Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor
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 29, 2019
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)
Mudcats Fan Appreciation Night
Thursday, August 29, 2019 @ 7-10pm
One last night to watch the Carolina Mudcats play ball this season. Special prices on tacos, hot dogs, popcorn, and beverages (Thirsty Thursday). Batting Practice Jersey sweepstakes — win a Mudcats jersey. Held at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon, NC. Buy tickets online via www.milb.com/carolina-mudcats or call 919.269.CATS.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, August 30, 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.
Last Friday in Clayton
Friday, August 30, 2019 @ 6-11:59pm
Last Friday is described as “an eclectic nightlife experience at the intersection of art, music, and a walk-able, historic main street.” Join the fun in downtown Clayton, NC. with arts, food, drins, and more, with music in some establishments. Follow the Facebook page for updates and local-business postings.
On August 30, 7-9pm, be sure to check out the “Night Market” on the Town Square, 348 E Main Street, Clayton, NC.
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, August 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 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 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 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.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, August 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 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.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturdays, August 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.
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.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
(Ed.: Wow, September already!)
African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
September 1, 2019
This festival offers entertainment, vendors, food, and an array of special happenings in Raleigh, NC. Check out the details at www.aacfestival.org.
Wake Forest Unplugged and Free Concert
Sunday, September 1, 2019 @ 4-6pm & 5-7pm
The Wake Forest Recreation Advisory Board (RAB) 10th-annual “Wake Forest Unplugged…Get Connected” is at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC. Wake Forest Unplugged invites area residents to disconnect from their smart phones, computers and other electronic devices and reconnect with their community, friends and family by engaging in healthier, more active pursuits. RAB will host a variety of organized games and activities (4-6pm), including sack and relay races, corn hole, and miniature golf, in the vicinity of the Walker Garden.
The electronics-free afternoon will culminate with a free concert in the Joyner Park Amphitheater (5-7pm) featuring the Caribbean band Sensory Expressions. Area residents are encouraged to bring a picnic, leashed pets, a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music. Food will also be available to purchase on-site. No alcohol, smoking, or unleashed pets. In the event of inclement weather, the concert may be relocated to the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Updated concert information will be available by 3pm on the concert day via the Town’s Facebook page and by calling the Wake Forest Weather Line at 919-435-9569.
Coming Soon
US Labor Day
Monday, September 2, 2019
List of events coming soon to The Grey Area News.
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.
Learn about Birds: Chimney Swifts
Saturday, September 7, 2019 @ 10-11am
This is a free and kid-friendly event. Barbara Driscoll of the New Hope Audubon Society (NHAS) will be talking about those “flying cigars” — Chimney Swifts. Learn how to identify Chimney Swifts, their life history, range/migration, behavior, and about NHAS conservation efforts. Happening at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC. Call 919.969.6778 to reserve a spot as seating is limited. Follow this Wild Birds Unlimited shop’s Facebook page for any updates and future learning opportunities.
Splash Bark
Saturday, September 7, 2019 @ 10am-1pm
This event is for your pups. Join the fun at the Sunset Spray Park in Rocky Mount, NC The Spray pad will be only open to dogs, not children, during this event which features contests, water play, goods on sale, and “a barking good time” at the spray park and train. See the event flyer with rules regarding the number of dogs per handler and requirement to bring current rabies tag and leashes. Follow Best Friends Dog Park too.
SweetRiches Comedy Show
Saturday, September 7, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Come out for this show with local comedians, laugh, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the evening. Hosts are Shinon Williams & Malk Naz. Event address is 405 Canal Street, Wilson, NC. Tickets ($5) available via EventBrite.
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.
Freezer Meal Workshop
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 @ 6pm
Register now for this Nash County Extension workshop. Learn to prepare meals and freeze them, saving time by having meals ready to heat. Learn about food safety with food prep/freezing. Fee is $25/person. The Extension Service has moved back into their offices and the workshop will be held there — Nash County Ag Center, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville, NC. See details and contact information here. Register and pay by September 4, 2019.
History Show and Tell
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 @ 7-8pm
Join the Little River Historical Society members for this annual event. Everyone is encouraged to come with “something of Historical interest” to show and tell about. Held at Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon, NC. See more historical society information via www.littleriverhistorical.org and their Facebook page.
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)
NC Hot Sauce Contest
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 11am-6pm
It’s time for the 13th-annual contest in Oxford, NC. Join the fun as sauce makers compete and there’s lots of hot goodies to purchase and eat. See details, schedule, and vendor information — plus the Bailey Farms Pepper Eating Contest, entertainment, and plant sale info — at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.
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.
Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie at The Nash Senior Center
Friday, September 27, 2019 @ 2pm
Senior citizens, come and enjoy popcorn and a movie. The movie showing 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 movie shown September 27 is 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.
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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