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.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Family Storytime
January 17 and 18, 2019 @ 10:30-10:55am
Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are welcome to participate in this interactive program. No registration is required.
Held at the Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell, NC.
See more on the Wake County public libraries website.
Family Storytime
January 17 and 18, 2019 @ 10:30-11am
Children ages 0-5 years, and their families, are invited to participate in this interactive program designed to build pre-reading skills.
Held in the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, NC.
Find the Zebulon Community Library “Events” link via this web page.
Job Search and Resume Help
Thursday, January 17, 2019 @ 2-4pm
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. Laptops will be provided.
Held in the Conference Room at Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC.
No registration required. For more information, contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355, x.5072 or via email.
3rd-5th Adventures: Dare To Discover
Thursday, January 17, 2019 @ 4:30-5:15pm
The theme on January 17 is “Dare to Discover — Catapult Craze.” Participants will be constructing two types of catapults, then testing them wish marshmallows. Students in grades 3rd through 5th are welcome to join this event, where they may “read, create, discover, and explore” using books and activities.
Held in East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC.
Advance registration is requested. To register, go to this library online and click the “Events” button. From the calendar, choose this Catapult Craze program, and a “Sign Up” button will appear alongside the event details.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, January 18 and 25, 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.
Meet The Artist: Lewis Wilson
Friday, January 18, 2019 @ 11am-noon
Stop by and admire the vibrant, mixed-media paintings of Lewis Wilson. The artist will be on-hand to talk about the familiar local landscapes and landmarks.
Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC.
East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.
Learn to Knit
Friday, January 18, 2019 @ 3-5pm
Ready to learn a new skill, or need to brush up your rusty knitting skills? Join this free, introductory class aimed at teaching the basics of knitting. All are welcome from newbies to experts.
Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC.
Open to adults and teens age 16 and older. To register (required), call 252.237.5355. Ask for Genevieve if you have questions, or email Genevieve.
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Cars & Coffee Wake Forest
Saturday, January 19, 2019 @ 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.
Free Mobile Food Market
Saturday, January 19, 2019 @ 9-11am
Bread For Life Of America invites those in need of food to come to their free mobile food market and choose what is needed in their households.
Mobile market will be set up in the parking lot of the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club, 1320 Shepard School Road, Zebulon, NC.
See this market location and future events via www.facebook.com/BreadForLifeOfAmerica.
Around The Tables
Saturday, January 19, 2019 @ 10am-noon
Dream Coat Ministries holds this event, which distributes free clothing and more to those who need them. All are welcome to choose clothing for themselves and family members, and stay for lunch which is also free. Lunch will be served, courtesy of the church, at 11:30am. Upcoming dates are February 16 and March 16, 2019.
Held at Now Faith Community Baptist Church, 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale, NC.
Visit dreamcoatknightdale.org or follow Dream Coat Ministries on Facebook.
Polar Bear Run 5K
Saturday, January 19, 2019 @ 10am-noon
Join in the fun with the 3rd-annual Polar Bear Run 5K. Human runners may enter for $10 registration fee. All are invited to run with their pets, with pets free of charge:
“Run with your DOG, CAT, BIRD, LIZARD, GOLDFISH, WHATEVER!
(Must clean up if pet makes waste and all pets must be on leash.)”
This is an unsanctioned run. Timer will be available for those interested in knowing their run time.
Organized by Selma Parks and Recreation in Uptown Selma, the run registration and starting point is at the intersection of Webb and Waddell streets, Selma, NC. Registration and fee collection will be on-site, the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit Little Free Libraries of Johnston County.
For more information, call Melissa, Selma Parks and Recreation, at 919.965.9841 x.8003.
Nature Play Day
Saturday, January 19, 2019 @ 10am
Designed for children 7 and younger, all are welcome in the “Nature PlaySpace” where materials and supplies are available to build and have fun in the outdoors. No registration required.
Prairie Ridge Ecostation’s address is 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC.
This is a free event that recurs weekly. See all dates via the Prairie Ridge Ecostation’s Facebook event.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, January 19, and 26, 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, January 19 and 26, 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.
Bird Presentation: Purple Martins
Saturday, January 19, 2019 @ 11am-noon
Learn about appropriate housing for purple martins, where to place housing, how to attract purple martins, and more about these interesting birds. Presented by Larry Arnold, Purple Martin landlord and member of the North Carolina Purple Martin Society.
Held at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC.
To reserve a seat, call the store at 919.969.6778.
For this event and more, follow Wild Birds Unlimited on Facebook.
Children’s Storytime
Saturday, January 19 and 26, 2019 @ 3-4pm
Bring kids to the library for this weekly storytime on Saturdays.
Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC.
The library is online here.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Service Featuring Guest Speaker Jason Brown
Sunday, January 20, 2019 @ 10am
Jason Brown of First Fruits Farm will be the guest speaker at New Life Church.
Held by New Life Church at 6900 Zebulon Road, Wake Forest, NC.
See details and updates via New Life Church’s Facebook page.
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, January 20, 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, February 17, 2019
- 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.
Linda Edwards: Reception and Poetry Reading
Sunday, January 20, 2019 @ 4pm
This free event is offered via NashArts.
The Nash Arts Center is located at 100 E Washington Street, Nashville, NC.
NashArts is online at www.nasharts.org.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Sunday, January 20, 2019 @ late evening through early Monday morning
See article on the eclipse and local viewing events here.
Coming Soon
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 21, 2019
Libraries, government offices, and others may be closed for this national holiday. Organizations may be holding day of service events and welcoming volunteers.
A Day at the Zebulon Fire Station
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 @ 7pm
The Zebulon Fire Department is holding its inaugural “fire department educational academy.” Open to all ages, with fun for adults and children, working through six aspects of the FD. New sessions start every 15 minutes.
Address is 113 E Vance Street, Zebulon, NC.
Spaces are limited; to pre-register or ask questions, call the fire station at 919.269.6487, option 4, or email Captain Woodard.
Author Visit: K. Dupree
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 @ 6-7pm
Come and meet this local author of Boy From The Clouds.
Held at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC.
For information, call 252.442.1951 x.240 or email Information Services at is@braswell-library.org.
DIY (Do It Yourself) Soap Carving
Friday, January 25, 2019 @ 5-6pm
Bring a bar of Ivory soap, and hone your carving skills. Participants must be 16 or older.
Held at the H.D. Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville, NC.
To sign up (required), call 252.459.2106. See this event and more via the library’s Facebook page.
Fourth Friday Open Mic
Friday, January 25, 2019 @ 5:30-7:30pm
Bring short stories, poems, musical instruments, yourself. We’ve read everything from cowboy tales to Christmas letters and listened to a teen and her ukelele. Modest door prizes from the green grab bag to those brave enough to perform.
Held in the storefront of the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma, NC.
Find museum information via their Facebook page.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, January 26, 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 also held at the Zebulon and Wendell libraries on this date; times may vary.)
East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.
Pokemon Game Day
Saturday, January 26, 2019 @ 3pm
Pokemon fans, join the fun and play, trade, and more at this social event. Entry is $3 per person.
Held at Comic World 122 E Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC.
Comic World is on Facebook here.
Family Movie Night
Saturday, January 26, 2019 @ 7-9pm
Bring everyone for a free, family-friendly movie. Optionally, bring blanket or chairs for comfort.
Held at the Wendell Community Center, 601 W Third Street, Wendell, NC.
See this and other events on the Town of Wendell website at www.townofwendell.com/discover/events.
Astronomy Days at the Museum (two dates)
Saturday, January 26, 2019 @ 9am-5pm
Sunday, January 27, 2019 @ noon-5pm
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences partners with NASA and the Raleigh Astronomy Club to show you the Universe. Variety of activities from observing to presentations. Good for all ages.
The museum is located at 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh, NC.
See details at naturalsciences.org/calendar/astronomy-days.
Bubble Wrap Day
Monday, January 28, 2019 @ 5:30-7:30pm
Teens, pop over to the library to celebrate Bubble Wrap Day with bubble wrap crafts and activities.
Held in the Conference Room of the Wilson County main library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. Registration is not required.
For more information, contact Scott Houston, Teen Librarian, at 252-237-5355 x.5073 or via email.
Star Lab
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 @ 4:30-5:30pm
Come for this story time and constellation viewing inside the Star Lab Dome.
Held in the Warner Room, Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC.
With questions, contact Jenna Watson at 252.442.1951 x.235 or via email.
Writing Talk: Dawn Reno Langley
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 @ 7-9pm
Adults and teens 16 and older are invited to take part in this writing event. Award-winning author Dawn Reno Langley will be discussing “the writer’s life” for beginning writers. Anyone interested in writing, are welcome to attend, whether you’re already a writer or want to become one.
Held in the Conference Room at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Registration is not required. This program is presented in conjunction with the Wilson Writer’s Group.
Find this event and more on the Wilson County Public Library website, www.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.
Forgotten Tales of North Carolina
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 @ 7-8:30pm
Roger Kammerer, a local historian and native of Greenville, will be presenting. He authored a book of the same name based on his extensive research in NC newspapers. His talk will highlight some of the most unusual and fascinating stories he has come across. All are welcome to attend.
Held in the Assembly Room at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Registration is not required. This program is presented in in partnership with the Wilson County Genealogical Society.
Find this event and more on the Wilson County Public Library website, www.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.
Coming in February
First Friday Flix
Friday, February 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.
See this event and more on the Town of Wake Forest Community Calendar.
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.
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.
Register in-advance and reserve a seat via this EventBrite 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.
