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 organizers directly for updates.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Johnston County Writers Meeting

Thursday, March 8, 2018 @ 6:30pm

Selma-area writers meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma NC. (Contact information TBD.)

Teen Tech Week – Wilson Library

March 4-10, 2018

Head to the Wilson County Public Library for a different tech activity each day. The week will wrap up with a “Craft, Create, and Code” program on Saturday, March 10, 2018, noon-5pm. At the Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC.

Teens, after tech week, plan to come back to the Main Library for Pi Day on March 14, 2018 @ 5:30-8pm, in the Assembly Room at the Main Library for a special teen program “celebrating one of the world’s most famous numbers.” Part of the Wilson Reads program, with Pi and Pie related activities. Contact Scott Houston, the new Teen Program coordinator, at 252.237.5355 x.5073.

Paintings on Display at Town Hall

March 8, 2018 through April 30, 2018

Oil and acrylic paintings by local artist, Alma Burke, are on display at the Knightdale Town Hall, 950 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Stop by town hall and see these works by one of the area’s talented artists. Exhibit may be viewed during Town Hall business hours.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Cornerstone Writers Meeting

Friday, March 8, 2017 @ 9am

This writer’s group meets on Fridays at Kosmic Kittens Cat Lounge, corner of Anderson and Raiford Streets, Selma NC. See their ongoing events here. (Check with organizers or Kosmic Kittens directly with questions or time clarification.)

Space Weather: The Sun-Earth Connection

Friday, March 9, 2018 @ 7:30pm

Open to the public. Hear a NASA space weather scientist, Dr. Yari Collado-Vega, give a lecture on Space Weather. Held in the Keihin Auditorium in the Fleming Building, Edgecombe Community College, 2009 W. Wilson Street, Tarboro NC. See details here.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

2018 Shad Fishing Tournament

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 7am-4pm

The 2018 Shad Fishing Tournament is organized with Goldsboro Parks and Recreation and E-Z Bait and Tackle. This will be a tournament that is fun for all ages and includes prizes. Fish must be caught in Wayne County NC. There is an entry fee of $20 per angler. Register and pay entry fee at E-Z Bait & Tackle, 2049 US Hwy 117 S, Goldsboro NC which is also the weigh-in location for the tournament. Call 919.736.2488.

Stepping Into The Past

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 8am

This weekly 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.

March 10 presentation is “Working the Land: Antique tractor displays/farmer appreciation”.

Dig In!

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 8:15am-1:30pm

Annual Dig In! to Healthy Communities event by Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) and partner Marbles Kids Museum. Dig In! is being held at Marbles, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh NC. The one-day event gives attendees a chance to explore how urban agriculture, community gardens, and edible gardens in schools and child care settings grow a healthier Wake County. Learn how and commit to how you will contribute to healthier communities in Wake County through edible gardens and urban agriculture. Tickets $25 per person, available online in-advance. The theme for Dig In! this year is Nourishing Community: How Community Gardens and Urban Ag Support a Healthy Wake County. (Article)  Register via this EventBrite page.

Mudcats National Anthem Tryouts

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 9:30am-noon

Think you have what it takes to sing the Star Spangled Banner prior to a Mudcats game? Then head over to the team’s national anthem auditions. Held by the Carolina Mudcats Baseball Club at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC. Registration begins on the third base side of the stadium at 9:30am, and auditions are on a first come, first served basis. Email for more information.

Nash County Recycles Day

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 10am-1pm

This free, open-to-the-public recycling event is being held by the Nash County Courthouse, 222 W Washington Street, Nashville NC. Recycle old electronics, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, unwanted/unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and paper documents safely and securely. See flyer and any updates here.

From Farm to Flavor: A Celebration of Southern Food History

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 10am-3pm

Family-friendly activities include hands-on demonstrations such as smoking meats, preserving vegetables, and baking bread at the Aycock Birthplace, 264 Governor Aycock Road, Fremont NC. Free samples and recipes will be available, including a hop yeast starter for home bakers. Young chefs will learn to make butter and test their culinary skills at the “Sensory Experiences” stations. You can also help us create a community cookbook by bringing your favorite recipes to share. The event is free, and open to all. See www.nchistoricsites.org/aycock.

College Fair

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 11am-2pm

Visit with local colleges and universities to make your future just a little bit brighter. Held on the Second Floor of Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC.

Bunn Fire Dept. Barbecue

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 11am-until

Support the Bunn (NC) Rural Volunteer Fire Department at this annual fundraiser. Barbecue available for eat-in or take-out. Location is the Bunn Fire Station at 555 Main Street, Bunn NC. The FD is on Facebook here.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Training Class: Squirrel 101

Sunday, March 11, 2018 @ 2-4pm

Interested in volunteering to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned squirrels? Wildlife Welfare of Raleigh is hosting a training class for the purpose of teaching how to become a licensed rehabilitator. Visit www.wildlifewelfare.org for more details on classes and sign-up.

Coming Soon

All About Bees

Monday, March 12, 2018 @ 10am

Learn about bees and what powerful pollinators they are with Guest speaker Marshall Dildy. Event co-hosted by All Seasons Garden Club and Wilson County Cooperative Extension. See event/updates via this Facebook event.

Held at Wilson Botanical Gardens, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson NC. After this bee event, stick around for the Arbor Day event listed below.

Wilson Tree Inventory and Tree Dedication Ceremony

Monday, March 12, 2018 @ 11am

Held at Wilson Botanical Gardens 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson NC, directly after the “All About Bees” event listed above.

Have you ever wondered what trees are located in the City of Wilson or what tree is planted on a certain street? Join us with our guest speaker, John Sugg, Treefull Communities, Inc. and Wilson Botanical Gardens board member. Immediately after the short presentation, everyone in attendance will go outside to dedicate the 2018 Arbor Day tree, a “Regal Prince” Oak tree. See event/updates here.

Women in Tech on Postage Stamps

Monday, March 12, 2018 @ 6:30pm

Come and listen to guest lecturer Robert Cagna. Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. For more information, call the library at 252.237.5355.

Photography-and-Writers Guilds Combined Meeting

Monday, March 12, 2018 @ 7pm

The Photography Guild and the Writer’s Guild are combining their meetings at a new time. New members are always welcome. Stop by and check us out. Meetings are held on the second Monday of these months:  January, March, May, July, September, November. Meeting location is Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) Headquarters, 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC.

The Writer’s Guild supports and encourages writers of all genres and levels of expertise. Follow the Writer’s Guild on Facebook.

The Photography Guild is a mix of experienced and novice photographers. Follow the Photography Guild on Facebook and join-in on their weekly challenges.

Chopped: Arts and Crafts Edition

Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 6-7:30pm

TEEN AREA Grab a mystery bag of craft supplies and show what you can do. Library staff will share your masterpieces on social media. Held in the Teen Area at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. For more information, contact Brittany Harrell, Teen Services Librarian, at 252.442.1951 x.257 or via email.

Wendell Historical Society

Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 7pm 

Wendell historian Ray Hinnant will present a program titled “Happy Birthday, Wendell.” This free history program will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Selma Road, Wendell NC. With questions, call 919.365.6313.

Muscle Mopar and More

Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 8am-4pm

Spend St. Patrick’s Day at this Bunn vehicle-oriented event. Spectators enter for $1 per person. Enjoy a day of family fun at this car, truck, and motorcycle show with vendors, food, music and more. Low riders participate in a Car Limbo contest. Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. Register a vehicle, or see spectator details at carshowpro.com/events/view/156.

Annual Tree Give-Away

Saturday, March 17, 2018, 9am-until trees are gone

Stop by the Franklin County Farmers’ Market, located in the lot of the Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg NC. Trees will be given away, first come, first served. Made possible by the Franklin County Cooperative Extension. To see types of trees, visit franklin.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/02/annual-tree-give-away.

St. Pat’s Day Celebration

Sunday, March 17, 2018 @ noon-10pm

This is the second-annual 217 Brew Works St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, with a full day of music, food, and beer. Location opens at noon, and music will start around 4pm. A “very Irish menu” starts at 5pm. Hosted by 217 Brew Works, 217 South Street S, Wilson NC. . See event/updates via www.facebook.com/217BrewWorks.

Family Sundays

March 18, 2018 @ 2pm

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 page for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions.

March to Work Job Fair

Thursday, March 22, 2018 @ 10am-1pm

This job fair is free and open to the public. More than 50 employers with open positions are expected to be there. Held in Johnston Community College’s Paul A Johnston Auditorium, 245 College Road, Smithfield NC. Sponsored by NCWorks. For those who attend Skills for Success or Keys to Success in February or March, you will be granted VIP Access at 9am.  For more information, visit www.ncworks.gov or call 919.553.0953.

Documentary Film Screening and Discussion “Robeson Rises”

March 22, 2018 @ 5:30pm (doors open), 6pm movie/discussion

Held at the Carolina Civic Center Theater, 315 N Chestnut Street, Lumberton NC. This film by Michael Pogoloff, from the Appalachian Voices Project / Green Hero Films, documents activists rising up to challenge construction of a proposed pipeline across North Carolina (Atlantic Coast Pipeline). Covers issues of community disruption and ecosystem destruction. Film website is robesonrises.com.

Franklin Flicks Film Festival

March 23-24, 2018

Franklin Flicks Film Festival brings high-caliber, international Independent cinema to Franklin County, North Carolina — a county well-renowned for its love of culture and the arts.  The Glitz and Glamour of Independent short films meets Small Town Southern Hospitality and Charm. This year, the Franklin Flicks Film Festival will be held at Tar Banks Brewery, 108 N Main Street, in downtown Louisburg NC. More information may be found on the Franklin Flicks website, www.fciff.org. (See our article here.)

Workday in the Apiary

Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ 10am-4pm

Come help Baxter’s Bees assemble and paint bee boxes, put together frames, and get hives ready for bees this Spring. Or, help with pollinator garden plantings. Lend a hand and learn about other ways to support beekeepers and honey bees. Baxter’s Bees is located on Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. In January 2018, most of their beehives were poisoned and vandalized. Support this local business as they recover from the vandalism. To volunteer and for address, Email Baxter’s Bees or call 919.665.5038.

ProTown BMX @ Wendell

Saturday, March 24, 2018 with shows at 11am and 2pm

Come out and watch the ProTown BMX stunt team demonstrate flips, spins, whips and much more at this free event. Set up will be along Main Street in downtown Wendell NC. The Greenville-based team will have autograph sessions and free riding clinics after each performance, so bring bikes and helmets and ride with the pros. For more information, call 919.366.2266 or visit ProTown BMX. Rain Date is Sunday, March 25, 2018 with shows at 11am and 2pm.

First Friday Coffee

Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 8-9am

Jeff Dodson from State Farm will be presenting at this month’s First Friday Coffee. Join the group for networking, meet neighbors and local business people. Held at The Nashville Exchange, 229 W Washington Street, Nashville NC.  This event is organized by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Their website is nashvillencchamber.org.

First Friday

Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 6-9pm

Visit the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences for “First Friday” and enjoy exhibits and special activities. The address is 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Admission is free. See imperialcentre.org.

Fabulous Friday

Friday, April 6, 2018 @ 3-5pm

The April event is an “Egg Drop” with a chance for young “engineers” to show off their skills and try to save an egg from destruction. Eggs will be dropped from the water tower. Admission fees are waived during Fabulous Fridays. Admission to the Imagination Station is normally $5 per person (adults/children), with free entry for children 3 and under and Museum members. Imagination Station is located at 224 Nash Street E, Wilson NC. Parking is available behind the museum in their Douglas Street parking lot.

Zebulon Community Recycling Day

Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 9am-noon

Bring your pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, paint, tires, appliances, batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronics, and televisions for proper disposal. The shred truck can destroy documents you no longer need.  Organized by the town of Zebulon Public Works. Held at 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. For more informantion, contact Public Works at 919.269.5285.

Johnston County Writers Meeting

Thursday, April 12, 2018 @ 6:30pm

Selma-area writers meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma NC. The April meeting will feature local writer Tracie Barton-Barrett, author of Buried Deep in Our Hearts. (Contact information TBD.)

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 listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.

Ed. Note: 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. Any highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event or knowledge of offerings.