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 30, 2018
Tarboro HomeGrown-Handmade Market
Wednesday, May 30, 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 30, 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: Mystic Vibrations
Wednesday, May 30, 2018 @ 6:30-9:30pm **RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 27**
This free concert series is held in the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Next date is June 13, 2018 (The Legacy Motown Revue). See full Gig in The Park schedule at www.historicdowntownwilson.com/gig-in-the-park. (Article) GreyAreaNews.com is proud to be a sponsor of this event series.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Center Street Jam: Bryan Mayer Military Appreciation
Thursday, May 31, 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. Next date is June 14, 2018 (Night Years). See poster and details on the Downtown Goldsboro (DGDC) website.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, June 1, 2018 @ 8:30am
Head to the Franklin County Farmers Market, Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg NC. and check out the farmers market. The market is on Facebook here. Also open on Saturdays at 8am and Tuesdays at 9am, according to NC Farm Fresh website.
Friday Morning Family Movies
Friday, June 1, 2018 @ 10am-noon
Enjoy a free, family-friendly movie at Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. Free popcorn and lemonade provided. Can bring your own snacks if you like. No registration required. Groups welcome, but arrange visit in advance by calling 252.237.5355 x.5050. See library calendar for this event and more.
Juneteenth Community Empowerment Festival
June 1-2, 2018
This year’s Juneteenth commemorative event, presented by PNC and hosted by the Juneteenth Committee and the city of Rocky Mount, includes speakers, performances, and more. Held at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. See full two-day schedule at downtownrockymount.com/events/juneteenth.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturday, June 2, 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.
Tarboro HomeGrown-Handmade Market
Saturday, June 2 and 16, 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, June 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.
Rocky Mount Farmers Market
Saturday, June 2, 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.
Note that the Wednesday market dates begin in June, likely Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturday, June 2, 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.
May 26 is “Memorial Day at the Market”. Next date is June 2, 2018 with “Free Walking Tacos”.
Nature Walks at Battle Park
Saturday, June 2, 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. See more Battle Park events via the Friends of Battle Park’s Facebook page here.
Eco-Printing Workshop
Saturday June 2, 2018 @ 10am-3pm
Come and learn this unique, creative technique at this hands-on workshop by local artists Dawn Lancaster and Donna Campbell Smith. The workshop, sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Council, will be held at 159 Mays Cross Road, Franklinton NC, and there is a fee to attend: $35 for FCAC Members or $45 for non-members. Fee includes materials and each attendee will create a 24-inch square silk scarf to take home. Registration is required. To register, send an email to FCAC, call 919.497.6910, or contact Donna. Registration may also be done via the FCAC website with PayPal, by selecting “Donate Now” and in remarks noting “Eco-Print workshop”.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturday, June 2, 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.
Also held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC, on the same dates @ 11:30am.
Author Visit: Lynwood Williams
Saturday, June 2, 2018 @ 11am-noon
Come for this adult program with the author of Cafeteria Poetry. Held in the Wiley Room at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. For more information, call 252.442.1951 x.240. Braswell is online at braswell-library.libguides.com.
Spring Concert Series with Big Chief
Saturday, June 2, 2018 @ 5:30-7pm
Join the Town of Rolesville for their free Spring Concert Series at Mill Bridge Nature Park, 425 Nature Park Drive, Rolesville NC. Playing songs from the 50’s thru the 70’s; The Beatles, Elton John, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, etc. Big Chief welcomes audience sing-a-longs and kids on stage. Bring your homemade shakers for interactive family fun. See more details on the town website.
Movie Under the Stars
Saturday, June 2, 2018 @ 6:30-10pm
**UPDATE — location change posted by Town of Nashville on June 2**
Enjoy the evening outdoors watching a free, family-friendly movie, organized by Town of Nashville Parks and Recreation. Bring a blanket or chairs for your comfort. Next movie is September 15, 2018. Held at JW Glover Memorial Park, 174 JW Glover Memorial Park Drive, Nashville NC. See details here.
Takin’ it to the Streets/Paint-A-Hydrant and Artsy Alley Unveiling
Note that these arts-oriented events in Wilson NC have been rescheduled… from June 2 to June 16, 2018.
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Author Event: Seamus McGraw
Sunday, June 3, 2018 @ 2-3pm
Page 158 Books, Suite B, 415 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC, is partnering with The North Carolina League of Conservation Voters to bring Seamus McGraw to speak at this author event. The most comprehensive — and comprehensible — book on contemporary water issues, A Thirsty Land, delves deep into the challenges faced not just by Texas but by the nation as a whole, as we struggle to find a way to balance the changing forces of nature with our own ever-expanding needs. See this and other author events on the Page 158 Books Facebook page.
Note that local author Kim Beall will be part of Page 158 Books’ author series, and will present on her new book on July 19, 2018 at 7pm.
Coming Soon
Mudcats Baseball Home Games
June 5-10, 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. Weather may affect schedule. Team is on Facebook here.
Movie and Munchies: Blue Hawaii (1961)
Thursday, June 7, 2018 @ 11am-12:30pm *and* 5:30-7pm (two screenings)
Enjoy this movie starring Elvis Presley, presented in the Computer Lab at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. For more info, call Rob Lewis at 252.442.1951 x.265.
Outdoor Movies on the Back Lawn
Thursday, June 7, 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 July 5, 2018, 8:30pm.
Friday Night on White
Friday, June 8, 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. For complete information about Friday Night on White, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/friday-night-on-white.aspx.
Fantastic Friday: Music in The Park
Friday, June 8, 2018 @ 6:30-9pm
Come out and relax and enjoy an evening of live musical entertainment and community fellowship. Held at the Gazebo, near 112 W Center Street, Black Creek NC. Concessions will be on-site including hot dogs. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. More outdoor event dates coming this summer. Follow the town on Facebook here.
Free Family Movie Night
Friday, June 8, 2018 @ 7-9pm
This free event includes showing of a family-friendly movie at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. Doors will open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at 7pm. Free popcorn and bottled water for everyone. See movie title here.
Movies at the Park
Friday, June 8, 2018 @ 8-10pm
Cucalorus Pop-up Cinema and Gig East last date of 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. This movie date was originally rescheduled from May 18, 2018. See all dates here.
Family Sundays
Sunday, June 10, 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 event for updates, or call 252.972.1632 or email with questions. Next date is June 24, 2018.
301 Endless Yard Sale
Friday-Saturday, June 15-16, 2017 @ 7am-5pm (both dates)
Join the fun with many, many miles — over 100 miles across five counties — of yard sales and business lots hosting groups of sellers along US Hwy-301 in Eastern NC. See route and other details at www.301endlessyardsale.com, or follow updates on their Facebook page. For those interested in SELLING, many locations offer free setup, and if you live along the route you can set up at your home without registration or fee.
Around The Tables
Saturday, June 16, 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.)
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, June 17, 2018 @ 2-4pm
The feature presentation: Oceans, Diving deep into the waters that ultimately sustain all life on Earth. Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud capture spectacular footage of the amazing beauty and harsh reality of life beneath the waves. Snacks will be provided. No registration required. Held at East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. Visit the library webpage to access the full “Events” list.
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.
Downtown Garner Pop-up Market
Saturday, June 30, 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 July 28, 2018. See more dates here.
Stepping Into The Past
Saturday, July 14, 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 July 14 event is an Ice Cream Social.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, September 8, 2018 @ 9am-1pm
Markets are held once-a-month in Fall and Spring. 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. Spring dates are done for 2018. Fall market will start September 8, 2018.
VENDOR FEES FOR FALL start at $20 per date, with seasonal rate available. Interested Fall vendors, see www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays.
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.
