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, as a number of events are being canceled this week — as safety measures to avoid spreading illness — and there may be cancellation notices that we have not seen.
To suggest an event for a future list, email the editor.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Thursday, March 12, 2020 @ 9:30-10:30am CANCELED
Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, this event was scheduled to be held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre in Wake Forest, NC. It has been canceled due to the NC Governor’s declared state of emergency urging people 65 and older to avoid large gatherings. 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.
Friday the 13th
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, March 13, 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.
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 CANCELED
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 CANCELED
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)
Saturday, March 14, 2020
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.
Reptile and Amphibian Day
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 9am-5pm CANCELED
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’s “Reptile and Amphibian Day” in
. has been canceled as a precaution against exposing a crowd to coronavirus.29th Annual St. Patrick’s Festival
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 9am-6pm
Emerald Isle’s annual festival includes rides, arts and crafts vendors, food, music, and more on Saturday. Note that rides and more start on Friday (5-10pm). Free admission and parking. See festival information here.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, March 14, 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.
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. Next date: March 28, 2020. 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.
Spring Vendor Event
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 10am-5pm
Outdoor vendor event held at Clayton General Store, 10522 Hwy 70 Business, Clayton, NC. Come and shop local, with a variety of goods available. Follow Clayton General Store on Facebook for updates.
Fairytale Festival: The World is Our Stage
Saturday, March 14, 2020 @ 1-2:30pm
Organized by and held at the Wayne County Museum, 116 N William Street, Goldsboro, NC. Program designed for K-2 children. Interactive reader’s theater performance and more, including fairytale STEM. Follow the museum on Facebook for updates.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
High Point, NC: Writing Your Manuscript
Sunday, March 15, 2020 @ 1:45-4pm CANCELED
Murder We Write has canceled their 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, due to concerns re: the Coronavirus. It had been scheduled for the High Point Public Library, High Point, NC.
The group has also canceled their April and May writers’ programs. See murderwewrite.org.
NC Seed Swap @ Artmosphere
Sunday, March 15, 2020 @ 3-5pm
Bring seeds for any plants, cactus, flowers, edibles, etc. and swap with for other seeds at this Soil Trotters event. Held rain or shine at Artmosphere Community Arts Center, 3919 Raleigh Road, Clayton, NC. Follow Soil Trotters on Facebook.
Coming Soon
Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, March 19, 2020 @ 3:30-4:30pm
On the first day of Spring, join the Farmville Public Library for a scavenger hunt on the grounds of the May Museum, 3802 S Main Street, Farmville, NC. “Families with school-aged children will learn about the signs of spring and some Farmville history.” Follow the Farmville Public Library for any updates.
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.
Superhero Day
Saturday, March 28, 2020 @ 10-11am
Join Zebulon Parks & Rec at Whitley Park, 601 N Wakefield Street, Zebulon, NC, for this free event with superhero games, an obstacle course, and more. Kids age 9 and under are encouraged to wear a superhero costume. The town Master Plan process will be discussed and ideas are welcome.
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.
Fabulous Friday: Robotics
Friday, April 3, 2020 @ 5-7pm
Free admission on Fabulous Fridays at Imagination Station Science and History Museum, 224 Nash Street SE, Wilson, NC. Follow Imagination Station on Facebook for updates.
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.
flix4kidz
Monday, April 13, 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)
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.
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market Opening Day
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 @ 4-8pm
Local farm offerings and handmade/homemade goods. This year, Wednesday markets will be “night markets.” 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.
First Friday Flix
Friday, May 1, 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; however, there is no First Friday Flix in April. See details at www.wakeforestrencen.org.
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.
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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 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: Updated with event cancellation on March 10-13, 2020.