Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor
This week’s 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 confirm.
To suggest an event for a future list, email the editor.
Friday, March 6, 2020
Edgecombe County Mobile Free Pharmacy (OTC Giveaway)
Friday, March 6, 2020 @ 9am-2pm
Stock up on over-the-counter medicines and more at the NC MedAssist Mobile Free Pharmacy. Must be 18 or older to receive items. I.D. and proof of residency are not required. Held at the Edgecombe County Administration Building, 201 St Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC. Follow NC MedAssist on Facebook for updates.
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, March 6, 2020 @ 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 located in the parking lot at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg, NC. Follow the market’s Facebook page for updates including market closing days, holidays, and produce/art/goods available at this year-round farmers market.
Fabulous Friday: The Bionic Human Body
Friday, March 6, 2020 @ 5-7pm
Free admission on Fabulous Fridays. NCSU’s student Cybathlon team will provide tips and participants can build a prosthetic limb and “discover what other amazing things the human body is capable of through plenty of fun, hands-on projects.” Held at Imagination Station Science and History Museum, 224 Nash Street SE, Wilson, NC. Next Fabulous Friday is April 3, 2020 (Robotics). Follow Imagination Station on Facebook for updates.
First Friday
Friday, March 6, 2020 @ 6-9pm
Family-friendly event held on the first Friday of each month November through March. Event is free; some activities have a fee. Held at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See imperialcentre.org/events/first-friday.
First Friday Flix
Friday, March 6, 2020 @ 7-9pm
Watch a movie at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. This free event repeats on the first Friday of each month. See details at www.wakeforestrencen.org.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Goldsboro Downtown History Walk
Saturday, March 7, 2020 @ 10-11am
Join the Wayne County Museum, 116 N William Street, Goldsboro, NC, for a downtown walking tour and learn history from the guide. Tour leaves from the museum lobby promptly at 10am. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Handicap accessible. May be canceled for poor weather. Follow Wayne County Museum on Facebook for updates.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, March 7, 2020 @ 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, holidays, and other factors. Located at 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC. The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org and on Facebook here.
Nash County Recycles Day
Saturday, March 7, 2020 @ 10am-1pm
Join Keep Americal Beautiful of Nash and Edgecombe counties and Nashville Parks and recycle items including old electronics/corded items, light bulbs, old/unwanted prescriptions, medications, and batteries. Documents/paper will also be accepted for shredding. Held at the parking lot of the Nash County Courthouse, 234 W Washington Street, Nashville, NC. See flyer here.
International Festival of Cultures
Saturday, March 7, 2020 @ noon-4pm
Sample exotic foods, visit vendors, and watch a fashion show and multi-cultural entertainment featuring local folks with origins from around the globe. Held in the Brown Auditorium on the campus of Nash Community College, 522 N Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC. (Article)
Mamma Mia performance + 70s Audience Dress-up Night
Saturday, March 7, 2020 @ 7:30pm
The Playhouse of Wilson has set a special theme for this date, and encourages ticket-holders to dress for the 1970s. Adult tickets purchased in-advance are $13 per person, or $15 per person at the door. Senior (65+) and students may purchase tickets for $13 per person either in-advance or at the door. Call 252.363.1933 to reserve tickets. Held in the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson, NC. See www.playhouseofwilson.com.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ the Library
Sunday, March 8, 2020 @ 2pm
Live action adventure based on the beloved book and animated series, Dora the Explorer. Dora, a teenage explorer, leads her friends on an adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold. Join us for a craft while we watch Dora and her friends in this new release family movie. Snacks will be provided. Feature presentation is Dora and the City of Gold (Rated PG, Runtime 1 hr 42 minutes)
Coming Soon
flix4kidz
Monday, March 9, 2020 @ 11:30am-1pm
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month. Concessions. will be available for purchase. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Visit www.wakeforestrencen.org for upcoming events.
Free at 3 (Movie for Seniors)
Monday, March 9, 2020 @ 3-5pm
Movies for adults age 50 and up, “Free at 3” features a variety of film favorites and genres screened on the second Monday afternoon of each month. Concessions will be available for purchase. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. RSVP here. Visit the Renaissance Centre website at www.wakeforestrencen.org for upcoming events.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Thursday, March 12, 2020 @ 9:30-10:30am
Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, this event will be held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Follow the Senior Information & Networking Group (SING) of Wake Forest on Facebook for this event and others.
Coffee and History
Thursday, March 12, 2020 @ 10-11am (new time)
The Farmville Public Library and May Museum & Park are offering this unique series, with local history presentations and special guests at the museum or library. On March 12, look back at Farmville history with Barbara Sauls, storyteller. Held at the Farmville Public Library, 3466 N Walnut Street ( Train Depot ), Farmville, NC. For more information, call the library at 252.753.3355 or the museum at 252.753.6725. Updates may be posted to Facebook pages of the Farmville Public Library and May Museum.
Johnston County Writers Group Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 2020 @ 6-7:45pm
Join this free, open-to-the-public meeting at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC. This month’s guest speaker is artist and author Deborah Dunn, a traditionally published author of inspirational self-help with Simon and Schuster. Dunn has released two historical mysteries based on the archaeology of the Lost Colony and Jamestown under her own publishing brand, Five Rivers Press. She will share her life story — how she came to both write and paint, and a bit about her process — a motivational talk for the winter doldrums! Group facilitator is Cindy Brookshire, email jocowriters@gmail.com.
Ten Plants That Are Weird and Unusual
Friday, March 13, 2020 @ noon-1pm
Come for this “Ten Plant Tour Series” event at the Nash County Arboretum, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville, NC. Held on the second Friday of each month. See series announcement here. (Article)
Parks and Rec Master Plan Glow Party
Friday, March 13, 2020 @ 6-7pm
Join the fun with the Zebulon Parks & Recreation and Planning Departments at this family event including glow-in-the-dark activities, free snacks, drinks, and glow-y accessories. There will also be discussions of the town’s future, a chance to offer ideas, and an overview of the “Master Plan” process. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. Follow Zebulon Parks and Rec here.
Free Family Movie Night
Friday, March 13, 2020 @ 7-9pm
Join Zebulon Parks & Recreation for a free indoor movie at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. For movie title, call 919.823.0432. Movie will begin showing at 7pm. (Come at 6pm for the Glow Party mentioned above!) Popcorn and bottled water provided. Follow the town’s parks and rec department on Facebook.
Wake Forest Film Festival
March 13-14, 2020
This second-annual, two-day film festival will include a variety of film screenings, along with a reception on Friday at 5:30pm, and the awards ceremony on Saturday at 8pm, all held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. For tickets, which start at $15 for one-day passes, visit www.wakeforestrencen.org/tickets-events/wake-forest-film-festival. (Article)
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 9am-1pm
Held monthly at Uptown Vick Park, 112 E Anderson Street, Selma, NC. Themes for each date:
- March 14, 2020: “Sidewalk Chalk Art” at the market Opening Day
- April 11, 2020: Picnic with the Easter Bunny (bring a picnic)
- May 9, 2020: Mother’s Day Flower Bar
See details, vendor information, and contact for free vendor space at www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays.
Tree Giveaway at Reptile and Amphibian Day
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 9am-5pm
We Plant It Forward will be giving away tree seedlings during the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’s “Reptile and Amphibian Day.” The Museum is located at . For more information, visit terravitastewards.org/weplantitforward.
Spring Artisan Craft Market
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 10am-1pm
Join the Clayton Farm and Community Market for the 2020 opening of its monthly Artisan Craft Market at Horne Square, 348 E Main Street, Clayton, NC. Farm goods, handcrafted items, artwork, and more. Follow updates at www.facebook.com/CFCMNC.
The Market
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 10am-2pm
New farmers market featuring farm goods, local businesses, artisans, and crafters. Under cover and heated. Held at Oak Ridge Farms, 92 Thomas Arnold Road, Zebulon, NC (near Pilot/Rocky Cross). This market will be open every-other Saturday in early 2020. Follow Oak Ridge Farms on Facebook for market details/updates.
Stepping into the Past Saturday Series
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 10am-2pm
Saturday historical and traditional demonstrations. Museum admission fee applies. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum is located at 709 Church Street, Kenly, NC. The March 14 presentation is “Working the Land.” See upcoming “Stepping into the Past” topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org.
Writing Your Manuscript
Sunday, March 15, 2020 @ 1:45-4pm
Murder We Write invites writers and readers of all ages to attend this free “part two” of the group’s four-part writing series. Learn “Developing Your Plot, Scenes, Conflict and Climax!” with Lawrence Kelter, award-winning author of the books based on the movie My Cousin Vinnie and more. Held at High Point Public Library, 291 N Main Street, High Point, NC. See murderwewrite.org.
Community Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, March 21, 2020 @ 10am-noon
Celebrate the history of Arbor Day and plant some trees in the Town of Wendell. Gather at J Ashley Wall Town Square, 17 W 3rd Street, Wendell, NC. Free Kona Ice for kids who help plant a tree. Games too. See flyer here.
Wilson Spring EXPO 2020 presented by Greenlight Community Broadband
Saturday, March 21, 2020 @ 10am-4pm
Join the Wilson Chamber of Commerce for this annual EXPO and meet local businesses and entrepreneurs. Learn about local products and services. Held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds, 2331 Hwy 301 South, Wilson, NC. See details and vendor info via the Chamber website.
ProTown BMX
Saturday, March 21, 2020 @ 11am & 2pm (two shows)
Watch these expert riders at this annual event downtown along Main Street, Wendell, NC. This is a free event. Follow the town Facebook page for updates.
Around The Tables
Saturday, March 21, 2020 @ 10-11:45am + lunch
This monthly giveaway by Dream Coat Ministries offers free clothing for all ages, free groceries while supplies last, and a noon meal in Knightdale, NC. Future dates: April 18 and May 16, 2020. For more information, visit dreamcoatknightdale.org or Follow Dream Coat Ministries on Facebook for updates/location.
Coffee with A Cop
Thursday, March 26, 2020 @ 10am
Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone will be joining Bailey Police Chief Steven Boraski and Middlesex Police Chief Mike Collins for this community event. Held at the Southern Nash Senior Center, 8180 Stoney Hill Church Road, Bailey, NC. Follow NCSO on Facebook for updates.
Johnston County Writers Open Mic Night
Friday, March 27, 2020 @ 6:30-7:30pm
Held on the fourth Friday of each month, members and non-members can join the fun at Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma, NC. Writers, poets, musicians, and others may take the stage, or be a part of the audience. Join the Johnston County Writers’ Group on Facebook.
Rockin’ the Forest
Friday, March 27, 2020 @ 7:30-10pm
The final date of this music series features The Magnificents. Tickets are $15+tax per person. Cash bar will be set up on-site. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. See details and purchase tickets via the Ren Centre website.
Exploring Your Business Event
Saturday, March 28, 2020 @ 10am-2pm
Local business promotions event at the ACE Center, 7027 Knightdale Blvd, Knightdale, NC. See details and vendor contact information here.
Superhero Day
Saturday, March 28, 2020 @ 10am
Kids up to age 9 are invited to wear their favorite superhero costume and come to play games, make masks, and join other activities including an obstacle course. This is a free event held in Whitley Park, 689 N Wakefield Street, Zebulon, NC. See this event and others on the town website.
Bilingual Family Storytime
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 @ 4pm
Join the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC, for Spanish/English Family Storytime at the Main Library. The Library will continue this bilingual program the last Tuesday of each month. No registration required.
La hora de cuentos bilingües en el español y el ingles — El martes 31 de marzo a las cuatro de la tarde la sucursal principal de la biblioteca pública del Condado de Wilson va a presentar su hora de cuentos bilingües. La biblioteca quiere presentar este programa el último martes de cada mes.
Ferrell’s Fire & Rescue “Fish Fry”
Friday, April 3, 2020 @ 5pm-until
Support this Fire and Rescue department and get yourself a tasty dinner for $8 per person. Come early as they may sell out in a few hours. Held at the station — Ferrells Fire & Rescue, 9589 W NC-97 Hwy, Middlesex, NC. Follow these first responders at www.facebook.com/FerrellsFireRescue13.
Nash County Farmers Market “Opening Day”
Saturday April 4, 2020 @ 8am-1pm
Farmers market with wide variety of offerings including locally-grown produce, meats and seafood, homemade goods, home decor, crafts, furniture, plants, and apparel. Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Follow the market on Facebook, or visit nashcountync.gov/175/Farmers-Market.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturday, May 9, 2020 @ 9am-1pm
This is “Opening Day” of The Market 2020. Pre-opening there will be a May Day Market (May 2, 2020) and an April Pop Up Market with certain types of vendors (April 22, 2020). Held at the Town Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. Information, and vendor applications, available on the Town of Zebulon website.
Wendell Farmers Market
Saturday, May 16, 2020 @ 9am-1pm
This market is open to farms, homemade goods makers, artisans, and more. Held at the corner of Campen & Main Streets, Wendell, NC. Open every Saturday through October 3, 2020. See details and vendor application contact at www.townofwendell.com/living/farmers-market. Follow Wendell Farmers Market on Facebook here.
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market
April Opening Day To Be Announced
Local farm offerings and handmade/homemade goods. Held in the Pavilion at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See details, including vendor applications, here. Updates may be posted via the market’s Facebook page.
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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 the news site nor staff. Contact organizers directly. Any 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 readers like you to cut-and-paste complete event information and share with others… though sharing of this article’s link is encouraged, so that readers may see all listed events.
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Ed. Note: Originally published March 2, 2020. Updated March 4.
