Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor
This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond including a few unique coastal or mountain events. 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 via provided links for updates.
As NC weather warms, more outdoor, nature-education events will be included in this list. If you know of such an event, please email the editor.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Job Search and Resume Help
Thursday, February 21, 2019 @ 2-4pm
From the library description: “Learn about job resources available through the NCWorks Career Center and website. Receive one-on-one assistance in creating a resume and applying for jobs.”
Held in the Conference Room at the Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC.
Laptops will be provided. No registration required. Contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355, x.5072 or via email.
Tail Waggin’ Tutors
Thursday, February 21, 2019 @ 6-7pm
Bring your young readers to practice their skills reading to a certified therapy dog.
Held at the Farmville Public Library, 4276 W Church Street, Farmville, NC.
Register by calling 252.753.3355 or email Connie Widney.
Wendell’s Birds Program
Thursday, February 21, 2019 @ 7pm
This Wendell Historical Society meeting presentation by guest speaker Frank Doherty is entitled, “Wendell’s Birds – Making History in the Park.”
Held in the Raleigh Room at The Farmhouse at Wendell Falls, on Wendell Falls Pkwy, Wendell, NC.
For more information, visit wendellhistoricalsociety.com, or follow them on Facebook here. (Article)
The North Carolina Book Festival
February 21-24, 2019
This public festival includes a variety of interactions with authors plus events held at various locations in Raleigh, NC.
As part of the festival, a Book Fair will be held at HQ Raleigh, 310 S Harrington Street, Raleigh, NC. on Saturday, February 23, 2019, 10am-6pm.
See details at ncbookfestival.com/schedule.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, February 22, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
This farmer’s market will be open in the month of January on Fridays. 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 their Facebook page for updates, closings, and produce available at this year-round farmers market.
Coopers Fire Department Pork Chop Plate Sale
Friday, February 22, 2019 @ 11am-6pm
Support Coopers Fire & Rescue Dept. / Nash EMS 100 by purchasing food Friday at their fundraising plate sale.
Located at 2408 Volunteer Road, Elm City, NC.
Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Open Mic
Friday, February 22, 2019 @ 5:30-7:30pm
Join the fun at this Fourth Friday Open Mic in Uptown Selma. Tell a story, read a poem, play a musical instrument, etc. Modest door prizes. Hula Girl Cafe and Mozelle’s Soul Food restaurants nearby for your dinner/snack needs.
Held in the storefront of the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma, NC.
Follow the museum on Facebook here.
Teen Pizza and Paint Nights
Friday, February 22, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Teenagers in grades 9-12 are invited to hang out at the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC, for pizza, soda, and friends. Students may bring an art project to work on while enjoying the company of others. Art materials are not provided. This event takes place at the same time as the Arts Council’s Community Drum Circle, and teens are welcome to join.
Fee is $5 per student, which includes two slices of pizza and a soda. No outside food or drinks are allowed.
Future dates for this “fourth Friday” event include: March 22, and April 26, 2019.
Rockin’ the Forest Concert Series
Friday, February 22, 2019 @ 7:30-10pm
Enjoy live music by The Magic Pipers with dancing and fun. Adult beverages and refreshments will be available for purchase.
See www.wakeforestrencen.org/event/rockin-forest for information and to purchase tickets ($10 per person). Next date is March 15, 2019, which is the final date of the season.
Terry Barber Concert
Friday, February 22, 2019 @ 7:30-10pm
From the Dunn Center description: “A rare countertenor with extraordinary vocal range and natural fluency in many musical styles.”
Held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, located on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC.
Tickets are $20 per person + ticketing fee, available online via this etix page.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Tree Pruning Seminar
Saturday, February 23, 2019 @ 10-11:30am *CANCELED DUE TO RAIN*
Join the Wendell Tree Board for “a free interactive tree pruning seminar.”
Meet at the parking lot at Food Lion, 2859 Wendell Blvd, Wendell, NC, for discuss and pruning of the Crape Myrtle trees near Subway. Bring eye protection and gloves.
See details on the Town of Wendell calendar.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, February 23, 2019 @ 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 and other factors.
Located at 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC.
The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org.
Family Storytime
Saturday, February 23, 2019 @ 10:30-11am
Designed for young children and their families. Participate in this interactive program involving books, songs, and movement.
Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC.
East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.
Art Saturdays
Saturday, February 23, 2019 @ 11am-1pm
Take the kids to the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC, for a chance to work with different media including painting, sculpture, architecture, and more. Kids will have a chance to make their own art. Materials provided.
Registration is not required for this drop-in program for children 4 and up. Adults welcome with children. Held every-other Saturday.
See more at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events.
Soul Food Feast
Saturday, February 23, 2019 @ 11am-2pm
Join Selma Parks and Recreation for this free celebratory feast, entertainment, and community engagement at the Harrison Alumni Center, 605 W Noble Street, Selma, NC.
See details in this article.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, February 23, 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.
(Note that this event is often held at the Zebulon and Wendell libraries on the same date; times may vary.)
East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.
Wendell Community Fundraiser
Saturday, February 23, 2019 @ noon
Help raise funds for downtown Wendell by purchasing food at this special plate sale.
Stop by and pick up plates at Grill-Billies BBQ, 36 N Pine Street, Wendell, NC.
See details via this Facebook event.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Cars and Coffee Knightdale
Sunday, February 24, 2019 @ 9am-noon
Join Cars and Coffee Knightdale for this gathering of car enthusiasts, giveaways, coffee, and food.
Hosted by Schneider Electric, 8001 Knightdale Blvd, Knightdale, NC.
Follow them on Facebook here for updates and future events.
Field Studies for Adults: Bark and Buds
Sunday, February 24, 2019 @ 1:30-3pm
This free outdoor educational workshop is for ages 14 and older. From park event description: “The leaves have fallen from the trees, but you can still learn to identify them by recognizing their bark and buds.” Attendees will receive handouts, hear a presentation on tree identification, and take a hike out to practice tree identification. (Dress appropriately for weather, hike-friendly shoes.)
Held at the Historic Yates Mill County Park 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC.
Register (required) by February 23 via the Wake County parks and rec event page. Limited space available.
Genealogy Class with Dave Lucey
Sunday, February 24, 2019 @ 1:30-3:30pm
At this free workshop, Dave Lucey, who has over 20 years of genealogy research experience, will give attendees tips/tricks to dive into their roots. Bring your family information and learn how to find more of your family tree.
Held at Page 158 Books, 415 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC.
Follow Page 158 Books on Facebook to see events at both of their locations.
Coming Soon
3rd-5th Adventures: Dragon Training Academy
Monday, February 25, 2019 @ 4:30-5:30pm
Join the fun at Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Lane, Raleigh, NC, “with training, games, and slime based on the How to Train Your Dragon books and upcoming movie.”
Registration is required for this children’s event.
For more information, visit the event web page or call Anna Ward at 919.570.7166.
Dr. Seuss BINGO
Thursday, February 28, 2019 @ 5-6pm
Bring children for this game time at the library. This is one of several Dr. Seuss events scheduled for the week.
Held in the Youth Services are at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC.
Find the library’s event calendar via braswell-library.libguides.com.
First Friday Flix
Friday, March 1, 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 date is Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 7pm. See this event and more on the Town of Wake Forest Community Calendar.
Carolina Camper Works Grand Opening
Saturday, March 2, 2019 @ 10am-4pm
Carolina Camper Works invites the public to come for their grand opening. A fun day is planned with inflatables, raffles, free food, and more including special discounts.
This free event will be held at Carolina Camper Works. The address is 8820 Knightdale Blvd, Knightdale, NC.
Visit the Carolina Camper Works website or call 919.373.8020.
Dr. Seuss Birthday Party
Saturday, March 2, 2019 @ 1-3pm
Bring children for this celebration. This is one of several Dr. Seuss events scheduled for the week.
Held in the Youth Services are at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC.
Find the library’s event calendar via braswell-library.libguides.com.
Zebulon Free Family Movie Nights
March 8 and April 12, 2019 @ 6:30pm (doors open)
Bring the whole crew to watch a free movie. The family-friendly film will begin showing at 7pm. Parks and Rec will provide free popcorn (and possibly bottled water) for all movie watchers. Held on the second Friday of each month courtesy of the Zebulon Parks and Recreation Department. A parent/guardian must be present with children, but that’s okay because the movies are for all ages!
Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC.
To see movie title, visit the Zebulon Parks and Rec web page or call 919.823.0432.
Flix4Kidz
Monday, March 11, 2019 @ 10:30am-12:30pm
Bring the kids for a free, family-friendly movie. Held the second Monday of each month, and 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.
For more information, visit the event web page. Future date: Monday, April 8, 2019.
Senior Bingo
March 13, and April 17, 2019 @ 1-2:30pm
How lucky are you feeling? Come play fun games of Bingo with your friends. These Wednesday games are free of charge, and there will be prizes awarded.
Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC.
For this and other active-adult events, check out the Zebulon Parks and Rec early 2019 programs (PDF).
ECVMM Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Friday, March 15, 2019 @ 11:30am-4pm
Celebrate the re-opening of the remodeled Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum and check out its all-renewed exhibit spaces. Come and watch the ribbon cutting, take a tour, and check out the exhibits alongside other community members.
After moving to a temporary location across their parking lot, the museum is redone, clean, and ready for visitors. (See why the museum relocated temporarily.)
Held at the Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum, 106 W Church Street, Tarboro, NC, in conjunction with the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce.
Follow the Museum on Facebook for updates.
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, March 17, 2019 @ 2-3:30pm
Bring the family for a free movie at the library. Snacks are provided. Designed for students in grades K-5th.
Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Registration is not required.
This is a monthly event. Future dates tentatively scheduled:
- Sunday, April 21, 2019
- Sunday, May 19, 2019
- Sunday, June 16, 2019
- Sunday, July 21, 2019
- Sunday, August 18, 2019
See the Wake County public libraries East Regional Library web page to access calendar and movie details.
Superhero Day at Whitley Park
Saturday, March 30, 2019 @ 10-11am
Calling all Superheroes to save Whitley Park. Designed for ages 3-9. Superhero suits/ costumes welcome at this free event. Play games, make masks, and check out the Superhero Obstacle Course.
Held at Whitley Park, Whitley Park, 601 N Wakefield Street, Zebulon, NC.
For more information, visit the Zebulon Parks and Rec web page or follow them on Facebook.
Community Recycling Day
Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 9am-noon
Drop off “old paint, tires, oil and anitfreeze, computrers, televisions, and appliances” and these items will be recycled or disposed of properly. There will be a shredding truck at the event, so bring documents to be safely shredded.
Held at the Town Municipal Building (Town Hall), 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC.
With questions, contact Zebulon Public Works at 919.269.5285
Wilson Farmers and Artisans Market
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 (opening day) @ 8am-1pm
The market will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through October 2019.
Held in the pavilion at the Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC.
See www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market. Note that vendor applications may be accepted at this time, and the vendor form is available from that linked web page.
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.
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.
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 the full article’s link is encouraged, so readers may see all upcoming events.