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, January 24, 2019

Family Storytime

January 24 and 25, 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 24 and 25, 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.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Franklin County Farmers Market

Friday, January 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.

Next expected date: Friday, February 1, 2019.

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.

Teen Pizza and Paint Nights

Friday, January 25, 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: February 22, March 22, and April 26, 2019.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

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.

Nature Play Day

Saturday, January 26, 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 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.

Next expected date: Saturday, February 2, 2019.

Family Storytime

Saturday, January 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.

Next expected date: Saturday, February 2, 2019.

Lunsford Richardson and the Invention of Vick’s Vaporub

Saturday, January 26, 2019 @ 11am-noon

Come for this free history program and learn about the invention of Vick’s RapoRub in the town where it was “born.” Historian Eric Jackson will discuss the history and impact of this product and its impact on Selma and the Nation. Refreshments will be served. A Vick’s pack will be given as a door prize.

Held at the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma, NC.

See this and other museum programs via this 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.

Children’s Storytime

Saturday, January 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.

Next expected date: Saturday, February 2, 2019.

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.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Winter Bird Feeder Class

Sunday, January 27, 2019 @ 3:30pm and 4:45pm (two sessions)

Join the Town of Nashville’s Parks and Rec at 174 JW Glover Park Memorial Drive, Nashville, NC, for this “Take, Make and Learn Bird Feeder Class.”

There are two sessions.

Early session: adults and their children 6 and under
Late session: adults and their children 6-12

Register requested to ensure enough supplies, as each child will make a bird feeder for home, and one to be hung in Glover Park. Sign up here ASAP.

Human Trafficking Forum

Sunday, January 27, 2019 @ 7-8:30pm

Join Northside Community Church of Knightdale and hear from local experts on what human trafficking is, and what can be done to stop it.

Northside Community Church is located at 621 N 1st Avenue, Knightdale, NC.

Seating is limited. RSVP via Facebook event or email.

Coming Soon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.