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, February 13, 2020
Coffee and History
Thursday, February 13, 2020 @ 10:30am
Explore Cafe Madeleine and chat with Coleen Starling about opening a small business. Location changed to the May Museum, 3802 South Main Street, Farmville, NC. For more information, call the town library at 252.753.3355 or the May Museum at 252.753.6725. Updates may be posted to Facebook pages of the Farmville Public Library and May Museum.
Johnston County Writers Group Meeting
Thursday, February 13, 2020 @ 6-7:45pm
Join this free, open-to-the-public meeting at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC. This month’s guest speaker is artist and author Deborah Dunn, a traditionally published author of inspirational self-help with Simon and Schuster. Dunn has released two historical mysteries based on the archaeology of the Lost Colony and Jamestown under her own publishing brand, Five Rivers Press. She will share her life story — how she came to both write and paint, and a bit about her process — a motivational talk for the winter doldrums! Group facilitator is Cindy Brookshire, email jocowriters@gmail.com. Future meeting is March 12, 2020 @ 6pm.
Friday, February 14, 2020
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, February 14, 2020 @ 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 located in the parking lot at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg, NC. Follow the market’s Facebook page for updates including market closing days, holidays, and produce/art/goods available at this year-round farmers market.
Ten Plants That Say I Love You
Friday, February 14, 2020 @ noon-1pm
Come for this “Ten Plant Tour Series” event at the Nash County Arboretum, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville, NC. Held on the second Friday of each month. See series announcement here.
Meet the Artist: Carolina FiberFest
Friday, February 14, 2020 @ 2-3pm
“Drop in to learn about and see inspiring examples of hand knitting from members of Carolina FiberFest.” Registration is not required. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Library information is online at www.wakegov.com/libraries/locations/erl.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Around The Tables
Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 10-11:45am + lunch
This monthly giveaway by Dream Coat Ministries offers free clothing for all ages, free groceries while supplies last, and a noon meal. Location for this event has been changed to the thrift store, 861 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC. Future dates: March 21, April 18, and May 16, 2020. For more information, visit dreamcoatknightdale.org or Follow Dream Coat Ministries on Facebook for updates/location.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 10am-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, holidays, and other factors. Located at 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC. The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org and on Facebook here.
The Market
Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 10am-2pm
New farmers market featuring farm goods, local businesses, artisans, and crafters. Under cover and heated. Held at Oak Ridge Farms, 92 Thomas Arnold Road, Zebulon, NC (near the Pilot area). This market will be open every-other Saturday in early 2020. Follow Oak Ridge Farms on Facebook for market details/updates.
FCAC Diversity Team’s Open Mic
Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 2pm
Franklin County Arts Council’s Diversity Team invites writers of prose and poetry, and musicians and singers, to participate in their annual Open Mic, celebrating Black History Month and our multicultural community. This year’s theme is “I Shall Not Be Moved,” focusing on perseverance, courage and determination. Open Mic is held at the Muddy Mountain Art and Wine Bar, Suite 102, 348 S Bickett Blvd, Louisburg, NC. Free snacks will be served. Beverages (soft drinks, wine, and beer) may be purchased. Join the FCAC Writers Guild’s Group on Facebook. (Article)
Outhouse Races
Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 3-4pm
Outhouse Races on snow, held in the western part of the state. Compete or just watch the fun. Held at the Sapphire Valley Resort, 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC (Transylvania County). For details, visit www.discoverjacksonnc.com/calendar-event/outhouse-races.
Ed. Note regarding Saturday farmers’ markets:
Clayton Farm and Community Market, Wendell Farmers Market, and Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market are closed for the season.
The Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market (quarterly) returns March 14, 2020 @ 9am-1pm.
The Nash County Farmers Market opening day has been announced as April 4, 2020.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market will re-open in May, with an April pop-up market pre-opening.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Galentine’s Day Tea Party
Sunday, February 16, 2020 @ 2-4pm
Held at Stork’s Rest Farm, 8218 Old Raleigh Road, Sims, NC. Join the “festivi-TEAS at Manner House Tea Room” with this ticketed tea party. Tickets are $35, FYI. To reserve a space, visit www.storksrestfarm.com. See menu on FB here.
Coming Soon
Hidden Figures Movie Screening
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 @ 5:30-7:45pm
The Harold D. Cooley Library, located at, 114 W Church Street, Nashville, NC, will show the movie, Hidden Figures, as part of Black History Month. Light refreshments will be served. Follow updates via the library’s Facebook page.
Interfaith Breakfast
Thursday, February 20, 2020 @ 9am
Hosted by the city, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the Commission on Community Relations and Development. This breakfast event will be held at the Goldsboro Event Center, 1501 S Slocumb Street, Goldsboro, NC. Tickets are $10 per person. See details here.
Work for Yourself@50+
Thursday, February 20, 2020 @ 6-8pm
This free seminar by the Women’s Business Center of NC is offered in conjunction with AARP. Designed for those at or approaching 50 years of age, come and learn about starting a small business, or turning a hobby into a money-making venture. Held at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 893 Bunn Elementary School Road, Bunn, NC. To register, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/work-for-yourself50-tickets-89636462071.
Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival
Saturday, February 22, 2020 @ 11am-3pm
Make plans to join the fun in downtown Wake Forest, NC for this 8th-annual festival. Admission to this family-friendly celebration is free. (Article)
Ready Garden Grow: An Introduction to Urban Vegetable Gardening
Sunday, February 23, 2020 @ 2-4:30pm
Learn the basics of starting a vegetable garden in an urban area, from planning to planting, managing to harvesting. This workshop focuses on containers and raised-bed gardening. Instructed by the North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. Registration requested. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Library information is online at www.wakegov.com/libraries/locations/erl.
Johnston County Writers Open Mic Night
Friday, February 28, 2020 @ 6:30-7:30pm
Held on the fourth Friday of each month, members and non-members can join the fun at Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma, NC. Writers, poets, musicians, and others may take the stage, or be a part of the audience. Next date: March 27, 2020.
Join the Johnston County Writers’ Group on Facebook.
Rockin’ the Forest
Friday, February 28, 2020 @ 7:30-10pm
This music series features a variety of musical acts at ticketed concerts. Tickets are $15+tax per person. Cash bar will be set up on-site. Scheduled bands:
- February 28, 2020: Jim Quick & Coastline
- March 27, 2020: The Magnificents
Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. See details and purchase tickets via the Ren Centre website.
Cars and Coffee Knightdale
Sunday, March 1, 2020 @ 8-11am
Come and join Cars and Coffee Knightdale — check out the cars, or bring your special vehicle, buy a cup of coffee or food, and network.
Held at 8001 Knightdale Blvd., Knightdale, NC. For updates, follow the group here.
First Friday Flix
Friday, March 6, 2020 @ 7-9pm
Watch a movie at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. This free event repeats on the first Friday of each month. See details at www.wakeforestrencen.org.
International Festival of Cultures
Saturday, March 7, 2020 @ noon-4pm
Sample exotic foods, visit vendors, and watch a fashion show and multi-cultural entertainment featuring local folks with origins from around the globe. Held in the Brown Auditorium on the campus of Nash Community College, 522 N Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC. (Article)
NOTE: The International Festival of Cultures has vendor opportunities. For information, call 252.972.1181.
flix4kidz
Monday, March 9, 2020 @ 11:30am-1pm
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month. Concessions. will be available for purchase. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Visit www.wakeforestrencen.org for upcoming events.
Free at 3 (Movie for Seniors)
Monday, March 9, 2020 @ 3-5pm
Movies for adults age 50 and up, “Free at 3” features a variety of film favorites and genres screened on the second Monday afternoon of each month. Concessions will be available for purchase. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Visit the Renaissance Centre website at www.wakeforestrencen.org for upcoming events.
Coffee and History
Thursday, March 12, 2020 @ 10:30-11:30am
The Farmville Public Library and May Museum & Park are offering this unique series, with local history presentations and special guests at the museum or library. On March 12, look back at Farmville history with Barbara Sauls, storyteller. Held at the Farmville Public Library, 3466 N Walnut Street ( Train Depot ), Farmville, NC. For more information, call the library at 252.753.3355 or the museum at 252.753.6725. Updates may be posted to Facebook pages of the Farmville Public Library and May Museum.
Free Family Movie Night
Friday, March 13, 2020 @ 6:30-9pm
Join Zebulon Parks & Recreation for a free indoor movie at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. For movie title, call 919.823.0432. Movie will begin showing at 7pm. Popcorn and bottled water provided. Follow the town’s parks and rec department on Facebook.
Tree Giveaway at Reptile and Amphibian Day
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 9am-5pm
We Plant It Forward will be giving away tree seedlings during the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’s “Reptile and Amphibian Day.” The Museum is located at . For more information, visit terravitastewards.org/weplantitforward.
Stepping into the Past Saturday Series
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 10am-2pm
Saturday historical and traditional demonstrations. Museum admission fee applies. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum is located at 709 Church Street, Kenly, NC. The March 14 presentation is “Working the Land.” See upcoming “Stepping into the Past” topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org.
Coffee with A Cop
Thursday, March 26, 2020 @ 10am
Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone will be joining Bailey Police Chief Steven Boraski and Middlesex Police Chief Mike Collins for this community event. Held at the Southern Nash Senior Center, 8180 Stoney Hill Church Road, Bailey, NC. Follow NCSO on Facebook for updates.
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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.
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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 the news site nor staff. Contact organizers directly. Any 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 readers like you to cut-and-paste complete event information and share with others… though sharing of this article’s link is encouraged, so that readers may see all listed events.
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