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.
Free and low-fee events are listed below. To request inclusion of an event, email details to the Editor. Sponsors and logos are not included in listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.
Event organizers: Our online display ads, with link, are available for a monthly fee.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
A Coffee & History Program
Thursday, January 25, 2018 @ 10:30-11:30am
Farmville Public Library and the May Museum & Park are pleased to present “The Business of Antiques” with Michael Cable at The May Museum, 3802 S Main Street, Farmville NC. Michael Cable, owner and operator of Woodside Antiques and Estate Sales in Farmville, will discuss antiquing and the business of antiques. Mr. Cable has been in the antiques business since 1965 and has a passion for all things antique. For more information on this and future Coffee and History events, visit the May Museum Facebook page.
RC3 Paint Party
Thursday, January 25, 2018 @ 6-8pm
RC3 Recovery Concepts Community Center invites you to come out and show your creative side. Address is 2860 Ward Blvd., Suite C, Wilson NC. Call 252.991.7267 to reserve a canvas. Space is limited. Visit RC3’s Facebook Page for more information.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Finally Friday Movie
Friday, January 26, 2018 @ 5:30-9pm
Enjoy food, live music, science stations, and the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Held at the WRAL 3D Theater, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC. The museum’s expert, Patrick Treuthardt of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab will be on-hand to talk about the movie science. Fee is $2 per ticket for museum members, $5 per ticket for non-members. See details on this event page.
Community Drum Circle
Friday, January 26, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Join Percussion expert, Joel Burks, for a fun night of drumming in Art Alley. Musicians of all skill levels are invited to participate/learn. We provide drums and instructions. Held by the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro NC. See this event and more at www.facebook.com/artscouncilofwaynecounty.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Cars & Coffee Wake Forest
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 8-11am
This free event is run by a handful of local residents who enjoy being around cars and people. Be a spectator or participant in this regular event at Gateway Commons shopping center. Address is 938 Gateway Commons Circle. Wake Forest NC. Pay attention to parking-related signage. Tenants in the shopping mall need space for their customers. See future dates via this Facebook Page.
DreamFest 2018 Live
January 27, 2018 @ 8:30am-2pm
The live “Shark Tank-like” event is being held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Hosted by Upper Coastal Plain Business Development Center. Audience tickets are $25 per person, available via dreamfest2018.info. Hear local business dreamers give Oral Presentations to judges. The judges will rate the presentations, add the small business plan scores, and come up with the top three winners. Winners will be announced in the afternoon.
Wake Forest Farmer’s Market
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Pick up local produce and products at the Wake Forest Farmers Market, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. There will be live music, fresh food, “and lots of kindness.” See seasonal offerings on the farmer’s market Facebook page or www.wakeforestmarket.org.
2018 African American Cultural Celebration
January 27, 2018 @ 10:30am-4:30pm
The 17th annual African American Cultural Celebration will feature more than 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, chefs, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, reenactors, and more at the NC Museum of Natural History. Address is 5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh NC. See details at www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/aacc-2018.
Brown Bag Lunch
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 11am-12:30pm
Having a tough time and in need of food for yourself or your loved ones? Pick up lunch, at no cost, at Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. See www.zumchurch.org.
Selma Museum Open House
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 11am-2pm
The public is invited to this free, annual Open House at The Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma NC. See a presentation outlining the plans for exhibits, and special programs, in 2018. Walk through the exhibits, enjoy refreshments, and maybe win a door prize. Museum updates and events may be found via their Facebook page. For more information, call 919.333.4899 or email.
Movies at The Drive-in (Jumanji, Pitch Perfect 3)
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ gates open 5 pm; movies 6pm & 8:15pm
Two movies for $7 per adult, $4 per kid (ages 3-11). Hit the snack bar (much more than snacks) and watch two movies from your vehicle or a chair/blanket on the grass. Held at the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, 3336 Raleigh Road, Henderson NC. See upcoming movies, menu, drive-in rules, and more at www.raleighroaddrivein.com. “Ticket sales support Hollywood, concession sales support the theatre.”
Superheroes and Snacks
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 5-8pm
Join Arkham Comix Wilson for their first kids painting class. Each child (ages 6 and up) can paint their own canvas of a favorite superhero logo to take home. Fee is $25 per kid. Pizza and drinks will be provided! Younger children may participate, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Instructor will be Myra Stotesbury. Held at Arkham Comix Wilson, Suite F, 3710 Peppermill Drive, Wilson NC. Spaces are limited, so call 252.281.5684 to reserve a spot. See this and related events here.
Can You Name That Tune?
Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Held at ProMusic Conservatory, 105 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Admission is $2. Six teams sponsored by local businesses will be competing to Name That Tune. The winning team will select the local charity of their choice for a gift of $150-$250. The remaining proceeds will support the ProMusic Conservatory Financial Assistance Scholarship Fund. Café Musicale will be open serving homemade goodies from tacos to chocolate cake and more at this event. See more at www.promusicconservatory.org.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Art in the Park: Mill as Muse Creative Art Session
Sunday, January 28, 2018 @ 1-4pm
Explore your artistic side by creating a work of art to take home, or enter in the “Mill as Muse” art contest. Art Session held at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC. Park will provide a variety of inspirational arts and crafts materials, and a slide show featuring artistic creations related to Yates Mill. Come anytime during the program time-frame. Designed for all ages, and fee is only $1 per person to participate. Registration is required by January 27 (if not already full), and is available here.
16mm Grab Bag: What the A/V Geeks Saw!
Sunday, January 28, 2018 @ 8-10pm
Watch mixed films from home via the A/V Geeks’ Facebook page (see here for contact information/questions). Join the Raleigh-based A/V Geeks for a night of watching 16mm films from their extensive archive. This will be “a world premiere of 16mm films that have not been seen by human eyes in this century!” Film screenings will be streaming online via Facebook and YouTube.
Coming Soon
SMASH 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Attend Triangle ArtWorks’ biggest annual event, held at The Frontier 800 Park Offices Drive, Durham NC. Triangle ArtWorks brings the entire Triangle arts community together in one place to celebrate their amazing community and kick off a New Year. This event is an opportunity for individual artists, arts organization staffs, and anyone who works in or loves the arts, to come together for fellowship, celebration, and networking. See details and get tickets via triangleartworks.ticketspice.com/smash-18.
Super Blue Moon Viewing
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Bring family and friends and check out the Super Blue Moon at this public event, held at the beautiful Wilson Botanical Gardens, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson NC. Gardens information online at www.wilsonbotanicalgardens.org.
Brews & Brushes
Friday, February 2, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Join the Young Professionals of the Twin Counties (YoPro) at the Booker T. Washington Theater, 170 E Thomas Street, Rocky Mount NC. Paint your love for the Twin Counties on canvas. Brushes and Brews will have owner and artist Tiffany Evans of Paint TWO Perfection on-hand providing guidance. While painting enjoy fresh doughnuts, refreshments, and brew (coffee). Fee is $15 per person, and may be paid at the door by cash or card. First come, first served. Limited to 50 people. YoPro is online at www.facebook.com/herestosuccess.
Black History Month Presentation
February 8, 2018 @ 10:30am
The Max G. Creech Black History Month program will feature Eric Jackson speaking on the unique friendship of two iconic Americans: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune. These women provided love, leadership and understanding o the whole world. Jackson will provide insight on their friendship and lives. This program is open to the public. It is being held at the Harrison Center for Active Aging, 611 W Noble Street, Selma NC.
East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival
February 8-10, 2018
Events held at Arts of the Pamlico, 150 W Main Street, Washington NC, and around town. Three days include an unveiling/reception, live entertainment, gallery art walk, Saturday arts festival, and more. See details at www.artsofthepamlico.org.
Bill Lyerly, Clyde Mattocks, & Alan Hicks
*RESCHEDULED* New date is Thursday, February 15, 2018 @ 8pm
An evening of really country music, with a little bluegrass mixed in for good measure. Held at the Nash County Arts Council, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC. Tickets are $15 (plus service fees) in advance, or $18 at the door. (Nash Arts Member discounts available.) Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3191395.
2018 Raleigh Winter Pop-up Market
Saturday, February 17, 2018 @ noon-5pm
Free admission at downtown Raleigh’s original vintage market, offering vintage collectors and art lovers a great place to shop and sip at inside and outside of Trophy Brewing. Come shop over 60+ vintage and handmade vendors in a beautiful brewery. Purchase beer or a snack — food trucks all day. Held at Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh NC. See 2018 dates and details at www.popupraleigh.com.
Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner Fundraiser
February 27, 2018 @ 6:30-8:30pm
With kitten season approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate “World Spay Day” and bring awareness to animal overpopulation. Come enjoy camaraderie with other cat-lovers, SAFE Care Clinic staff and volunteers, and enjoy a dinner of spaghetti with no meat-balls, at this 4th-annual a spaghetti fundraiser benefiting the SAFE Care Clinic at SAFE Haven for Cats, a 503(c)(3) nonprofit. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per child (under 12 years old). Purchase tickets on this EventBrite page. Held at Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh NC.
Muscle Mopar and More
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 8am-4pm
Spend St. Patrick’s Day at this Bunn vehicle-oriented event. Spectators enter for $1 per person. Enjoy a day of family fun at this car, truck, and motorcycle show with vendors, food, music and more. Low riders participate in a Car Limbo contest. Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. Register a vehicle, or see spectator details at carshowpro.com/events/view/156.
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. Any highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event or knowledge of offerings.
