By Kay Whatley, Editor
This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond (Inner Coastal Plains-Five County area of Eastern NC).
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 for updates.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Yappy Hour at Stoney Creek Dog Park
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Bring your family and pup(s) and enjoy this event by Goldsboro Parks & Recreation. Address is 2300 E Ash Street, Goldsboro NC. See the parks and rec Facebook page for this event and more.
Gig in The Park
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm
This free concert series is held in the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. See full Gig in The Park schedule at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/gig-in-the-park. GreyAreaNews.com is proud to be a sponsor of this event series.
Note that the June 27, 2018 concert is a reschedule/new date.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Center Street Jam
Thursday, June 28, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Head downtown to the John Street parking lot at 130 N Center Street, Goldsboro NC, for this free Summer Concert Series. Bring a lawn chairs and dancing shoes. There will be live music, food, cold drinks, and children’s activities. Mandatory ID check for beer purchase; no coolers; no pets. See poster and details on the Downtown Goldsboro (DGDC) website.
Southern Authors Book Club
Thursday, June 28, 2018 @ 6:30-7:30pm
This book club is hosted by the Farmville Public Library, located at 4276 W Church Street, Farmville NC. See this event and more via the library’s Facebook page.
Live Music at Michael’s Showside
July 28-29, 2018 @ 8-11pm
Live music with Chris Hagan (Friday) and Josh Adams (Thursday). Stop by for a meal or drink and stay for the music at Michael’s Showside Grill, 102 N Pine Street, Spring Hope NC. See music schedule here.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, June 29, 2018 @ 8:30am
Head to the Franklin County Farmers Market, Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg NC. and check out the farmers market. The market is on Facebook here. Also open on Saturdays at 8am and Tuesdays at 9am, according to NC Farm Fresh website.
Friday Morning Family Movies
Friday, June 29, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Enjoy a free, family-friendly movie at Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. Free popcorn and lemonade provided. Can bring your own snacks if you like. No registration required. Groups welcome, but arrange visit in advance by calling 252.237.5355 x.5050. Next date is July 6, 2018. See library calendar for this event and more.
Greenville Grooves Music Festival
Friday, June 29, 2018 @ 5-8pm
The Greenville Grooves Music Festival will be held at Five Points Plaza, corner of Evans and Fifth Streets, Greenville NC. This live-music event is free, family friendly, and food will be available from vendors onsite. See details here.
Lawn Chair Theatre
Friday, June 29, 2018 @ 7-10pm
Grab your lawn chairs and blanket and head to Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC, for this free movie. See movie title here. Series presented by the city of Rocky Mount.
Live Music with Backyard Boys
Friday, June 29, 2018 @ 7pm
Fridays live music at the JAVA HOUSE and Venue 20 Cheves Road, Bunn NC. Stop in for coffee and snacks, stay for the music. See this event and more via the JAVA House and Venue Facebook page.
2018 Pamlico County Croaker Festival
June 29-July 2, 2018
The 38th-annual festival, parade, vendors, a golf tournament (July 2), and much more by the sea shore in Oriental NC. See schedule at www.croakerfestival.com/schedules.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Zebulon Rehabilitation Center Yard Sale and Pop Up Vendor Market
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 7am-noon
Show your support and shop local at the Zebulon Rehabilitation Center, 509 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. All proceeds will benefit the residents for various outings. See details and some vendor names on the Chamber event notice.
Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
Shop a variety of locally grown and locally made goods. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. See details at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market.
Rocky Mount Farmers Market
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
The Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Farmers Market is open on Saturdays, with Saturdays. (Check out Tuesdays at The Market too.) See updates on their Facebook page. Market webpage is www.co.nash.nc.us/175/Farmers-Market.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
Head to the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC, for the market day with a variety of local produce, handmade goods, homemade treats, and more. Updates may be posted on their Facebook page.
Free corn is planned during the June 30 market.
Downtown Garner Pop-up Market
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Head to Downtown Garner for this monthly public market with baked goods, locally made items, fresh produce, food trucks, and more. Held in Garner Recreational Park, 221 E Garner Road, Garner NC. Next date is July 28, 2018. See more dates here.
Pop Art! Family Workshop
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 1-4pm
Held in the Arts Education Building, The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Fee is $21 for residents, $30 for non-residents, with fee covering up to 3 people. Open to ages 7 and up.
Be inspired by bright colors and everyday objects. Create artwork as a family inspired by Andy Warhol. All materials provided; no experience necessary. Instructor is April Dickens. With questions or to register before event (required), call 252.972.1632 or email.
Pork Loin Benefit Plate Sale
Saturday, June 30, 2018 @ 2-7pm
In Spring, Emma Bailey was in a horrible car accident leaving her spinal cord damaged. Join Holly Grove Baptist Church to raise support for Emma. Plates are $8 and tickets may be purchased in advance. Held at Holly Grove Baptist Church 1640 Holly Road, Spring Hope NC. See more here.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Buzz Through the Garden: Plants and Pollinators
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 2-3pm
Learn how to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Dress for the weather, wear shoes appropriate to walking outdoors, and bring your own water. Organized by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and held at the Nature Neighborhood Garden at Prairie Ridge, 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh NC. Meet at the front gate near the kiosk. See details here.
Sunday in the Park Lydia Salett Band
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 7-8:30pm
Held on the Town Common, 105 E First Street, Greenville NC. Listen to a Jazz Pianist and singer and enjoy the evening outdoors. More information here.
Coming Soon
Mudcats Baseball Home Games
July 2-8, 2018 @ various times
Head to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC, and watch the Carolina Mudcats play ball. Tickets are approximately $10 per person, give or take a buck. Buy tickets online at www.milb.com/tickets. Weather may affect schedule. Team is on Facebook here.
First Friday on the Lawn
Friday, July 6, 2018 @ 6-9pm
The Human Relations Commission and the City of Wilson Human Relations Department are celebrating diversity through music on the first Friday of each month (July to October), Held on the Wilson County Library Lawn, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. See details here. Next date August 3, 2018.
Downtown Live! Free Concert by The Tams
Thursday, July 5, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Free concert series throughout the summer in downtown Rocky Mount. Location is Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. See details of the Downtown Live! free concert series on the Imperial Centre website here.
Outdoor Movies on the Back Lawn
Thursday, July 5, 2018 @ 8:30pm
Watch a movie under the stars on the back lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center at 125 Avery Street, Garner NC. There will be food and fun too. Held on the first Thursday of each month from May through October. Times vary depending on dusk-time. Free Admission. Bring lawn chair/blanket for comfort. Food/treats on sale, but attendees are welcome to bring a picnic. Free Parking at two nearby locations. Check the Facebook event for movie titles, parking information, rules (no pets, etc.), and weather updates. In case of rain, the movie will be cancelled.
Farm Market & Ice Cream Opening
July 6-8, 2018 @ 8am-4pm
The farm market and ice cream shop will be open for purchases at Vollmer Farm, 677 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. See the farm online at www.vollmerfarm.com.
Tarboro HomeGrown-Handmade Market
Saturday, July 7 and 21, 2018 @ 8am-noon
As the name implies, a variety of goods are available at this market, which is open for “Weekly Wednesday” markets and on first- and third-Saturdays of the month. The market is open, rain or shine, and runs through October 31, 2018. First and third Saturdays market are held at 526 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. The HomeGrown-HandMade Market Saturday dates may be found on this Facebook event.
Teen Movie Matinee
Saturday, July 7, 2018 @ 2-4pm
Come and watch a Marvel film at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. Movie is free. See this and other library events here.
Spring Concert Series with Bender Street
Saturday, July 7, 2018 @ 5:30-7pm
Join the Town of Rolesville for their free Spring Concert Series at Mill Bridge Nature Park, 425 Nature Park Drive, Rolesville NC. This is a June rescheduled concert with Bender Street. See more details on the town website.
Local Author Book Launch Party
Saturday, July 7, 2018 @ 7-8pm
Come and meet local author Kim Beall and learn about her recently published book, Seven Turns. Held at Wake Forest Coffee Company, 156 S White Street, Wake Forest NC. See this event and more on this Facebook page.
Family Sundays
Sunday, July 8 and 22, 2018 @ 2-4pm
Free in the art gallery at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Held every-other Sunday. Bring the family for an afternoon full of family-friendly activities. Drop into the gallery for art making, interactive play, gallery sketching, or go on your own exhibition tour! Ages 3 and up with accompanying adults. See their Facebook event for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions.
Friday Night on White
Friday, July 13, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Join the crowd on White Street in downtown Wake Forest NC for a live concert each month. No admission fee. This date, music by Love Tribe. Event organized by White Street Brewing and the Town of Wake Forest. For complete information about Friday Night on White, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/friday-night-on-white.aspx.
Animal ESP and Communication
Friday, July 13, 2017 @ 7-9pm
Come for this presentation and discuss animals and potential Psi abilities. Presented by Susan Freeman with Animal Communicators Kathe Martin, Toni Stevens, and Michele Bustamante
JB Rhine was fond of animals, but it was his curiosity that led him to a ‘psychic’ horse named Lady Wonder in 1929. By 1951, JB Rhine had initiated research programs at the Duke Parapsychology Labs that focused on the question: Do animals have Psi abilities? The research continued through the 60s and 70s, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, even bugs and fish.
Held at The Episcopal Center at Duke University, 505 Alexander Avenue, Durham NC. Admission is $20 per person, or $15 for Rhine Members, or $10 for students/senior citizens. Register via The Rhine event page.
Stepping Into The Past
Saturday, July 14, 2018 @ 8am
This series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee. See upcoming topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past. Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC.
This July 14 event is an Ice Cream Social.
Downtown Tarboro Live Summer Music Series
Thursday, July 19, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Come to the Courthouse Square in downtown Tarboro NC for this free, community, live music event. Bring a chair for comfort. Food and beverages will be on sale (bring cash to buy). Shop late downtown with participating merchants. No outside alcohol allowed. Next date is August 16, 2018. See the town calendar here.
Author Event: Kim Beall
Sunday, July 19, 2018 @ 7pm
Page 158 Books, Suite B, 415 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC, holds author events on a regular basis. Local author Kim Beall will be part of Page 158 Books’ author series with her newly released novel. See this and other author events on the Page 158 Books Facebook page.
Back-to-School Kick-off
Saturday, July 21, 2018 @ 1-5pm
Organized by The Power Couples Cleaning Service, this event takes place at the Bailey-Middlesex Community Park, 8104 Stoney Hill Church Road, Bailey NC. Event offers free food, music, games, and family fun. During the event, 200 book bags will be given away. See the event flyer on Facebook.
Trunk Show & Lecture with Annie Smith
Saturday, July 28, 2018 @ 5-7pm
Workshop held at The Broken Needle, 219 NC Hwy 98 East, Bunn NC. Annie Smith takes the audience through a journey of color and fabric, discussing what the key to your fabric choices really are. No matter what your skill level, learn the personality of your quilts through choosing fabric with a new eye on color. Tickets are $10 per person, available here.
Later This Year
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, September 8, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
Markets are held once-a-month in Fall and Spring. The market welcomes arts and craft vendors and farmers to sell their wares. The location is the Uptown Selma Gazebo, in the back parking lot of Town Hall, near 100 E Anderson Street, Selma NC. The market season Facebook event is here. Spring dates are done for 2018. Fall market will start September 8, 2018. VENDOR FEES FOR FALL start at $20 per date, with seasonal rate available. Interested Fall vendors, see www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays.
20th Annual Heritage Day Festival
Saturday, October 13, 2018 @ 6:30-9pm
Come out for entertainment, vendors, and community fellowship. Held near 112 W Center Street, Black Creek NC. Follow the town on Facebook here. Vendor opportunities available.
Event organizers: News site display ads, with a link, are available for a monthly fee. Call 919.637.6973 or email Sales.
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.
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.
