Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor

This week’s list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond — occasionally including unique coastal or mountain events. While most listed events are free, ticketed or fee-for-entry events may be included.

Events may be rescheduled/delayed or locations changed. Contact an event’s organizer directly. To suggest an event for a future list, email the editor.

Note: Check out this things-to-do article listing “spooky” activities and storytimes at local libraries.

Halloween — Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cooley Library “Fall Fest” PLUS Movie

Thursday, October 31, 2019 @ 4-5:30pm

The library hosts trick-or-treating and fun activities at this event on Halloween. The Fall Fest will have food and non-food prizes available at different station in support of the Teal Pumpkin Project, which raises awareness of food allergies during the Halloween season. After Fall Fest, families can trick-or-treat in the Historic District and then return to the library for an outdoor movie showing (Hocus Pocus). The Harold D. Cooley Library is located at 114 W Church Street, Nashville, NC. Event updates may be shared via the library’s Facebook page.

Washington Haunts’ Historic Ghost Walk

Thursday, October 31, 2019 @ 7:30-9:30pm

Purchase tickets at 7:30pm on-site, then starting at 8pm follow guide Terry Rollins along the streets of Washington as he points out spirited locations and shares tales of the city’s past.  Tickets are $15 per person (cash only). The starting address is 1 Harding Square, Washington, NC (adjacent to the Washington Visitors Center).  Follow their Facebook page for updates. (Article)

Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball

October 30-31, 2019 @ 7:30pm (both dates)

Attend this 2nd-annual fun film event presented by Retro Film Series / The Carolina Theatre of Durham. Movie screening with fog, light show, and more.  Held in The Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W Morgan Street, Durham, NC. Tickets are $12, available via TicketMaster.com.

All Saint’s Day — Friday, November 1, 2019

Franklin County Farmers Market

Fridays, November 1, 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. 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.

First Friday Flix

Friday, November 1, 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. See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center calendar.

All Soul’s Day — Saturday, November 2, 2019

Ed. Note: The Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, Clayton Farm and Community Market, Wendell Farmers Market, and Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market have closed for the season.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturday, November 2, 2019 @ 10am-noon

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. (Starting in November, hours are 10am-noon.) The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org.

Farmers Market Rocky Mount

Saturday, November 2, 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.

NC Whirligig Festival

November 2-3, 2019

The Whirligig Festival is held in and around the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC, and is a weekend of celebrating the life of local folk artist Vollis Simpson and his whirligig creations. See details at whirligigfestivalnc.org.

Clayton Harvest Festival/Latin American Festival

November 2 & 3, 2019

This annual festival by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce offers entertainment, attractions, food, cars, barbecue competition, vendors, and more. The event is broken into components:

• Clayton Harvest Festival Vendor Fair, Saturday, November 2, 2019, 10am-5pm (on Main Street, Clayton, NC)
• Latin American Festival Vendor Fair, Sunday, November 3, 2019, noon-5pm (in Town Square, Clayton, NC)

For more details, visit www.claytonharvestfestival.com.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

NC Whirligig Festival

Continues today: November 3, 2019

The Whirligig Festival is held in and around the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson, NC, and is a weekend of celebrating the life of local folk artist Vollis Simpson and his whirligig creations. See details at whirligigfestivalnc.org.

Clayton Harvest Festival/Latin American Festival

Continues today: November 3, 2019

Clayton Chamber of Commerce Latin American Festival Vendor Fair is Sunday, November 3, 2019, noon-5pm (in Town Square, Clayton, NC). For more details, visit www.claytonharvestfestival.com.

Family Art Sundays

Sundays, November 3, 17, and 24, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Drop-in event, meaning family registration is not required. Event is free. All ages welcome with accompanying adults. Join in art making, interactive play, gallery sketching, or go on your own exhibition tour. Materials are provided. Held at the art gallery at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Future Dates: December 1, 8, and 15, 2019 See event here.

Coming Soon

Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market

Saturday, November 9, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Held monthly. 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.

Marketing Know-How (For Writers)

Sunday, November 10, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Join this group of writers for “Toe-tag Chronicles” with Forensics expert Jacque Perkins presenting true-crime cases she has encountered while working in the NC Medical Examiner’s office. Murder We Write monthly writing events are held at the High Point Public Library, 901 N Main Street, High Point, NC. All writers are welcome. See www.murderwewrite.org.

Johnston County Writers Group Meeting

Thursday, November 14, 2019 @ 6-7:45pm

Writers of all experience levels are invited to this monthly meeting of JoCo Writers and hear a guest author. Held at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC. This group meets on the second Thursday of the month. Join the group on Facebook here.

Around the Tables

Saturday, November 16, 2019 @ 10am-noon

This monthly event by Dream Coat Ministries provides free clothing for kids and adults, plus lunch (11:30am) at no charge provided by Now Faith Community Baptist Church. The address is 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale, NC. Future Date: December 21, 2019. Follow www.facebook.com/Dreamcoatknightdale.

Writers Circle Discussion

Sunday, November 17, 2019 @ 1:45-4:30pm

All prose writers, published and not-yet, may drop in to discuss your writing, to ask for what you need from other writers (also published and not-yet) and from readers. Enjoy the free “Annual Writers Circle” from the working writers of the all-genre Triad Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Handouts on writing skills, publishing, and much more. Sponsored by and held at the High Point Library, 901 North Main, High Point, NC. See MurderWeWrite.org.

Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie at The Nash Senior Center

Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 2pm

Senior citizens, come and enjoy popcorn and a movie. The movie showing is free and popcorn is 25 cents a bag. Movies shown in Room 112 at the Nash County Senior Center, 103 N Alston Street, Nashville, NC. With questions or to register, call 252.459.7681. Pre-registering is recommended and helps the facility to plan seating and refreshments for those attending. Movie showings are held on the fourth Friday of each month. Movies planned are:

• Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 2pm: La La Land (2016)
• Friday, December 27, 2019 @ 2pm: Jack Frost (1998)

For this and other senior happenings, follow Nash County senior center updates on Facebook or check out their quarterly newsletter via the county web page.

Johnston County Writers Group “Open Mic”

Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 6:30pm

Step up to the mic! Writers and poets share their works. Open Mic events are held, on the fourth Friday of each month, at the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum, 104 W Anderson Street, Selma, NC. Future date: December 27, 2019. Join their Facebook group for updates.

Wake Forest Holiday Artisans’ Market

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 9am-3pm

Artisans and craftspeople will have their wares on sale at this annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans’ Market. The Market location is inside  Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. The Holiday Artisans’ Market showcases a wide variety of handmade items, featuring many types of crafts in a wide range of prices. Visit Wake Forest Arts.

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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 may be 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. Any 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.

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