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.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Franklin County Farmers Market

Friday, February 8, 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 and offerings available at this year-round farmers market.

East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival

Friday, February 8, 2019 @ 1-9pm

and

Saturday, February 9, 2019 @ 10am-5pm

This 23rd-annual festival is in downtown Washington, NC. Activities include exhibits, competitions, and activities by Arts of the Pamlico, 150 W Main Street, Washington, NC.

Tickets are $7-$12 per person. See details on the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival web page. Note that the event begins with a Thursday evening reception 5:30-7pm.

Zebulon Free Family Movie Nights

February 8, 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.

The Diary of Anne Frank Special Screenings

February 8-10, 2019 @ various times

Watch this film by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett based on the book of the same name.

Held at the Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro, NC.

Tickets may be purchased at tickets.vendini.com and start at $13 per person.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturday, February 9, 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 9, 16, and 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.

ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program

Saturday, February 9 and 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.

Wilmington on Fire Film Screening

Saturday, February 9, 2019 @ 11:30am-1pm

This important film screening is free and open to the public. The screening is part of the Johnston County Heritage Center’s opening of a new exhibit, “Building the Black Community, 1865-1900.”

Held at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC.

Event information is on the Johnston County Heritage Center Facebook page. Film information may be viewed here.

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Whirly Writers Reading

Sunday, February 10, 2019 @ 6-7pm

Reading of local fiction, open to the public. Event features young adult (YA) author Gwen Holt (aka Leigh Statham) reading from her new book, Imani Unraveled, and author Katie Sherman reading from her anthologized short story, “Cast Iron Cornbread.”

Held at the Whirligig Stage, 628 South Pitt Street, Greenville, NC.

See details on Facebook here.

Coming Soon

Flix4Kidz

Monday, February 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.

African American Genealogy and Family History

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 @ 2-3:30pm

Learn about print and online genealogy resources that will help with researching your African American ancestors. Hear how to use valuable black history records to glean information about distinguished African American Wilsonian families and your own family members.

Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC.

No registration is required. The library is online at www.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.

Photography Guild Presentation by Suzin Daly

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 @ 7pm

The Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) Photography Guild’s Guest Speaker will be Suzin Daly, who will lead a discussion on Lighting.

Held at 106 Justice Street, Louisburg, NC.

The FCAC Photography Guild is online at fcacarts.org/photo_guild.aspx. (Article)

Senior Bingo

February 13, 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).

Community Discussion: “African Americans Ain’t Africans” (two dates)

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 @ 6:30-8:30pm

Saturday, February 16, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Presentation and community discussion by Monica The Ourstorian.

Who Should Attend? Secondary, high school & college students, family members young and old, pastors and school administrators. Anyone who has an interest in learning why the records show that African Americans ain’t Africans. Agenda:

Seating and Introduction (10 min)

Presentation Video (20 min): In the video presentation, you will view several scholastic sources and ancient writings evidencing that the elites knew that so-called African Americans were not Africans prior to taking them captives.

Community Discussion (90 min): Comments and questions discussed in an open politically incorrect environment.

Beverages and light snacks will be provided. Attend one date or both.

Monica Bennett, an Ourstorian, researches the chronological records of events and pattern of behaviors of a people labeled: African Americans, Blacks, Afro-Asiatic, Afro-Americans, and North American Negroes and shares her findings at community lectures and discussion forums.

Held in the Assembly Room at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. Discl: Use of meeting room is not an endorsement by the Trustees of the Library.

Game Day Presents: Valentine’s Parent’s Night Out

Thursday, February 14, 2019 @ 5:30-9pm

Parents may drop kids ages 5-12 off to play at Rocky Mount Event Center (RMEC) while the parents go out for Valentine’s day.

Fee is $20 per child and includes pizza, popcorn, a drink, and indoor adventure/arcade activities, plus a Valentine’s Day goody bag. “Parent or legal guardian must be present to sign waiver and drop off kid(s).”

Held in the Game Day Adventure and Arcade, inside the Rocky Mount Event Center, 285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, NC.

Black History Month Celebration

Friday, February 15, 2019 @ 7pm (Doors open 6:30pm)

A night of music, poetry, dance, acting, and motivational speaker, Kendall Ficklin.

Held in the auditorium at Toisnot Middle School, 1301 Corbett Avenue N, Wilson, NC.

Organized by the teens of Love One Another Sisterhood, Inc. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/loveone1another. (Article)

Cars and Coffee Wake Forest

Saturday, February 16, 2019 (un-confirmed) @ 8-11am

This is a free gathering for all to enjoy on the third Saturday of each month. Run by car enthusiasts, this event is intended to be fun, safe, and family friendly. During the event, donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for a local food pantry. Food trucks, A Need for Coffee and Poblanos Tacos and More, will be on-site with food and beverages available for purchase.

Cars & Coffee will be hosted in the front lot Richland Creek Community Church, 3229 Burlington Mills Road, Wake Forest, NC.

Follow this group on Facebook for updates and future events.

Family Story Time

Saturday, February 16, 2019 @ 1-2pm

Bring children for this reading time at the library.

Held in the Youth Services area at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC.

Find the library online at braswell-library.libguides.com.

Alphabet Characters: Family Workshop

Saturday, February 16, 2019 @ 1-3pm

Family arts event, for ages 4 and up. Create a special character of the alphabet using mixed media (materials included). No prior experience needed.

Held in the Arts Education Building, Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC.

Registration is required by February 13 via this web form. Limited to 15 participants. Fee is $12 per family.

Black History Month Open Mic

Saturday, February 16, 2019 @ 2pm

The Diversity Team of the Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) invites singers, musicians and poets to participate in an Open Mic. The event celebrates Black History Month with a theme of “Moving Forward.”

Held at Muddy Mountain Art and Wine Bar, Suite 102, 348 S Bickett Blvd, Louisburg, NC. Free snacks provided.

FCAC Diversity Team is online at fcacarts.org/diversity_team.aspx. (Article)

Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library

Sunday, February 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 will be a monthly event. Future dates tentatively scheduled:

Sunday, March 17, 2019
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.

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)

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.

Field Studies for Adults: Bark and Buds

Sunday, February 24, 2019 @ 1:30-3pm

orth Carolina 27603 Show Map ticket Tickets apm.activecommunities.com Find Tickets About Discussion 0 Going · 5 Interested Suggested Friends Kim Beaver Invite Frank Whatley Invite Donna Campbell Smith Invite Share Details

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.