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.

While the majority of listed events are free happenings, sometimes ticketed events are included, especially ticketed events by local arts councils or theater groups.

Also check out our 2017 list of attractions — NC agricultural mazes, haunted houses, and more — in this article (by location)

Or, see our 2017 list of NC seasonal, short events in this article (by date).

Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included. Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed, without our knowledge, so check with organizers. 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.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Food Truck Thursday (October 5, 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 October 12, 2017.)

The State of the Arts of Orange County & NC (October 5, 2017 @ 5:30-7pm)

This free, public event is being held at The ArtsCenter, 300 E Main Street, Carrboro NC. From the description: “Did you know that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $130M industry that employs 5,0001 full-time equivalent jobs in Orange County? Learn more about the impact of the arts on our local economy at this special event co-hosted by the Orange County Arts Commission and the NC Arts Council.” Variety of presenters and Q&A too. Refreshments served, cash bar available. See details here.

Grand Opening of East Carolina ArtSpace (October 5, 2017 @ 7-9pm)

Celebrate the grand opening of Carolina ArtSpace, 3747 South Main Street, Farmville NC. Meet the artists who are working in our studios and producing works for our gallery, and browse our growing inventory. Visit their Facebook page.

Outdoor Movie (October 5, 2017 @ 6:30-9:30pm)

Bring a lawn chair/blanket and settle on the back lawn at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner NC, for an outdoor showing of Ghostbusters. Movie begins at dusk, around 7pm or so. In case of rain, note that the movie will be cancelled. Pets are not allowed. See more here.

Jo Gore at The Cameo (October 5, 2017 @ 7:30-10:30pm)

Head to the Cameo Art House Theatre, 225 Hay Street, Fayetteville NC, to hear this amazing local singer: “Jo Gore mesmerizes audiences with her angelic voice and electrifying stage presence while remaining true to her love of classic, soul and jazz standards.” Tickets are $12, available here.

Bluegrass Island Festival (October 4-7, 2017)

This annual festival is held at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo NC. Come for “Mountain Music by The Sea”. Tickets start at $45. See details and line up at www.bluegrassisland.com.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Fish Fry (October 6, 2017 @ 11am-until)

The Zebulon Shrine Club is holding their final fish fry of the year 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 Zebulon Shriners’ Facebook page.

First Friday on the Lawn (October 6, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Held on the lawn at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Join the city of Wilson for this free community concert. This date is the final concert of the season. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.

The Connells at The Mill Music Sessions (October 6, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Free public concert on the lawn at Rocky Mount Mills, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC. Come for an “evening of music and fun.” Bring lawn chairs/blanket for comfort. Rocky Mount Mills shops and restaurants will be open so guests may purchase a picnic dinner or drinks. Food trucks will also be on-site. See details here.

Wilmington on Fire Movie (October 6, 2017 @ 6:30-9pm; doors 6pm)

Bethel Outreach Ministries is hosting this special film screening at Knightdale Baptist Church, 15 Main Street, Knightdale NC. There will also be Q&A, after the screening, with the director and several cast members. All proceeds will go towards social programs at Bethel Outreach Ministries.  Tickets are $10 at the door, or in advance at www.knightdalewof.eventbrite.com.

Countyline Bluegrass Band (October 6, 2017 @ 7pm)

Drop by Friday evening for music by Roger and Caleb Knox. Refreshments/coffee available for purchase. Held at Java House, 20 Cheves Road, Bunn NC. For updates, check this Facebook page.

Monk Origins: 100th Birthday Celebration for Thelonious Monk (October 6, 2017 @ 7-10pm)

Join the Young Professionals of the Twin Counties for this celebratory cocktail party at the  Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. The dress code is cocktail attire. Music by The 7th Hour Band, food and beverages by local establishments. Tickets ($30) are available via EventBrite.

Fright Night Double Feature (October 6, 2017 @ 7-11:30pm)

Two free, frightful “First Friday Flix” at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Second movie begins at 9:30pm.  To obtain movie titles, call the Special Events Hotline at 919.435.9428. The Renaissance Centre hosts First Friday Flix on the first Friday evening of each month. Concessions available for purchase. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov.

2017 Sweet Potato Harvest (October 6-7, 2017)

Help with the sweet potato harvest, gleaning to fight hunger at First Fruits Farm in Louisburg NC. Registration is open for this event, part of the “Yam Jam” by the Society of St. Andrew. Sign up via endhunger.org/nc-yam-jam. Additional dates available as listed on that page.

Wendell Harvest Festival (October 6-7, 2017)

Head to the J. Ashley Wall Town Square, 17 W Third Street, Wendell NC, for the 90th-annual Harvest Festival.  Friday 5-10pm includes entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and a movie at 7:30pm. Then on Saturday, festival is 9am-10pm with vendors and food trucks, parade (10am), local entertainment, and more. Rides, rock wall, and more. See www.wendellchamber.com.

Selma Railroad Days Festival (October 6-7, 2017)

Selma Railroad Days is returning with two days of activities in Selma NC, including live entertainment, a food truck rodeo, helicoper rides, a pageant, parade, and more. See www.selma-nc.com/railroad-days-festival for a festival overview, or our article.

Enfield Riot Film Festival (October 6-7, 2017)

The first-ever Enfield Riot Film Festival is happening at the Enfield Performing Arts Center, 137 SE Railroad Street, Enfield NC. The Enfield Riot Film Festival is the first official fundraiser for EPAC Enfield NC and will kick-start the fundraising campaign so that planning can begin for live events in the fall of 2018. By partnering with the Halifax School system and Enfield Middle School in particular, EPAC aims to bring artistic programming to the students of Enfield Middle School.

​On Friday, October 6, there will be an evening VIP Reception with actors in attendance, an introduction and discussion of the EPAC, and Enfield Middle School announcement. Plus, this receiption will showcase the event’s Feature Film.

On Saturday, October 7, attend a full day of feature films and a short film marathon. ​

Details on this inagural Enfield Riot Film Festival may be found at www.epacnc.org/enfield-riot-film-festival.html. The festival is on Facebook here. Tickets may be purchased online at enfieldriotfilmfestival.brownpapertickets.com.

Tar River Festival and BBQ Cook-off (October 6-7, 2017)

BBQ cook-off is hosted by The Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 112 E Nash Street, Louisburg NC. Find out more about the two days of activity for cook teams, how to enter, and attending at tarriverfestival.org/bbq-cook-off. Tar River Festival details are available via that website. The public 28th-annual Tar River Festival is Saturday, 10am-5pm, in Downtown Louisburg and River Bend Park.

NC Seafood Festival (October 6-8, 2017)

So much going on, including a fishing tournament, regatta, a boat show, and more. Three stages of entertainment, too. Held in Morehead City NC. See details at ncseafoodfestival.org.

The 48 Hour Film Horror Project (October 6-8, 2017)

Register in advance and join the challenge to make a film in 48 hours. Available in cities nationwide, this weekend is the Greensboro NC “spooky” horror film making challenge. See details and entry ($175) information at www.48hourfilm.com/greensboro/horror.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Twin Counties Big Sweep Challenge (October 7, 2017 @ 8am-noon)

This annual clean-up is taking place in both Rocky Mount and Tarboro. Volunteers will meet at the Battle Park boat ramp, located at the end of Battle Park Lane in Rocky Mount NC. The Tarboro meeting location will be Shiloh Landing, 2233 US Hwy 258 North, Tarboro NC. To sign up, call Cornelia McGee at 252.467.4960.

First Saturday Breakfast (October 7, 2017 @ 8-10am)

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast by Bunn United Methodist Church, 190 Main Street, Bunn NC. For $7 per person, enjoy eggs, bacon, grits, gravy and biscuits, and sausage prepared for this monthly community breakfast. See updates on the church’s Facebook page.

Scotland County Highland Games (October 7, 2018 @ 8am-9pm)

Boos and BBQ at ZFFM (October 7, 2017 @ 9am-1pm)

The Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (ZFFM) celebrates the market season with a good ole southern pig pickin’ courtsey of Oak Ridge Farms. There will be fun Halloween and pumpkin-related activities for the little ones. The ZFFM is located in front of the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC — across the street from the Food Lion plaza. This is the market’s closing day; ZFFM will re-open for a Holiday Market.

National Pumpkin Festival (October 7, 2018 @ 9am-9pm)

Head to Spring Hope NC for the town’s annual harvest-time celebration. The day begins with the Opening Ceremony at 9am. There will be entertainment throughout the day, including live bands, and a parade at 1pm. The Craft Vendor Fair will also be open at 9am, and stay open through the day until 9pm. Vendors will be set up along Railroad Street.

Enter contests to make the day even more exciting. The Pumpkin Weigh-in Contest is at 10am, overseen by the Spring Hope Chamber of Commerce. The Pumpkin Recipe Contest begins at 10am too. Then, at 11am the Pumpkin Decorating Contest starts.

Information on the festival, applications for vendors, and updates may be found on this Facebook page.

Knightdale Public Safety Day (October 7, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Head to this free, public open house at the Knightdale Police Department and Knightdale Fire Department at 967 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. There will be demos, fire trucks, plus representatives from EMS, NC Wildlife, and Duke Life Flight (with their helicopter). There will be food trucks too. Learn about fire safety and pick up educational/informational materials. See more here.

Touch A Tractor Day (October 7, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Head over to Deans Farm Market, 4231 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson NC, for a free day of farming fun. There will be tractors and farm equipment to check out. Hayride tickets will be available for purchase, which include a trip to the playground and a pumpkin. See the tractor day on Facebook here.

Fire Safety Showcase (October 7, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)

Kick off Fire Prevention Week with the Rocky Mount Fire Department. There will be safety demonstrations, kids activities, equipment displays, fire trucks, the Swiftwater Emergency Rescue team and Technical Emergency Rescue Team, and inflatables. Fire Safety House offers a fun way to learn fire safety and escape planning. Held at Sam’s Club, 300 Tarrytown Center, Rocky Mount NC. For more event information, call 252.972.1384. The Rocky Mount Fire Department is on Facebook here.

Stepping Into The Past (October 7, 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 October 14, 2017. Note that November 10-11, 2017, a BBQ cook-off is scheduled.

Community Solutions Day (October 7, 2017 @ 10am-3pm)

Job fair and kids activities at the NCWorks Career Center-Kerr Tar, 111 Hilltop Village, Oxford NC.  This is a non-profit community event sponsored by NCWorks Career Center Kerr-Tar in partnership with The Granville County Economic Development Commission. Job fair is 10am-12pm, with several local employers. Bring a resume and learn more about the opportunities available to you in your own community. Children’s activities begin at noon — face painting, science show, Touch-A-Truck, K-9 demonstration, and more. Information booths, vendors, and food throughout the day. With questions, call 919.693.2686.

Brown Bag Lunch (October 7, 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.

2017 Garner Fireman’s Festival (October 7, 2017 @ 11am-6pm)

Join Garner Fire-Rescue at 503 W Main Street, Garner NC, for a parade, face painting, food, demonstrations, games, live music, vendors, a raffle, and more at this annual community event. This is the 65th-annual Garner Firemen’s Festival. For more information, visit www.garnerfire.com or follow their Facebook page.

White Street Oktoberfest (October 7, 2017 @ noon-6pm)

An inaugural authentic experience in historic Wake Forest Downtown with food, beer, and fun. This event “will provide entertainment, a unique cultural experience and a celebration of values honoring tradition and small town community.” Held by White Street Brewing Company, 218 S White Street, Wake Forest NC. Visit www.whitestreetbrewing.com/oktoberfest.

The Scole Experiments Presentation (October 7, 2017 @ 2-4pm)

This event will be in Durham and live online. “This is a RARE opportunity to hear from one of the original participants in the Scole experiments! In the history of paranormal research, the Scole Experiment continues to be the most remarkable and baffling event of the 20th century.”  Parapsychological field investigator Steve Barrell will discuss some of the more extraordinary events and phenomena from the Scole Experiment. And we are honored that Robin Foy, co-founder of the Scole Group, has agreed to make a rare appearance via Skype.  Fee is $20 to attend, with some discounts available. Held at The Episcopal Center at Duke University, 505 Alexander Drive, Durham NC. Register for the Durham location or online. Questions, call The Rhine Research Center at 919.309.4600.  In advance of the presentation, attendees are STRONGLY encouraged to watch the documentary, the Afterlife Investigations: The Scole Experiment.

Fall 2017 Movies-on-the-Barn (October 7, 2017 @ 7pm/dusk)

Vollmer Farm, located at 677 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC, shows outdoor movies on Saturday nights. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in to watch movies with family, friends, neighbors, and farm visitors. Movie admission is included in Back Forty pass fees.  To see scheduled movies and dates, go to www.vollmerfarm.com/movies.html. (Next date is October 14, 2017).

Black Light Mine Tour (October 7, 2017 @ 7:30pm)

Emerald Village offers night-time underground mine tours that unlock vibrant hidden colors under black light (ultraviolet light). The effect, underground at night, is stunning. Held at Emerald Village, 331 McKinney Mine Road, Spruce Pine NC (Mitchell County). See more here. Additional dates include October 14 and 21, 2017.

Sweetriches Promotions Lingerie Party (October 7, 2017 @ 9pm)

For adults only, this event is scheduled for The Ole Breeze, 4414 US 301 N, Elm City NC. Includes 21+ (adult) lingerie/sleep attire contests. Tickets $10-$15. For more information, call 252.218.9632 or 252.315.8553.

Riverfest (October 7-8, 2017)

Held in historic downtown Wilmington NC. There will be street art, arts and crafts, fireworks, live music, and classic/vintage cars on display. See more at www.wilmingtonriverfest.com.

Carolina Renaissance Festival (October 7-8, 2017)

This annual Festival is held on Saturdays and Sundays through November 19, 2017 at 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville NC. For details, see the festival website. This medieval amusement park includes a 12 stage theater, a 25-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast. Note that this festival will offer special Halloween happenings on October 28-29, 2017, 10am-5:30pm.

Asheboro Fall Festival (October 7-8, 2017)

This 45th-annual Festival includes a fair amusements, a livestock show, hundreds of vendors, music, harvest celebration, a heritage village, and more. Held in downtown Asheboro NC, the event includes a free concert in the park on Friday at 7 pm. See more at www.asheborofallfestival.com.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Checkmate Rocky Mount (October 8, 2017 @ 1pm-until)

Jude Acers, US World chessmaster and former North Carolina resident, will show off the skill that put him in the record books by playing simultaneous games of chess at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Anyone wanting to test their skills against Acers is welcome to register and play. See more information at imperialcentre.org/events/checkmate-rocky-mount.

Sunday in the Park (October 8, 2017 @ 1-5pm)

Enjoy free music, crafts, art and food vendors in a family and pet-friendly park. Held in Herman Park, Goldsboro NC. Goldsboro Park and Rec is online here.

Presentation “Original Country Stores” (October 8, 2017 @ 3pm)

The Wake Forest Historical Association invites all to attend this free program at the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N Main Street, Wake Forest NC. The history of more than 20 stores in the area, some with photographs to view. Refreshments will be “reminiscent of country store fare”. For more information, see the Wake Forest Historical Museum website.

Redwood Garden Party (October 8, 2017 @ 3-5pm)

Held by the Imagination Station Science & History Museum at 900 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. Tickets start at $10. Receive a cutting to grow a redwood tree. See event details and buy tickets at scienceandhistory.org/visitors/redwoods.

50 Shades of Fashion (October 8, 2017 @ 3-7pm)

Fashion event by Elegant Evenings, featuring local area fashion designers and their creations. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Held at Public Works, 127 Penn Avenue, Oxford NC. Tickets and details here.

Coming Soon

Zebulon Night Out (October 10, 2017 @ 6-9pm)

Come out for an evening of free food, fun, and games. This will be an opportunity to talk with Fire Department personnel, Police, town staff, and elected officials. Held at 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. See details here.

Agri-Cultural Market 2.0 (October 11, 2017 @ 5-7:30pm)

This event is organized by The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery and the Farmville Community Arts Council. Includes vendors offering  homegrown, homemade, and local products. The location of the market is The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, 4519 W Pine Street, Farmville NC. See updates on their Facebook event.

10 Plants That Are Spooky and Scary (October 13, 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 November 10, 2017 (10 Plants That Have Ornamental Berries).

Downtown Clayton Movie Nights (October 13, 2017 @ 6pm)

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 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 date October 27, 2017. See www.townofclaytonnc.org/…/movie-night.

Mumkin Fest (October 13-15, 2017)

Enjoy live music, inflatables, train rides, food truck offerings, and more at this event, to be held in Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. See our Mumkin Fest article here.

Indigo Moon Film Festival ( October 13-15, 2017)

The festival is in Fayetteville NC, kicking off with the Opening Night film — HONDROS — at the CAMEO Art House Theatre at 7pm. The screening of HONDROS will be followed by the Opening Night Party at SkyView on Hay, beginning at 9pm. Starting Saturday, October 14, films will show throughout the day at five venues. On Sunday, October 15, there will be an Awards BBQ Banquet at SkyView on Hay Street, beginning at 11:30am. This will be followed at 1:30pm by encore showings of several films.

The film festival is very walkable with all venues in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. Check out the schedule and ticket information at www.indigomoonfilmfestival.com. Updates may be found on Facebook here.

Downtown Beats & Eats (October 14, 2017 @ 1-5pm)

Come and see performances by local bands, grab a meal from the food trucks onsite, and enjoy community time at this Historic Downtown Wilson event. Bring a chair/blanket for comfort, but leave the coolers at home. Doors will open to the public at noon at 217 Brew Works, 217 South Street, Wilson NC. The festivities will kick off at 1pm with the music, beer/wine, food trucks, games, and activities. Admission is free; wristband required for adult beverage purchases. See more here.

Zebulon UMC Fall Festival (October 14, 2017)

Zebulon United Methodist Church (ZUMC) is holding its annual Fall Festival at the church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. The event includes dinner plates, auctions, and other activities to raise funds. More information may be found at www.zumchurch.org, or watch for updates on the church’s Facebook page.

Black Creek Heritage Day (October 14, 2017 @ 9am-4:30pm)

The event includes performers, live music, hayrides, face/hair painting, local first responders, and over 50 vendors. Attendance is free. See updates on the town’s Facebook page. Links to vendor — and car show — applications may be found (for now) at townofblackcreek.org. Note that the Black Creek Heritage Day includes a kick-off event on October 13 (6:30-9pm).

Fayetteville Dogwood Fall Festival (October 19-21, 2017)

Head to the festival for entertainment plus food trucks, craft beer, a haunted house, and much more. Take  ahayride or join the guided walking tour through the cemetery. Fees for activities; free concert. See details at www.faydogwoodfestival.com or visit the event’s Facebook page.

Halloween International Film Festival (October 26-28, 2017)

The second-annual Halloween International Film Festival returns to R/C Kill Devil Hills Movies 10, 1803 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills NC. Tickets are $12-$30, available here. (Note that this independent film festival is followed by a separate local event, the Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes on Sunday, October 29, 2017.)

Grand Opening of Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park (November 2, 2017 @ 4-10pm)

Come and join the celebration at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. “Be there when history is made as the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park holds its grand opening! This park will very soon attract thousands of visitors to Historic Downtown Wilson. Witness the ribbon cutting, hear comments from Secretary of Cultural Resources and other dignitaries, and enjoy live music from Fireside Collective.” The grand opening includes food trucks, beverages, family fun, and lighting of the whirligigs. Bring a blanket/chair for comfort. See details on this Facebook event. And, don’t forget that the Whirligig Festival is November 4-5 (see below).

Seeing the Big Picture (November 4, 2017 @ 2-4pm)

Hear speaker Michael Strickland, of Stained Glass Associates Inc. (Knightdale NC), on their restoration of the historic stained-glass windows of Raleigh’s first African-American church. The presentation will take place at the North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E Edenton Street, Raleigh NC. Following the talk, all will walk four blocks down Edenton Street to the church, where members will provide a tour of the beautiful windows. Fee is $7 per person, $5 for Museum members, with a portion of proceeds going to help continue window preservation at St. Paul AME Church. For more details or to purchase tickets, go to this EventBrite page.

North Carolina Whirligig Festival (November 4-5, 2017)

Join the fun at the 13th-annual NC Whirligig Festival. Hours are Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday noon-5pm. This festival showcases the arts of the region, including the giant Whirligigs created by local artist, Vollis Simpson. Come and check out the Whirligigs, shop from 200+ vendors, enjoy the live entertainment (3 stages), the Whirli-Kidz Zone, Cake Dive contest, delicious food, and more in downtown Wilson NC. See details at whirligigfestivalnc.org.

Cucalorus Film Festival (November 8-12, 2017)

The 23rd-annual festival returns, with screenings at more than a half-dozen venues around Wilmington NC. The non-competitive Cucalorus Film Festival showcases more than 300 films from all over the world. Watch www.cucalorus.org for details, or their Facebook page for updates.

The Lantern Fest (November 11, 2017 @ 1pm-until)

Usually held in Fayetteville, due to a new local law in that city, the fest has been moved to Goldsboro NC. Tickets range from $7 to $60. “At The Lantern Fest, thousands of revelers join together armed with lanterns for one unforgettable spectacle. Before sundown friends and families can enjoy food, live music, a stage show, familiar princesses, face painters, s’mores, balloon artists and more. Then, when the time is just right, we will light the sky with our highest hopes and fondest dreams.” See more on EventBrite.

Dan Finch Pottery Open House (November 12, 2017 @ 10am-5pm)

This annual event is held at the Dan Finch Pottery, 5526 Finch Nursery Lane, Bailey NC. Come for a day of pottery demonstrations, music, shopping, fun, and food. Finch Studio Potters display and sell their many functional creations in stoneware and porcelain, plus jewelry, sculpture, Homes for Bluebirds nesting boxes, and more. Children 12 and under may glaze their own Raku Vase by Dan Finch Santa’s Workshop or get their face painted. For more information, visit www.danfinch.com/events.htm.

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.

Highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event or knowledge of offerings.