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). Piedmont and Coastal events are sometimes included on the weekly list. While the majority of listed events are free happenings, some ticketed events may be included, especially ticketed events by local arts councils or theater groups.

Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included. Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed, without our knowledge.

Events may be added/updated by emailing event notices to the Editor.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Cucalorus Film Festival (November 8-12, 2017)

The 23rd-annual festival returns, with screenings at more than a half-dozen venues around Wilmington NC. The non-competitive Cucalorus Film Festival showcases more than 300 films from all over the world. Watch www.cucalorus.org for details, or their Facebook page for updates.

Food Truck Thursday (November 9, 2017 @ 11:30am & 6pm)

*This date is the third Thursday of the month and includes live music.* Stop by to purchase lunch (11:30am-1:30pm) or dinner (6-8pm) near the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC. Food trucks arranged weekly at the park. See the full schedule on the town website here. (Last date is November 16, 2017. There will be live music.)

2017 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (November 9, 2017 @ 5:30pm)

The Twin County Hall of Fame celebrates those who have made history and had a profound impact Edgecombe and Nash counties and the world. Join us as we induct new members into the Twin County Hall of Fame. Ceremony will be held in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College, 522 N Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount NC. Tickets may still be available at twincountyhalloffame.wildapricot.org. , or call Dennis (252.908.0514) or Amanda  (252.366.3168) to check availability. Tickets started at $35. Check out the Twin County Hall of Fame and museum) at www.tchof.org.

Cow Painting Class (November 9, 2017 @ 6:30-9:30pm)

Come paint pictures of cows! Held at artist Amanda’s home art studio, 3513 Neuma Drive, Zebulon NC. Fee is $25 and includes all materials. See more on the Art With Amanda Facebook page.

Veterans Day Concert (November 9, 2017  @ 7-8pm)

The East Wake high School Band will present this free concert to recognize the community’s veterans. Held in the auditorium at East Wake High School, 5101 Rolesville Road, Wendell NC.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Veterans Day Memorial & Recognition Ceremony (November 10, 2017 @ 11am-noon)

Memorial and recognition for area Veterans. Held in the Fleming Building at Edgecombe Community College, 2009 W Wilson Street, Tarboro NC. For information on this ceremony, contact Angie Estes at252.823.5166 x.338.

10 Plants That Have Ornamental Berries (November 10, 2017 @ noon)

Part of the 10 Plant Tour series in the Nash County Arboretum, located at the Nash County Agriculture Center, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville NC.  Tours are free; call call 252.459.9810 with questions. See all dates at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/03/2017-ten-plant-tours.

Pet Weekend At The Maze (November 10-11, 2017)

Bring your pet to Ken’s Korny Corn Maze, 3175 Benson Road, Garner NC, and let them help you find your way through the maze. No extra charge for pets. See www.kenskornycornmaze.com/​pet-day.

Musical: A 19402 Radio Christmas Carol (November 10, 11, 12, 17, & 18, 2017 @ various times)

Performed at “the Hut” (at Neuse Little Theatre), Front and Market Streets, Smithfield NC. See their website, www.neuselittletheatre.org, or watch for updates on their Facebook page.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Rabies Vaccination Clinic (November 11, 2017 @ 9am-noon)

Held at 1101 North Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. “The event, administered by Hicks Animal Clinic, is held often in order to provide safety for animals, and ultimately humans, from exposure to the disease.” For cats and dogs only, four months and older. Pets must be on leashes or in carriers. For more information, call 252.972.1390, or visit www.rockymountnc.gov.

Moose Lodge Fall Bazaar (November 11, 2017 @ 9am-2pm)

Held at the Moose Lodge, 521 Country Club Road, Rocky Mount NC. Come for a fun day of shopping for the holidays. Vendor offerings include Scentsy, LulaRoe, Initials Inc, USborne books, Paparazzi, Pink Zebra, Carolina SoCo leggings, vinyl decals, handmade jewelry, woodcrafts, and more.

Old Windows Workshop (November 11, 2017 @ 9am-4pm)

An Overview of the Restoration, Repair & Efficiency of Historic Windows, organized by Preservation of Wilson and the NC State Historic Preservation Office. Held at The Nadal House, 1007 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC. Workshop is $25 (lunch provided).Registration deadline is November 8, 2017. See details on the Preservation of Wilson website.

Backyard BBQ Cook Off (November 11, 2017 @ 9am-5pm)

This whole hog cooking event is a great chance for the local community to get together for friendly competition and fun. Activities include entertainment, pony rides, and family fun.  There is no admissionfee, but some activities may charge a small fee. Held on the ground of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 N Church Street, Kenly NC. See Cook Off Challenge details at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/bbq-cookoff.

Wayne County Veterans Day Parade (November 11, 2017 @ 9:30am)

The Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition is sponsoring their annual Veterans Day Parade. Entries include floats, bands, military vehicles, fire trucks, motorcycles, and more. For info stop by the Veterans Service Office, 2001D E. Ash Street, Goldsboro NC, or watch for updates on this Facebook page.

Louisburg Rabies/Microchip Clinic (November 11, 2017 @ 10am-1pm)

Louisburg Veterinary Clinic will hold a Rabies and Microchip Clinic on Saturday, at their location, 115 N Church Street, Louisburg NC. The fee is $10 for rabies shot. and $20 for microchips. Event is open to the public, so bring your pets and ensure their shots are up to date. Call 919.496.2638 for details or with questions.

Zumbathon (November 11, 2017 @ 10am-1pm)

Head to Nash Community College’s Business and Industry Center, 522 N Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount NC, and join this Zumbathon — fundraiser in support of Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico. Participation fee is $10 per person at the door. See www.nashcc.edu and search calendar.

America Recycles Day (November 11, 2017 @ 10am-1pm)

Keep America Beautiful of Nash and Edgecombe counties will host a recycling event for America Recycles Day. The local celebration will be  at the Golden East Crossing Mall — in the JCPenney parking lot near Dunham’s Sports — at 1100 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount NC. (Article)

Stew Sale Fundraiser (November 11, 2017 @ 11am)

Get tasty stew and raise funds for the Bunn Rural Volunteer Fire Department at Bunn VFD Station 2-1, 505 S Main Street, Bunn NC. See updates at www.facebook.com/BunnFire.

Winter Hummingbirds (November 11, 2017 @ 11am-noon)

Hummingbird researcher Susan Campbell will be talking about winter hummingbirds. Held at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther king Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC. Those wishing to support Susan’s research may “adopt” a hummingbird for a $20 “Adoption” fee. Seating is limited. Reserve a spot by calling 919.969.6778. See updates on this Facebook page.

Brown Bag Lunch (November 11, 2017 @ 11am-12:30pm)

Just about every Saturday, Zebulon United Methodist Church provides free “brown bag lunches” to anyone who drives or walks by the church at 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. For more information on food distribution for those in need, or to volunteer, visit www.zumchurch.org.

Veteran’s Day Event (November 11, 2017 @ 11am-noon)

“A Tribute to General George C. Marshall” free, public event at Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma NC. Come for this Veteran’s Day Program that will feature a tribute to the life and legacy of General George C. Marshall — Army Chief of Staff during WWII, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense under President Truman, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. The program will talk about his life in and out of government service, his family life, and how he became an icon of the 20th century. A tribute to Veteran’s Day will begin the event. All local veterans and their families are encouraged to attend. For more information call 919.333.4899 or email.

Warming of the Hearts (November 11, 2017 @ 11am-3pm)

On Saturday, Zebulon United Methodist Church is holding a winter clothing giveaway at the church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. All are invited to join us for hot soup and sandwiches. Coats of all sizes will be distributed. If you have questions, contact the church office at 919.269.9408 or Cindy Privette at 919.601.1575 or via email. (Ed. Note: They are accepting donations of clothing and more prior to this event. See our article.)

The Lantern Fest (November 11, 2017 @ 1pm-until)

Usually held in Fayetteville, due to a new local law in that city, the fest has been moved to Goldsboro NC. Tickets range from $7 to $60. “At The Lantern Fest, thousands of revelers join together armed with lanterns for one unforgettable spectacle. Before sundown friends and families can enjoy food, live music, a stage show, familiar princesses, face painters, s’mores, balloon artists and more. Then, when the time is just right, we will light the sky with our highest hopes and fondest dreams.” See more on EventBrite.

Book Signing and Wine Tasting (November 11, 2017 @ 2-4pm)

Book signing and wine tasting with author Alice Webb, who will be signing copies of the newly released Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Held at On the Square, 115 E St James Street, Tarboro NC. See Facebook event page for info and updates.

Community and Rural Development Annual Banquet (November 11, 2017 @ 4pm)

Multiple speakers, live music, door prizes, food, and “giving back” presentation.  Held at the Nash County Agriculture Center, 1006 Eastern Avenue, Nashville NC. Tickets are only $10 per person. RSVP (requested by November 7) by contacting Ext Agent Traci Dixon at 252.459.9810 or  via email. Event details at nash.ces.ncsu.edu.

Eleven Eleven Durham (November 11, 2017 @ 4-9pm)

NC Fresh Catch partners with Scrap Scrap for this 6th-annual event at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham NC. Admission is $5 at the gate, rain or shine. Military Veterans and kids 12 and under are free.   Live music, craft beer, and fresh NC seafood — oysters, chowder, chef’s plates, and more — plus chicken and brisket. Music by Eight Bit Disaster, Emily Musolino Band, Jo Gore (amazing!), and Pastor Joe. Partial proceeds will benefit nonprofit partner The Scrap Exchange, who is hosting a raffle along with fun family activities  4:30-6:30pm. Many more activities. Food and beverages for sale (entry wristband required to purchase). Bring blanket/chair for comfort on the lawn. See more event information at www.ncfreshcatch.com.

WOHFOE Community Networking Event (November 11, 2017 @ 6:30pm)

This fashion-oriented networking event is being held at Siri, 3456 Airport Blvd NE, Wilson NC. Tickets are $20. See more at www.wohfoeproductions.com.

Family Movie Night (November 11, 2017 @ 7pm)

Free movie at the Wendell Community Center, 601 W Third Street, Wendell NC. See this event and more on the Town of Wendell website.

Black Nativity Musical (November 11-December 23, 2017)

Langston Hughes’ heart-felt musical is the most entertaining way to relive the birth of Jesus Christ through the beat of the drum, the feet of high-energy dancers, and the souls of passionate storytellers. Enjoy The Nativity in a new light through great gospel music. Tickets are about $46 and up (adults) and  $23 and up (children) to see this musical at The Barn Dinner Theatre, 120 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro NC. See www.barndinner.com.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Dan Finch Pottery Open House (November 12, 2017 @ 10am-5pm)

This annual event is held at the Dan Finch Pottery, 5526 Finch Nursery Lane, Bailey NC. Come for a day of pottery demonstrations, music, shopping, fun, and food. Finch Studio Potters display and sell their many functional creations in stoneware and porcelain, plus jewelry, sculpture, Homes for Bluebirds nesting boxes, and more. Children 12 and under may glaze their own Raku Vase by Dan Finch Santa’s Workshop or get their face painted. For more information, visit www.danfinch.com/events.htm.

Writers Group Presentation (November 12, 2017 @ 2-4pm)

Join the writing group, Sisters in Crime (Murder We Write Chapter) for a special speaker on “What Police Can and Cannot Do in Apprehending a Suspect” as an aid to making writing more credible/accurate. Held at the High Point Public Library, 901 N Main Street, High Point NC. Learn police principles. See details at www.murderwewrite.org.

Eastern Youth Orchestra (November 12, 2017 @ 2:30pm)

Plan to be at the Theatre at the Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC, for this special event. Doors open at 1:30pm, with performance beginning around 2:30pm. This production is free to Rocky Mount residents and tickets are limited. For tickets, reserve via this eTix page, call the Imperial Center 252.972.1266, or email (with any questions).

National Candle light Vigil (November 12, 2017 @ 6-8pm)

In memory of those lost to drug or alcohol addiction, gather in Enfield NC with the Community Addiction Awareness Project (CAAP) to remember the ones we have lost to overdose, and the ones who are still fighting addiction every day. Let’s spread addiction awareness, and you can see first hand recovery IS an option. CAAP will have a board to post photos of ones we have lost. There will also be an open mic opportunity for those who would like to share their story of how addiction has affected them. See updates at www.facebook.com/EnfieldCAAP.

Coming Soon

Free Movies in Wake Forest (November 13, 2017)

Free, public movie showing at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC.  To obtain movie title, call the Special Events Hotline at 919.435.9428. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov.

• For Children: flix4kidz — Monday, November 13, 2017 @ 10:30am — The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month. ‘Flix4kidz’ shows only G or PG rated movies. Concessions available for purchase.

• For Seniors: Free at 3 — Monday, November 13, 2017 @ 3 pm — Designed for adults ages 50 and over, “Free at 3” features a variety of film favorites and genres – often with a seasonal or historical theme. Concessions available for purchase. Free at 3 movie screenings are free and open to the public.

Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner (November 17, 2017 @ 5-8pm)

All you can eat spaghetti, plus salad, bread, dessert, and drink. Eat in or take out. Held at the Lions Club, 118 E Lee Street, Zebulon NC. $8 per plate, and tickets are available from Lions Club members or at the door. With questions, email.

Rabies Walk-up Clinic (November 18, 2017 @ 8-9am)

Rabies Vaccines $5 each. Other shots available. No appointment needed at the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 351 T. Kemp Road, Louisburg NC. Call 919.494.5500 with questions (Tar River Veterinary Hospital).

Selma Saturdays Arts & Crafts Market (November 18, 2017 @ 9am-1pm)

Gather with friends and enjoy live, local entertainment and check out handcrafted items by local artists. Located at the 100 Block of E Anderson Street, in the back parking lot of Town Hall, 114 N Raiford Street, Selma NC. See flyer on the town website at www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays, or visit the Selma Parks and Rec Facebook page.

ZFFM Holiday Market (November 18, 2017 @ 9am-3pm)

The Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (ZFFM) celebrates the holiday season with this special one-day market at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. From their early event description: “Shop local and find that perfect gift with one of our many vendors. Grab breakfast or lunch at Brown Bag Bagel Food truck and enjoy dance performance by Massey School of Dance and Expressions of Worship. Lastly, round out the day by visiting with Santa!”

November to Remember Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show (November 18, 2017 @ 10am-4pm)

Come check out the vehicles entered in this show, watch the awards, and participate in a unique Food Drive. Vendors will be there giving demonstrations. Food, music, prizes, and more at this free event. Held at the Montclair Complex, 907 NC Hwy 98 E, Bunn NC. (Article)

Winter Hummingbirds Event (November 18, 2017 @ 11am-noon)

Hummingbird researcher Susan Campbell will be talking about winter hummingbirds. Those wishing to support Susan’s research may “adopt” a hummingbird for a $20 “Adoption” fee. Seating is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 919.969.6778. Seats are first come first serve. Held at Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC. See more about this event on their Facebook page.

Community Development Educational Workshop (November 18, 2017 @ 1-4pm)

Wilson County residents are invited to this workshop on achieving home ownership, receiving funding for home repairs and renovations, and home maintenance. Held at the City of Wilson Operations Center, 1800 Herring Avenue, Wiilson NC. Refreshments will be served. To reserve a seat, call Meagan Jacobs at 252.399.2232. See flyer with more details on this City of Wilson web page.

Bond with the Blue (November 18, 2017 @ 3-5pm)

Meet and greet some of the local police officers serving the area. Ask questions, offer ideals, or just relax and get to know one another. Held at the East Wake Sernior Center 323 Lake Drive, Wendell NC. See www.townofwendell.com/news.

Tar River Swing Band Concert (November 18, 2017 @ 7:30-9:30pm)

“Something Old, Something New, and Definitely Some Blues” — the Tar River Swing Band plays classic swing music along with newer music. Fee for adults is $15, children are free, College students with valid ID are free too. Held at NC Wesleyan College’s Dunn Center, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount NC. Tickets available via EventBrite.

Flotilla Week (November 22-26)

Head to Wrightsville Beach NC for holiday-oriented events spread over several days. (See article here.)

Coming in December

Wendell Wonderland (December 1, 2017)

Get into the holiday spirit at this annual event in downtown Wendell NC. Details TBA.

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.

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.