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 5, 2018
Knightdale PD Spring Carnival Fundraiser for NC Special Olympics
March 29-April 8, 2018
The Knightdale Police Department Spring Carnival is returning. Admission to the carnival and parking are free. Tickets, food, games, and moreavailable for purchase. The carnival is in the Midtown Commons plaza, 200 Hinton Oaks Boulevard, Knightdale NC. (Article)
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” Film Showings
Thursday, April 5, 2018 @ 11am-12:30pm & 5:30-7:30pm
Come and enjoy this classic movie from 1939 and munchies too. Held in the Computer Lab at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. With questions, call Rob Lewis at 252.442.1951 x.265.
Mudcats Baseball Opening Day
Thursday, April 5, 2018 @ 7pm
Head to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC, and watch the Carolina Mudcats take on the Winston-Salem Dash. Gates open at 6pm, and free Mudcats magnet schedules will be available. Tickets are approximately $10 per person, give or take a buck. Tickets may be purchased online at www.milb.com/tickets.
Note that the Mudcats play at home against the Dash April 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2018, at various starting times.
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
April 5-8, 2018
This film festival is held in The Carolina Theatre, 309 W Morgan Street, Durham NC. See schedule and ticket information at www.fullframefest.org.
Friday, April 6, 2018
First Friday Coffee
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 8-9am
Jeff Dodson from State Farm will be presenting at this month’s First Friday Coffee. Join the group for networking, meet neighbors and local business people. Held at The Nashville Exchange, 229 W Washington Street, Nashville NC. This event is organized by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Their website is nashvillencchamber.org.
A/V Geeks: A Story About a Parable
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 6-7pm
Dr. Anna Bigelow of NC State’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and A/V Geeks’ Skip Elsheimer present and discuss the religious short film Parable (1964). When first released at the 1964 World’s Fair, it caused controversy; but, it ended up being added to the National Film Registry. This event is free and open to the public at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, 1070 Partners Way, Raleigh NC. See details on the library event page.
First Friday/Exhibit Opening
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ at 6-8:30pm
Enjoy two beautiful exhibit openings. Admission is free. Wayne Community Fine Arts Students will be exhibiting in the Main Gallery, and the Wayne County Senior Games will be in the TA Loving Gallery.Snacks and wine will be available. Hosted by the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro NC. Visit www.artsinwayne.org/exhibits.
First Friday
Friday, April 6, 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.
Fabulous Friday
Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 3-5pm
The April event is an “Egg Drop” with a chance for young “engineers” to show off their skills and try to save an egg from destruction. Eggs will be dropped from the water tower. 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.
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Belarussian Day
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 6:30am-1pm*
This annual event supports the Belarussian Relief Ministry and to bring 27 children from Belarus to stay in the United States for the Summer with host families. Food will be served all day, plus the yard sale and bazaar all morning, with other activities throughout the day. Held at Wakefield Central Baptist Church, 308 Proctor Street, Zebulon NC — outside and inside. See details at www.wakefieldcentralbaptist.org/belarussian-day.
*Evening auction viewing starts at 4pm, and auction starts at 5pm.
Wake Forest Farmers Market Spring Opening Day
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 8am-noon
Opening Day of the Wake Forest Farmers Market “main season” will include vendors offering 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 Opening Day
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
The Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays, beginning April 7, 2018. See updates on their Facebook page.
Zebulon Community Recycling Day
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 9am-noon
Bring your pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, paint, tires, appliances, batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronics, and televisions for proper disposal. The shred truck can destroy documents you no longer need. Organized by the town of Zebulon Public Works. Held at 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. For more informantion, contact Public Works at 919.269.5285.
Clayton Farm and Community Market Opening Day
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
The Clayton Farm and Community Market will offer vendors, children’s activities, a puppet show, photo booth, and more for this Opening Day. Meet this year’s vendors, watch a puppet show organized by the Clayton Library, and enter to win prizes. The Market location is 348 E Main Street, Clayton NC. The Clayton Farm and Community Market on Facebook here.
Workday in the Apiary
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 9am-4pm
Come help Baxter’s Bees assemble and paint bee boxes, put together frames, and get hives ready for bees this Spring. Or, help with pollinator garden plantings. Lend a hand and learn about other ways to support beekeepers and honey bees. Baxter’s Bees is located on Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. In January 2018, most of their beehives were poisoned and vandalized. Support this local business as they recover from the vandalism. To volunteer and for address, Email Baxter’s Bees or call 919.665.5038.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, April 7, 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 April 7 @ 10:30-11:30am.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Unleashed Mutt Spring Fling
Sunday, April 8, 2018 @ 11am-3pm
Unleashed’s fifth-annual K9 Spring Fling dog and cat fundraiser. This event is family-friendly and focused on helping local animal rescue groups. Many rescues will be there along with local vendors, games, and a Doggie Easter Egg Hunt. Admission is free for humans and dogs of all ages. Held in the Holshouser Building, Heritage Circle & Tobacco Pavillion, at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. See www.k9springfling.com.
Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, April 8, 2018 @ noon-4pm
Join the fun at Renaissance Place, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. The Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo is returning with “just about everything and anything that is served from the back of a truck” along with a beer tent for adults, a Kid’z Zone, vendors, and much more. See event details at www.wakeforestnc.gov.
Coming Soon
Minecraft Jr. Club
Monday, April 9, 2018 @ 6-7pm.
Bring children 12 and under to join the fun. The group will build a village — ongoling project — and create avendures. Held in the second floor Computer Lab at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. With questions, call Melissa at 252.442.1951 x.235.
Escape from The Library
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 @ 5-8pm
Teens, work with your team to find clues, solve riddles, and make your escape during this “Escape Room Challenge.” Held at Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Escape scenarios arranged by DreamDaze Comics Fun and Games of Wilson.
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. (Contact information TBD.)
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
