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, ticketed events may occasionally be included.
Events may be rescheduled/delayed or locations changed. Contact an event’s organizer directly.
To suggest an event, email the editor.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Nashville Blooming Festival
May 10-11, 2019 (Carnival starts May 8)
This annual Mother’s Day weekend festival includes rides, music, a parade, train rides, vendors, and much more. Carnival starts on Wednesday. Access full scheduled via nashvillencchamber.org/blooming-festival.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Fridays, May 10, 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. (The market is also open Tuesdays and 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.
Friday Night On White Free Concert Series
Friday, May 10, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come and listen to Sleeping Booty Band at this outdoor concert on White Street, Wake Forest, NC. Food and beverages will be for sale at area restaurants and food trucks too. See full scheduled here.
Carolina Mudcats Baseball Home Games
May 9-12, 2019 @ Various Times
The Mudcats baseball Home games are played at Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon, NC. See the team’s schedule here.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Pop Up Market in Bunn
Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 7am-noon (or until sell-out)
Join The Vollmer Farm and Rustic Roots for this farm market with samples and a chance to check out the new restaurant coming to town. Held at Rustic Roots, 20 Cheves Road, Bunn, NC. (The new Rustic Roots restaurant is located in the old coffee shop building adjacent to Sister’s Cafe.) Follow Rustic Roots’ progress via their Facebook page.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 11, 18, and 25, 2019 @ 8am-noon (Spring/Summer hours)
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.
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market
Saturdays, May 11, 18, and 25, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Local farm offerings and handmade/homemade goods. Open Saturdays (and Wednesdays 8am-1pm) through October 2019. Held in the Pavilion at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. See details here. Updates may be posted via the market’s Facebook page.
Farmers Market Rocky Mount
Saturdays, May 11, 18, and 25, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Check out local farm and craft offerings at this weekly market. Held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Updates may be posted to the market Facebook page. Note that during June, July, and August the market will be open Tuesday afternoons in addition to Saturday mornings.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturdays, May 11, 18, and 25, 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.
Cemetery Walking Tour
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9:30am-12:30pm CANCELED
Wake Forest Cemetery Advisory Board (CAB) is sponsoring this free, public walking tour at the Wake Forest Cemetery. The cemetery is located at 400 N White Street, Wake Forest, NC. This is a self-guided tour, with docents available along the way. Visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/community-calendar/cemetery-walking-tour. (Article)
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, May 11, 18, and 25, 2019 @ 10am-1pm
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.
Stepping Into The Past Event Series
Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 10am-2pm
This series focuses on demonstrations and displays of traditional / old-time processes. This presentation is included with museum admission fee. The May 11 topic is “Broom Making: Wisk broom making 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.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program
Saturdays, May 11 and 25, 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: This program is often held at the Zebulon, NC and Wendell, NC libraries on the same dates as Knightdale, though times may vary.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Family Sundays
Sundays, May 12 and 26, 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.
Six Sundays in Spring Concert Series
Sundays, May 12, 19, 26, and June 2, 2019 @ 5-7pm
Six Sundays in Spring is an annual concert series featuring free, live, outdoor entertainment. Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest. Food/dessert trucks will be selling on-site. Held in the E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC. See the 2019 concert schedule at www.wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/community-calendar/six-sundays-spring/concert-schedule.
Coming Soon
Flix4Kidz
Monday, May 13, 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. Future dates: June 10, July 8, and August 12, 2019. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.
Free at 3 (Movies for Senior Citizens)
Mondays, May 13, 2019 @ 3pm
Free movies of all kinds at this monthly movie showing for seniors (age 50+). Popcorn will be on sale. Scheduled movies include:
- May 13, 2019 — Oceans 8
- June 10, 2019 — The Seagull
Held at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.
Food Truck Third Thursdays
Thursday, May 16, 2019 @ 11:30am-1:3opm and 6-8pm
Enjoy a meal from a variety of food trucks on the third Thursday of each month for lunch (11:30am-1:30pm) and dinner (6pm-8pm) at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. The dinnertime hours will have live music. Next date: June 20, 2019. (Article)
Center Street Jam Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, May 16 and 30, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come for these free, public, outdoor summer concerts. Bring lawn chairs for comfort. In addition to live music, each date food/drinks will be available for purchase and there will be activities for children. No coolers, no pets. ID needed for adult beverages. Address is 219 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC. See details and performers at www.dgdc.org/dgdc_events_type/center-street-jam. Additional dates: June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22, 2019.
Gig in the Park Free Concert Series
Thursday, May 16 and 30, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Head to Historic Downtown Wilson and enjoy a free concert in this annual series at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC. Bring a chair or blanket for comfort during this outdoor event. There will be food trucks, adult beverages, kids activities, and everyone is welcome to dance. See list of concerts and performers here. Future dates include June 13, 2019.
3rd Friday with the Artist
Friday, May 17, 2019 @ 6-8pm
The 2019 Franklin County Arts Council’s “3rd Friday with the Artist” series brings together artists and the public at the Gallery On Main located at 118-B North Main Street, Louisburg, NC. See more at fcacarts.org.
Friday Nights on the Tar First Concert of the Series
Friday, May 17, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor event for all ages. Come and hear The Castaways Band live music, pick up a meal/snacks from food trucks, and enjoy this monthly community gathering. Concerts are planned for the third Friday of each month May through September. Dates and lineup may change:
- The Tyson Brothers: Friday, June 21, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
- East Coast Rhythm and Blues: Friday, July 19, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
- Shine: Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
- Johnny Folsom 4: Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Entry to concerts is free, and there is parking around town. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfort. See more on the town website. (Article)
Tarboro Market Opening Day
Saturday, May 18, 2019 @ 8am-noon
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. With questions, contact April Williams. Access the vendor application at www.prettyruggeddesigns.com/vendors. Follow updates on Facebook here.
Around The Tables
Saturday, May 18, 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 date: June 15, 2019 (10am-noon).
Make Art Saturdays
Saturdays, May 18, 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.
Software Options for Writing
Sunday, May 19, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Join the Murder We Write group for this special presentation. Software products such as Scrivener and The Novel Factory can assist writers in the translation of raw notes into finished manuscripts. This month, this writing group’s presentation will help writers to identify which tool(s) will best fit the way you write and rewrite. Held in the High Point Library, 901 N Main Street, High Point, NC (Guilford County). See more at www.murderwewrite.org.
JoCo Latino Festival
Sunday, May 19, 2019 (2-6pm)
Celebrating the Latino culture with music, dance, vendors, inflatables, and food at this Johnston County (JoCo) special event. Held at Blackstone Plaza in the Azteca Market parking lot, Selma, NC. Vendors: spaces may be available. See the Selma NC website.
Discover Your World: Family Movies @ The Library
Sunday, May 19, 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, 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.
Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie
Friday, May 24, 2019 @ 2pm
The NASH holds a movie for seniors on the fourth Friday of each month. Popcorn is available for 25 cents a bag. Held in Room 112 at 103 N Alston Street, Nashville, NC. The NASH movies (all showing at 2pm) are:
- May 24, 2019 — The Perfect Game
- June 28, 2019 — Footloose
Pre-registration is requested to ensure seating and refreshments; call 252.459.7681 to register. Follow The NASH & The Southern Nash Senior Center on Facebook for activities and updates. Or, view their newsletter for April/May/June 2019 here (PDF).
Teen Pizza and Paint Nights
Friday, May 24 and June 28, 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. See “fourth Friday” event info.
Monthly Movie at the Library
Friday, May 31, 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.
Coming in June
First Friday Flix
Friday, June 7, 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 dates:
- July 5, 2019
- August 2, 2019
- September 6, 2019
- October 4, 2019
- November 1, 2019
See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center Calendar.
Local Farmers Market in Bailey
Saturday, June 8, 2019 @ 8am-noon
The Bailey Chamber of Commerce will be holding this special market day. Vendors will be offering fresh produce, artisans, craftspeople, and more. Held in downtown (TBA) Bailey, NC. Interested in becoming a vendor? Call 252.235.8296 or email. See notice here.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, September 14, 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.
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.
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 this full list’s link is encouraged, so readers may see all upcoming events.
Ed. note: Originally published May 7, 2019. Updated May 10 for Cemetery Tour cancellation.