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.
Events below range from free happenings (majority) to mid-level and ticketed events.
Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included. Events may be rescheduled without our knowledge, so check with organizers as needed. Event information comes from organizers, event postings, and emailed announcements. Attempts are made to verify events from confirmed sources, or multiple sources when possible.
If you like film festivals, check out this list of NC film fests coming up in September-October 2017.
Events may be added/updated. Feel free to email event notices to the editor.
Check out our 2017 list of agricultural mazes, haunted houses, and more in this article (by location) and our 2017 list of seasonal events in this article (by date).
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Wilson County Fair (September 19-24, 2017)
Watch the fairground’s website for details and schedule: www.wilsoncountyfair.org.
Food Truck Thursday (September 21, 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 28, 2017.
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.
Wicked Plants: An Evening of Botanical Horrors (September 21, 2017 @ 6-8pm)
NC Arboretum exhibit, Wicked Plants, plus a special talk by author Amy Stewart in honor of her best-selling book “Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities.” Book signing too. Tickets $10 for Arboretum members; $12 for non-members, available here. Parking is included in the ticket price. Held at The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville NC.
Friday, September 22, 2017
10 Plants That Attract Pollinators (September 22, 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 October 13, 2017 (10 Plants That Are Spooky and Scary).
HempX Asheville (September 22-23, 2017)
If you or someone you know has a hemp-centric business and are interested in vending at HempX Asheville, scheduled forat Franny’s Farm in Leicester NC. Spaces may be full, as spaces were filling quickly upon announcement. To find out more about HempX, visit www.hempxasheville.com.
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.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Area Farmers Markets
Farmers markets may be winding down. Additionally, with recent storms causing cancellations and Hurricane Irma’s direction pending, markets may be open, or not. Links are included to check Facebook updates for each market.
- Wendell Farmers Market ( @ 8am-noon) — Held at the corner of Pine Street and Wendell Boulevard, Wendell NC. See their Facebook page.
- Rocky Mount Farmers Market ( @ 8am-1pm) — Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. See their Facebook page.
- Franklin County Farmers Market ( @ 8am-1pm) — Held at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg NC. See their Facebook page.
- Zebulon Farm Fresh Market ( @ 9am-1pm) — Held at the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. See their Facebook page.
- Clayton Farm and Community Market ( @ 9am-1pm) — Held at 348 E Main Street, Clayton NC. See their Facebook page.
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.
Shred-A-Thon (September 23, 2017 @ 9am-noon)
Bring papers to be shredded at the State Employees’ Credit Union, 1201 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Note that the event will end early if the truck fills. This is a paper-only event; no batteries, no electronics.
Youngsville Fall Festival (September 23, 2017 @ 9am-4pm)
Come and check out the car show, craft show, and food truck rodeo. Held in downtown (218 US 1-A), Youngsville NC. Online at www.youngsvillefallfestival.com.
Family Fun Day 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.
Stepping Into The Past (September 23, 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 30, 2017. Note that November 10-11, 2017, a BBQ cook-off is scheduled.
Chimney Swifts Workshop (September 23, 2017 @ 11am-noon)
Barbara Driscoll of the New Hope Audubon Society (NHAS) will be talking about those flying cigars, Chimney Swifts. Learn how to identify Chimney Swifts, their life history, range/migration, behavior, and about NHAS conservation efforts. Seating is limited. Reserve a space (required) by calling 919.969.6778 . Seats are first come, first served. Held at Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC. For updates, visit their Facebook page.
Brown Bag Lunch (September 23, 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.
Farmers Appreciation Day & FD Celebration (September 23, 2017 @ 11am-2pm)
The Town of Selma is celebrating their annual (150th) Farmer’s Day, and in conjunction there will be an Open House with the Selma Fire Department. Free hot dogs, Vehicle Accident Extrication demo, Live Fire demo, and more activities throughout the day. Gather at the Selma Fire Department, 201 N Webb Street, Selma NC. Selma Fire Department open house information may be found on their Facebook page. There will be Farmers Appreciation Day activities in downtown Selma including a baby contest, pecan pie contest, pony rides, corn hole, and more. Call 919.291.1428 with questions.
Eastern Triangle Farm Tour (September 23-24, 2017 @ 1-5pm)
One fee ($30) per car gives you an opportunity to visit dozens of farms from Durham to Bunn/Louisburg, Rougemont to Angiers NC, 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/etft. (See our article.)
Art in the Gardens (September 23, 2017 @ 2-4pm)
Come for arts, craft exhibits, live music, and more at the Nash County Arboretum, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville NC. This free event is offered by the Nash County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. See updates on the Arboretum’s Facebook page.
Nash County Recovery Rally (September 23, 2017 @ 2-5pm)
Join The Anchor Holds, Inc. for this second-annual rally in J.W. Glover Memorial Park, Nashville NC. September is National Recovery month with this event planned in observance and support of this national movement. Enjoy live music, guest speakers, food, and fellowship. Addiction Recovery Resources and other support networks will be in attendance. See more on this link.
Feis in the Forest (September 23, 2017 @ 3-10pm)
Head to downtown Wake Forest NC on Saturday for this Irish Music festival with dance, music, and more. See updates on the organizers’ Facebook page.
Town Creek Under the Stars (September 23, 2017 @ 7:30-9:30pm)
An evening beneath the great dark sky of the NC Piedmont and “bask in the glory of the Milky Way”, with site telescopes available, or bring your own, to view the waxing crescent moon and Saturn. Bring chairs and blankets for comfort. Held at the Town Creek Indian Mound Historic Site, 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead NC. Free, but registration is required. To register, contact the Site at towncreek@ncdcr.gov, 910.439.6802, or via this Eventbrite page.
Carrboro Music Festival (September 23-24, 2017)
This 20th-annual Carrboro NC event offers two days of music, at more than two dozen venues, for free. All ages welcome. See tickets and venue information at www.carrboromusicfestival.com.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
PepperFest Chapel Hill (September 24, 2017 @ 3-6pm)
The 10th-annual Pepperfest will be held at Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel, 1342 Briar Chapel Pkwy, Chapel Hill NC. It includes vendors, chefs, music, and more.
Visit pepperfestnc.org/vendor-application and select “Get Involved” to see applications for different vendor types.
Take a Child Outside (September 24-30, 2017)
Starting Sunday, the Wilson Botanical Gardens, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson NC, is hosting special events to encourage children — “the young and young at heart” — to spend time together outdoors. By giving parents, grandparents and teachers outdoor activities and a place to go, the Wilson Botanical Gardens’ goal is to help children develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment and nature. The first event will be a Sunday Storywalk. See more on their Facebook page.
Note that Take A Child Outside is a movement and there are events at other locations. See the NC Museum of Natural Sciences “TACO” description here.
Coming Soon
Coffee with A Cop (September 27, 2017 @ 7:30-9am)
Join the Zebulon Police Department for their second Coffee with a Cop event on Wednesday. Held at Mclean’s Ole Time Cafe, 418 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. The Zebulon PD is on Facebook here.
Downtown Live! (September 28, 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.
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, music, arts and crafts, and muscadines. Held at the Duplin County Events Center, 195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville NC. Hours are Friday 5-9pm and Saturday 10am-7pm. Tickets range from $5-10, with more details at www.ncmuscadinefestival.com.
September Pop Up Market (September 30, 2017 @ 10am-2pm)
Held at the Garner Recreational Park, 221 E Garner Road, Garner NC. Parking and admission are free. (Park at Garner Senior Center, 205 E Garner Road). See more Garner events at downtowngarner.com/events.
Banned Books Storytime (September 30, 2017 @ 10:30-11am)
Celebrate the freedom to read without censorship by enjoying a few books that have, at some point, been banned. This is a kid-friendly event. Children will hear stories like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”, sing songs, and may participate in a craft. Held at the Harold D. Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville NC.
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 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.
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)
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. See www.wilsonnc.org/…/1st-fridays-on-the-lawn.
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.
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.
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.
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.
