20, August 17, and September 8, 2017.

Sprinkler Fun Days (June 15, 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.

Center Street Jam (June 15, 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 29, 2017.

Carolina Mudcats Baseball (Home Games: June 15-18, 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.

Friday, June 16, 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.

Mill Music Sessions Free Concert (June 16, 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 July 14, 2017.

Summer Night Lights (June 16, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

***From City of Rocky Mount: Due to expected inclement weather, this evening’s Summer Night Lights event has been cancelled. Summer Night Lights will continue Friday, June 23 at Lancaster Park. Today’s event will be rescheduled.***

Join the fun outside with sports, a DJ, inflatables, and more at a city park. June 16 the fun is at Buck Leonard Park, 929 S Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. The city of Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department presents this free block-party style program every Friday night through August 18. Questions, call 252.972.1151. Next date is June 23, 2017, in Lancaster Park, 1509 Barnes Street. See schedule here.

Lawn Chair Theatre (June 16, 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, The Secret Life of Pets. Additional dates are June 30, July 14, and July 28, 2017. See imperialcentre.org/events/lawn-chair-theater.

Friday Nights on the Tar (June 16, 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 July 21, 2017.

Yu-Gi-Oh Friday Tournaments (June 16 & 18, 2017 @ 7-10pm; 4pm)

Held at Uncle Sleepys Sports Memorabilia & Supplies, 6204 Main Street, Bailey NC. This location holds Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournaments every Friday Night starting at 7pm, and Sundays at 4pm. See more on the shop’s Facebook page.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Wilson Farmers Market (June 17, 2017 @ 7:30am-noon)

Wendell Farmers Market (June 17, 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. See more on their Facebook page.

Rocky Mount Farmers Market (June 17, 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 (June 17, 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 (June 17, 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 (June 17, 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.

Stepping Into The Past (June 16-17*, 24, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

*Note that the museum parking lot will be hosting vendors for the Endless Yard sale June 16-17.

Returning June 24: 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 1, 2017.

Brown Bag Lunches (June 17, 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.

Hot Dogs for the Kids (June 17, 2017)

This upcoming event is planned for Red Oak Fire Department, 7951 Red Oak Blvd, Red Oak NC. Hours are not yet announced; prior offerings have occurred around lunchtime. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) holds hot dog grilling events across the county. The NCSO is reaching out to communities with their “Hot Dogs for Kids” events, offering free lunch and an opportunity to meet local law enforcement officers. These events are “community outreach and community policing” events designed to connect officers with local residents, and ensure positive contact with area youth. Volunteer deputies from across the county will be grilling and serving… Officers aren’t assigned, they choose to be there! Updates and event notices may be found on the NCSO Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NashCountySO.

Tarboro Home Grown Hand Made Market (June 17, 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.

Shred-A-Thon (June 17, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

Held at the State Employees’ Credit Union, 5801 Rogers Road, Rolesville NC. This is a paper-only event (no batteries, no electronics, etc.). The event may end early if the truck fills.

Oak View’s June History Hike (June 17, 2017 @ 10am)

This free, one-hour guided walking tour shares information about the history of Oak View and the families who lived here. Online registration required, so sign up here. The park address is 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh NC. See Historic Oak View County Park at www.wakegov.com/parks/oakview.

Shake, Rock, Rattle & Roll” (June 17, 2017)

Presented by Vision Community Theatre Group in celebration of Black Music Month. Enjoy an evening of music, song, dance, and laughter. Tickets are $12. Held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 W Nash Street, Wilson NC. See more at visioncommunitytheatre.webs.com.

Franklin County Juneteenth Celebration (June 17, 2017 @ 1-4pm)

**Canceled due to flooding** Franklin County Arts Council’s Diversity team is sponsoring their second-annual Juneteenth Celebration at River Bend Park, Louisburg NC. VENDORS: To reserve a free vendor space, contact Jackie Dove-Miller via email.

TLC Entertainment has confirmed the following R&B and Gospel acts: Mr. Chenier, Bebe Smith, Kathy Powerhouse, Kimberly Charlene, and Derek Dion Daniels. (Article)

Sweet Riches will be participating in the Juneteenth Celebration with live performances by Kidd Jersey, Jay Swagg, and Ms. Tye Artis.

Downtown Juneteenth Celebration (June 17, 2017 @ 1-10pm)

This 13th-annual Juneteenth Celebration is free and open to the public. The event runs along E Main Street in Durham NC. Activities will be “geared toward family participation, community unification and good old fashioned fun” The day kicks off with an Opening Ceremony including “songs, prayer, proclamations, pouring of the libation, and presentations on the origin and significance of Juneteenth.” See more event details at spectacularmag.com/events/ncjuneteenth.

Stagville Plantation Juneteenth Celebration (June 17, 2017 @ 10am-4pm)

All are invited to the Historic Stagville Plantation to celebrate emancipation and freedom. Historic Stagville is located at 5828 Old Oxford Road, Durham NC.

Family and Pet Friendly Movie Night (June 17, 2017 @ 6:30pm; movie 8:30pm)

The Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation invites everyone to watch “The Secret Life of Pets” at J. W. Glover Park, 1782 North Carolina Hwy 58, Nashville NC. Vendors and rescues will be out, alongside concessions for movie snacks. Bring a picnic, family (including the furry ones), and lawn chairs to enjoy this outdoor film screening.

Tobs Baseball (June 17, 2017 @ 6pm)

Head over to from Fleming Stadium, 300 Stadium Street SW, Wilson NC, for this Mascot Mania night and a chance to win $100. See wilsontobs.com.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Summer Concerts on the Lawn (June 18, 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 June 15, 2017. See more at www.theroundhousemuseum.com.

Sunday in the Park (June 18, 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. Next date at this location is June 25, 2017.

Coming Soon

RMT’s Downtown Live! (June 22, 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 6, 2017.

Open Mic Night (June 23, 2017 @ 7-9pm)

Cornerstone Writers, a new Selma-area writing group, hosts an Open Mic night every 4th Friday. Cornerstone Writers founder Susanne Poté and Published Author Cindy Brookshire will facilitate. Poets and writers of all ages are welcome to come early and sign up for their time at the mic. Admission is free, with food/drinks available for purchase. Note that 7-8pm is reserved for family-friendly content and the mic is open to all writing from 8-9pm. Held at the Hula Girl Cafe & Catering, 103 S Raiford Street, Selma NC. These and other events may be found on the S’Uptown Selma Facebook page.

Outdoor Movie Night (June 23, 2017 @ dusk)

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. and the movies will begin at dusk. “Doors” open before dusk so get there early, settle in, and check out the concessions too.

Live Music in Spring Hope (June 23 & 24, 2017 @ 8-11pm)

Held at Michael’s Showside Grill, 102 N Pine Street, Spring Hope NC. Stop by for live music most Friday/Saturday evenings. See schedule at www.showsidegrill.com/showside-music-events.

Blueberry Music Festival (June 24, 2017 @ 2-10pm)

Head over to Vollmer Farm, 677 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC, for a great day of music, food, family time, and — hopefully — beautiful North Carolina sun shining on this farm setting. Tickets are $12 (link), with proceeds shared with Feeding Franklin, a local non-profit who collects food and distributes to local food pantries. This is the third year Vollmer Farm has held this celebratory event.

Big Truck Day (June 24, 2017 @ 11am-2pm)

Head to the corner of Main Street and Campen Street, Wendell NC, for this day of big trucks and fun. The Grasscats will perform live at J. Ashley Wall Town Square too. See more on the town website.

Kids’ Day (June 24, 2017 @ 11am-8pm)

Join the fun at 1500 Corbett Avenue, Wilson NC. There will be games, prizes, food, drink, and a volleyball tournament presented by SweetRiches. For more information, call 252.315.8553. Fee $2-5 depending on age. Parents free with children.

Y’all at Dix Park (June 24, 2017 @ 4-10pm)

Deep South Entertainment is holding free concerts on Harvey Hill at Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh NC. There will be live music with several performers, food trucks, field day games, and more. The concert series includes local bands. Each date features an opening “next generation” set by a young (under 19 years old), up-and-coming local band. See more at yallatdixpark.com. Additional dates are July 22 and August 26, 2017.

Cars & Coffee Wake Forest (June 24, 2017 @ 8-11am)

Held at 950 Gateway Commons Circle, Wake Forest NC. This event takes place monthly on the 4th Saturday, year round. Huge lot with plenty of parking (parking rules must be followed). Stop by and check out “old school to exotic cars, motorcycles or whatever drops in.” The shopping center offers food, bathrooms, and coffee. Event has a family-friendly atmosphere.

Final Friday: X-Men (June 30, 2017 @ 5:30-9pm)

Head over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC, for this Final Friday event. Admission is $5 per person. Doors open at 5:30pm. Movie and presentations begin at 7pm. Music plus science stations, and food/drink available for purchase. Recommended for ages 12 and up. See schedule at naturalsciences.org/calendar/final-fridays.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.