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 organizers directly for updates.
To request inclusion of a free or low-fee event, email details to the Editor. Sponsors and logos are not included in listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.
Event organizers: Our online display ads, with link, are available for a monthly fee.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Discovery Days
Thursday, February 1, 2018 @ 10am-noon & 3-5pm
Kids ages 6 to 12 are invited for hands-on learning through experiments, crafts, and other activities. This is a self-paced drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required. The theme for February is “Animals and Their Valentines.” An adult must accompany children at all times. Location is White Deer Park Nature Center, 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner NC. See www.garnernc.gov/departments/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources.
Note that the Park is also hosting a Groundhog Day event at 10am on February 2, 2018.
“Meet Me Downtown” Gathering
Thursday, February 1, 2018 @ 5-7pm
The Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC, 10th-anniversary celebration. Theatre has re-opened in a new building and the Paramount Performing Arts Series is about to begin. Celebrate at this special Paramount birthday party with free snacks and drinks, historical pictures of the Paramount, entertainment, and birthday cake. Event is free, courtesy of the Downtown Goldsboro Merchants Association and other supporters.
NOTE: The official “Paramount 10th Anniversary Gala” with multiple performers is scheduled for Friday, February 16, 2018 @ 7:30pm. Tickets start at $15. See www.goldsboroparamount.com/paramount-10th-anniversary-gala.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Discovery Table: Wizened Woodchucks & Weather Predictors
Friday, February 2, 2018 @ 8:30am-5pm
How did people predict the weather before The Weather Channel? Can animals really help? Come and check out at-home weather equipment you can make with recycled and natural materials, and put our colonial “weather proverbs” to the test. Free for all ages, and registration is not required. Held at the visitors center, Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC. Park is online here.
First Friday
Friday, February 2, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Acrobats, a new exhibit, and live music are just three of the many reasons to visit the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences for “First Friday.” Held at Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Admission is free. See imperialcentre.org.
Nashville Parks and Recreation Night
Friday, February 2, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Held at On The Move Kids Gym, 802-B E Washington Street, Nashville NC. Enjoy a night at the gym for a special rate of $7 per person. Registration for Town of Nashville baseball/t-ball/softball teams will be open during the event. Activities for the kids..
Brews & Brushes
Friday, February 2, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Join the Young Professionals of the Twin Counties (YoPro) at the Booker T. Washington Theater, 170 E Thomas Street, Rocky Mount NC. Paint your love for the Twin Counties on canvas. Brushes and Brews will have owner and artist Tiffany Evans of Paint TWO Perfection on-hand providing guidance. While painting enjoy fresh doughnuts, refreshments, and brew (coffee). Fee is $15 per person, and may be paid at the door by cash or card. First come, first served. Limited to 50 people. YoPro is online at www.facebook.com/herestosuccess.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Zebulon Lions Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, February 3, 2018 @ 7-11am
Come one, come all to this annual Pancake Breakfast. All-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, plus assorted beverages. Held at the Zebulon Lions Club Building, 118 E Lee Street, Zebulon NC. Donations accepted at the door.
February Rabies Clinic Schedule
Saturday, February 3, 2018 @ 8-9am
Walk-up with your pet; no appointment needed at Franklin County Animal Shelter, 351 T. Kemp Road, Louisburg NC. Rabies Vaccines $5 each, with 1 year and 3 year vaccines available. Note that 3-year rabies vaccine can only be administered with current certificate of previous rabies vaccine. Additional vaccines available for $15 per vaccine for Canine Distemper-Parvo, Canine Kennel Cough, Feline Distemper, Feline Leukemia. With questions, call 919.494.5500. Low-fee clinic made possible by Tar River Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Goldman.
Wake Forest Farmer’s Market
Saturday, February 3, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Pick up local produce and products at the Wake Forest Farmers Market, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. There will be live music, fresh food, “and lots of kindness.” See seasonal offerings on the farmer’s market Facebook page or www.wakeforestmarket.org.
Brown Bag Lunch
Saturday, February 3, 2018 @ 11am-12:30pm
Having a tough time and in need of food for yourself or your loved ones? Pick up lunch, at no cost, at Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. See www.zumchurch.org.
Carolina Games Summit
February 3-4, 2018
Video game tournaments, exhibits, live bands, educational sessions, industry speakers, and more. Check out games, computers, and learn while you play. Meet actual game designers. Held at 139 W Walnut Street, Goldsboro NC. Tickets are $10 per person for both days and may be purchased via www.carolinagamessummit.com.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Super Bowl Tailgate
Sunday, February 4, 2018 @ 1-6pm
Held at Bel Air Art Center, 115 S Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. Join Koi Pond Brewing Company, Cousins Maine Lobster, Station Square Records, and Bel Air Art Center for a Super Bowl Party with lobster, craft beer, music, and art.
Coming Soon
Black History Month Presentation
February 8, 2018 @ 10:30am
The Max G. Creech Black History Month program will feature Eric Jackson speaking on the unique friendship of two iconic Americans: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune. These women provided love, leadership and understanding o the whole world. Jackson will provide insight on their friendship and lives. This program is open to the public. It is being held at the Harrison Center for Active Aging, 611 W Noble Street, Selma NC.
Spring Open House
Thursday, February 8, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Come to this open house, if you are interested in learning more about New Life Christian Academy. The school is located at 812 Instrument Drive, Rocky Mount NC. Their website is newlifeacademyrm.com.
East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival
February 8-10, 2018
Events held at Arts of the Pamlico, 150 W Main Street, Washington NC, and around town. Three days include an unveiling/reception, live entertainment, gallery art walk, Saturday arts festival, and more. See details at www.artsofthepamlico.org.
Stepping Into The Past (February 10, 2018 @ 8am)
This weekly 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.
February 10 topic is “Food Processing: Hog killing demonstration” with activities 8-11am.
2018 Wake Forest Mardi Gras Festival
Saturday, February 10, 2018 @ 11am-3pm
Enjoy this free Street Festival with a walking parade, children’s activities, contests, and more. Explore downtown and meet area merchants. Activities around the Town of Wake Forest NC. See details at www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-mardi-gras.aspx.
Bill Lyerly, Clyde Mattocks, & Alan Hicks
Rescheduled: New date is Thursday, February 15, 2018 @ 8pm
An evening of really country music, with a little bluegrass mixed in for good measure. Held at the Nash County Arts Council, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC. Tickets are $15 (plus service fees) in advance, or $18 at the door. (Nash Arts Member discounts available.) Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3191395.
2018 Raleigh Winter Pop-up Market
Saturday, February 17, 2018 @ noon-5pm
Free admission at downtown Raleigh’s original vintage market, offering vintage collectors and art lovers a great place to shop and sip at inside and outside of Trophy Brewing. Come shop over 60+ vintage and handmade vendors in a beautiful brewery. Purchase beer or a snack — food trucks all day. Held at Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh NC. See 2018 dates and details at www.popupraleigh.com.
Basic Bird Identification Skill Building
Saturday, February 17, 2018 @ 1-2pm
Free program held at Prairie Ridge Outdoor Classroom, 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh NC. Ramp up your skills for the Great Backyard Bird Count. This program is best suited to beginning birders and will cover the basics of how to identify birds. Binoculars and field guides provided during the program. (Bring your own binoculars to practice with them.) Pre-registration is required. Program open to age 10 and up. Register by email to Chris Goforth, along with names of all people in your group, the ages of anyone under 18, your email address (if different from the one used to register), and a phone number at which you can be reached the day of the program.
Open Mic
Saturday, February 24, 2018 @ 3pm
The Franklin County Arts Council’s Diversity Team will host its second annual open mic in celebration of Black History Month.. This year’s theme is “Embracing the Dream”. Each artist or group will have 5 minutes to sing, recite, read, or play pieces related to dreaming. Held at the Arts Council headquarters (The Pottery), 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC. Email Jackie Dove-Miller to book a spot at the mic.
Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner Fundraiser
February 27, 2018 @ 6:30-8:30pm
With kitten season approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate “World Spay Day” and bring awareness to animal overpopulation. Come enjoy camaraderie with other cat-lovers, SAFE Care Clinic staff and volunteers, and enjoy a dinner of spaghetti with no meat-balls, at this 4th-annual a spaghetti fundraiser benefiting the SAFE Care Clinic at SAFE Haven for Cats, a 503(c)(3) nonprofit. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per child (under 12 years old). Purchase tickets on this EventBrite page. Held at Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh NC.
Muscle Mopar and More
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 8am-4pm
Spend St. Patrick’s Day at this Bunn vehicle-oriented event. Spectators enter for $1 per person. Enjoy a day of family fun at this car, truck, and motorcycle show with vendors, food, music and more. Low riders participate in a Car Limbo contest. Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. Register a vehicle, or see spectator details at carshowpro.com/events/view/156.
Ed. Note: 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. Any highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event or knowledge of offerings.
