Things To Do in NC When You’re Bored — April 11-14, 2019 (Updated)

Things To Do in NC When You're Bored - greyareanews.com
Things To Do in NC When You're Bored - greyareanews.com

Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor

UPDATE: Paws in the Park has been canceled due to weather.

This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond including a few unique coastal or mountain events. While most listed events are free, ticketed events may occasionally be included.

Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed without our knowledge. Contact an event’s organizer directly via provided links for updates. To suggest an event, email the editor.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Wilson Library Programs

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Programs on this date:

  • Storytime (for all ages) at 4pm at Black Creek Branch library, 103 Central Avenue, Black Creek, NC. Registration is not required.
  • LEGO Club (age 4 and up) at 4pm at the Elm City Branch library, 114 N Railroad Street, Elm City, NC. No registration required.

For more information, call 252.237.4269. (Article)

Carolina Mudcats (first Home Game of the Season)

Thursday, April 11, 2019 @ 7pm

The Mudcats baseball Home schedule begins with this “Opening Night 2019” versus the Wilmington Blue Rocks at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon, NC. See team schedule here.

Friday, April 12, 2019

Franklin County Farmers Market

Fridays, April 12, 19, and 26, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Come and pick up locally grown food from local farms, fresh eggs, and more. Check with market directly for any schedule changes related to weather and other factors. (Also open Tuesdays/Saturdays.) The market is located in the parking lot at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg, NC. Follow their Facebook page for updates, closings, and produce available at this year-round farmers market.

Ten Plant Tour: 10 Plants That Start With “A”

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ noon

Free presentations. Learn from the experts and Master Gardeners at these workshops, held at the Nash County Arboretum, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville, NC. Schedule may change due to weather. To confirm or with questions, call 252.459.9810. See Ten Plant Tour details at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/02/2017-ten-plant-tours.

Talk And Draw

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ noon-1pm

All ages are welcome to “join an artist and lecturer to explore art in two different ways. First, listen to a brief talk then respond by making your own work in this short, artist-led drawing session.” This is a free event, but pre-registration is suggested, drop-ins welcome. Materials will be provided. Lunch may be provided for a fee. Call 252.972.1266. Held in the Art Gallery at Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See more at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events.  Rain date is May 17, 2019.

Dyeing Yarn with Easter Egg Dyes

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 2pm

Open to ages 16+. Learn how to dye wool yarn brilliant, permanent shades using these fun and friendly nontoxic dyes: Easter egg dyes, food coloring, and even Kool-aid. Held in the Main Library Assembly Room at the Wilson County Public Library’s main library, located at 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. Registration required; call 252.237.5355 to register.

Pictures With The Easter Bunny

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 5:30-6:30pm

Bring the kids to get their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Canned food will also be collected for a local food pantry. Pictures will be taken at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. Photography by Kent Massey Photography, with one 4×6 photo provided for free. See event on the town website here.

3rd Friday with the Artist

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 6-8pm

The 2019 Franklin County Arts Council’s “3rd Friday with the Artist” series kicks off with local artist Diana Johnson at the Gallery On Main located at 118-B North Main Street, Louisburg, NC. Note that this series event is happening early due to the Easter holiday, and will return to the third-Friday for the next event in the series on May 17, 2019. See more at fcacarts.org. (Article)

Zebulon Free Family Movie Night

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 6:30pm (doors open)

Bring the whole crew to watch a free movie. The family-friendly film will begin showing at 7pm. Parks and Rec will provide free popcorn (and possibly bottled water) for all movie watchers. Held on the second Friday of each month courtesy of the Zebulon Parks and Recreation Department. A parent/guardian must be present with children; movies are for all ages. Held  at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. To see movie title, visit the Zebulon Parks and Rec web page or call 919.823.0432.

Friday Nights on the Tar First Concert of the Series

Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm

Free outdoor event for all ages. Come and hear Love Tribe live music, pick up a meal/snacks from food trucks, and enjoy this monthly community gathering. Concerts are planned for the third Friday of each month May through September. Dates and lineup may change:

  • The Castaways Band: Friday, May 17, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
  • The Tyson Brothers: Friday, June 21, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
  • East Coast Rhythm and Blues:  Friday, July 19, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
  • Shine:  Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
  • Johnny Folsom 4:  Friday, September 20, 2019  @ 6:30-9:30pm

Entry to concerts is free, and there is parking around town. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfort. See more on the town website. (Article)

North Carolina Pickle Festival

April 12-13, 2019

Join the fun at this annual celebration of pickled cucumbers. There will, of course, be pickles. Plus, a pickle-eating contest, entertainment, a chili cook-off, rides, a car show, and interactive events including a 5K. Navigate to 123 N. Center Street, Mount Olive, NC. Full details, prices, and hours at www.ncpicklefest.org.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Ed. Note: There are quite a few egg hunts and Easter happenings on this date. See our egg hunt article.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturdays, April 13, 20, and 27, 2019 @ 8am-noon (Spring/Summer hours)

Weekly offerings from farms, artisans, and crafters at this year-round farmers’ market. Check with market directly for any schedule changes related to weather and other factors. Located at 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC. The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org.

Farmers Market Rocky Mount

Saturday, April 13, 20, and 27, 2019 @ 8am-1pm

Check out local farm and craft offerings at this weekly market. Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Updates may be posted to the market Facebook page. Note that during June, July, and August the market will be open Tuesday afternoons in addition to Saturday mornings.

Johnston County Rabies Clinic

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 8am-5pm

Fee is $5 (cash only) per pet for a one-year rabies vaccination. Dogs and cats must be four months of age or older. Held at Johnston County Animal Services, 115 Shelter Way, Smithfield, NC. Follow Johnston County Animal Services on Facebook for events/updates. (Article)

Bird Watching

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 8:30am

Binoculars and walking shoes are recommended to watch, listen, and learn about different bird species. This is a free event. Held in the Wendell Park, Wendell, NC. See this event and more for the Town of Wendell in this article.

Wilson Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 9am-noon

This is a large plant sale offering a variety of vegetable plants, herbs, perennials, and more. Held at the Wilson Botanical Gardens, 1806 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. (Purchases help to support the gardens.) Contact information and updates may be found on the Wilson Botanical Gardens Facebook page. (Article)

Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Browse a variety of local vendors for arts and crafts, handmade items, and more. Live entertainment too. Held at the Uptown Gazebo, 100 block of E Anderson Street, Selma, NC (parking lot behind Town Hall). For information including vendor booth reservations, contact Melissa Dooley at 919.965.9841 x.8003 or via email. Future dates include May 11 and September 14, 2019.

Clayton Volunteer Fair

Saturday, April 13, 2019 (9am-3pm)

This event will showcase local organizations who are seeking volunteers or performing volunteer-inclusive projects in the community. Held in the Town Square, Clayton, NC, in conjunction with the Town of Clayton’s 150th Anniversary Party. With questions, send the organizers an email or call 919.827.1832. (Article)

UPDATE: The town’s Anniversary Party has been moved indoors. Activities will be inside Clayton High School.

Clayton Farm and Community Market

Saturdays, April 13, 20, and 27, 2019 @ 10am-1pm

The market will be open every Saturday, 9am to 1pm, for its regular season from April 6, 2019 through the last Saturday in October 2019. The Clayton Farm and Community Market is located at 348 E Main Street, Clayton, NC. Contact information may be found at www.cfcmnc.org/contact. Follow this market’s Facebook page for updates.

Stepping Into The Past Event Series

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 10am-2pm

This series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee. The April 13 topic is “Capturing Our Past: Painting Class.” Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC. See upcoming topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past.

Paws In The Park

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 11am-2pm Canceled

Enjoy a day in the park with your four-legged canine friends. There will be a fashion show, egg hunt, music, door prizes, and much more. Held at the Best Friends Dog Park, 480 N Lee Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Vendor spots may be available for the event for businesses that love pets. There is a vendor fee. If interested in being a vendor, send the organizer an email. (Article)

ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program

Saturdays, April 13, 20, and 27, 2019 @ 11:30am-12:15pm

Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this pre-reading skills development time. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.

Note: This program is often held at the Zebulon, NC and Wendell, NC libraries on the same dates as Knightdale, though times may vary.

Wake Forest STEM Saturday

Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 10am-2pm

Presented by the Wake Forest Wireless Research Center, this free, family networking fair is designed for middle and high school students and their parents. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. See article here.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Jon Perry Memorial Car and Truck Show

Sunday, April 14, 2019 @ 11am-5pm

Check out the vehicles, enjoy the day outside, and remember Bunn High’s own, Jon Perry. Organized by Fleming Event Productions and held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC-98 Hwy E, Bunn, NC. See event details on Facebook here.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Sunday, April 14, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Get ready for the city of Rocky Mount’s annual event for children ages 12 and under. There will be egg hunts, inflatable games, free admission to the Children’s Museum, and more. Egg hunts will be divided by age groups (0-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, special needs) in different locations around the Imperial Centre campus. The child who finds the golden egg during each hunt will win a grand prize. This is a free event. Children must bring their own basket or bag for egg collection. Held at the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Visit imperialcentre.org/events/easter-eggstravaganza.

Coming Soon

Wayne County Senior Games “Silver Arts Follies”

Monday, April 15, 2019 @ 6pm

This free, evening performance serves as an “art piece” — part of the Wayne County Senior Games competition. Organized by Goldsboro Parks and Recreation. Held at the Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro, NC. See the Parks and Rec’s Senior Games web page. Brief info on the Paramount Theatre website.

Wilson Farmers and Artisans Market

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 (opening day) @ 8am-1pm

The market will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through October 2019. Held in the pavilion at the Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market. Note that vendor applications may be accepted, and the vendor form is available from that linked web page.

Senior Bingo

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 @ 1-2:30pm

How lucky are you feeling? Come play fun games of Bingo with your friends. These Wednesday games are free of charge, and there will be prizes awarded. Held  at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. For this and other active-adult events, check out the Zebulon Parks and Rec early 2019 programs (PDF).

Tarboro Market Opening Day

Saturday, April 20, 2019 @ 8am-noon

The market includes makers, growers, and antique/vintage vendors. Open on the first and third Saturday of each month through October. Location is 526 N Main Street, Tarboro, NC. Future market dates include: May 4, and May 18, 2019. With questions, contact April Williams. Access the vendor application at www.prettyruggeddesigns.com/vendors. Follow updates on Facebook here.

Grand Opening and Open House Celebration

Saturday, April 20, 2019 @ 9am-5pm

Welcome this new Wendell business, Garden Treasures, and view the magnolias, camellias, and other plants in their greenhouses. Walk around the art fair and meet local artists. Free lectures will be offered throughout the day. Ribbon cutting planned for 9am. Plants will be for sale, and artists may have works for sale too. A good day for community and beauty. This newly-built nursery is located at 3500 Edgemont Road, Wendell, NC. See more about this nursery and the open house activities at garden-treasures.com/grand_opening. (Article)

Around The Tables

Saturday, April 20, 2019 @ 10am-noon

Monthly event by Dream Coat Ministries offering free clothing for those in need, and a free lunch provided by the hosting church. Held at Now Faith Community Baptist Church, 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale, NC. See this event and nonprofit information at dreamcoatknightdale.org. Future dates: May 18, and June 15, 2019 (10am-noon).

Make Art Saturdays

Saturdays, April 20, 2019 @ 11am-1pm

Take the kids to the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC, for a chance to work with different media including painting, sculpture, architecture, and more. Kids will have a chance to make their own art. Registration is not required for this drop-in program for children 6 and up. Held every-other Saturday. See more at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events. Future dates: May 4 and 18, 2019.

Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library

Sunday, April 21, 2019 @ 2-3:30pm

Bring the family for a free movie at the library. Snacks are provided. Designed for students in grades K-5th. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Registration is not required. This is a monthly event. Future dates tentatively scheduled:

  • Sunday, May 19, 2019
  • Sunday, June 16, 2019
  • Sunday, July 21, 2019
  • Sunday, August 18, 2019

See the Wake County public libraries East Regional Library web page to access calendar and movie details.

Seniors at Risk:  21st Century Scam Threats, Prevention and Solutions

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 @ 8:30am-noon

Attend this “SCAM JAM” and learn from the experts, state-of-the-art ways to protect your clients, loved ones, or yourself from financial, technology and other fraud impacting older Americans. Held at Wendell Community Center, 601 W Third Street, Wendell, NC. Registration for this free event is required! Register at www.tfsnc.org/event by April 16, 2019. Additional information is available at events@tfsnc.org or 919.821.0790 x.314.

Twisted Networking

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 @ 11:45am-1pm

Come out and join other business professionals and enjoy food, fun, building quality leads, and more. Held at the Cleveland Draft House, 461 Shotwell Road, Clayton, NC. Register here. Fee is $20 per person and includes food and activities.

Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie

Friday, April 26, 2019 @ 2pm

The NASH holds a movie for seniors on the fourth Friday of each month. Popcorn is available for 25 cents a bag. Held in Room 112 at 103 N Alston Street, Nashville, NC.  Pre-registration is requested to ensure seating and refreshments; call 252.459.7681 to register. Follow The NASH & The Southern Nash Senior Center on Facebook for activities and updates. Or, view their newsletter for April/May/June 2019 here (PDF).

The NASH movies (all showing at 2pm) are:

  • April 26, 2019The Lamp
  • May 24, 2019The Perfect Game
  • June 28, 2019Footloose

Southern Nash Senior Center Movie

Friday, April 26, 2019 @ 2pm

The Southern Nash Senior Center will offer a movie on the last Friday of each month.  The Southern Nash Senior Center will be showing the movie, A Dogs Purpose, in April. Popcorn is available for 25 cents a bag. The Southern Nash Senior Center is located at 8180 Stoney Hill Church Road, Bailey, NC. With questions or to register, call 252.235.4303. Follow The NASH & The Southern Nash Senior Center on Facebook for activities and updates.

Teen Pizza and Paint Nights

Friday, April 26, 2019 @ 6-9pm

Teenagers in grades 9-12 are invited to hang out together. Pizza and soda provided. Students may bring an art project to work on while enjoying the company of others. Art materials are not provided. Held at the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC, This event takes place at the same time as the Arts Council’s Community Drum Circle, and teens are welcome to join. Fee is $5 per student, which  includes two slices of pizza and a soda. No outside food or drinks are allowed. Future dates for this “fourth Friday” event:  May 24 and June 28, 2019.

Bunn Fun Day

Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 10am-4pm

Join the Town of Bunn for this fifth-annual celebration and family fun. There will be live music, local vendors, magic shows, face painting, arts, food trucks, inflatables, and more. Held along Railroad Street, Bunn, NC. For updates, follow the town events Facebook at Town of Bunn est.1913.

Zebulon Farm Fresh Market Opening Day

Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Vendors at the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market offer farm produce, baked goods, handmade goods, arts, plants, and more. The market is open Saturdays through October 12, 2019. Zebulon Farm Fresh Market is located at the Zebulon Municipal Complex (town hall), 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Free parking available in the town hall parking lots. Follow the market on Facebook for updates and market theme information. If vendor spaces are available, information and 2019 application may be found on the town’s market web page.

Market On Main (during Dogwood Festival)

Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 2-5pm

Artisans and artists galore and more at this second-annual market. Also live demonstrations of blacksmithing and weaving. Held at the May Museum, 3802 S Main Street, Farmville, NC. See details here.

Wings Over Wayne Air Show 2019

April 27-28, 2019

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds, air performances, ground demonstrations, and much more at “the largest free air show in North Carolina.” The Air Show takes place at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Martin Street, Goldsboro, NC. See details, schedule, and more at www.wingsoverwayneairshow.com.

Cars and Coffee Knightdale

Sunday, April 28, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Come out for this month’s event with cars, coffee, giveaways, and fun.  Address is 8001 Knightdale Blvd, Knightdale, NC. Follow this Cars and Coffee group here.

Handling Humor in Light/Heavy Fiction

Sunday, April 28, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Join the Murder We Write group for this special presentation on writing with humor. Diane Kelly, author of more than 30 novels, shares the secrets of using humor to serve, not interrupt, your story. This writing-group meeting will be held in the High Point Library, 901 N Main Street, High Point, NC (Guilford County). See more at www.murderwewrite.org. Next meeting date is May 19, 2019.

Family Sundays

Sundays, April 28, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Free drop-in program for kids ages 3+ and their parent or guardian. Join the fun in the art gallery. No registration required. Held every-other Sunday at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See more at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events. Future dates: May 12, and 26, 2019.

Coming in May

First Friday Flix

Friday, May 3, 2019 @ 7-9pm

Held the first Friday of each month, this movie showing is free and open to the public. “Feature a variety of film favorites and genres, including comedies, dramas, thrillers and more, often with a seasonal or historical theme.” Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Future dates:

  • June 7, 2019
  • July 5, 2019
  • August 2, 2019
  • September 6, 2019
  • October 4, 2019
  • November 1, 2019

See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center Calendar.

Flix4Kidz

Monday, May 13, 2019 @ 10:30am-12:30pm

Bring the kids for a free, family-friendly movie. Held the second Monday of each month, and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Call the centre’s Special Events Hotline at 919.435.9428 for movie title. Future dates: June 10, July 8, and August 12, 2019. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.

Free at 3 (Movies for Senior Citizens)

Mondays, May 13, 2019 @ 3pm

Free movies of all kinds at this monthly movie showing for seniors (age 50+). Popcorn will be on sale. Scheduled movies include:

  • May 13, 2019Oceans 8
  • June 10, 2019The Seagull

Held at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.

JoCo Latino Festival

May 19, 2019 (2-6pm)

Celebrating the Latino culture with music, dance, vendors, inflatables, and food at this Johnston County (JoCo) special event. Held at Blackstone Plaza in the Azteca Market parking lot, Selma, NC. Vendors: spaces may be available. See the Selma NC website.

Monthly Movie at the Library

Friday, May 31, 2019 @ 3-5pm

Bring the kids and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie, no registration necessary. Held at the Lucama Branch library, 103 E Spring Street, Lucama, NC. Information on this library, part of the Wilson County Public Library system, may be found here. Follow the Lucama Library Facebook page for updates and other events.

 

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.

Event organizers: News site display advertising is available month-to-month.

 

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.

Why are the day, date, and year included, repetitively, under each dated heading? The better for visitors to cut-and-paste complete event information to share with others… Though sharing of this full list’s link is encouraged, so readers may see all upcoming events.

Ed. Note: Originally published April 8, 2019. Updated April 13 with event cancellation.

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About Kay Whatley 2309 Articles
Kay Whatley serves as Editor and Reporter with The Grey Area News. Kay is a published author with over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. Kay Whatley is wife to Frank Whatley, founder of The Grey Area™ newspaper and The Grey Area News online news website.