Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor
This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond including a few unique coastal or mountain events. 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 via provided links for updates.
As NC weather warms, more outdoor, gardening, and nature-education events will be included in this list. If you know of such an event, please email the editor.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Job Search and Resume Help
Thursdays, March 21, 2019 @ 2-4pm
From the library description: “Learn about job resources available through the NCWorks Career Center and website. Receive one-on-one assistance in creating a resume and applying for jobs.” Held in the Conference Room at the Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC. Laptops will be provided. No registration required. Contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355, x.5072 or via email.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, March 22, 2019 @ 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. (Also open Tuesdays/Saturdays.) The market is located in the parking lot at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg, NC. Follow their Facebook page for updates, closings, and produce available at this year-round farmers market.
The Artist’s Way (Creativity Course)
Friday, March 22 and 29, 2019 @ 9:30-11am
This free course is for writers, artists, and others. Facilitated by Cindy Brookshire of Johnston County Writers Group. This course offers group activity based on Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. Held at the Selma Visitor Center, 112 E Anderson Street, Selma, NC. Attend all weekly meetings or drop in for one. Registration is not required. For more information, contact Cindy via email.
Farmville FD Plate Sale Fundraiser
Friday, March 22, 2019 @ 11am-7pm
Come for this annual Fish Fry at the Fire Station. Organized and hosted by the Farmville Fire Department, 3713 N Main Street, Farmville, NC. Follow the FD’s updates on their Facebook page.
Springtime Globe Craft Class
Friday, March 22, 2019 @ 5-5:45pm
Sign up for this class where all ages are welcome to come and make a Springtime Globe. Held at HD Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville, NC. Pre-registration is required; stop by the library or or call 252.459.2106 to sign up. Follow this library on Facebook for this event and others.
Teen Pizza and Paint Nights
Friday, March 22, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Teenagers in grades 9-12 are invited to hang out together. Pizza and soda provided. Students may bring an art project to work on while enjoying the company of others. Art materials are not provided. Held at the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC, This event takes place at the same time as the Arts Council’s Community Drum Circle, and teens are welcome to join. Fee is $5 per student, which includes two slices of pizza and a soda. No outside food or drinks are allowed. Future date for this “fourth Friday” event: April 26, 2019.
US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship
March 22-24, 2019
Enjoy the races on the beach and other activities. Held at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC. Detailed schedule online at runsignup.com/Race/USOpenFatbikeBeachChampionship/Page-2. (Article)
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, March 23 and 30, 2019 @ 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 and other factors. Located at 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC. The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, March 23, 2019 @ 10am-1pm (final Winter market date)
The market will be open every Saturday, 9am to 1pm, for its regular season from April 6, 2019 through the last Saturday in October 2019. The Clayton Farm and Community Market is located at 348 E Main Street, Clayton, NC. Contact information may be found at www.cfcmnc.org/contact. Follow this market’s Facebook page for updates.
Native Plants, Birds, and Pollinators in Your Garden
Saturday, March 23, 2019 @ 11am-noon
Learn about creating a bird-friendly habitat and more. This is a free presentation. Held at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC. See details here.
Make Art Saturdays
Saturdays, March 23, 2019 @ 11am-1pm
Take the kids to the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC, for a chance to work with different media including painting, sculpture, architecture, and more. Kids will have a chance to make their own art. Registration is not required for this drop-in program for children 6 and up. Held every-other Saturday. See more at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events. Future dates: April 6, 20, May 4, and 18, 2019.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturdays, March 23 and 30, 2019 @ 11:30am-12:15pm
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this pre-reading skills development time. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website. (Note that this event is often held at the Zebulon and Wendell libraries on the same date; times may vary.)
Multicultural Day
Saturday, March 23, 2019 @ 1-4pm
The Wake Forest Human Relations Council is hosting its first “Multicultural Day” with music. a student artwork display, and various foods. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/community-calendar/multicultural-day. (Article)
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Cars and Coffee Knightdale
Sunday, March 24, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Come out for this month’s event with cars, coffee, giveaways, and fun. Address is 8001 Knightdale Blvd, Knightdale, NC. Follow this Cars and Coffee group here.
Church Family and Friends Day
Sunday, March 24, 2019 @ 11am-1pm
Annual spring event. Organized and hosted by Pilot Missionary Baptist Church, 20 Avon Brantley Road, Zebulon, NC. See the event notice here.
Community Youth Choirs Concert
Sunday, March 24, 2019 @ 3pm
This is a free, public event. The Town of Wake Forest Abilities Choir and the Triangle Alliance Choir will perform during a “Celebration of All Abilities Music Concert.” Comprised of children of all ability levels, these youth choirs will present an unforgettable afternoon of music and song. Held inside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC.
Coming Soon
Teen Movie Party: Black Panther
Monday, March 25, 2019 @ 5:30-6:30pm
This program invites teens grades 6-10 to come and join in an interactive viewing of the Marvel movie. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Library events may be found via the library’s main web page.
The Curious Case of Mrs. Fannie White Garlic and General Robert E. Lee: The Ring of Truth?
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 @ 7pm
This unique “mystery” revealing event is organized by the Wilson County Public Library and the Wilson County Genealogical Society: “In an article in The Roanoke News (published in Weldon, NC), Mrs. Fannie White Garlic shared her alleged connection with no less a soldier than General Robert E. Lee. Garlic relates that Lee, a purported family friend, gave her a small token of affection (a gold ring) during his stay in NC in 1870. Details in the story, however, give one pause as to whether the incidents recounted are true. Come and listen as Chris Meekins unravels this case.”
This public event will be held in the Assembly Room at the main Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Advance registration is not required.
Pollinators in Your Garden
Thursday, March 28, 2019 @ 2-3pm
Vivian Lamm, Master Gardener, will teach this adult program on planting for pollinators and the types of pollinators. Held at the main Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Open to all ages. No registration required. See this library’s calendar at www.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl/calendar.asp.
K-5 Super Special
Friday, March 29, 2019 @ 4:30-5:30pm
Bring the kids to the library for this celebration of the Captain Marvel release and other superheroes. Capes will be provided. Held at the Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell, NC. Find the library online at www.wakegov.com/libraries/locations/wen.
Superhero Day at Whitley Park
Saturday, March 30, 2019 @ 10-11am
Calling all Superheroes to save Whitley Park. Designed for ages 3-9. Superhero suits/ costumes welcome at this free event. Play games, make masks, and check out the Superhero Obstacle Course. Held at Whitley Park, Whitley Park, 601 N Wakefield Street, Zebulon, NC. For more information, visit the Zebulon Parks and Rec web page or follow them on Facebook.
Chatham County Spring Ag Fest
Saturday, March 30, 2019 @ 10am-2pm
Chatham County invites residents to the annual Spring Ag Fest honoring the county’s agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Event and activities for all ages. Exhibits and food trucks too. Held at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 US-64 W Business, Pittsboro, NC. See details on Chatham County Extension website.
ProTown BMX
Saturday, March 30, 2019 @ 11-3:30pm
Join the fun with this free BMX “stunt” show, with two chances to watch: 11am and 2pm. Bike clinics, too. Held in downtown, N Main Street, Wendell, NC. See more on the Town of Wendell event page. Rain date is Sunday (March 31).
Family Sundays
Sundays, March 31, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Free drop-in program for kids ages 3+ and their parent or guardian. Join the fun in the art gallery. No registration required. Held every-other Sunday at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See more at imperialcentre.org/arts-center/programs-events. Future dates: April 14, 28, May 12, and 26, 2019.
Coming in April 2019
Coffee with a Cop
Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 7-9am
Join the Wake Forest Police Department and Wake County Sheriff’s Office as they co-host this event. Gather at the Wake Forest Coffee Company, 156 S White Street, Wake Forest, NC. See details here.
First Friday Flix
Friday, April 5, 2019 @ 7-9pm
Held the first Friday of each month, this movie showing is free and open to the public. “Feature a variety of film favorites and genres, including comedies, dramas, thrillers and more, often with a seasonal or historical theme.” Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Future date is Friday, May 3, 2019 @ 7pm. See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center Calendar.
Farmers Market Rocky Mount Opening Day
Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Come for Opening Day and check out the market’s offerings. Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Updates may be posted to the market Facebook page.
Belarussian Yard Sale Vendor Pup Up Bazaar
Saturday, April 6, 2019 (6:30am-1pm)
Come and “shop” at the vendors in the church parking lot at this fundraiser to support their Belarussian Relief Ministry. The ministry will bring children from Belarus to stay in the United States for the Summer with host families. Held indoors and outdoors at Wakefield Central Baptist Church, 308 Proctor Street, Zebulon, NC. See event information and vendor registration on the Wakefield Central Baptist Church website.
Community Recycling Day
Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 9am-noon
Drop off “old paint, tires, oil and antifreeze, computers, televisions, and appliances” and these items will be recycled or disposed of properly. There will be a shredding truck at the event, so bring documents to be safely shredded. Held at the Town Municipal Building (Town Hall), 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. With questions, contact Zebulon Public Works at 919.269.5285
Free Amateur Radio Testing
Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ 10:30am
Five County VE Team is offering free Amateur Radio Testing to Johnston County. Pre-registeration is required. Held at the Thanksgiving Fire Department, 2375 Thanksgiving Fire Road, Selma, NC. Visit the website to pre-register at n4mqu.com.
Tarboro Market Opening Day
Saturday, April 6, 2019 @ Time TBA
The market includes makers, growers, and antique/vintage vendors. Open on the first and third Saturday of each month through October. Location is 526 N Main Street, Tarboro, NC. Future market dates include: April 20, May 4, and May 18, 2019. With questions, contact April Williams. Vendor spaces may be available; access the vendor application at www.prettyruggeddesigns.com/vendors.
Flix4Kidz
Monday, April 8, 2019 @ 10:30am-12:30pm
Bring the kids for a free, family-friendly movie. Held the second Monday of each month, and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Call the centre’s Special Events Hotline at 919.435.9428 for movie title. For more information, visit the town web page.
Monthly Movies at the Library
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 @ 3-5pm
Bring the kids and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie, no registration necessary. Held at the Lucama Branch library, 103 E Spring Street, Lucama, NC. Information on this library, part of the Wilson County Public Library system, may be found here. Follow the Lucama Library Facebook page for updates and other events. Future date is Wednesday, May 15, 2019 (3-5pm).
Zebulon Free Family Movie Night
Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 6:30pm (doors open)
Bring the whole crew to watch a free movie. The family-friendly film will begin showing at 7pm. Parks and Rec will provide free popcorn (and possibly bottled water) for all movie watchers. Held on the second Friday of each month courtesy of the Zebulon Parks and Recreation Department. A parent/guardian must be present with children; movies are for all ages. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. To see movie title, visit the Zebulon Parks and Rec web page or call 919.823.0432.
North Carolina Pickle Festival
April 12-13, 2019
Join the fun at this annual celebration of pickled cucumbers. There will, of course, be pickles. Plus, a pickle-eating contest, entertainment, a chili cook-off, rides, a car show, and interactive events including a 5K. Navigate to 123 N. Center Street, Mount Olive, NC. Full details, prices, and hours at www.ncpicklefest.org.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Browse a variety of local vendors for arts and crafts, handmade items, and more. Live entertainment too. Held at the Uptown Gazebo, 100 block of E Anderson Street, Selma, NC (parking lot behind Town Hall). For information including vendor booth reservations, contact Melissa Dooley at 919.965.9841 x.8003 or via email. Future dates include May 11 and September 14, 2019.
Clayton Volunteer Fair
Saturday, April 13, 2019 (9am-3pm)
This event will showcase local organizations who are seeking volunteers or performing volunteer-inclusive projects in the community. Held in the Town Square, Clayton, NC, in conjunction with the Town of Clayton’s 150th Anniversary Party. Organizations interested in vendor space must register by Friday, March 29, 2019. With questions, send the organizers an email or call 919.827.1832.
Stepping Into The Past Event Series
Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 10am-2pm
This series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee. The April 13 topic is “Capturing Our Past: Painting Class.” Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC. See upcoming topics at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past.
Paws In The Park
Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ 11am-2pm
Enjoy a day in the park with your four-legged canine friends. There will be a fashion show, egg hunt, music, door prizes, and much more. Held at the Best Friends Dog Park, 480 N Lee Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Vendor spots may be available for the event for businesses that love pets. There is a vendor fee. If interested in being a vendor, send the organizer an email. (Article)
Wayne County Senior Games “Silver Arts Follies”
Monday, April 15, 2019 @ 6pm
This free, evening performance serves as an “art piece” — part of the Wayne County Senior Games competition. Organized by Goldsboro Parks and Recreation. Held at the Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro, NC. See the Parks and Rec’s Senior Games web page. Brief info on the Paramount Theatre website.
Wilson Farmers and Artisans Market
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 (opening day) @ 8am-1pm
The market will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through October 2019. Held in the pavilion at the Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market. Note that vendor applications may be accepted, and the vendor form is available from that linked web page.
Senior Bingo
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 @ 1-2:30pm
How lucky are you feeling? Come play fun games of Bingo with your friends. These Wednesday games are free of charge, and there will be prizes awarded. Held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. For this and other active-adult events, check out the Zebulon Parks and Rec early 2019 programs (PDF).
Grand Opening and Open House Celebration
Saturday, April 20, 2019 @ 9am-5pm
Welcome this new Wendell business, Garden Treasures, and view the magnolias, camellias, and other plants in their greenhouses. Walk around the art fair and meet local artists. Free lectures will be offered throughout the day. Ribbon cutting planned for 9am. Plants will be for sale, and artists may have works for sale too. A good day for community and beauty. This newly-built nursery is located at 3500 Edgemont Road, Wendell, NC. See more about this nursery and the open house activities at garden-treasures.com/grand_opening. (Article)
Around The Tables
Saturday, April 20, 2019 @ 10am-noon
Monthly event by Dream Coat Ministries offering free clothing for those in need, and a free lunch provided by the hosting church. Held at Now Faith Community Baptist Church, 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale, NC. See this event and nonprofit information at dreamcoatknightdale.org. Future dates: May 18, and June 15, 2019 (10am-noon).
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, April 21, 2019 @ 2-3:30pm
Bring the family for a free movie at the library. Snacks are provided. Designed for students in grades K-5th. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC. Registration is not required. This is a monthly event. Future dates tentatively scheduled:
- Sunday, May 19, 2019
- Sunday, June 16, 2019
- Sunday, July 21, 2019
- Sunday, August 18, 2019
See the Wake County public libraries East Regional Library web page to access calendar and movie details.
Bunn Fun Day
Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 10am-4pm
Join the Town of Bunn for this fifth-annual celebration and family fun. There will be live music, local vendors, magic shows, face painting, arts, food trucks, inflatables, and more. Held along Railroad Street, Bunn, NC. For updates, follow the town events Facebook at Town of Bunn est.1913.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market Opening Day
Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Vendors at the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market offer farm produce, baked goods, handmade goods, arts, plants, and more. The market is open Saturdays through October 12, 2019. Zebulon Farm Fresh Market is located at the Zebulon Municipal Complex (town hall), 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Free parking available in the town hall parking lots. Follow the market on Facebook for updates and market theme information. If vendor spaces are available, information and 2019 application may be found on the town’s market web page.
Wings Over Wayne Air Show 2019
April 27-28, 2019
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds, air performances, ground demonstrations, and much more at “the largest free air show in North Carolina.” The Air Show takes place at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Martin Street, Goldsboro, NC. See details, schedule, and more at www.wingsoverwayneairshow.com.
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.
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.
Why are the day, date, and year included, repetitively, under each dated heading? The better for visitors to cut-and-paste complete event information to share with others… Though sharing of the full article’s link is encouraged, so readers may see all upcoming events.
