*UPDATED with Knightdale Friday movie postponement.
This 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.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Sweet Tea and Spicy Talk — Drugstore Cowboys: A tribute to Movie Cowboys
Wednesday, July 31, 2019 @ 11am-noon
Held at the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma, NC. With questions, call 919.333.4899 or email. Museum information via the museum’s Facebook page. (Article)
Carolina Mudcats Baseball
Home games July 30 and 31, 2019 @ Various Times
The Mudcats baseball Home games are played at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon, NC. See the team’s schedule here.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Sprinkler Fun Days
Thursdays, August 1, 8, and 15 @ 3-4pm
Beat the heat every Thursday at Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, 300 S. Center Street, Goldsboro, NC. Bring the children to cool off in Goldsboro’s giant sprinkler. Event supervised by the City of Goldsboro Fire Department. See all dates here.
Downtown Live!
Thursdays, August 1, 15, 29, and September 12, 2019 @ 6-9pm
The 2019 Downtown Live! free outdoor music series takes place on the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Bring lawn chairs for comfort. Full schedule is available at imperialcentre.org/events/downtown-live. (Article)
Wilson Tobs Baseball Home Games
August 1, 3, and 4, 2019 @ Various times
Enjoy a baseball game at the Wilson Tobs home stadium, Historic Fleming Stadium, at 300 Stadium Street SW, Wilson NC. See full Wilson Tobs baseball game schedule here.
Note: The NC Baseball Museum is located at the stadium.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, August 2, 2019 @ 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 also open Tuesdays and Saturdays.) 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.
Summer Night Lights
Friday, August 2 and 9, 2019 @ 6-8pm
Enjoy this event with a DJ, arts and crafts, games and inflatables, and family fun. Free hot dog, chips, and drink for the first 200 guests. Held Fridays at different city parks. Locations:
- Friday, August 2, 2019 at Lancaster Park, 1509 Barnes Street, Rocky Mount, NC
- Friday, August 9, 2019 at South Rocky Mount Community Center, 719 Recreation Drive, Rocky Mount, NC
See full schedule here.
First Fridays on the Lawn
Friday, August 2, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Enjoy a free community concert with a live band, food vendors, and entertainment. Held on the lawn at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Visit the city’s calendar for this event and others.
First Friday Flix
Friday, August 2, 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 dates: September 6, October 4, and November 1, 2019. See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center calendar.
Knightdale “First Friday Films” and Food Trucks
Friday, August 2, 2019 @ 7:30-10pm POSTPONED due to weather. New date is October 4, 2019 @ 7pm
Enjoy food trucks, a kids art activity, and a free outdoor movie. Food Trucks and activities 7:30pm; movie begins at dusk. Bring blanket and chairs for comfort. Organized by Knightdale Parks and Rec. Held in the Knightdale Station Park amphitheatre, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. See details here.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Summer Bash Vendor Event at the Farm
Saturday, August 3, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Head to the HS Howell Farms on-farm market for local goods, plus, shop local from 20 vendors, and grab a bite to eat — either fresh from the farm or from a food truck on-site. The Summer Bash Vendor Event, hosted by Magnolia Mill Clothing Co. and Carolina Cotton, will be held , at HS Howell Farms, located at 4371 Massey Road, Zebulon, NC (Nash County). See HS Howell Farms events/updates on Facebook. (Article)
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 8am-noon (Spring/Summer hours)
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.
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Local farm offerings and handmade/homemade goods. Open Saturdays (and Wednesdays 8am-1pm) through October 2019. Held in the Pavilion at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See details here. Updates may be posted via the market’s Facebook page.
Farmers Market Rocky Mount
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Check out local farm and craft offerings at this weekly market. Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Updates may be posted to the market Facebook page. Note that during August the market will be open Tuesday afternoons in addition to Saturday mornings.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Vendors at the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market offer farm produce, baked goods, handmade goods, arts, plants, and more. The market is open Saturdays through October 12, 2019. Zebulon Farm Fresh Market is located at the Zebulon Municipal Complex (town hall), 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Free parking available in the town hall parking lots. Follow the market on Facebook for updates and market theme information. If vendor spaces are available, information and 2019 application may be found on the town’s market web page.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
The market will be open every Saturday for its regular season through the last Saturday in October 2019. The Clayton Farm and Community Market is located at 348 E Main Street, Clayton, NC. Contact information may be found at www.cfcmnc.org/contact. Follow this market’s Facebook page for updates.
Wendell Farmers Market
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Although the market had a late start, it is scheduled for every Saturday through October 2019. Held at W Campen and Main Streets, Wendell, NC. See details at www.townofwendell.com/living/farmers-market or follow the market on Facebook.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 24, and 31, 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. East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.
Note: This program is often held at the Zebulon, NC library and Wendell, NC library on the same/similar dates as Knightdale, various start times.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Family Art Sundays
Sunday, August 4, 11, and 18, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Held in the art gallery at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Bring the family for a free afternoon of activities. Open to all ages with accompanying adults. See Imperial Centre’s Facebook page for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions.
Coming Soon
Popsicles and Stories in the Park
Tuesdays, August 6 and 20, 2019 @ 10-11:30am
These story time + cool treat events are organized by Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation, working alongside Braswell Memorial Library. Each event is free and held in a different park:
- Tuesday, August. 6, 2019 — Three Sisters Park (751 Morning Star Church Road, Battleboro, NC)
- Tuesday, August 20, 2019 — Sunset Park (1550 River Drive, Rocky Mount, NC)
Events are family-friendly event and open to children of all ages. In addition to the story and free popsicles, there will be games.Bring a blanket or chairs for comfort, no seating. For more information, call 252.467.4925 or see the event discussion on Facebook. (Article)
National Night Out: Bailey Block Party
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Join the Bailey Police Department and Bailey Chamber of Commerce for this National Night Out (NNO) event. Meet neighbors, local business owners, and police officers. Held at the Police Station on Main Street, Bailey, NC. Food and beverages will be on sale, local businesses will have vendor spaces, and school supply donations will be accepted for the local elementary school. Gift cards and book bags will be raffled off (local elementary school students only). Bailey Chamber raffles (2) for a bicycle. Bring a chair for comfort if you like, as this is an outdoor event. See details via the Bailey PD Facebook page.
Note: See more local “NNO” events in this article.
Center Street Jam Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, August 8 and 22, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come for these free, public, outdoor summer concerts. Bring lawn chairs for comfort. In addition to live music, each date food/drinks will be available for purchase and there will be activities for children. No coolers, no pets. ID needed for adult beverages. Address is 219 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC. See details and performers at www.dgdc.org/dgdc_events_type/center-street-jam.
Friday Night On White Free Concert Series
Fridays, August 9 and September 13, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come and listen to live music at this outdoor concert on White Street, Wake Forest, NC. Food and beverages will be for sale at area restaurants and food trucks too. See full schedule here. (Article)
Lawn Chair Theatre
Friday, August 9, 2019 @ 8pm
Watch a free, family movie at the city of Rocky Mount’s Lawn Chair Theatre series. Bring a lawn chair / blanket and settle in on the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Upcoming date: September 6, 2019 @ 7:30pm. For more information on Lawn Chair Theatre, visit www.imperialcentre.org. (Article)
All You Can Eat Blue Crab Event
Saturday, August 10, 2019 @ noon-6pm
PBCJ.LLC and SweetRiches is holding this ticketed event with blue crabs (by Jeff Crabs Company), live entertainment, inflatables for kids, and more. Location was changed and event will be held at 2306 Wills Street, Wilson, NC. Register ($30 per person) on EventBrite and follow SweetRiches on Facebook for any updates.
Summer Movies @ The Library
Saturday, August 10, 2019 @ 2:30-3:30pm
Enjoy a family movie at the library. Time may be approximate if movie is longer. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Access library event including movie title via this library page.
Wake Forest Family Movie Nights
Saturday, August 10, 2019 @ 7:15pm (movie 8:3opm)
Enjoy activities and a free, public movie under the stars. Before the movie starts, enjoy an activity or buy goodies from food trucks. Bring blankets/chairs for comfort. Also, it is suggested patrons bring bug spray, a flashlight, and an umbrella. No pets, smoking, or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Movies shown at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC. Follow the Town of Wake Forest on Facebook. (Related Article)
Flix4Kidz
Monday, August 12, 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. Future dates: September 9, October 14, November 11, and December 9, 2019. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.
Food Truck Thursday: Lunch & Dinner
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Sit and eat at the park, or pick up food to take back to your desk or home. Live music during dinnertime.
- Lunch (11:30am-1:30pm)
- Dinner (6-8pm)
Food trucks will be parked near the Knightdale Station Park pavilion, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. See details and updates via the Parks and Rec Facebook page. (Article)
Friday Nights on the Tar
Fridays, August 16 and September 20, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor concert for all ages. Come and hear live music, pick up a meal/snacks from food trucks, and enjoy this monthly community gathering. Concerts are planned for the third Friday of each month May through September. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. See more on the town website. (Article)
Summer Outdoor Movie Series
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 7pm
Wendell Parks and Recreation and Wendell Falls are co-hosting these free community movie nights. August 17: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Gather at the Lake Pavilion at Wendell Falls, 320 Vintage Point Lane, Wendell NC. Follow Wendell Parks and Rec on Facebook here.
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, August 18, 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. Date tentatively set as August 18, 2019. See the Wake County public libraries’ East Regional Library web page to access calendar and movie details.
Community Conversation: Education/Back to School/Teacher Takeover
Thursday, August 22, 2019 @ 6:30-8:30pm
This event is presented by Teach For America-Eastern North Carolina and Rocky Mount Mills. Come and share, imagine, and engage in dialogue and fellowship. Gather at the Koi Pond at Rocky Mount Mills, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount, NC. Register for this free event on EventBrite.
Knightdale Friday Concerts
Friday, August 23, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor family fun and music at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. Food/beverages available for purchase from Oak City Brewery, Lassiter Distilling Company, and food trucks. Bring blankets/chairs for comfort. See details here.
Teen Summit 2019
Saturday, August 24, 2019 @ 10am-10pm
Join Elevation Phase, LLC for this annual event featuring speakers, dance/entertainment, food, school supplies, and prizes. Everything inside of the auditorium will be free for the kids. Vendors will be at the event too. This Summit is for teens and their parents or host family. Held at the Wilson County Agricultural Center, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson, NC. Sign up via EventBrite. With questions, call 252.232.4079.
September Onward
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Browse a variety of local vendors for arts and crafts, handmade items, and more. Live entertainment too. Held at the Uptown Gazebo, 100 block of E Anderson Street, Selma, NC (parking lot behind Town Hall). For information including vendor booth reservations, contact Melissa Dooley at 919.965.9841 x.8003 or via email.
Creekside Music Series
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 5-10pm
Bring family and friends for a night of live music, food, and adult beverages for those of age. This free concert — featuring Meredith Davis Johnson and the band Charlie — will be held at Stoney Creek Environmental Park, 455 W Washington Street, Nashville, NC. Event made possible by supported from the NC Arts Council.
International Food and Music Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2019 @ 11am-5pm
This annual day of food, vendors, music, dancing, and more is organized by St Eugene Catholic Church. Activities take place around downtown, the Woman’s Club lot, and the J. Ashley Wall Town Square, 99 W 3rd Street, Wendell, NC. For updates, follow St. Eugene’s annual festival on Facebook here.
Wendell Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 5, 2019 @ 8am-10pm
The Wendell Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Harvest Festival with loads of vendors, fair foods, Fall goodies, and activities for kids and families. A parade and live music too. Activities take place around downtown Wendell, NC. Updates may be posted on Facebook here.
NC Whirligig Festival
November 2-3, 2019
The Whirligig Festival is held in Historic Downtown Wilson, NC at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC, and is a weekend of celebrating the life of local folk artist Vollis Simpson and his whirligig creations. See details at whirligigfestivalnc.org.
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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.
Event organizers: News site display advertising is available month-to-month.
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 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 this full list’s link is encouraged, so readers may see all upcoming events.
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Ed. Note: Originally published July 30, 2019; updated August 2.
