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.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Coffee and History: Baking
Thursday, April 12, 2018 @ 10:30-11:30am
For this Baking presentation, Coleen Starling, owner and baker of the forthcoming Sweetly Southern Bakery and Wine in Farmville, will share her baking journey — as well as a few mouthwatering samples. Held at the Farmville Public Library, 4276 W Church Street, Farmville NC. This joint program by the Farmville Public Library and the May Museum & Park is held semi-monthly. “Coffee & History” programs are “informal speaking engagements led by selected local volunteers who have a special knowledge of a topic.” For future events, follow the Farmville Public Library on Facebook, and the May Museum Facebook page.
Job Fair
Thursday, April 12, 2018 @ 11am-3pm
Head to the library for their sixth-annual job fair and bring resumes. Dress for success and prepare to meet local companies’ representatives. Held on the Second Floor at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. With questions, call Rob Lewis at 252.442.1951 x.265.
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.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Friday Night on White
Friday, April 13, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Join the crowd on White Street in downtown Wake Forest NC for a live concert each month. No admission fee. This date, music by the Magic Pipers. Event organized by White Street Brewing and the Town of Wake Forest. Future dates include May 11 and June 8. For complete information about Friday Night on White, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/friday-night-on-white.aspx.
WCC Art Exhibit: Friends and Family Reception
Friday, April 13, 2018 @ 6-8:30pm
The Wayne Community Fine Arts students will be returning from an educational trip to Italy and this reception is for the students to celebrate their exhibition. Admission is free. Snacks and wine will be available, and live entertainment. Held by the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro NC. Follow the Arts Council of Wayne County on Facebook here.
Free Family Movie Night
Friday, April 13, 2018 @ 7-9pm
Enjoy a free, family-friendly movie at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Doors open at 6:30pm to give attendees time to settle in before the movie starts at 7pm. Organized by the town of Zebulon Parks and Recreation Department, not only is the movie free but popcorn and bottled water too. This date P&R is showing an animated movie. For title, visit here.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
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 Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 8-11:30am
Held by the Bunn Garden Club, 361 NC Hwy 98 West, Bunn NC. The Bunn Garden Club annual plant sale offers a wide variety of plants to brighten up your yard and garden. The group will also be selling baked goods as a part of this fundraiser. Updates may be posted on the club’s Facebook page.
Johnston County’s Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
Plants grown by the Johnston County Master Gardeners will be on sale at the Clayton Community Center, 715 Amelia Church Road, Clayton NC. Native plants, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, house plants, and more will be on sale at reasonable prices. There will also be a selection of trees and shrubs grown by local nurseries, and handmade crafts and garden art. Proceeds from the sale help fund the Johnston County Extension Master Gardeners Volunteer Association outreach and educational programs. See events.johnstoncounty.today.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 8am-noon
Vendors offer seasonal goods, handmade soaps and candles, honey, micro-greens, a puppet show, and more. The Wake Forest Farmers Market location is 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Its Facebook page is www.facebook.com/wakeforestfm.
Rocky Mount Farmers Market
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
The Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Farmers Market is open on Saturdays. See updates on their Facebook page.
Soil Trotter’s Spring Plant Sale at CFCM
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 8am-3pm
Soil Trotters will be offering a variety of perennials, house plants, and edibles at reasonable prices. Support this nonprofit garden group, talk with the garden members, and choose from a long list of available plants. Purchases at the sale may be made with cash or card. Held at the Clayton Farm and Community Market, 348 E Main Street, Clayton NC. See more about this gardening group and its event at soiltrotters.org.
Clayton Farm and Community Market (CFCM)
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
The Clayton Farm and Community Market will offer vendors, children’s activities, a puppet show, photo booth, and more on Saturdays. The Market location is 348 E Main Street, Clayton NC. The Clayton Farm and Community Market on Facebook here.
Wilson Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 9am-noon
Held at the Wilson Botanical Gardens, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson NC, this Spring Plant Sale will offer a variety of vegetable plants, herbs, annuals, perennials, house plants, trees, shrubs, garden gloves, and more. Purchases help to support the gardens. Plants are grown around the area by Extension Master Gardeners and friends.
Spring Plant Sale and Ag Fest
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 9am-2pm
Held by the Corinth Holders FFA at Horinth Holders High School, 6875 Applewhite Road, Wendell NC. Pick up plants for your yard and garden, and enjoy free activities including inflatables and games. Food will be for sale on-site. Follow the FFA on Facebook here.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, April 14, 21 & 28, 2018 @ 10:30-11:15am
Held on Saturdays at Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this weekly interactive program. Includes an alphabet craft to nurture pre-reading skills through writing and play. Provides an opportunity to develop fine motor skills children require to start school. Free to participate, and registration is not required. The library is online here.
This program is also held at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC, on the same dates @ 10:30-11:30am.
Sidewalk Social at The Hinge
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 11am-2pm
Come out for the first “meet the vendors” gathering at The Rusted Hinge Marketplace, 106 E Vance Street, Zebulon NC. Check out this indoor market’s craft vendors, artists, and handmade goods makers. Soft drinks, water, and snacks will be served. Follow The Rusted Hinge Marketplace on Facebook here.
Paws in The Park
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 11am-2pm
The eighth-annual event for humans and canines includes outdoor activities, a fashion show, vendors, and more. Held in the Best Friend’s Dog Park, 480 N Lee Street, Rocky Mount NC. (Article)
See Spot Read
Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 2-3pm
Held at Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC. Children from grades K-5th can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog. Walk-in, no registration required. Wendell location is one of the Wake County libraries, online here.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Sourdough Bread Making
Sunday, April 15, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Join Piedmont Picnic Project with guest instructor, Janee Saletta of Sour Bakery, and learn to create sourdough starter and bake bread. Taste samples and take home what you need for a sourdough starter. Held at the Raleigh City Farm, 800 N Blount Street, Raleigh NC. Tickets $15 per person in advance, $20 at the door (if space available). Tickets on sale here.
BBQ and Beer Fest
Sunday, April 15, 2018 @ noon-4pm
Join this fun event at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. There will be a food truck BBQ competition, live music, and more. Organized by the RDU Mobile Food Association, on Facebook here.
Family Sundays
Sunday, April 15, 2018 @ 2-4pm
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 29.
Coming Soon
Agri-Cultural Market
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 @ 5-7:30pm
Come and support local musicians, purchase locally-made products, and meet Farmville community members. Held at 3732 W Wilson Street, Farmville NC. Follow Town of Farmville events here.
Gig in The Park: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm
This free concert series is held in the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. See full Gig in The Park schedule at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/gig-in-the-park. (Article)
Truck by The Tracks Fundraiser
April 19, 2018 @ 6:30-8:30pm
Enjoy this evening at Koi Pond Brewing Company, 1107 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC, with music, the On the Square food truck, beer and wine tastings, and more. Tickets are $40 per person. See more details at truckbythetracks.eventbrite.com. Organized by Friends of Braswell Memorial Public Library.
Mudcats Baseball Home Games
Thursday, April 19-22, 2018 @ various times
Head to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC, and watch the Carolina Mudcats play ball. Tickets are approximately $10 per person, give or take a buck. Buy tickets online at www.milb.com/tickets.
Knightdale FFA Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, April 21, 2018 @ 8-11am
Knightdale FFA (Future Farmers of America) will have veggie plants, herbs, hanging baskets, porch-ready planters, and annuals available for purchase. All the plants were grown by Knightdale High School students. Funds raised will support the Knightdale FFA. This plant sale will be held at Knightdale High School, 100 Bryan Chalk Lane, Knightdale NC. Knightdale FFA updates may be posted to their Facebook page.
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.)
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Local organizations with an environmental focus will set up hands on educational exhibits for all ages. Exhibitors will have information on biodiversity, area events, wildlife rehabilitation, the extension service, and more. This celebration is free, with paid park admission or membership. A Y’all Eat Yet? food truck will be set up in the park, with lunch available for purchase. This event is part of the month-long NC Science Festival. Held at the Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck NC. See the park website here.
Arbor Day Expo
Saturday, April 21, 2018 @ 11am-3pm
The Town of Wake Forest’s annual Arbor Day Expo and a tree giveaway will take place at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC. There will be vendors, and activities for children, plus educational activities. See the town’s Arbor Day web pages, starting here.
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.
Priscilla Shirer Simulcast
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 9am-4:30pm
Join thousands of women around the world for this one-day simulcast focusing on the power of prayer and studying God’s Word. Hosted by Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. Registration link available from www.englewoodbaptist.com/events-and-registrations. Tickets are $15 which includes materials and lunch.
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)
Buying Your First Home — You’ve Got This
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 3-5pm
“This seminar will bust home-buying myths and show how you may be closer than you think to buying your first home. Learn what to expect when searching for your new home and receive guidance on the home loan process. Presented by Dominik Brodhage from The Chesson Agency and Mike Jablonski from PrimeLending.” To register, contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355 x.5072 or via email. Hosted by Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC.
Wake County Public Libraries’ Annual Book Sale
May 3-6, 2018
Come and check out thousands of available books for sale by the library system. Held in the Expo Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Free parking. See book-prices information and call-for-volunteers here.
Fabulous Friday
Friday, May 4, 2018 @ 3-5pm
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. See scienceandhistory.org.
First Friday
Friday, May 4, 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.
Johnston County Writers Meeting
Thursday, May 10, 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. Writers from Pine Level, Selma, Smithfield, Clayton, Garner, and other areas gather to talk about the craft and hear from published authors. Young and old, poets, fiction and non-fiction writers welcome. Several of their members are also members of the North Carolina Writers Network, and one writes for Johnston Now magazine. Free and open to the public.
Fantastic Friday: Music in The Park
Friday, May 11, 2018 @ 6:30-9pm
Come out and relax and enjoy an evening of entertainment and community fellowship. Held at the Gazebo, near 112 W Center Street, Black Creek NC. May event featuring music by The Daniels Chapel Singers Generation III . Concessions will be on-site including hot dogs. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. More outdoor events coming this summer. Follow the town on Facebook here.
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:
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.
