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).
While most listed events are free happenings, some ticketed events may be included. Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed without our knowledge. Contact organizers directly for updates.
Ed. Note: The first day of Spring is Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Spring should be bringing warmer weather for outside events, walks in parks, and more. Farmers markets will be gearing up, and shopping local farms is a great way to help your local area economy-wise. Visiting state and national parks can help connection with nature, and many free or low-fee parks are available in our area.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Documentary Film Screening and Discussion “Robeson Rises”
March 22, 2018 @ 5:30pm (doors open), 6pm movie/discussion
Held at the Carolina Civic Center Theater, 315 N Chestnut Street, Lumberton NC. This film by Michael Pogoloff, from the Appalachian Voices Project / Green Hero Films, documents activists rising up to challenge construction of a proposed pipeline across North Carolina (Atlantic Coast Pipeline). Covers issues of community disruption and ecosystem destruction. Film website is robesonrises.com.
What’s in Your Water? The Science & Regulation of GenX & Emerging Contaminants
Thursday, March 22, 2018 @ 7:30-9pm
Come and join the discussion and hear panelists/speakers at the NCCU Law School Auditorium, 640 Nelson Street, Durham NC.
Some eastern North Carolinians have been shaken by the discovery that their drinking water supplies contain GenX, a chemical that is suspected of causing health issues but that at present is not regulated. Recently, scientists found similar substances in drinking water supplies in the Triangle. The human health effects of GenX and other perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are unknown. State lawmakers, Gov. Roy Cooper and state agencies are at odds at how to proceed. What are communities and residents supposed to do to make sure their drinking water is safe? If it isn’t safe, what can they ask governments to do to fix the situation? These questions and more will be addressed at a free public forum at the N.C. Central University Law School, sponsored by the Sierra Club’s Headwaters Group, the NCCU Environmental Law Society, and the Durham Environmental Affairs Board. Moderated by Lauren Parker, NCCU Environmental Law Society.
See event details and register (free) by clicking on the March 22 calendar entry from the Sierra Club calendar.
Paintings on Display at Town Hall
March 8, 2018 through April 30, 2018
Oil and acrylic paintings by local artist, Alma Burke, are on display at the Knightdale Town Hall, 950 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Stop by town hall and see these works by one of the area’s talented artists. Exhibit may be viewed during Town Hall business hours.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Franklin Flicks Film Festival
March 23-24, 2018
Franklin Flicks Film Festival brings high-caliber, international Independent cinema to Franklin County, North Carolina — a county well-renowned for its love of culture and the arts. The Glitz and Glamour of Independent short films meets Small Town Southern Hospitality and Charm. This year, the Franklin Flicks Film Festival will be held at Tar Banks Brewery, 108 N Main Street, in downtown Louisburg NC. More information may be found on the Franklin Flicks website, www.fciff.org. (See our article here.)
Saturday, March 24, 2018
March For Our Lives
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Organized by student groups with family and community support, the March for Our Lives invites anyone interested in gun-law changes and ending gun violence in schools and elsewhere to march in Washington DC or in over 700 cities worldwide. People of all ages are welcomed. Search for march locations at marchforourlives.com. (Note that NC marches are planned in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Aberdeen, Asheville, Bayboro, Boone, Greensboro, Hendersonville, Hickory, Lenoir, Mooresville, Murfreesboro, Nags Head, Sparta, Wilmington, Winston-Salem, etc.)
Workday in the Apiary
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 9am-4pm
Come help Baxter’s Bees assemble and paint bee boxes, put together frames, and get hives ready for bees this Spring. Or, help with pollinator garden plantings. Lend a hand and learn about other ways to support beekeepers and honey bees. Baxter’s Bees is located on Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. In January 2018, most of their beehives were poisoned and vandalized. Support this local business as they recover from the vandalism. To volunteer and for address, Email Baxter’s Bees or call 919.665.5038.
UPDATE: Rescheduled from March 24 to April 7, 2018, 9am-4pm.
Spring Ag Fest
Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Chatham County is holding its first-annual festival, to be held at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 US-64 Business, Pittsboro NC. The Spring Ag Fest is a celebration of Chatham County’s agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. This free, open-to-the-public event will offer something for everyone: livestock, indoor/outdoor exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, food trucks, and more. See details and contact information here.
ProTown BMX @ Wendell
Saturday, March 24, 2018 with shows at 11am and 2pm
Come out and watch the ProTown BMX stunt team demonstrate flips, spins, whips and much more at this free event. Set up will be along Main Street in downtown Wendell NC. The Greenville-based team will have autograph sessions and free riding clinics after each performance, so bring bikes and helmets and ride with the pros. For more information, call 919.366.2266 or visit ProTown BMX. Rain Date is Sunday, March 25, 2018 with shows at 11am and 2pm.
Creating a Bird Friendly Habitat
Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ 11am-noon
Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC. Landscaping with native species creates a vital recharging station for birds passing through and a sanctuary for nesting birds. Learn more by attending this program, presented by Thomas Driscoll of the New Hope Audubon Society, and get started “Creating a Bird Friendly Habitat” in your yard, garden, patio, or balcony. Seating is limited. Registration is required; call 919.969.6778 to reserve a spot. See the Wild Birds Unlimited-Chapel Hill Facebook page here. Note that their website has a link to a local Barred Owl Cam.
Rabies and Microchip Clinic
Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ noon-2pm
Spring clinic at SAFE Haven for Cats, 8431-137 Garvey Drive, Raleigh NC. Rabies vaccinations $5 per pet. Microchipping available for $15, which includes lifelong registration. Adult owners must bring cats in carriers and dogs on leashes. If an animal has been previously vaccinated, proof will be required in order to receive a 3-year vaccination (tag not sufficient). Animals without such proof will receive a 1-year vaccination. Check or cash only. With questions, call 919.872.7233 or email.
Free Bluegrass Concert
Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ 6pm
Held at the Farmers Market, 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. This annual event is held just before the Farmers Market opens for the season. The 2018 concert features Russell Johnson and Friends Bluegrass Band. There will be complimentary (free) hot dogs, plus desserts, door prizes, a concession stand, and more.
See this event and more at the Nash County NC Coop Extension website.
The Rocky Mount Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays, beginning April 7, 2018.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Plant-Based Cooking Demo with Liz
Sunday, March 25, 2018 @ 1-3pm
Founder Liz Layman will present on how to stock a pantry for a plant-based kitchen. Watch a live cooking demonstration. Hear secrets to eating plant-based and staying healthy, proper seasoning, and cooking techniques. Fee is $10/person and space is limited. Hosted by JuiceVibes, 11692 US 70 Business Hwy W, Clayton NC. Visit their Facebook page for contact information and any updates.
A Night Of Bluegrass Gospel
Sunday, March 25, 2018 @ 6:30pm
Enjoy a fun-filled night of music with the Steady Drive Bluegrass Band at Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, 8438 Town Creek Road, Rocky Mount NC. This is the kick-off of the church’s Spring Revival.
Gospel Showcase
Sunday, March 25, 2018 @ 7-10pm; doors open 6pm
Held at The Comedy Zone, 8928 US Hwy 70 Business, Clayton NC. “Solomon Headen has a voice for the youth. He is a gifted singer/songwriter and producer who strives to bridge the gap between generations with his soulful yet modern, contemporary sound. His purpose is to share the love of Christ through his music.” Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (price+fees). For tickets, visit the EventBrite page.
Coming Soon
Blue Star Memorial Dedication
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 @ 10:30am
The Edgecombe Garden Club is holding this public event as “A Tribute to the Armed Forces of America Past, Present, and Future.” The location is 3503 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. A reception will follow at the Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum, 106 W Church Street, Tarboro NC.
Knightdale PD Spring Carnival Fundraiser for NC Special Olympics
March 29-April 8, 2018
The Knightdale Police Department Spring Carnival is returning. Admission to the carnival and parking are free. Tickets, food, games, and moreavailable for purchase. The carnival is in the Midtown Commons plaza, 200 Hinton Oaks Boulevard, Knightdale NC. (Article)
Family Sundays
Sunday, April 1, 2018 @ 2pm
Free in the art gallery at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Held every other Sunday. Bring the family for an afternoon full of family-friendly activities. Drop into the gallery for art making, interactive play, gallery sketching, or go on your own exhibition tour! Ages 3 and up with accompanying adults. See their Facebook page for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions. Next date scheduled is April 15.
First Friday Coffee
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 8-9am
Jeff Dodson from State Farm will be presenting at this month’s First Friday Coffee. Join the group for networking, meet neighbors and local business people. Held at The Nashville Exchange, 229 W Washington Street, Nashville NC. This event is organized by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Their website is nashvillencchamber.org.
First Friday
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Visit the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences for “First Friday” and enjoy exhibits and special activities. The address is 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Admission is free. See imperialcentre.org.
Fabulous Friday
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 3-5pm
The April event is an “Egg Drop” with a chance for young “engineers” to show off their skills and try to save an egg from destruction. Eggs will be dropped from the water tower. Admission fees are waived during Fabulous Fridays. Admission to the Imagination Station is normally $5 per person (adults/children), with free entry for children 3 and under and Museum members. Imagination Station is located at 224 Nash Street E, Wilson NC. Parking is available behind the museum in their Douglas Street parking lot.
Zebulon Community Recycling Day
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 9am-noon
Bring your pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, paint, tires, appliances, batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronics, and televisions for proper disposal. The shred truck can destroy documents you no longer need. Organized by the town of Zebulon Public Works. Held at 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. For more informantion, contact Public Works at 919.269.5285.
Johnston County Writers Meeting
Thursday, April 12, 2018 @ 6:30pm
Selma-area writers meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma NC. The April meeting will feature local writer Tracie Barton-Barrett, author of Buried Deep in Our Hearts. (Contact information TBD.)
Stepping Into The Past
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 8am
This weekly series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee. See upcoming topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past. Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC.
The April 14 topic is “Capturing Our Past: Painting Class”.
Bunn Fun Day
April 21, 2018 @ 10am-4pm
The fourth-annual Bunn Fun Day offers community and fun along Railroad Street in downtown Bunn NC. Music, vendors, and more. (Article)
Around The Tables
Saturday, April 21, 2018 @ 10am-12:30pm
Free clothing for all ages and a free noon meal on the third Saturday of each month. This event is held by Dream Coat Ministries to ensure local families in need are able to take home clothing for home, work, or school, and share a meal together — prepared by church volunteers. Hosted by Now Faith Community Baptist Church, 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale NC. For this and future “Around The Tables” dates, see the Dream Coat Ministries Facebook page. (See this July 2017 article regarding Around The Tables.)
Jazz on John Presents: Lydia Salett
Friday, April 27, 2018 @ 7-9pm
This free event, and snacks and wine will be served. Hosted by the Arts Council of Wayne County at 102 N John Street, Goldsboro NC. To see more “Jazz on John” dates and other Arts Council events, visit www.artsinwayne.org/events.
Afternoon Tea with The Artist(s)
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 3-5pm
Franklin County Arts Council’s next “Afternoon Tea with The Artist” series event is free. At this free event, visit with Donna Campbell Smith and Dawn Lancaster. There will be a display of the artists’ work, a refreshments table, and room to mingle. The Afternoon Tea will be held in the Franklin County Arts Council’s Up-Front Gallery, 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC. To see Afternoon Tea with The Artist dates, visit www.fcacarts.org. (Article)
Event organizers: News site display ads, with a link, are available for a monthly fee. Call 919.637.6973 or email Sales.
To request inclusion of a free or low-fee event, email details to the Editor. Sponsors and logos are not included in Things To Do in NC When You’re Bored listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.
Ed. Notes:
Originally published March 19; updated March 22 with change to Workday in the Apiary event date.
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.
Highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event, knowledge of offerings, or relation to a recent article on this news site.
