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.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
Shop a variety of locally grown and locally made goods. Held on Wednesdays in Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC.
Mudcats Baseball Home Games
April 25, 2018 @ 11am & April 26, 2018 @ 7pm
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.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Relay for Life Day with Music by Brittany Davis
Thursday, April 26, 2018 @ 11am-11pm
Have fun and raise money for Relay for Life, with 10% of Westridge Grill’s sales to be donated. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Brittany Davis will be playing 7-11pm. Held at Westridge Grill, 3639 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. Updates may be available via their Facebook page.
Game and Puzzle Day
Thursday, April 26, 2018 @ 4pm
Join the fun at this teen program. Held at the Elm City Library, 114 N Railroad Street, Elm City NC. With questions, call 252.236.4269.
Friday, April 27, 2018
HerbFest 2018
April 27-29, 2018 @ 9am-4pm
Large selection of herb plants for sale. Buy plants to set up a home herb garden with well-known or more obscure herbs. Held on two consecutive weekends. “Certified organic grown from organic stock, non GMO, heritage/heirloom varieties herbs, vegetables, tomatoes, peppers and much more” plus some perennials for Zone 7. Held at 525 S White Street, Wake Forest NC. This is the last weekend of this two-weekends event. See www.herbfest.net.
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.
Movies at the Park
Friday, April 27, 2018 @ 8pm
Cucalorus Pop-up Cinema and Gig East will be holding a four-week movie series at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Bring the family and join the fun at these free film nights.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 8am-noon
Vendors offer seasonal goods, handmade soaps and candles, honey, and more. The Wake Forest Farmers Market location is 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. The market’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/wakeforestfm. Website is www.wakeforestmarket.org for this year-round farmers market.
Rocky Mount Farmers Market
Saturday, April 28, 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. Market webpage is www.co.nash.nc.us/175/Farmers-Market.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
Head to the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC, for the market day with a variety of local produce, handmade goods, homemade treats, and more. Updates may be posted on their Facebook page.
April 28 market is “Church Choir Appreciation Day.” Also, the Brown Bag Bagel food truck will be at the market, along with the God To Be NC Jeep.
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.
Re-Opening of East Regional Library
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 10am
After months of renovation, painting, and re-shelving, the library in Knightdale re-opens. Stop by to check out the new look, and check out a book. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC.
Downtown Garner Pop-up Market
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Head to Downtown Garner for this monthly public market with baked goods, locally made items, fresh produce, food trucks, and more. Held in Garner Recreational Park, 221 E Garner Road, Garner NC. Next date is May 26, 2018. See more dates here.
Safety Fun Day
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
The Coast Guard invites the public to attend a free event — their annual “Safety Fun Day” at the US Coast Guard Station Oak Island, 300-A Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island NC. Coast Guard crew members and NC first-response agencies will demonstrate a variety of search and rescue gear and procedures. Children can enjoy activities and marvels including a heaving line toss, fire trucks, police cars, Coast Guard boats, survival suits, a rescue swimmer demonstration, Sammy the sea otter, and more. Entry requires a photo ID for adults. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and snacks will be available for cash sale.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, April 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.
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.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Family Sundays
Sunday, April 29, 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 May 13, 2018.
Coming Soon
Pre Free Comic Book Day
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Teens are invited to join local comic book artist Louis Small, Jr. for a night of comic book fun. Free comics, provided by Arkham Comix-Wilson, while supplies last. Held in the Assembly Room of the Wilson County Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073.
Gig in The Park: Band Of Oz
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm
This free concert series is held in the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Next date is May 16, 2018. See full Gig in The Park schedule at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/gig-in-the-park. (Article)
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.
Steel Magnolias Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-2pm
Steel Magnolias Garden Club will be holding its annual sale, with plants “proven to grow well in Eastern Wake County.” Master Gardeners will be on-hand to answer questions. Raffle tickets on sale to take a chance at winning a garden cart full of gardening supplies. Plant sale will be held at the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. The garden club is online at www.steelmagnoliasgardenclub.org.
This plant sale will be held in conjunction with the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
Head to the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC, for the market day with a variety of local produce, handmade goods, homemade treats, and more. Updates may be posted on their Facebook page.
Cinco de Mayo Car & Truck Show
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-5pm
Come out and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this open Car and Truck show. There will be a sound competition hosted by CJ Autosport. Keeping with the show Cinco de Mayo theme, there will be a “Low Riding Limbo” contest! Come and see how low these rides can go! Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. Sign up via the Car Show Pro website at carshowpro.com/event/151.
Teen Free Comic Book Day & Movie
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 11am-4pm (movie 3-5:30pm)
Teens, come for the fun and enter the costume contest. Held on the second floor of Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. Justice League movie showing at 3pm in the Computer Lab. For info, call Brittany Harrell at 252.442.1951 x257.
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ noon-5pm.
Teens, join the fun with free comic books, provided by Arkham Comix-Wilson and DreamDaze Comics Fun and Games. There will be games, crafts, and comics. Held in the Assembly Room at Wilson County Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073.
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.
Friday Night on White
Friday, May 11, 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 Love Tribe. Event organized by White Street Brewing and the Town of Wake Forest. Future date June 8 (Bull City Syndicate). For complete information about Friday Night on White, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/friday-night-on-white.aspx.
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.
Stepping Into The Past
Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 8am
This 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.
This May 12 event is a 35th Anniversary Celebration.
Teen Saturday Matinee
Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 1-3:30pm
This teen program offers snacks and a movie. Held in the Assembly Room at the Wilson County Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073.
Clover C Farm Shearing Day
May 19, 2018
Shearing time is coming, and this year Clover C Farm, 117 Cheves Road, Bunn NC, invites all to come and “see how it’s done.” No appointment or registration, just get to the farm any time before noon — when the shearing is usually completed. Visitors may watch the shearing, check out the farm, and enjoy a snapshot of farm life. Note that the farm does have electric fences that are not friendly; use caution / at your own risk if wandering. This date is the “save the date” notice and may adjust. For updates, follow Clover C Farm on Facebook here.
Around The Tables
Saturday, May 19, 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.)
Spring Gala Celebration
Saturday, May 19, 2018 @ 5-8pm
Support the Franklin County Arts Council with this evening of fun, mingling with artists, live music, food, a door prize, raffle, and silent auction. Held at the beautiful, historic Victorian home of Dudley and Barbara Whitaker at 210 Winston Road, Franklinton NC. Tickets are for sale at the Up Front Gallery (22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC) or buy with PayPal. (Interested in being an event sponsor? Call 919.497.6910.)
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.
