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 an event’s organizer directly for updates.

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Sprinkler Fun Days

Thursday, August 2, 2018 @ 3pm

The Bridge Church presents this event Thursdays at Cornerstone Commons, 200 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC. Beat the heat this summer. Supervised by the City of Goldsboro Fire Department.  Remaining dates are August 9 and 16, 2018. See www.dgdc.org/events. or the Facebook event.

Downtown Live! — CANCELED

Thursday, August 2, 2018 @ 6-9pm

Downtown Live Aug. 2 is canceled due to weather.

Come and enjoy free, live, outdoor music at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. Free concerts held every-other Thursday. Future dates are August 16, August 30, and September 13, 2018. See all of the City of Rocky Mount’s Downtown Live! dates at imperialcentre.org/events/downtown-live.

Author Event with Sandra Cisneros

Thursday, August 2, 2018 @ 7-8:30pm

Head to the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, 1070 Partners Way, Raleigh NC, to meet world-renowned author and poet, Sandra Cisneros. Listen to a reading and join the discussion regarding the experience of working class immigrants in the US. Event is free and open to the public. Selected titles by this author will be available for on-site purchase and signing. This program is co-presented by FLOC, the NCSU Libraries and NCSU Multicultural Student Affairs. See details and register via EventBrite.

Pints and Trivia on Gerrymandering

Thursday, August 2, 2018 @ 7:30-9pm

Join Common Cause NC and host HopFly Brewing Company at 1147 Falls Road, Suite 121, Rocky Mount NC, for “a fun night of trivia and a conversation about how we can end gerrymandering in NC”. Some prizes too. See details here.

Outdoor Movies on the Back Lawn

Thursday, August 2, 2018 @ 8pm

Watch a movie under the stars on the back lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center at 125 Avery Street, Garner NC. There will be food and fun too. Held on the first Thursday of each month from May through October. Times vary depending on dusk-time. Free Admission. Bring lawn chair/blanket for comfort. Food/treats on sale, but attendees are welcome to bring a picnic. Free Parking at two nearby locations. Check the Facebook event for movie titles, parking information, rules (no pets, etc.), and weather updates.  In case of rain, the movie will be cancelled. Future dates are September 6, 2018 (7:30pm) and October 4, 2018 (7pm). The full Garner movie series is listed here. In case of bad weather or rain, this event will be canceled. No pets.

Wilson Tobs Baseball Home Game

Thursday, August 2, 2018 @ 7pm

Held at the Wilson Tobs home stadium, Historic Fleming Stadium, at 300 Stadium Street SW, Wilson NC. See full 2018 Wilson Tobs baseball game schedule here.

Note that the NC Baseball Museum is located at the stadium, and is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10am-4pm.

Friday, August 3, 2018

Franklin County Farmers Market

Friday, August 3, 2018 @ 9am

Head to the Franklin County Farmers Market, Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg NC. and check out the farmers market. The market is on Facebook here. Also open on Saturdays at 9am and Tuesdays at 9am, according to NC Farm Fresh website.

Summer Night Lights — CANCELED

Friday, August 3, 2018 @ 6-8pm

Event has been canceled due to weather.

Free evening of recreational activities at Lancaster Park, 1509 Barnes Street, Rocky Mount NC.  Enjoy games, inflatables, arts and crafts, and a DJ spinning top hits. Food will be provided to the first 200 people. For more about City of Rocky Mount special events, visit their online calendar.

First Friday on the Lawn

Friday, August 3, 2018 @ 6-9pm

The Human Relations Commission and the City of Wilson Human Relations Department are celebrating diversity through music on the first Friday of each month (July to October), the August 3 event will be held at Bill Ellis Barbecue, 3007 Downing Street SW, Wilson NC.

The August 3 event includes “National Night Out” with police and fire first responders participating.

Future dates are September 7, 2018 and October 5, 2018, scheduled for the Wilson County Library Lawn, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. See bands and more details here.

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Tarboro HomeGrown-Handmade Market

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 8am-noon

As the name implies, a variety of goods are available at this market, which is open for “Weekly Wednesday” markets and on first- and third-Saturdays of the month. The market is open, rain or shine, and runs through October 31, 2018. First and third Saturdays market are held at 526 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. The HomeGrown-HandMade Market Saturday dates may be found on this Facebook event.

Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 8am-1pm

Shop a variety of locally grown and locally made goods. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. See details at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market.

Rocky Mount Farmers Market

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 8am-1pm

The Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Farmers Market is open on Saturdays. (Check out Tuesdays at The Market too.) See updates on their Facebook page. Market webpage is www.co.nash.nc.us/175/Farmers-Market; see also the Nash County Co-op Ext Service market page.

Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 9am-noon

Held at the former Rocky Mount Animal Shelter location, 1101 N Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. Bring your cats or dogs who have not been vaccinated for rabies by Dr. Bob Cameron (Riverside Veterinary Hospital). Vaccinations are $5 per pet, cash only. Cats or dogs must be four months or older and on leashes or in carriers. Three-year vaccines available for pet owners with proof of a current rabies vaccine; rate may be higher. First come, first served.

Zebulon Farm Fresh Market

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 9am-1pm

Head to the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC, for the market day with a variety of local produce, handmade goods, homemade treats, and more. Updates may be posted on their Facebook page.

The August 4 market will include watermelon/seed-spitting contests and free mini-pizzas. (See our ZFFM article for future dates.)

Greenville NC Comic Con

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 10am-5pm

Organized by All Things Geeky by 2 Nerds L.L.C, this is a ticketed event ($3-$6). Held at the Greenville Convention Center, 303 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville NC. See www.facebook.com/greenvillenccomiccon.

Meet the Author

Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 4-7pm

Go to Comic World, 104 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC and meet Author Robert Arrington (The Wonderland Effect) for a fun afternoon of adventure and book signing opportunity. Hear the first chapters of his exciting sequel and participate in a Q&A session. Free drawing for a signed copy of The Wonderland Effect paperback. See Comic World’s Facebook page for this event and more.

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Family Sundays

Sunday, August 5, 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. Next date is August 19, 2018 See their Facebook event for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions.

Coming Soon

Kids’ Day!

Monday, August 6, 2018 @ 9am-noon

Location is the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC.  Free event with something for everyone, including exhibits, activities, a sing-along, games, and more. Free food stations will offer water, cookies, doughtnuts, and graham crackers. See details here. (Article)

Popsicles & Stories in the Park: Three Sister’s Park

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 @ 10am-noon

Enjoy this City of Rocky Mount event, held at Three Sister’s Park, 221 Walter Drive, Battleboro NC. This mix of “books, crafts and free popsicles” promotes reading and is free, open to children of all ages. Bring a chair/blanket for comfort. Next date is August 21, 2018 at Sunset Park (1550 River Drive, Rocky Mount NC). See details via this www.rockymountnc.gov web page.

Rocky Mount Farmers Market

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 @ 4-7pm

The Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Farmers Market is open on Saturdays and Tuesdays. See updates on their Facebook page. Market webpage is www.co.nash.nc.us/175/Farmers-Market; see also the Nash County Co-op Ext Service market page.

Center Street Jam

Thursday, August 9, 2018 @ 6-9pm

Head downtown to the John Street parking lot at 130 N Center Street, Goldsboro NC, for this free Summer Concert Series. Bring a lawn chairs and dancing shoes. There will be live music, food, cold drinks, and children’s activities. Mandatory ID check for beer purchase; no coolers; no pets. See poster and details on the Downtown Goldsboro (DGDC) website.

Spare Change scheduled to perform on August 9. Future (final) date is August 23, 2018 with The Embers.

Friday Night on White

Friday, August 10, 2018 @ 6-9pm

Join the crowd on White Street in downtown Wake Forest NC for a live concert each month. No admission fee. This date, music by Love Tribe. Event organized by White Street Brewing and the Town of Wake Forest. For complete information about Friday Night on White, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/friday-night-on-white.aspx.

“I Can Only Imagine” Movie Night

Friday, August 10, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm

Join this free event at Bailey Baptist Church, 6646 Deans Street, Bailey NC.  Free hot dog dinner and this music-oriented movie. Tickets are free but registration requested to ensure head count and enough food. See this EventBrite page for details and to register.

Zebulon Free Family Movie Night

Friday, August 10, 2018 @ 7-9pm

This Parks and Recreation Department movie event will be held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. The Center’s doors will open at 6:30pm to give everyone time to settle in before the movie begins. This is a free movie for the whole family, with free popcorn and bottled water provided for everyone. A family-friendly film will be shown. Due to restrictions imposed by the film studio, movie title may not be publicized except by Parks and Rec. Call 919.823.0432 and ask what the movie’s title is, or watch the Parks and Rec Facebook page for movie title announcement. Family Movie Nights are held on the second Friday of each month. All ages welcome.

Stepping Into The Past

Saturday, August 11, 2018 @ 8am

This 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 August 11 theme is ‘Baccer Stringin’ & Tyin’ including demonstrations of preparing tobacco for curing, selling, and auctioneering.

Wake Forest Family Movie Nights

Saturday, August 11, 2018 @ 7:15pm (movie 8:30pm)

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department shows monthly outdoor movies in Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest NC. Prior to the movie, there will be activities in the park. Pre-show activity starts at 7:15pm. Then, the movie shows at 8:30pm and you can enjoy watching Beauty and The Beast. Arriving early is strongly recommended, as space fills quickly. See movie nights information on this Town of Wake Forest web page.

On August 11, bring a used book to donate.

Shaw RV Family Movie Series

Saturday, August 11, 2018 @ 8:15-10:15pm

Enjoy a free movie outdoors on the football field at Rolesville Middle School, 4700 Burlington Mills Road, Rolesville NC. Watch the film Ferdinand. Bring a chair or blanket for comfort. Concessions will be open for purchases during the movie.  See full movie series here.

Smithfield Movie at Town Commons

Saturday, August 11, 2018 @ 8:30-10pm

Enjoy a family movie under the stars, presented by Smithfield Parks and Recreation. The location is Smithfield Community Park, 600 E Booker Dairy Road, Smithfield NC. Watch the film, Peter Rabbit, and bring a picnic if you like. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Check out, or follow, the Smithfield Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for updates and other events.

Downtown Tarboro Live Summer Music Series

Thursday, August 16, 2018 @ 6-9pm

Come to the Courthouse Square in downtown Tarboro NC for this free, community, live music event. Bring a chair for comfort. Food and beverages will be on sale (bring cash to buy). Shop late downtown with participating merchants.  No outside alcohol allowed. See the town calendar here.

Friday Nights on the Tar

Friday, August 17, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm

The Town of Louisburg invites everyone to their “Friday Nights on the Tar” Summer Concert Series with live music and food trucks. Doors open at 5:30pm; live music starts at 6:30pm. Held at Downtown Louisburg Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg NC. Concerts held every-third Friday, April-September. Next date is September 21, 2018 See more on this Town of Louisburg web page.

Let’s Go Butterflying

Saturday, August 18, 2018 @ 10am-noon

Join Lori M. Carlson of Backyard Butterflies and learn how to identify butterflies. Seating is limited; call 919.969.6778 to reserve a spot. Suitable for ages 10 through adult. See this event and more via the Wild Birds Unlimited-Chapel Hill Facebook page.

Also check out the butterfly walk at Brumley Forest Nature Preserve in Chapel Hill NC to test newly-learned identification skills. See event details.

Town Square Concert Series

Thursday, August 23, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm

Free concert outdoors in Downtown Clayton’s Town Square, 110 W Main Street, Clayton NC. Arrive early and set up your lawn chairs and/or blanket. Activities, vendors, and inflatables will be available starting at 6pm. Live music will start on-stage at 6:30pm. Next date is September 7, 2018.  See the full concert series on Facebook here and on the town website.

Downtown Garner Pop-up Market

Saturday, August 25, 2018 @ 10am-2pm

Head to Downtown Garner for this monthly public market with baked goods, locally made items, fresh produce, food trucks, and more. Held in Garner Recreational Park, 221 E Garner Road, Garner NC. Future dates are September 29, October 27, and November 24, 2018. See event here.

Southern Authors Book Club

Thursday, August TBA, 2018 @ 6:30-7:30pm

This book club is hosted by the Farmville Public Library, located at 4276 W Church Street, Farmville NC. The Library’s Southern Authors Book Club is free to join and open to the public. Meet generally on the 4th Thursday each month. With questions or to join, contact Connie Widney via email or call 252.753.3355. See this event and more via the library’s Facebook page.

Later This Year

Support Local Authors

Saturday, September 1, 2018 @ 2-5pm

Organized by and held at CreativeMindz Book Lounge, 3715 Airport Blvd NW, Wilson NC. A chance for published authors and publishers to showcase their work, let the public meet them, and promote reading. Author spots available; requested donation $35. Attendance donation requested. See details and ticket link on EventBrite.

NC Hot Sauce Contest

Saturday, September 8, 2018 @ 11am-4pm

Held on Main Street in Historic Downtown Oxford NC. The Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation invites the public to this annual NC Hot Sauce Contest and festival. Food, crafts, car show, a Bailey Farms pepper eating contest, and more. See www.nchotsaucecontest.com. (Vendor opportunities.)

Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market

Saturday, September 8, 2018 @ 9am-1pm

Markets are held once-a-month in Fall and Spring. The market welcomes arts and craft vendors and farmers to sell their wares.  The location is the Uptown Selma Gazebo, in the back parking lot of Town Hall, near 100 E Anderson Street, Selma NC. The market season Facebook event is here.  Spring dates are done for 2018. Fall market will start September 8, 2018. VENDOR FEES FOR FALL start at $20 per date, with seasonal rate available. Interested Fall vendors, see www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays.

Downtown Beats & Eats

Saturday, September 8, 2018 @ 2-6pm

This is the fifth year for the city’s fall concert series which will be at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Entry is free for this live music event. Additional concerts planned on alternating Saturdays through October 20, 2018. homegrown music . Food trucks on-site. Adults-only: wrist bands available for $1 allowing beer/wine purchase. Bring chair/blanket for comfort. No coolers. See event details on the Historic Downtown Wilson website. Future dates are September 22, October 6, and October 20, 2018.

Note that the deadline to sponsor this event series is August 3, 2018.

Heritage Day Festival

Saturday, October 13, 2018 @ 6:30-9pm

Come out for entertainment, vendors, and community fellowship at this 20th-annual festival. Held near 112 W Center Street, Black Creek NC. Follow the town on Facebook here. Vendor opportunities available.

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.