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 15, 2018
Kite Building Workshop
Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 4-5pm
This is your chance to learn how to build a kite from items you can find around the house. Afterward, the group will go outside and attempt to fly their creations. Held in the Visitor Center at Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro NC. Space is limited, and registration is required. Call the park office to register: 910.326.4881.
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 Presentation
Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 7-8pm
Wendell historian Ray Hinnant will present a program celebrating the Birthday of Wendell. This history program is free and open to the public. It will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Selma Road, Wendell NC. With questions, call 919.365.6313.
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 16, 2018
Job Fair
Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 9am-noon
Free to students and community. Held in the Mobley Atrium, Fleming Building at Edgecombe Community College, 2009 W Wilson Street, Tarboro NC. On-site interviews & resume review sources. Bring resumes and “dress for success”. No jeans. Contact organizer by email or 252.823.5166, x.331. List of expected employers is here.
Recreational Adventures: In Search of Leprechauns
Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 11am-noon
Register here. Fee of $1 per person. Description: “The mischievous leprechauns have been playing tricks at Yates Mill. Listen to Irish music, read leprechaun stories, and build your own leprechaun trap to help us catch these clever creatures. Be sure to wear green! For ages 6 & up; fee: $1/Person. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment.” Held at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC.
Free Carriage Rides
Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Join the fun with free carriage rides, beginning at the corner of Third and Market streets, and are first come, first served. Make a night of it in Historic Downtown Smithfield NC with a $4 movie at the Howell Theatre, and other local restaurants/businesses offerings. See this Facebook page for details and other downtown events.
Arbor Day Free Rock Painting
Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 6-8pm
Free event open to the public. Come and paint, and celebrate Arbor Day. All painted rocks will be hidden for you to find on Saturday. Held at the Art of Giving Gallery, Studio, and Gift Store at 10 S Cypress Street, Wendell NC. See Facebook event for contact person.
School Spirit – Friend or Enemy?
Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 6-7pm
Each semester, A/V Geeks founder and NC State alumnus Skip Elsheimer joins forces with NC State faculty members to present and discuss unusual and exemplary classroom instructional films, newsreels, and documentaries spanning the last 80 years. Free and open to the public. This month, Dr. K.C. Busch of NC State’s Department of STEM Education joins A/V Geeks’ Skip Elsheimer to discuss educational films about school spirit and when it goes too far. Presented by A/V Geeks, held at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, 1070 Partners Way, Raleigh NC. See more at www.avgeeks.com/wp2.
Jazz on John Presents: UMO Jazz Ensemble
Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 7-9pm
This free event features UMO’s talented jazz ensemble. Snacks and wine will be provided. Hosted by the Arts Council of Wayne County at 102 N John Street, Goldsboro NC. To see more “Jazz on John” dates and other Arts Council events, visit www.artsinwayne.org/events.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Muscle Mopar and More
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 9am-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.
Tree Giveaway: Creating Habitat for Animals
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 9am-5pm
We Plant It Forward will be giving out tree seedlings at the NC Museum of Natural Science’s “Reptile and Amphibian Day” event. The theme is Lizards, some of which use trees as their habitat. One of the many benefits of planting trees is creating a natural natural habitat for many animals. Come get a free tree seedling to take home to plant or give it as a gift to someone you know. Held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC. Follow We Plant It Forward on Facebook here.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 9am-6pm
Join the celebration at the 27th-annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival at the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center, 8700 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle NC. Admission to the festival and parking are free. This festival is an all-day event with fun activities for all ages. Features include a petting zoo, amusement rides (also open Friday, extra fee for rides), a climbing wall, face painting, over 75 arts and crafts vendors, clowns, and more. There will also be a variety of foods including funnel cakes, hamburgers, BBQ, and other choices. Beer Garden Beer service will begin at 10am and end at 5:30pm. Questions regarding the festival? Call Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation at 252.354.6350 or visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org. See www.facebook.com/TheJeweloftheSOBX for this event and more.
Around The Tables
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 10am-12:30pm
Free clothing for all ages and a free noon meal. This event is held by Dream Coat Ministries to ensure local families in need are able to take home clothing for home, work, or school, and share a meal together — prepared by church volunteers. Hosted by Now Faith Community Baptist Church, 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale NC. For this and future “Around The Tables” dates, see the Dream Coat Ministries Facebook page. (See our July 2017 article regarding Around The Tables.)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by Making Wild Pesto
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 10am-1pm
Join the Friends of Battle Park and forage with a wild food expert/chef, then prepare wild pesto together, and eat it on baguette bread. Learn how to identify and harvest the ingredients for pesto as well as learn to identify several other wild, edible spring plants. Meet in Shelter C at Battle Park, Battle Park Road, Rocky Mount NC.
Wendell Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Head to the Town Square, 17 W Third Street, Wendell NC, for this special Arbor Day event organized by the town Parks and Rec. Hear a History of Arbor Day, join an interactive Tree Planting Seminar, listen to a reading of the arbor day proclamation, view the Mother Tree Art Project, and take part in the free Baby Tree Adoption. Followed by an optional painting workshop (below).
Arbor Day Tree Art Painting
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 11am-3pm
Join Wendell Parks and Recreation and the Art of Giving Studio for this special Arbor Day Tree Painting event. Lynette Pair will offer an 8 x 10 painting for a nominal fee ($5 per person). This event is taking place at the Art of Giving Gallery, Studio, and Gift Store at 10 S Cypress Street, Wendell NC.
St. Paddy’s Day with A Time For Science
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 11am-3pm
Join Uptown Greenville and A Time For Science for the annual celebration of Day O’Green and Au (Gold). Location is 729 Dickinson Avenue, Greenville NC. The annual St. Paddy’s Day event is free and open to the public. Appropriate for all ages.
Live music from the Balter Brothers, 45 Science exhibitors with hands-on activities, a Grog Garden, Irish food, and free hayrides. Enjoy science fun, Irish foods, dancing, Celtic music and more.
For more information on the Science EXPO call 252.364.2862 or email. Contact Uptown Greenville at 252.561.8400 for event information.
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.
Afternoon Tea with The Artist
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 3-5pm
Franklin County Arts Council’s next “Afternoon Tea with The Artist” series event is free. At this free event, visit with artist Marti King and view her recent works. There will be a display of the artist’s work, a refreshments table, and room to mingle. The Afternoon Tea with Marti King will be held in the Franklin County Arts Council’s Up-Front Gallery, 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC. To see Afternoon Tea with The Artist dates, visit www.fcacarts.org. (Article)
2018 Raleigh Nuv Yug India Fest
Saturday, March 17-18, 2018
Discover Indian cultural dance, music, fashion, crafts, and cuisine. Daily admission is $6 per person at the gate. Held at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. See more at www.indiafestusa.net/events.php.
St. Patrick’s Day at The Beer Store
Saturday, March 17, 2017, @ noon-7pm
Held at The Beer Store, 113 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Carolina Brewery Shamrock Ale — because nothing says St. Patrick’s day like green beer — will be on tap for $3 a pint. $20 gift certificate and a free The Beer Store t-shirt or glass if your pour kicks the keg.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 10am-6pm
Held in downtown Raleigh NC. Enjoy the parade, followed by the Irish Village with entertainment from the Irish Bands and Dancers. See www.raleighstpats.org.
Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Join the fun in downtown Wilmington NC. See www.wilmingtonstpatricksdayfestival.com.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
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.
Coming Soon
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.
What’s in Your Water? The Science & Regulation of GenX & Emerging Contaminants
Thursday, March 22, 2018 @ 7:30-9pm
Come and join the discussion and hear panelists/speakers at the NCCU Law School Auditorium, 640 Nelson Street, Durham NC.
Some eastern North Carolinians have been shaken by the discovery that their drinking water supplies contain GenX, a chemical that is suspected of causing health issues but that at present is not regulated. Recently, scientists found similar substances in drinking water supplies in the Triangle. The human health effects of GenX and other perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are unknown. State lawmakers, Gov. Roy Cooper and state agencies are at odds at how to proceed. What are communities and residents supposed to do to make sure their drinking water is safe? If it isn’t safe, what can they ask governments to do to fix the situation? These questions and more will be addressed at a free public forum at the N.C. Central University Law School, sponsored by the Sierra Club’s Headwaters Group, the NCCU Environmental Law Society, and the Durham Environmental Affairs Board. Moderated by Lauren Parker, NCCU Environmental Law Society.
See event details and register (free) by clicking on the March 22 calendar entry from the Sierra Club calendar.
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.
Spring Ag Fest
Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Chatham County is holding its first-annual festival, to be held at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 US-64 Business, Pittsboro NC. The Spring Ag Fest is a celebration of Chatham County’s agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. This free, open-to-the-public event will offer something for everyone: livestock, indoor/outdoor exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, food trucks, and more. See details and contact information here.
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.
March For Our Lives
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Organized by student groups with family and community support, the March for Our Lives invites anyone interested in gun-law changes and ending gun violence in schools and elsewhere to march in Washington DC or in over 700 cities worldwide. People of all ages are welcomed. Search for march locations at marchforourlives.com. (Note that NC marches are planned in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Aberdeen, Asheville, Bayboro, Boone, Greensboro, Hendersonville, Hickory, Lenoir, Mooresville, Murfreesboro, Nags Head, Sparta, Wilmington, Winston-Salem, etc.)
Blue Star Memorial Dedication
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 @ 10:30am
The Edgecombe Garden Club is holding this public event as “A Tribute to the Armed Forces of America Past, Present, and Future.” The location is 3503 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. A reception will follow at the Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum, 106 W Church Street, Tarboro NC.
Knightdale PD Spring Carnival Fundraiser for NC Special Olympics
March 29-April 8, 2018
The Knightdale Police Department Spring Carnival is returning. Admission to the carnival and parking are free. Tickets, food, games, and moreavailable for purchase. The carnival is in the Midtown Commons plaza, 200 Hinton Oaks Boulevard, Knightdale NC. (Article)
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.)
Stepping Into The Past
Saturday, April 14, 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.
The April 14 topic is “Capturing Our Past: Painting Class”.
Bunn Fun Day
April 21, 2018 @ 10am-4pm
The fourth-annual Bunn Fun Day offers community and fun along Railroad Street in downtown Bunn NC. Music, vendors, and more. (Article)
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.
