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, so contact organizers directly for updates. Events may be added/updated by emailing event details to the Editor.
Be sure to check out our list of Holiday Happenings. Many events, including parades and tree lightings, are planned this week.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Pecan Pickin’ (November 30, 2017 @ 8:30am-5pm)
November is “Pecan Pickin’ Month” at Oak View! From November 1 through 30, families may pick one small bag of pecans off the ground in the park’s pecan grove during the hours listed. Location is Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh NC. No pecans may be taken directly from trees. One lunch bag per family; bags provided at the Farm History Center. This Park is online at www.wakegov.com/parks/oakview.
Franklin County Writers Guild “Journal” Launch Event (November 30, 2017 @ 7pm)
The public is invited to the County Lines Literary Journal Launch Party at the Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) Headquarters, 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC — in the white brick building with “Pottery” in large black letters across the top. Come and hear readings from County Lines by local authors, enjoy refreshments, and pick up a book (get it signed) for yourself of as a gift for someone. For updates, watch the FCAC’s Facebook page or fcacarts.org.
Science Cafe: Virtual Reality (November 30, 2017 @ 7-8:30pm)
Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a new opportunity for transforming how we view the world, with the interactive learning environments of museums serving as the perfect space for visitors to have their first virtual reality experience. In this Science Cafe, Changing Perspective: Virtual Reality at Museums, Aaron Poteate demonstrates the VR hardware used in the Visual World iLab. This free event is geared toward adults. The location is Daily Planet Cafe, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC. See details here.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Holiday Happenings (December 1, 2017)
There are a wide variety of holiday events happening on this date, in towns and cities across the area. See our holiday happenings list here, alphabetically in order by location.
Grand Opening of Comic World (December 1, 2017 @ noon-8pm)
Check out this new shop in town. Comic World is opening at 104 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony planned at noon, refreshments, and a 10% off sale. Follow Comic World on Facebook here.
*CANCELED* — YoPro Lip Sync Battle (December 1, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
UPDATE: This event has been canceled and will not take place Dec. 1.
Always wanted to do karaoke, but too embarrassed at your (lack of) pipes? Well, channel your inner Jimmy Fallon and bring your friends and family to this special battle by Young Professionals of the Twin Counties (YoPro). Performers must be 18 years or older. Also, YoPro is partnering with Station Square Records to host a vinyl record craft night. Create something new out of old vinyl for $5. Address is 170 E Thomas Street, Rocky Mount NC. See the YoPro Facebook page for updates.
PSI Games (December 1, 2017 @ 7-9pm)
Ever wondered about your ESP ability? Or wanted to attend a Spoon Bending Party?! This is a fun, experiential evening offering a chance to test your ESP in an informal group setting with like-minded Rhine friends and/or the frankly curious. Rhine colleagues will lead the group in a variety of ESP games, including using the well-known Zener cards, and exercises in Remote Viewing of hidden target pictures. Then, a spoon-bending party! Held in the Alex Tanous Library at The Rhine (paranormal) Research Center, 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Bldg. 500, Durham NC. Admission is $20, for Rhine Members $15, and for students/seniors $10. Register online or call 919.309.4600.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Story Time (December 2, 9 & 16 @ 10am)
For children, there will be a Saturday story time at the Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Library information is online at www1.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.
Glow in the Dark Dance Party (December 2, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
Put on your best glow-in-the-dark apparel (or paint) and head to the Wilson County Courthouse, 115 Nash Street SE, Wilson NC, and show off your dance moves. The Courthouse plaza will be “filled with light and music” at this special event. This free and family-friendly event welcomes all ages. There might be prizes for the brightest / best costumes too. This event is a unique part of downtown’s holiday happenings. See more on this link.
Laurel & Hardy – Live Film Re-Scoring (December 2, 2017 @ 8-10pm; doors open 7pm)
Tim Carless returns to The ArtsCenter with three classic silent film shorts by Laurel and Hardy, re-imagined with new original scores, performed live. Held in the Earl & Rhoda Wynn Theatre at The ArtsCenter, 300 E Main Street, Carrboro NC. Tickets are $15 per person,$10 for children, plus tax/fees. Tickets may be purchased online via this link.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
World War I Film Series (December 3, 2017 @ 2-4pm)
Register online for this free showing of A Little Princess (1995). This critically acclaimed, and Oscar-nominated, family film features a girl, raised by her father in British colonial India until the outbreak of WWI, who experiences change after her father is mistakenly declared dead, a casualty of combat. Parents are cautioned: “A simulated battlefield environment—including bright lights, flashing lights, and loud noises—in this exhibit may be disturbing to children or visitors with health concerns. In addition, some images may not be suitable for some visitors.” Movie showing is at the North Carolina Museum of History, 5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh NC.
Coming Soon
Cancer Prevention Program (December 4, 2017 @ 6pm)
Jessica Williams and Melissa Kanuck from the Wilson County Health Department will be leading this program. Held in the Assembly Room at the Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Library information is online at www1.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.
Food for Fines (December 4-9, 2017)
The Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield (PLJCS), 305 E Market Street, Smithfield NC, will be accepting one non-perishable food item per $1 of fines owed throughout the week. Applies to regular late-book type fines, not fines for lost/damaged library materials. Libary is online at www.pljcs.org and on Facebook here.
Clothing Closet (December 7, 2017 @ 1-2:30pm)
Adults are invited to Clothing Closet, a collection of donated, gently used clothes for participants to wear during job interviews. Clothing Closet will be held on Thursday, December 7th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. Held at the Main Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Library information is online at www1.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.
Shredding Event (December 8, 2017 @ 9:30am)
Bring personal documents for safe shredding. Keep your identity data out of the hands of thieves. Shredded documents go into truck on-site and are taken away for disposal. Held at the State Employees’ Credit Union, 28 Burke Blvd, Louisburg NC. No batteries or electronics, just paper.
Slate of Eight Series: Dollars & Sense (December 8, 2017 @ 12:30-1:30pm)
Whether you are thinking of buying a piece of equipment for your business or buying a home for your family, you should know how to stay savvy during your financial planning! This seminar will also include being credit ready in order to make big those big important purchases in our business and personal lives. Organized by Young Professionals of the Twin Counties. Held at Gateway Technology Center, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount NC. Sign up via this link.
Santa’s Holiday Workshop (December 14, 2017 @ 3-4:30pm)
This free community event includes “free toy, candy cane and snack” for ages 1 to 16, accompanied by an adult. Santa will be there too. Held at the Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC.
Ed. Note: 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 or knowledge of offerings.
