Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor
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 25, 2019
Introduction to Ancestry.com
Thursday, April 25, 2019 @ 2-3:30pm
This drop-in workshop will offer tips and strategies for exploring one’s family heritage via Ancestry.com. Learn to create an ancestral chart and to perform searches of historical records, including vital records, military records, and census records. No registration required. Held at Wilson County’s Black Creek branch library, 103 Central Avenue, Black Creek, NC. For more information, call 252.237.3715.
Wizards Unite at Museum After Dark Event
Thursday, April 25, 2019 @ 6-9pm
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science presents “Museum After Dark: Wizarding School” for adults (18 and up). Channel your inner wizard with this event, which begins in Museum Park with wizard-sorting into houses and points earning. Variety of activities, including a contest for “best wizard hat created at the event.” The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is located at 814 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. Advance tickets are $6 for members, $8 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum admission desk or online here. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $8 for members, $10 for non-members.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Fridays, April 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.
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, 2019 — The Lamp
- May 24, 2019 — The Perfect Game
- June 28, 2019 — Footloose
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.
Town Easter Egg Hunt
Rescheduled to Friday, April 26, 2019 @ 5:45pm
Bring the kids and their baskets for this annual hunt on the Town Hall grounds. Egg hunt is free. Easter Bunny will be there. Due to rescheduling, will be held in conjunction with “Celebrate the Arts” and there will be inflatables, art activities, and more. Gather at the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. Organized by Zebulon Parks & Recreation Department. See Parks and Rec programs at www.townofzebulon.org/services/parks-and-recreation/programs-and-events.
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.
Celebrate The Arts
Friday, April 26, 2019 @ 6-8pm
Youth art exhibit, contest, performances, and more. Food trucks and inflatables too. Organized by the town Parks and Rec Department and ZDAC — Zebulon Downtown Arts Council. Held at the Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. Follow ZDAC on Facebook here.
Carolina Mudcats Baseball Home Games
April 26, 27, and 28, 2019 @ Various Times
The Mudcats baseball Home games are played at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon, NC. See team schedule here.
HerbFest 2019
April 26-28, 2019
Annual festival of herbs with plant sales and more. Held at 525 S White Street, Wake Forest, NC. Hours are:
- Friday, April 26, 2019 — 9am-6pm
- Saturday, April 27, 2019 — 9am-6pm
- Sunday, April 28, 2019 — 10am-4pm
See details at www.herbfest.net.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 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.
Nash County Master Gardener Plant Sale
Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 8am-noon
Support the Nash County Arboretum and pick up annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, herbs, and more at this event, which will include a raffle and silent auction too. Held at the Nash County Arboretum, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville, NC. Follow the arboretum on Facebook for updates and event flyer.
Bunn Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 8am-noon
The annual Bunn Garden Club sale includes a variety of locally grown plants. Offerings will include azaleas, rhododendron, day lilies, and iris. There will also be baked goods on hand prepared by club members. Get there early for the best selections. Held at the Garden Club, 361 NC Hwy 98 West, Bunn, NC. Follow them on Facebook here.
Note: Stick around for Bunn Fun Day until 4pm!
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market
Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Local farm offerings and handmade/homemade goods. Open Saturdays (and Wednesdays 8am-1pm) through October 2019. Held in the Pavilion at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See details here. Updates may be posted via the market’s Facebook page.
Farmers Market Rocky Mount
Saturday, April 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.
Wendell Opening Day Celebration
Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 8am-3pm
Kick off the baseball season at the town’s Opening Day celebration! Enjoy competition, a homerun derby, inflatables, plus T-ball, baseball, and softball games. Held at Wendell Park, 601 W Third Street, Wendell, NC. (Article)
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.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, April 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.
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.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, April 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.
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.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
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.
Bailey Police Department Open House
Sunday, April 28, 2019 @ noon-2pm
This inaugural open house gives the public an opportunity to meet the Police Chief and officers. Enjoy a hot dog, hamburger, drinks, and snacks, and children may get their face painted. The Police Department will be handing out bicycle helmets for kids, talking about bike safety, handing out gun locks, and other activities. Supplies of helmets and locks are limited. Held at the Bailey Police Department, 6260 Main Street, Bailey, NC. See what’s going on and access updates via the Bailey Police Department Facebook page.
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.
Six Sundays in Spring Concert Series Kick-off
Sunday, April 28, 2019 @ 5-7pm
Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest, Buckshot Betty will perform on this date. Food/dessert trucks will be selling on-site. Six Sundays in Spring is an annual concert series featuring free, live, outdoor entertainment. Held in the E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC. See the entire 2019 concert schedule at www.wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/community-calendar/six-sundays-spring/concert-schedule.
Coming Soon
Free Paper Shredding Event
Monday, April 29, 2019 @ noon-6pm
The Town of Wake Forest’s fourth annual “Shred-It” will take place, rain or shine, in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. May end early if the four Shred-it trucks fill. Free and open to the public. Details here.
Gig in the Park (Free Concert Series)
Thursday, May 2, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Head to Historic Downtown Wilson and enjoy a free concert in this annual series at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. Bring a chair or blanket for comfort during this outdoor event. There will be food trucks, adult beverages, kids activities, and everyone is welcome to dance. See list of concerts and performers here. Future dates are May 16, 30, and June 13, 2019.
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.
Free Family Movie on the Lawn
Friday, May 3, 2019 @ after dark (8:15pm ish)
As part of the May Days Kick Off May 3-4, 2019, a movie will be shown on the lawn at the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. See movie title and full May Days schedule here, including live music prior to the movie.
Tarboro Market Opening Day
Saturday, May 4, 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. With questions, contact April Williams. Access the vendor application at www.prettyruggeddesigns.com/vendors. Future market date: May 18, 2019. Follow updates on Facebook here.
Make Art Saturdays
Saturdays, May 4, 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 date: May 18, 2019.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, May 11, 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 date is September 14, 2019.
Stepping Into The Past Event Series
Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 10am-2pm
This series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee. The May 11 topic is “Broom Making: Wisk broom making 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.
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, 2019 — Oceans 8
- June 10, 2019 — The Seagull
Held at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.
Food Truck Third Thursdays
Thursday, May 16, 2019 @ 11:30am-1:3opm and 6-8pm
Enjoy a meal from a variety of food trucks on the third Thursday of each month for lunch (11:30am-1:30pm) and dinner (6pm-8pm) at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. The dinnertime hours will have live music. Next date: June 20, 2019. (Article)
3rd Friday with the Artist
Friday, May 17, 2019 @ 6-8pm
The 2019 Franklin County Arts Council’s “3rd Friday with the Artist” series brings together artists and the public at the Gallery On Main located at 118-B North Main Street, Louisburg, NC. See more at fcacarts.org.
Friday Nights on the Tar First Concert of the Series
Friday, May 17, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor event for all ages. Come and hear The Castaways Band 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 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)
Around The Tables
Saturday, May 18, 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 date: June 15, 2019 (10am-noon).
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.
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, May 19, 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, 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.
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.
