This week’s 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 22, 2019

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.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Franklin County Farmers Market

Friday, August 23, 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.

Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie at The Nash Senior Center

Friday, August 23, 2019 @ 2pm

Senior citizens, come and enjoy popcorn and a movie. The movie showing (Green Book) is free and popcorn is 25 cents a bag. Movies shown in Room 112 at the Nash County Senior Center is located at 103 N Alston Street, Nashville, NC. With questions or to register, call 252.459.7681. Pre-registering is recommended and helps the facility to plan seating and refreshments for those attending. Movie showings are held on the fourth Friday of each month. The next movie will be shown Friday, September 27, 2019 (Going In Style). For this and other senior happenings, follow Nash County senior center updates on Facebook or check out their quarterly newsletter via the county web page.

Knightdale Friday Concerts (CANCELED)

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.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturdays, August 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 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 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.

Join the World’s Longest Soul Train Line

Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 9-11:30am

Join the “World’s Longest Soul Train” record attempt John Chavis Community Center, 505 Martin Luther King Blvd, Raleigh, NC. The Guinness World Record folks will be there… Get there, dance, and help to set a new world record! Tickets are free; register in-advance via this EventBrite page. Organized by the City of Raleigh and the African American Cultural Festival.

Zebulon Farm Fresh Market

Saturdays, August 24 and 31, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Vendors at the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (ZFFM) 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.

Back To School Bash @ ZFFM

Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

The town Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a Back To School Bash with special activities, a food truck, and live music. School supply giveaway estimated to begin at 10am. (Article)

Clayton Farm and Community Market

Saturdays, August 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 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.

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.

Presentation: Legend of Amelia Earhart

Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 11am

The August program of the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum will be a look into the life and legend of Amelia Earhart. The event will take place at the museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma, NC. (Article)

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)

Sunday, August 25, 2019

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.

Book Signings by Local Authors

Sunday, August 25, 2019 @ 3-5pm

The Rusted Hinge Marketplace has moved from Zebulon and is holding a second Franklin County author book signing 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. On August 25, Kim Beall and Kathy Bundy will be signing their books, which may be purchased along with other local-author books in The Rusted Hinge Marketplace‘s local author “book nook.”

Knowledge is Power Backpack Giveaway

Sunday, August 25, 2019 @ 5-7pm

The Team Power Foundation is holding this event with free food and free backpacks. Held at the Levels Barber Lounge, 302 Nash Street, Wilson, NC. Donations will be accepted. Contact teampowerfoundation@gmail.com or visit www.teampowerfoundation.com.

Coming Soon

Hogwarts Back to School Bash

Monday, August 26, 2019 at 6:30-8:30pm

This fun and Harry Potter-themed event is for teenagers. Teens may enjoy “butterbeer” (cream soda), be sorted, make a “house” shirt, and participate in other themed activities. Teens can check out the interactive Harry Potter: Wizards Unite mobile game. Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. No registration required. Check out the library website and follow on Facebook.

Downtown Live!

Thursdays, August 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)

African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County

August 31-September 1, 2019

This festival offers two days of entertainment, vendors, food, and an array of special happenings in Raleigh, NC. Check out the details at www.aacfestival.org.

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)

2019 Raleigh Greek Festival

September 6-8, 2019 

This 38th-annual festival offers three days of music, dancing, food, sweet treats, and a vendor area for shopping. The Raleigh Greek Festival is held in the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC. See schedule, hours, and more at raleighgreekfestival.com and follow the festival Facebook page for any updates.

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)

Food Truck Thursday:  Lunch & Dinner

Thursdays, September 19 and October 17, 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)

Downtown Tarboro Live Music Series

Thursday, September 19, 2019 @ 6-9pm

Come and enjoy live, outdoor music by Liquid Pleasure. 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 Nights on the Tar

Friday, September 20, 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 held on the third Friday of each month May through September, so this is the final concert of the season. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. See more on the town website. (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 @ 10am-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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