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.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Tarboro HomeGrown-Handmade Market
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 @ 8am-noon
As the name implies, a variety of goods are available at this market, which is open for “Weekly Wednesday” markets and on first- and third-Saturdays of the month. The market is open rain-or-shine, and runs through October 31, 2018. Weekly Wednesday markets are held at 102 Grandville Street, Tarboro NC, Follow the HomeGrown-HandMade Market on Facebook here.
Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
Shop a variety of locally grown and locally made goods. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. See details at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market.
Gig in The Park: Band Of Oz
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm
This free concert series is held in the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Next date is May 16, 2018. See full Gig in The Park schedule at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/gig-in-the-park. (Article)
Mudcats Baseball Home Games
May 4-6, 2018 @ various times
Head to Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC, and watch the Carolina Mudcats play ball. Tickets are approximately $10 per person, give or take a buck. Buy tickets online at www.milb.com/tickets.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Center Street Jam Kick-Off
Thursday, May 3, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Head downtown to the John Street parking lot at 130 N Center Street, Goldsboro NC, for the first night of this free Summer Concert Series. Bring a lawn chairs and dancing shoes. There will be live music, food, cold drinks, and children’s activities. Mandatory ID check for beer purchase; no coolers; no pets. Music on this date by The Chairmen Of The Board. Next date is May 17, 2018. See poster and details on the Downtown Goldsboro (DGDC) website.
Outdoor Movies on the Back Lawn
Thursday, May 3, 2018 @ 8pm
Watch a movie under the stars on the back lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center at 125 Avery Street, Garner NC. There will be food and fun too. Held on the first Thursday of each month from May through October. Times vary depending on dusk-time. Free Admission. Bring lawn chair/blanket for comfort. Food/treats on sale, but attendees are welcome to bring a picnic. Free Parking at two nearby locations. Check the Facebook event for movie titles, parking information, rules (no pets, etc.), and weather updates. In case of rain, the movie will be cancelled. Next date is June 7, 2018, 8:30pm.
Wake County Public Libraries’ Annual Book Sale
May 3-6, 2018
Come and check out thousands of available books for sale by the library system. Held in the Expo Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Free parking. See book-prices information and call-for-volunteers here.
Friday, May 4, 2018
Historical Photos Exhibit Opening
Friday, May 4, 2018
This new exhibit at the NC Museum of History, 5 E Edenton Street, Raleigh NC, includes a variety of old photographs for visitors to peruse, and think about how things were and how they are. Stop by to check out this exhibit through January 6, 2019. Admission is free. Museum hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday noon-5pm. More information on the NC Museum of History website here.
Franklin County Strawberry Festival
Friday, May 4, 2018 @ 10:30am
Head to the Franklin County Farmers Market, Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg NC. and check out the farmers market. Celebrate the opening of strawberry season with a recipe competition and free strawberry ice cream (11am). See flyer on Facebook here.
Fabulous Friday
Friday, May 4, 2018 @ 3-5pm
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. See scienceandhistory.org.
K-5th School-age Super Special: Star Wars Fest
Friday, May 4, 2018 @ 4-5pm
Held at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC. Age K through 5 and their families are invited to celebrate Star Wars and reading with crafts, activities, and books. Costumes encouraged. Registration requested. To register, visit the library page and search events.
First Friday Coffee Canceled
Note that there will be no First Friday Coffee in Nashville NC during May.
First Friday
Friday, May 4, 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.
Movies at the Park
Friday, May 4, 2018 @ 8pm
Cucalorus Pop-up Cinema and Gig East will be holding a four-week movie series at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Bring the family and join the fun at these free film nights. Next date is May 11, 2018. See all dates here.
2018 Praxis Film Festival
May 4-5, 2018
The 8th-annual Praxis Film Festival is held in Goldsboro NC. Attend for the opportunity to see independent films from across US and around the globe. Details, schedule, and tickets at www.praxisfilmfestival.org.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Festival celebrating Cinco De Mayo will include art, vendors, music, performances, and more. Held at the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace, 264 Governor Aycock Road, Fremont NC. For hours and information call 919.736.3300. To see more events in Wayne County, visit www.artsinwayne.org/events.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 8am-noon*
Vendors offer seasonal goods, handmade soaps and candles, honey, and more at this Saturday market. The Wake Forest Farmers Market location is 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. The market’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/wakeforestfm. Website is www.wakeforestmarket.org for this year-round farmers market.
*For May 5, farmers market hours are expected to be 9am-1pm and the market will be held alongside the Wake Forest Chamber’s “Meet in the Street” event with music, performances, vendors, and more.
Tarboro HomeGrown-Handmade Market
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 8am-noon
As the name implies, a variety of goods are available at this market, which is open for “Weekly Wednesday” markets and on first- and third-Saturdays of the month. The market is open, rain or shine, and runs through October 31, 2018. First and third Saturdays market are held at 526 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. The HomeGrown-HandMade Market Saturday dates may be found on this Facebook event.
Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
Shop a variety of locally grown and locally made goods. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. See details at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/farmers-artisan-market.
Rocky Mount Farmers Market
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 8am-1pm
The Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC. The Rocky Mount Farmers Market is open on Saturdays, with Saturdays and Wednesday markets June-August. See updates on their Facebook page. Market webpage is www.co.nash.nc.us/175/Farmers-Market.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
Markets are held once-a-month in Spring and Fall. The market welcomes arts and craft vendors and farmers to sell their wares. The location is the Uptown Selma Gazebo, in the back parking lot of Town Hall, near 100 E Anderson Street, Selma NC. The market season Facebook event is here. This is the final spring date, and Fall market will start September 8, 2018.
Fees start at $20 per date, with seasonal rate available. Interested Fall vendors, see www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market / May Day
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-2pm
Head to the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC, for the market day with a variety of local produce, handmade goods, homemade treats, and more. Updates may be posted on their Facebook page.
This date, there are special May Day activities including the plant sale (below) until 2pm. Also “cake” 5K, inflatables, food trucks, and more.
Steel Magnolias Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-2pm
Steel Magnolias Garden Club will be holding its annual sale, with plants “proven to grow well in Eastern Wake County.” Master Gardeners will be on-hand to answer questions. Raffle tickets on sale to take a chance at winning a garden cart full of gardening supplies. Plant sale will be held at the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. The garden club is online at www.steelmagnoliasgardenclub.org.
This plant sale will be held in conjunction with the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market.
Medicine in the American Civil War
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-5pm
See medical displays and listen to presentation. Held at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, 100 N Queen Street, Kinston NC. See event description at www.ncdcr.gov/medicine-american-civil-war.
Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 9am-6pm
Head to downtown Smithfield NC for the 34th-annual Ham & Yam Festival. There will be entertainment, ham and yam foods, inflatables, vendors, pig races, and more for the entire family.
Note that there are Ham and Yam related events in the days before the festival, with the Ham and Yam Jam scheduled for Friday evening. See the full schedule of events at www.hamandyam.com.
Nature Walks at Battle Park
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 10am
Join the Friends of Battle Park at the Battle Park boat ramp parking lot, Battle Park Road, Rocky Mount NC. Free, Fun, and Educational! Learn about wildlife, plants/trees, Native American lore, and more. Next date is June 2, 2018. See more Battle Park events via the Friends of Battle Park’s Facebook page here.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 10:30-11:15am
Held on Saturdays at Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this weekly interactive program. Includes an alphabet craft to nurture pre-reading skills through writing and play. Provides an opportunity to develop fine motor skills children require to start school. Free to participate, and registration is not required. The library is online here.
This program is also held at Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC, on the same dates @ 10:30-11:30am.
Teen Free Comic Book Day & Movie
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 11am-4pm (movie 3-5:30pm)
Teens, come for the fun and enter the costume contest. Held on the second floor of Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. Justice League movie showing at 3pm in the Computer Lab. For info, call Brittany Harrell at 252.442.1951 x257.
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ noon-5pm.
Teens, join the fun with free comic books, provided by Arkham Comix-Wilson and DreamDaze Comics Fun and Games. There will be games, crafts, and comics. Held in the Assembly Room at Wilson County Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073.
Cinco de Mayo Car & Truck Show
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ noon-6pm (time updated here)
Come out and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this open Car and Truck show. There will be a sound competition hosted by CJ Autosport. Keeping with the show Cinco de Mayo theme, there will be a “Low Riding Limbo” contest! Come and see how low these rides can go! Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. Sign up via the Car Show Pro website at carshowpro.com/event/151.
K-5 Super Special: Star Wars
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 1-2pm
Wendell Community Library, 207 S. Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC.
Come to the library for a K-5th Star Wars family adventure with crafts, activities, and books. Costumes encouraged. Free. No registration required. See Wendell Community Library here.
FCAC Cinco de Mayo 2018
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 3-5pm
Artists and art lovers are invited to the Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) Up-Front Gallery, 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC. Come and celebrate at this free event featuring art, music, and foods inspired by the Hispanic culture. Music will be provided by Teresa Fernandez, originally from Havana, Cuba. There will be an exhibition of six artists on display: Cornelio Campos, Nora Hernandez, Clina Polloni Allen, Julia Polloni Vick, Aaron Vick, and Gabriella Zabala.
With questions, call 919.497.6910 or send an email.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
SPCA “Woofstock” and Attempt to Set Guinness World Record
Sunday, May 6, 2018 @ noon-5pm
Enjoy a fun afternoon outdoors with your dog(s), and participate in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of dogs wearing bandanas. The SPCA Dog Walk and Woofstock will be held at Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary NC, with the world record attempt as part of the day. Participants can enjoy vendor booths, food trucks, music, and more. The SPCA of Wake County will hand out bandanas to participants the day of the Dog Walk as people and their furry friends enter the venue. Register for the walk online at SPCAwake.org/walk. Registration fees begin at $35. This is a fundraiser for SPCA of Wake County, and supported by Waste Industries. (Article)
Star Wars Fest
Sunday, May 6, 2018, 2-3:30 P.M.
Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Designed for grades K-5 and their families. “May the force be with you as we celebrate Star Wars and reading! Watch Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures and enjoy crafts, activities, snacks, and books” featuring Star Wars characters. This special family event is for Jedi and Stormtroopers of all ages, and costumes are encouraged. Browse a selection of Star Wars and Science Fiction books chosen by the librarians. See East Regional Library online here., and register by searching library events for the Star Wars Fest and then selecting “Sign Up”.
Coming Soon
Johnston County Writers Meeting
Thursday, May 10, 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. Writers from Pine Level, Selma, Smithfield, Clayton, Garner, and other areas gather to talk about the craft and hear from published authors. Young and old, poets, fiction and non-fiction writers welcome. Several of their members are also members of the North Carolina Writers Network, and one writes for Johnston Now magazine. Free and open to the public.
Friday Night on White
Friday, May 11, 2018 @ 6-9pm
Join the crowd on White Street in downtown Wake Forest NC for a live concert each month. No admission fee. This date, music by Love Tribe. Event organized by White Street Brewing and the Town of Wake Forest. Future date June 8 (Bull City Syndicate). For complete information about Friday Night on White, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/friday-night-on-white.aspx.
Fantastic Friday: Music in The Park
Friday, May 11, 2018 @ 6:30-9pm
Come out and relax and enjoy an evening of entertainment and community fellowship. Held at the Gazebo, near 112 W Center Street, Black Creek NC. May event featuring music by The Daniels Chapel Singers Generation III . Concessions will be on-site including hot dogs. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. More outdoor events coming this summer. Follow the town on Facebook here.
Stepping Into The Past
Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 8am
This 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.
This May 12 event is a 35th Anniversary Celebration.
Beginners Plant Identification
Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 10am-1pm
Learn the basics of plant identification. Come with notebook and pencil, ready to learn. Warning, this is not the usual nature walk. We will cover plant structure, habitat, form, and function. Meet at shelter C in Battle Park, Battle Park Road, Rocky Mount NC. See additional details and pre-walk charts via this event page. Organized by the Friends of Battle Park.
Teen Saturday Matinee
Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 1-3:30pm
This teen program offers snacks and a movie. Held in the Assembly Room at the Wilson County Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. With questions, call 252.237.5355 x.5073.
Family Sundays
Sunday, May 13, 2018 @ 2-4pm
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. Next date scheduled is May 27, 2018.
Got To Be NC Festival
May 18-20, 2018
The Got to Be NC Festival, a unique event with a focus on NC agriculture and farming, is held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Admission is free, and so is parking. Rides, vendor foods, and other events and attractions will be available for purchase. Last year’s festival drew 75,000 attendees. Festival information may be found on the festival website at www.gottobencfestival.com. Updates may be posted to the Got To Be NC Festival’s Facebook page.
Clover C Farm Shearing Day
May 19, 2018
Shearing time is coming, and this year Clover C Farm, 117 Cheves Road, Bunn NC, invites all to come and “see how it’s done.” No appointment or registration, just get to the farm any time before noon — when the shearing is usually completed. Visitors may watch the shearing, check out the farm, and enjoy a snapshot of farm life. Note that the farm does have electric fences that are not friendly; use caution / at your own risk if wandering. This date is the “save the date” notice and may adjust. For updates, follow Clover C Farm on Facebook here.
Around The Tables
Saturday, May 19, 2018 @ 10am-12:30pm
Free clothing for all ages and a free noon meal on the third Saturday of each month. 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 this July 2017 article regarding Around The Tables.)
Spring Gala Celebration
Saturday, May 19, 2018 @ 5-8pm
Support the Franklin County Arts Council with this evening of fun, mingling with artists, live music, food, a door prize, raffle, and silent auction. Held at the beautiful, historic Victorian home of Dudley and Barbara Whitaker at 210 Winston Road, Franklinton NC. Tickets are for sale at the Up Front Gallery (22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC) or buy with PayPal. (Interested in being an event sponsor? Call 919.497.6910.)
Sensory Friendly Night
Thursday, May 24, 2018 @ 5:30-8pm
For families and visitors requiring special accommodations, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Nature Exploration Center will stay open late for visitation during a quieter evening. There will be plenty of fun activities, scientists, and live animals, the museum’s featured exhibition “Mazes & Brain Games,” and more. Registration is not required, but registered guests will receive a schedule of event activities and other preparatory materials. This free event is being held North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC. See details here.
Downtown Garner Pop-up Market
Saturday, May 26, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Head to Downtown Garner for this monthly public market with baked goods, locally made items, fresh produce, food trucks, and more. Held in Garner Recreational Park, 221 E Garner Road, Garner NC. Next date is June 30, 2018. See more dates here.
Blueberry Music Festival
Saturday, June 23, 2018 @ 2-10pm
Join the fun on the Back 40 Country Playground at this festival on the farm: Vollmer Farm, 677 NC-98 Hwy E, Bunn NC. Bands, food trucks, adult beverages, cooking demonstrations, and more. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the festival. Kids 12 and under are free. See full details at www.vollmerfarm.com.
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 in NC When You’re Bored listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.
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.
