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 happenings, some ticketed events may 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 4, 2019

Knightdale Spring Carnival

Through April 7, 2019 @ ~5-11pm (times vary by day)

The Spring carnival, organized by the Knightdale Police Department’s annual carnival, a Special Olympics NC fundraiser, continues through this Sunday. The carnival is in the parking lot at Midtown Commons plaza, 200 Hinton Oaks Boulevard, Knightdale, NC. (Article)

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

April 4-7, 2019

See a variety of documentaries and shorts. Held across several venues, the festival is headquartered at the Durham Convention Center, 301 W Morgan Street, Durham, NC. For details and tickets, visit www.fullframefest.org.

Note: The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is holding a free outdoor screening of the Mister Rogers documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? in Durham Central Park on Saturday (April 6, 2019 @ 8:30pm). See details here.

Friday, April 5, 2019

Coffee with a Cop

Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 7-9am

Join the Wake Forest Police Department and Wake County Sheriff’s Office as they co-host this event. Gather at the Wake Forest Coffee Company, 156 S White Street, Wake Forest, NC.  See details here.

Franklin County Farmers Market

Fridays, April 5, 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.

Annual Egg Drop

Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 3:30-5:30pm

Engineering, math, creativity — all go into designs for protecting eggs that will be dropped from the Wilson Water Tower. Bring your design, or build it at Imagination Station. Egg dropping begins at 4:30pm. This is a free-admission event. Organized and hosted by the Imagination Station Science & History Museum, 224 Nash Street SE, Wilson, NC. Visit the Imagination Station website.

First Friday and Exhibit Openings

Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 6-8:30pm

Check out new exhibits including those by Wayne Community College Fine Art Students and Wayne County Senior Games participants. There will be life music. Wine and finger foods available. Organized and hosted by the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC. Visit the Arts Council website to see this event and upcoming arts happenings.

Rocky Mount First Friday

Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 6-9pm

Join the city of Rocky Mount for this for free, family event on the first-Friday of each month. Admission to Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC, is free.  See more on this arts, crafts, and music monthly event series at imperialcentre.org.

First Friday Flix

Friday, April 5, 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 date is Friday, May 3, 2019 @ 7pm. See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center Calendar.

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Smithfield Rescue Mission Yard Sale and Bake Sale

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 6am-noon

6 AM – 12 PM 4 days from now · 55–77°F Cloudy pin

Come check out items for sale and pick up baked goods. Proceeds go to the Mission. Tour also available. Held at the Smithfield Rescue Mission, 523 Glenn Street, Smithfield, NC. Find out more about their work at smithfieldrescue.org.

Belarussian Yard Sale and Vendor Pup Up Bazaar

Saturday, April 6, 2019 (6:30am-1pm)

Come and “shop” at the vendors in the church parking lot at this fundraiser to support their Belarussian Relief Ministry. The ministry will bring children from Belarus to stay in the United States for the Summer with host families. Held indoors and outdoors at Wakefield Central Baptist Church, 308 Proctor Street, Zebulon, NC. See event information and vendor registration on the Wakefield Central Baptist Church website.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturdays, April 6, 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.

Tarboro Market Opening Day

Saturday, April 6 and 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.

Note: The town’s Streetfair is also happening on April 6, 2019.

Farmers Market Rocky Mount Opening Day

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 8am-1pm

Come for Opening Day and check out the market’s offerings. Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Updates may be posted to the market Facebook page.

Tree Identification Walk

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 9am

Join the Town of Wendell Tree Board and the Wendell Falls Nature Club to explore the trees of Wendell Falls. Meet at the Lakeside Pavilion, 320 Vintage Point Lane, Wendell, NC. See this event and more for the Town of Wendell in this article.

Community Recycling Day

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 9am-noon

Drop off “old paint, tires, oil and antifreeze, computers, televisions, and appliances” and these items will be recycled or disposed of properly. There will be a shredding truck at the event, so bring documents to be safely shredded. Held at the Town Municipal Building (Town Hall), 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. With questions, contact Zebulon Public Works at 919.269.5285.

Pig In The Park

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 9am-4pm

Come out for a day of fun, barbecue, music, and more — and support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. Held in Waynesborough Park, 801 S US 117 Hwy Bypass, Goldsboro, NC. Plates fee $6-$8. For details, visit www.piginthepark.com or follow the organizers on Facebook.

Note that cooking teams will be in the park April 5 preparing the BBQ for the following day’s public event.

Clayton Farm and Community Market

Saturdays, April 6, 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.

Spring Fling Bazaar and Bake Sale

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 10am-3pm

The Garner Woman’s Club’s Spring Bazaar will offer a variety of handmade arts, crafts, gifts, and more. There will also be a bake sale. Address is 1005 Poole Drive, Garner, NC. Follow their Facebook page for potential updates.

Free Amateur Radio Testing

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 10:30am

Five County VE Team is offering free Amateur Radio Testing to Johnston County. Pre-registeration is required. Held at the Thanksgiving Fire Department, 2375 Thanksgiving Fire Road, Selma, NC. Visit the website to pre-register at n4mqu.com.

Make Art Saturdays

Saturdays, April 6, 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: April 20, May 4, and 18, 2019.

ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program

Saturdays, April 6, 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.

Spring Farm Festival

Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 1-5pm

There will be a farm-wide egg hunt, scavenger hunt, hay ride, pony ride, and much more. Admission is $8 per child (age 2-14) or adult, with one adult free with a paid child. Held at Spence’s Farm for Kids, 6407 Millhouse Road, Chapel Hill, NC. See details here.

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Coming Soon

Flix4Kidz

Monday, April 8, 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. For more information, visit the town web page.

Free at 3 (Movies for Senior Citizens)

Mondays, April 8, May 13, and June 10, 2019 @ 3pm

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

• April 8, 2019 — Alpha
• 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 www.wakeforestrencen.org/.

Monthly Movies at the Library

Wednesday, April 10, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

Family Sundays

Sundays, April 14, 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: April 28, May 12, and 26, 2019.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.