This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond — occasionally including unique coastal or mountain events.
While most listed events are free, ticketed or fee-for-entry events may be included.
Events may be rescheduled/delayed or locations changed. Contact an event’s organizer directly.
To suggest an event for a future list, email the editor.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Food Truck Thursday: Lunch & Dinner
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Sit and eat at the park, or pick up food to take back to your desk or home. Live music during dinnertime.
- Lunch (11:30am-1:30pm)
- Dinner (6-8pm)
Food trucks will be parked near the Knightdale Station Park pavilion, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. See details and updates via the Parks and Rec Facebook page. (Article)
Sprinkler Fun Days
Thursday, August 15, 2019 @ 3-4pm
Beat the heat every Thursday at Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, 300 S. Center Street, Goldsboro, NC. Bring the children to cool off in Goldsboro’s giant sprinkler. Event supervised by the City of Goldsboro Fire Department. See all dates here.
Downtown Live!
Thursdays, August 15, 29, and September 12, 2019 @ 6-9pm
The 2019 Downtown Live! free outdoor music series takes place on the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Bring lawn chairs for comfort. Full schedule is available at imperialcentre.org/events/downtown-live. (Article)
Downtown Tarboro Live
Thursday, August 15, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come and enjoy live, outdoor music by Steve Owens and Summertime. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. There will be food trucks and treats, and beer available for purchase by those of age. Held on the Courthouse Square, 311 N Main Street, Tarboro, NC. Follow the Town of Tarboro on Facebook, or visit the town website at www.tarboro-nc.com.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, August 16, 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. (The market is also open Tuesdays and 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.
CBD Oil Informational Session
Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 5:30-6:30pm
Free program for people age 18 and older. Description: “With CBD Oil popping up in stores and various types of products, there have been many questions about it. The HD Cooley Library will be hosting an informational session on CBD Oil. No endorsement of CBD Oil usage intended.” The HD Cooley Library is located at 114 W Church Street, Nashville, NC. See event here or visit the library website.
Grand Opening with Book Signings by Local Authors
Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 6-8pm
The Rusted Hinge Marketplace has moved from Zebulon and is holding their Grand Opening at their new store inside Triangle Town Center, 5959 Triangle Town Blvd, Raleigh, NC (on the Upper Floor near Macy’s). Stop by to see the local arts, crafts, and books that they have for sale in their new location. Jackie Dove-Miller and Donna Campbell Smith will be signing their books, which may be purchased along with other local-author books at The Rusted Hinge Marketplace.
Friday Nights on the Tar
Fridays, August 16, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor concert for all ages. Come and hear 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. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. Future date: and September 20, 2019. See more on the town website. (Article)
Franklin County Arts Council Quilt Show
Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 6-8pm
Attend the Quilt Show / 3rd Friday with The Artist at the Franklin County Arts Council’s Gallery on Main, 118-B North Main Street, Louisburg, NC (adjacent to the amphitheatre).
Free Family Movie Night
Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 7-9pm (doors open 6:30pm)
Join Zebulon Parks and Recreation for a free family movie, including free popcorn and bottled water. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. See event including movie title here.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 8am-noon
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. (Starting in November, hours are 10am-noon.) The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org.
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market
Saturdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 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
Saturdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 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 August the market will be open Tuesday afternoons in addition to Saturday mornings.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 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.
Note: On August 24, the market will be host to the Parks and Rec “Back To School Bash” event.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
The market will be open every Saturday for its regular season 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.
Wendell Farmers Market
Saturdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Although the market had a late start, it is scheduled for every Saturday through October 2019. Held at W Campen and Main Streets, Wendell, NC. See details at www.townofwendell.com/living/farmers-market or follow the market on Facebook.
Fiesta de Verano 2019 (Summer Festival)
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 4-10pm
Enjoy live music, food, dancers, and vendors / information booths. Celebrate the diversity of Wilson and meet the police department, organizers of the festival. Entry is free. Held at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See details here.
Summer Outdoor Movie Series
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 7pm
Wendell Parks and Recreation and Wendell Falls are co-hosting these free community movie nights. August 17: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Gather at the Lake Pavilion at Wendell Falls, 320 Vintage Point Lane, Wendell NC. Follow Wendell Parks and Rec on Facebook here.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Tacopalooza 2019
Sunday, August 18, 2019 @ 11am-3pm
Head to Knightdale for music, children’s activities, a taco eating contest, and much more, organized by the RDU Mobile Food Association and Vecino Brewing Co. Held at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. See the RDUMFA event for trucks scheduled.
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, August 18, 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. Date tentatively set as August 18, 2019. See the Wake County public libraries’ East Regional Library web page to access calendar and movie details.
Family Art Sundays
Sunday, August 18, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Held in the art gallery at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Bring the family for a free afternoon of activities. Open to all ages with accompanying adults. See Imperial Centre’s Facebook page for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions.
Coming Soon
Popsicles and Stories in the Park
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 @ 10-11:30am
These story time + cool treat events are organized by Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation, working alongside Braswell Memorial Library. Each event is free and held in a different park. On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, the location is Sunset Park, 1550 River Drive, Rocky Mount, NC.Events are family-friendly event and open to children of all ages. In addition to the story and free popsicles, there will be games. Bring a blanket or chairs for comfort, no seating. For more information, call 252.467.4925 or see the event discussion on Facebook. (Article)
Summer Slam
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Bring the family for a catered barbecue dinner with bluegrass music for your enjoyment, played by Damascus Ridge, and hear special guest speaker, Trot Nixon. Organized by and held at Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC. Tickets are $10 per seat or $75 for an 8-seat table. See details and purchase tickets at www.englewoodbaptist.com/ss19. (Article)
Center Street Jam Summer Concert Series
Thursday, August 22, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come for these free, public, outdoor summer concerts. Bring lawn chairs for comfort. In addition to live music, each date food/drinks will be available for purchase and there will be activities for children. No coolers, no pets. ID needed for adult beverages. Address is 219 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC. See details and performers at www.dgdc.org/dgdc_events_type/center-street-jam.
Community Conversation: Education/Back to School/Teacher Takeover
Thursday, August 22, 2019 @ 6:30-8:30pm
This event is presented by Teach For America-Eastern North Carolina and Rocky Mount Mills. Come and share, imagine, and engage in dialogue and fellowship. Gather at the Koi Pond at Rocky Mount Mills, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount, NC. Register for this free event on EventBrite.
Knightdale Friday Concerts
Friday, August 23, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor family fun and music at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. Food/beverages available for purchase from Oak City Brewery, Lassiter Distilling Company, and food trucks. Bring blankets/chairs for comfort. See details here.
Touch A Truck
Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 9am-2pm
The Partnership for Children of Wayne County will be holding this hands-on event with at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, 2801 US-117, Dudley, NC. Part of the morning is designated as a “quiet time.” Food and drink vendors will have food/snacks for sale. Tickets are $5 in-advance or the day of the Touch A Truck. Ages 0-2 years free. See details here.
Teen Summit 2019
Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 10am-10pm
Join Elevation Phase, LLC for this annual event featuring speakers, dance/entertainment, food, school supplies, and prizes. Everything inside of the auditorium will be free for the kids. Vendors will be at the event too. This Summit is for teens and their parents or host family. Held at the Wilson County Agricultural Center, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson, NC. Sign up via EventBrite. With questions, call 252.232.4079.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturdays, August 24 and 31, 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 library and Wendell, NC library on the same/similar dates as Knightdale, various start times.
Hot Dogs and Kids
Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 11:30am-1pm
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office will hold one of its Hot Dog for Kids events in the parking lot at the Whitakers Police Department, 302 NW Railroad Street, Whitakers, NC. Children living in the community are invited to come with their family members and enjoy a hot dog, chips, and a drink. (Article)
Back To School Drive
Sunday, August 25, 2019 @2-5pm
Join Cutz By Quick Barbershop and Shameeka Greer Financial Services for this 8th-annual back-to-school event with free haircuts, food, activities, dental products, and more. A limited supply of free backpacks and school supplies will be available. Held at the Knightdale Recreation Center, 101 Lawson Ridge Road, Knightdale, NC. See flyer here for details and where to donate in-advance.
September Onward
First Fridays on the Lawn
Friday, September 6, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Enjoy a free community concert with a live band, food vendors, and entertainment. Held on the lawn at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Future date: October 4, 2019. Visit the city’s calendar for this event and others.
First Friday Flix
Friday, September 6, 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: October 4, and November 1, 2019. See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center calendar.
Lawn Chair Theatre
Friday, September 6, 2019 @ 7:30pm
Watch a free, family movie at the city of Rocky Mount’s Lawn Chair Theatre series. Bring a lawn chair / blanket and settle in on the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. For more information on Lawn Chair Theatre, visit www.imperialcentre.org. (Article)
Flix4Kidz
Monday, September 9, 2019 @ 10:30am-12:30pm
Bring the kids for a free, family-friendly movie on the second Monday of each month. 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: October 14, November 11, and December 9, 2019. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.
Friday Night On White Free Concert Series
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come and listen to live music at this outdoor concert on White Street, Wake Forest, NC. Food and beverages will be for sale at area restaurants and food trucks too. See full schedule here. (Article)
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, September 14, 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.
Knightdale Arts and Education Fest
Saturday, September 14, 2019
The Knightdale Arts and Education Fest (formerly called K-Fest) includes two parts:
- 10am-2pm (free festival)
- 5:30pm-9pm (free concert)
Held in Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. (Article)
Trung Thu Moon Festival
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Enjoy learning about the Vietnamese culture through music, stories, dance, food, and arts and crafts. Held at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Tickets are $8+tax for adults and $6+tax for seniors and children under 12, available at the Renaissance Center. (Article)
Fall Fest Vendor Event
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 9am-2pm
Join Magnolia Mill Clothing Co. at HS Howell Farms. Free admission and parking at the farm. This festival will have food trucks, mums at the nursery, local vendors selling their wares/services, and fun for the whole family. HS Howell Farms is located at 4371 Massey Road, Zebulon, NC (near Middlesex). Vendor additions and other updates may be posted on the event page.
Creekside Music Series
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 5-10pm
Bring family and friends for a night of live music, food, and adult beverages for those of age. This free concert — featuring Meredith Davis Johnson and the band Charlie — will be held at Stoney Creek Environmental Park, 455 W Washington Street, Nashville, NC. Event made possible by supported from the NC Arts Council.
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
September 26-October 5, 2019
The 71st-annual fair returns with ag and rides and fun and more. Held at the fairgrounds, 2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (Wayne County). Details may be found on the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair website at www.waynefair.com.
International Food and Music Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2019 @ 11am-5pm
This annual day of food, vendors, music, dancing, and more is organized by St Eugene Catholic Church. Activities take place around downtown, the Woman’s Club lot, and the J. Ashley Wall Town Square, 99 W 3rd Street, Wendell, NC. For updates, follow St. Eugene’s annual festival on Facebook here.
National Pumpkin Festival
October 4-5, 2019
This annual festival offers activities, entertainment, food, contests, and vendors. The festival draws thousands of visitors to downtown along Railroad Street, Spring Hope, NC, each year. See details via the local Chamber event posting. Festival updates may also be found on this Facebook page.
Knightdale “First Friday Films” and Food Trucks
Friday, October 4, 2019 @ 7pm
Enjoy food trucks, a kids art activity, and a free outdoor movie. Food Trucks and activities and then the movie begins at dusk. Bring blanket and chairs for comfort. Organized by Knightdale Parks and Rec. Held in the Knightdale Station Park amphitheatre, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. (Originally planned for August 2, weather caused postponement to October 4, 2019.) See details here.
Wendell Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 5, 2019 @ 8am-10pm
The Wendell Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Harvest Festival with loads of vendors, fair foods, Fall goodies, and activities for kids and families. A parade and live music too. Activities take place along Third Street and around the J. Ashley Wall Town Square, Wendell, NC. This festival draws 10,000+ people each year. See www.wendellchamber.com/pages/harvest-festival. Follow the Chamber on Facebook. Updates might be posted on Facebook here.
Raleigh Tamale Festival 2019
Saturday, October 5, 2019 @ 2-6pm
Enjoy tamales of all types along with other food options. Watch cultural performances and more. This event is free and open to the public. The festival will be held at the Dix Park Flower Field, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC. See Raleigh Tamale Festival details on the city of Raleigh website at www.raleighnc.gov/…/RaleighTamale.html.
Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down
October 11 & 12, 2019
This cooking competition offers awards/trophies for participating chefs, and a fun experience for the general public. Held at the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station, 101 Coastline Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See downtownrockymount.com/…/bbq-applications.
Indigo Moon Film Festival
October 11-13, 2019
This annual film festival is held in multiple locations around historic downtown Fayetteville, NC. An Opening Night Film and Reception on Friday provides the kick off for the festival. On Saturday, IMFF brings in dozens of films from around the world to screen in several walkable venues. Filmmakers provide insight during post-screening Q&A sessions. Awards Banquet is held on Sunday. See details and ticket information at IndigoMoonFilmFestival.com.
Black Creek Heritage Day Festival
Saturday, October 12, 2019 @ 9am-4:30pm
For this 21st-annual festival, enjoy food, meet vendors, see cars on display, dance, and enjoy the Fall weather outdoors at 112 West Center Street, Black Creek, NC. This event may be rescheduled if weather is unsuitable. Follow festival updates via the town’s Facebook page.
Town of Farmville’s Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival
Saturday, October 26, 2019 @ 8am-4pm
At this first-annual event, “Pumpkin hurling is going to be taken to a whole new level,” according to the Farmville Parks & Recreation Department. Location will be at the soccer field, 4240 West Horne Avenue, Farmville, NC. If signing up, competitor/vendor applications deadline may be Friday, September 6, 2019 at noon. See details at www.farmvillencparks.com/first-annual-pumpkin-chunkin-festival.html.
NC Whirligig Festival
November 2-3, 2019
The Whirligig Festival is held in and around the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC, and is a weekend of celebrating the life of local folk artist Vollis Simpson and his whirligig creations. See details at whirligigfestivalnc.org.
Clayton Harvest Festival/Latin American Festival
November 2 & 3, 2019
This annual festival by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce offers entertainment, attractions, food, cars, barbecue competition, vendors, and more. The event is broken into components:
- Clayton Harvest Festival Vendor Fair, Saturday, November 2, 2019, 10am-5pm (on Main Street, Clayton, NC)
- Latin American Festival Vendor Fair, Sunday, November 3, 2019, noon-5pm (in Town Square, Clayton, NC)
For more details, visit www.claytonharvestfestival.com.
Wake Forest Holiday Artisans’ Market
Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 9am-3pm
Artisans and craftspeople will have their wares on sale at this annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans’ Market. The Market location is inside Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. The Holiday Artisans’ Market showcases a wide variety of handmade items, featuring many types of crafts in a wide range of prices. Visit Wake Forest Arts.
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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 may be 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.
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