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 17, 2019
Sweet Tea and Spicy Talk
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 @ 11am-noon
The topic on this date is “The Real Downton Abbey.” Come for this “spicy look at the American Heiresses who married into the British Nobility in the 19th and 20th centuries. Enjoy iced tea and cookies during this “lighthearted look at the fictional Downton Abbey based on the actual history of the period.” 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.
Meet the Artist: Ryan Fox
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 @ 11am -12pm
Drop in and meet local artist Ryan Fox who specializes in batik watercolor with scenes from around the world. No registration required. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Library information may be found at www.wakegov.com/libraries/locations/erl. (Article)
Sci Fi Gaming Young Adult Program
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 @ 3-6pm
Join Dreamdaze for an afternoon of Sci Fi and classic games. Door prizes will be awarded. Held at the Wilson County Public Library system’s Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. See more on the library website. (Article)
Carolina Mudcats Baseball
Home games July 17-22, 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, July 18, 2019
Food Truck Thursday: Lunch & Dinner Events
Thursday, June 20, 2019 @ 11:30am-1:30pm & 6-8pm
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)
Downtown Live!
Thursday, July 18, 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. Scheduled dates include: August 1, August 15, August 29, and September 12, 2019. The full schedule is also available at imperialcentre.org/events/downtown-live. (Article)
Friday, July 19, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Fridays, July 19 and 26, 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.
Friday Morning Movie
Fridays, July 19 and 26, 2019 @ 10am-noon
Join the Wilson County Public Library and Historic Downtown Wilson for this series of free summer movies. Watch a family movie and enjoy free refreshments as available. Movie showing at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. No registration required; however, for large groups, email or call 252.237.5355 to arrange group visit. See more here.
3rd Friday with the Artist
Friday, July 19, 2019 @ 6-8pm
The Franklin County Arts Council’s featured artist for this month’s event is Billy Farmer. Meet the artist, and check out the arts pop-up display in the parking lot. The 3rd Friday with the Artist will be held at the Gallery on Main, 118-B North Main Street, Louisburg, NC. Visit the arts council’s website, fcacarts.org. (Article)
Summer Night Lights
Friday, July 19, 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. On July 19, location is Stith-Talbert Park, 729 Pennsylvania Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC. See full schedule here.
The next Summer Night Lights will be July 26, 2019 (Aycock Park, 1200 Aycock Street, Rocky Mount, NC).
Friday Nights on the Tar
Friday, July 19, 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. Future dates: August 16 and September 20, 2019. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. See more on the town website. (Article)
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, July 20 and 27, 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, July 20 and 27, 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, July 20 and 27, 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 June, July, and August the market will be open Tuesday afternoons in addition to Saturday mornings.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturdays, July 20 and 27, 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, July 20 and 27, 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.
Books with Brian Featuring See Spot Read
Saturday, July 20, 2019 @ 11:30am-12:30pm
This free literacy event gives kids an opportunity to practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog. Open to readers of all levels. No need to register, just walk in and join the event. Held at the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, NC. See this program and more via the Wake County website’s Zebulon Community Library page.
Book Signing Event
Saturday, July 20, 2019 @ 1-3pm
Margaret and Jim Bailey will be signing their new book, The Country Doctor Museum:Early Medical Practices, Treatments and Medicines, Saturday at the Country Doctor Museum, 7089 Peele Road, Bailey, NC (Nash County). The book, released in June of this year, is available to purchase at the museum. Watch the museum’s Facebook page for any updates.
Retro Moon Landing Party
Saturday, July 20, 2019 @ 3-5pm
We’re partying like it’s 1969! Join us for a party celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Enjoy moon-themed refreshments, then watch along as we rebroadcast the moon landing at the original time of 4:17pm. Wearing 1960s-themed clothing is optional but encouraged. All ages. No registration required. Held at the Wilson County Public Library is located at 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. Questions about the library? Call 252.237.5355 or visit www.wilsoncountypubliclibrary.org.
Summer Outdoor Movie Series
Saturdays, July 20 and August 17, 2019 @ 7pm
Wendell Parks and Recreation and Wendell Falls are co-hosting these free community movie nights.
- July 20: Incredibles 2
- 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.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, July 21, 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. Future date tentatively set as August 18, 2019. See the Wake County public libraries’ East Regional Library web page to access calendar and movie details.
Coming Soon
Center Street Jam Summer Concert Series
Thursday, July 25, 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. Future dates: August 8 and 22, 2019.
Teen Pizza and Paint Nights
Friday, July 26, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Teenagers in grades 9-12 are invited to hang out together. Pizza and soda provided. Students may bring an art project to work on while enjoying the company of others. Art materials are not provided. Held at the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC, 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. See “fourth Friday” event info.
Yard and Plate Sale
Saturday, July 27, 2019 @ 7am-4pm
Money raised during this community event will be used for scholarships with the Team Power Foundation Inc. nonprofit. The Yard Sale will run 7am-1pm. Chicken dinners ($8) will be on sale 11am-4pm. Held at The Power Plex MultiSport Athletic Center, 2708 Wooten Boulevard, Wilson, NC. Proceeds from this event will assist with scholarships for deserving students. To donate items, drop them off at The Power Plex a week before the event. Call Coach Darian Cahill at 919.221.3030 with questions.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturdays, July 27, 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, though times vary.
Summer Movies @ The Library
Saturday, July 27, 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. Future date: August 10, 2019. Access library event including movie title via this library page.
Wake Forest Family Movie Nights
Saturday, July 27, 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. Future movie night: August 10, 2019. Follow the Town of Wake Forest on Facebook. (Related Article)
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.
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 @ 8:30pm
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. For more information on Lawn Chair Theatre, visit www.imperialcentre.org. (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.
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.
Want to be a vendor? Sponsor/vendor information may be found here.
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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 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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