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.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, February 7, 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 their Facebook page for updates including market closing days, holidays, and produce/art/goods available at this year-round farmers market.
Ferrell’s Fire & Rescue “Fish Fry”
Friday, February 7, 2020 @ 5pm-until
Support this Fire and Rescue department and get yourself a tasty dinner for $8 per person. Fish fry begins at 5pm and plates are available to eat at the FD station — hang out and chat — or to take home. Come early as they may sell out before 8pm. Held at the station — Ferrells Fire & Rescue, 9589 W NC-97 Hwy, Middlesex, NC. Follow these first responders at www.facebook.com/FerrellsFireRescue13.
Forensic Science: Who Stole Jimmy’s Rabbit?
Friday, February 7, 2020 @ 5-7pm
Join the “Fabulous Friday” fun with free admission to Imagination Station, 224 Nash Street SE, Wilson, NC. Kids and their families will hunt for clues. The Wilson Police Department will be at the event to help with the “investigation.” Discover which of the Kernersville Reptile Zoo suspects is the culprit. See details here.
First Friday at Art Happens on Tarboro
Friday, February 7, 2020 @ 5:30-8:30pm
Visit with local artists, see their works, and watch a Glass Cutting Skills demonstration. Held at Art Happens on Tarboro, 106 Tarboro Street W, Wilson, NC. Follow these artists at www.facebook.com/arthappensontarboro.
First Friday Flix
Friday, February 7, 2020 @ 7-9pm
Free movies at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC, on the first Friday of each month. See details at www.wakeforestrencen.org.
Documentary Showing: The Other Boys of Summer
Friday, February 7, 2020 @ 6pm
As part of First Friday, come and watch this documentary on Negro League Baseball. Held at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. (Article)
Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival
February 7 & 8, 2020
This annual festival offers a wide variety of activities this weekend in Washington, NC. See festival details at www.artsofthepamlico.org/events/aop-wildlife-arts-festival.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Stepping into the Past Saturday Series
Saturday, February 8, 2020 @ 8-11am
Saturday historical and traditional demonstrations. On February 8, the topic is “Food Processing: Hog Killing Demonstration” at the museum. Admission fee applies. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum is located at 709 Church Street, Kenly, NC. Future date: March 14, 2020 (Working the Land: Antique tractor displays/Farmer Appreciation Day). See these events and future “Stepping into the Past” topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org.
Downtown History Walk
Saturday, February 8, 2020 @ 10-11am
Take this free tour through downtown and learn about architecture and history. Presented by the Wayne County Museum, the tour leaves from the museum lobby at 10am. Wayne County Museum is located at 116 N William Street, Goldsboro, NC. No registration is required for this 45-60 minute tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes. May be rescheduled in the event of poor weather. Follow the museum on social media here or visit their website at www.waynemuseum.org.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, February 8, 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.
Soul Food Feast
Saturday, February 8, 2020 @ 11am-1pm
The town of Selma’s Parks and Recreation is holding the third-annual Soul Food Feast at the Selma Civic Center, 300 N Webb Street, Selma, NC. Admission and meal are free for all ages. Enjoy featured entertainment and a catered meal including chicken and pork chops, side dishes, beverages, and dessert. Registration is not required. See details at www.selma-nc.com/soul-food-feast. (Article)
Preservation Day
Saturday, February 8, 2020 @ 1-4pm
Bring your memorabilia of pre-1980s Zebulon, share photographs, personal treasures/artifacts, or make a video during this special history-oriented event with Preservation Zebulon. There will be presentations, document scanning, and more. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be several door prize drawings. Held at Zebulon Town Hall, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC, just across Arendell from the Wakelon Plaza (Food Lion). Visit the Preservation Zebulon website at preservationzebulon.org, or Follow them on Facebook for updates. (Article)
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 9, 2020
Family Movies @ the Library
Sunday, February 9, 2020 @ 2-4pm
Feature presentationand craft. Snacks provided. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Programs offered for all ages, with events for adult, teen, children, and families. Library information is online at www.wakegov.com/libraries/locations/erl.
Coming Soon
flix4kidz
Monday, February 10, 2020 @ 10:30am-noon
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, February 10, 2020 @ 2-4pm
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
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.
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.
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. *Tentative date: February 15, 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)
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.
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.
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.
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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. 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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