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 7, 2019
Job Search and Resume Help
Thursdays, March 7 and 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.
Boogie Bots
Thursday, March 7, 2019 @ 5-7pm
Teens are invited to join this event and “design and build your own dancing robot.”
Held in the main assembly room at Wilson County Public Library’s Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC.
See this library’s calendar at www.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl/calendar.asp. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073 or email S. Houston.
Charles Killebrew Presentation (Exhibit Opening)
Thursday, March 7, 2019 @ 5:30-7pm
Enjoy this free presentation about the Killebrew Photography collection on-display in the Arts Center, complete with speakers and refreshments (sponsored by Rocky Mount Mills).
Held at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC.
See details on the Imperial Centre website. (Article)
Friday, March 8, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, March 8, 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 8, 15, 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.
Tree Seedling Giveaway
Friday, March 8, 2019 @ 10am-5pm
Pender County Parks and Recreation is hosting a bare-root tree seedling giveaways (two trees per household while they last) for county residents (only), to assist in replacing trees damaged by Hurricane Florence. Tree species might include (as available): River Birch, Pignut Hickory, Chestnut Oak, and White Dogwood.
Giveaway will be at the Pender County Government Annex, 15060 US Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC.
For more information, call 910.663.3771.
Zebulon Free Family Movie Night
Friday, March 8, 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, but that’s okay because the 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. Future date is April 12, 2019 (6:30pm).
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, March 9, 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 April 13, May 11, and September 14, 2019.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, March 9, 16, 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.
National Anthem Auditions
Saturday, March 9, 2019 @ 10am-noon
Singers of all ages are invited to audition to sign the national anthem before Mudcats games. First come, first served.
Held at the Carolina Mudcats Baseball Club’s Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon, NC.
See details here.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, March 9 and 23, 2019 @ 10am-1pm (final Winter market dates)
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.
Nash County Recycles Day
Saturday, March 9, 2019 @ 10am-1pm
Residents of Nash and Edgecombe counties may bring personal documents to be shredded, old electronics and prescription medications for disposal. This is free; donations for Keep America Beautiful of Nash and Edgecombe counties will be accepted at the site.
Held outside the Nash County Courthouse, 508 W Washington Street, Nashville, NC.
See details on the city of Rocky Mount website.
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday, March 9, 2019 @ 10am-noon
Enjoy a full pancake breakfast for an $8 donation and enjoy fellowship time.
This fundraiser will be held at Wakefield Missionary Baptist Church, 809 Proctor Street, Zebulon, NC.
For tickets and more information, contact the church via Facebook.
Stepping Into The Past Event Series
Saturday, March 9, 2019 @ 10am-2pm
This series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee.
The March 9 topic is: “Working the Land” with displays of antique tractor and activities for farmer appreciation day.
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.
Make Art Saturdays
Saturdays, March 9 and 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 9, 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.
(Note that this event is often held at the Zebulon and Wendell libraries on the same date; times may vary.)
East Regional Library information may be found via the Wake County Libraries website.
Women Composers Around the World Musicale
Saturday, March 9, 2019 @ 3pm
Enjoy music written by living women composers at this free, public event organized by the Raleigh-Durham Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota.
Held at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC.
Visit the library’s website here.
Sunday, March 10, 2019
CatVideoFest 2019
Sunday, March 10, 2019 @ 11:30am-12:45pm
CatVideoFest is 70-minutes of “curated cat videos.” Proceeds benefit local cat organizations and rescues, and mission-based programming at Marbles Kids Museum.
Held inside the Marbles IMAX theatre, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC.
Purchase tickets at www.imaxraleigh.org/nowshowing/CatVideoFest. Tickets start at $9 for children and $12 for adults, ranging upward from there depending on whether museum admission is also purchased.
Note that local rescue, SAFE Haven for Cats, will be on-site.
Meet Your Local Authors and Book Readings
Sunday, March 10, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Come for this meet-and-greet with local authors and hear readings from their books.
Held at The Coffee Chamber, 903 Smithfield Road, Knightdale, NC.
See event notice for the list of participating authors.
Coming Soon
Flix4Kidz
Monday, March 11, 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 event web page. Future date: Monday, April 8, 2019.
Growing Fruits and Pecans Workshop
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 @ 10am-1pm
This monthly gardening workshop provides basics of growing fruit and nut trees in your yard/garden.
Held at the Wayne County Center of the cooperative extension. Address is 3114B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro NC.
There is a $5 fee per person; pre-registration is not required. See details via the Wayne County Cooperative Extension website.
Senior Bingo
Wednesday, March 13, 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). Future date is April 17, 2019 (1-2:30pm).
Monthly Movies at the Library
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 @ 3-4:30pm
Bring the kids and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie.
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.
ECVMM Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Friday, March 15, 2019 @ 11:30am-4pm
Celebrate the re-opening of the remodeled Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum and check out its all-renewed exhibit spaces. Come and watch the ribbon cutting, take a tour, and check out the exhibits alongside other community members.
After moving to a temporary location across their parking lot, the museum is redone, clean, and ready for visitors. (See why the museum relocated temporarily.)
Held at the Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum, 106 W Church Street, Tarboro, NC, in conjunction with the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce.
Follow the Museum on Facebook for updates.
Meet the Local Authors
Thursday, March 14, 2019 @ 5-7pm
Meet the authors and hear each of the four give a presentation, then have a chance to ask your questions during the question and answer period. This event is free, as are refreshments.
Held at the Nash Arts Center, 100 E Washington Street, Nashville, NC.
See the NashArts calendar for this and other events.
Art and Food Festival Gala (Fundraiser)
Thursday, March 14, 2019 @ 6-8pm
The Johnston County Arts Council will host this tenth-annual Gala to raise money for the Arts Council’s “2019-2020 Artists-in-the-Schools program.” Art will be on display and available for purchase from JoCo artists, plus there will be a Silent Auction. All-you-can-eat dishes will be provided by area restaurants.
Held at the Johnston County Agricultural Center, 2736 NC-210 Hwy, Smithfield, NC.
See details on the Arts Council event web page.
Rockin’ the Forest Concert Series
Friday, March 15, 2019 @ 7:30-10pm
Enjoy live music, dancing, and fun at the final concert date of this series. Adult beverages and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC.
See www.wakeforestrencen.org/event/rockin-forest for information and to purchase tickets ($10 per person).
Show, Don’t Tell: Writer’s Craft Series
Sunday, March 17, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Open to writers and readers of all ages and genres. Explore the power of writing that shows, not tells — and avoid hasty manuscript rejection. Pfeiffer University (Charlotte) Professor Susan Luck teaches how to write persuasively — as vital for fiction as for nonfiction. This is a free event, presented by Murder We Write, the Triad chapter of Sisters in Crime.
Held at the High Point Public Library, 901 N Main Street, High Point, NC.
Check out Murder We Write events online at www.murderwewrite.org. Next event is April 28, 2019 (Writing Humor).
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, March 17, 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, April 21, 2019
- 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.
Family Sundays
Sundays, March 17 and 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.
Garden Talks: Protecting Pollinators
Monday, March 18, 2019 @ 3-4pm
Pollinators are crucial for food/seed production. Learn how to keep bees, birds, and other beneficial beasts safe and avoid poisoning them.
Held at the Wilson County Agricultural Center, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson, NC.
See this event and more on the Wilson County Cooperative Extension website.
Extraterrestrial Abductions Day
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 @ 5:30-7:30pm
Watch a movie with a “100% true story of a young man who overcame his abduction to become one of the greatest heroes in the galaxy.” Library will provide alien crafts and snacks.
Held in the main conference room at Wilson County Public Library’s Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, NC.
See this library’s calendar at www.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl/calendar.asp. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073 or email S. Houston.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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).
Coming in April 2019
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Paws In The Park
Saturday, April 13, 2019 @ Time TBA
Enjoy a day in the park with your four-legged canine friends. There will be a fashion show, 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.
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.
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)
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.
