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.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Johnston County Writers Group Meeting
Thursday, September 12, 2019 @ 6-7:45pm
Writers of all experience levels are invited to this monthly meeting of JoCo Writers and hear guest author Wanda Robinson Lee. 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. Future meeting: October 10, 2019. Join the group on Facebook here.
Downtown Live!
Thursday, September 12, 2019 @ 6-9pm
The 2019 Downtown Live! free outdoor music series takes place on the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Bring lawn chairs for comfort. Full schedule is available at imperialcentre.org/events/downtown-live. (Article)
Friday, September 13, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, September 13, 20, and 27, 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.
Save The Whirligig Art Walk
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 5-8:30pm
Join the Arts Council of Wayne Count for this Art Walk. This Art Walk will be raising awareness and fundraising to restore Goldsboro’s own Vollis Simpson Whirligig. Local businesses are staying open later for shopping, and hosting local artists and musicians. Grab a map at the Arts Council, and visit each stop for your chance to win a prize! The Arts Council of Wayne County is located at 102 N John Street, Goldsboro, NC. See event for possible updates. (Date changed from September 6 to 13 due to Hurricane Dorian.)
Friday Night On White Free Concert Series
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come and listen to live music 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 schedule here. (Article)
Free Family Movie Night
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 7-9pm (doors open 6:30pm)
Join the fun with this free film, plus free popcorn and bottled water for everyone. Held at the Zebulon Communiy Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. See the movie title and watch for updates here.
Lawn Chair Theatre
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 7:30pm
Watch a free, family movie at the city of Rocky Mount’s Lawn Chair Theatre series. Bring a lawn chair / blanket and settle in on the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. For more information on Lawn Chair Theatre, visit www.imperialcentre.org. (Article)
Rocky Horror Picture Show Interactive, Audience Participation Event
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 7:30-11pm
Get dressed up and head to the Arts of the Pamlico’s Turnage Theatre, 150 W Main Street, Washington, NC. Watch the movie, buy raffle or auction tickets, and pick up a prop bag for the movie. (No outside props allowed.) See details and buy tickets ($12.36) at www.artsofthepamlico.org/…/rocky-horror-picture-show.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Friday, September 13, 2019 @ 8-10pm
Come and watch this cult film and participate/dress up. Prop bags will be available ($5). Held at the Mill Space, 1362 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, NC. Buy tickets ($7-$10) at rockyhorrorbeaushow.splashthat.com.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, September 14, 21 and 28, 2019 @ 8am-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.
Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market
Saturdays, September 14, 21 and 28, 2019 @ 8am-1pm
Local farm offerings and handmade/homemade goods. Open Saturdays 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, September 14, 21 and 28, 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 August the market will be open Tuesday afternoons in addition to Saturday mornings.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Saturdays, September 14, 21 and 28, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Vendors at the Zebulon Farm Fresh Market (ZFFM) 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.
Clayton Farm and Community Market
Saturdays, September 14, 21 and 28, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
The market will be open every Saturday for its regular season 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.
Wendell Farmers Market
Saturdays, September 14, 21 and 28, 2019 @ 9am-1pm
Although the market had a late start, it is scheduled for every Saturday through October 2019. Held at W Campen and Main Streets, Wendell, NC. See details at www.townofwendell.com/living/farmers-market or follow the market on Facebook.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, September 14, 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). Future dates: October 12 and November 9, 2019. For information including vendor booth reservations, contact Melissa Dooley at 919.965.9841 x.8003 or via email.
Western NC Bigfoot Festival
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 9am-4pm
This 2nd-annual festival of all things Sasquatch will be held on S Main Street, Marion, NC. See details via the WNC Bigfoot Festival Facebook page.
Knightdale Arts and Education Fest
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 10am-2pm and 5:30pm-9pm
The Knightdale Arts and Education Fest (formerly called K-Fest) includes two parts:
- 10am-2pm (free festival)
- 5:30pm-9pm (free concert)
Held in Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. (Article)
NC Hot Sauce Contest
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 11am-6pm
It’s time for the 13th-annual contest in Oxford, NC. Join the fun as sauce makers compete and there’s lots of hot goodies to purchase and eat. See details, schedule, and vendor information — plus the Bailey Farms Pepper Eating Contest, entertainment, and plant sale info — at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.
Downtown Beats & Eats
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 4-8pm
Head downtown for live music, food trucks, and more. Held in the Vollis Simpson Whirigig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC. Entry is free. Food and drinks will be on sale; no outside food/beverages allowed. Future dates: September 28, October 12 and 26, 2019. Follow Downtown Beats & Eats on Facebook here.
Note: On September 14 there will be a movie screening following the concert (8:30-10:30pm). See movie title here.
Trung Thu Moon Festival
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Enjoy learning about the Vietnamese culture through music, stories, dance, food, and arts and crafts. Held at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Tickets are $8+tax for adults and $6+tax for seniors and children under 12, available at the Renaissance Center. (Article)
Family Movie Night on the Town Commons
Saturday, September 14, 2019 @ 8-10pm
Come and watch a movie presented by the Farmville Public Library, Parks and Rec, and partner agencies. This free, public event is held on the Town Commons, N Main Street, Farmville, NC. Bring blanket/chair for comfort. Popcorn and water will be provided. See movie title on their event posting.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Durham 150 Fiesta Free Event
Sunday, September 15, 2019 @ 3-7pm
Celebrate Durham’s diversity with this free, family event featuring a documentary screening, presentation, and Quinceañera dance at The Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W Morgan Street, Durham, NC. FIESTA! Durham 150 Signature Event is presented by Nuevo South Media and sponsored by Durham Technical Community College and James Scott Farrin. Food will be available following the film. See details and register (free) here.
Coming Soon
Food Truck Thursday: Lunch & Dinner
Thursdays, September 19 and October 17, 2019
Sit and eat at the park, or pick up food to take back to your desk or home. Live music during dinnertime.
- Lunch (11:30am-1:30pm)
- Dinner (6-8pm)
Food trucks will be parked near the Knightdale Station Park pavilion, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. See details and updates via the Parks and Rec Facebook page. (Article)
Downtown Tarboro Live Music Series
Thursday, September 19, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Come and enjoy live, outdoor music by Liquid Pleasure. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. There will be food trucks and treats, and beer available for purchase by those of age. Held on the Courthouse Square, 311 N Main Street, Tarboro, NC. Follow the Town of Tarboro on Facebook, or visit the town website at www.tarboro-nc.com.
Meet on Main
Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 5-9pm
Gather on Main Street, Wendell, NC, for this event with live music, food trucks, and beer/wine vendors. See event and any updates via the organizers’ FB page.
Down East Flick Fest Special Screening Event
Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 5:30-9:30pm
To kick-off the 4th Annual Down East Flick Fest, two NC documentaries — Chairman Jones: An Improbable Leader and Raising Bertie — will be shown. Screening is at the Greenville Museum, 802 Evans Street, Greenville, NC. See details and pre-register (free) at EventBrite.
Clayton Movie Night Series: Grease
Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 6-9:30pm
Enjoy a free movie under the stars, plus activities including inflatables, games, refreshments, food trucks, vendors, and more. Bring blanket/chair for comfort. The movie will be shown at Clayton Town Square, 110 W Main Street, Clayton, NC. Film screening made possible by the Clayton Downtown Development Association and Clayton School of Creative Arts. Optionally, dress for the 1950s, sing, and dance. Future movie date: October 18, 2019. See details here.
3rd Friday with the Artist: Photography Show
Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 6-8pm
This month, the Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) presents a Photography Show with local photographers. Come and see their works at the Galley On Main, Franklin County Arts Council, 118-B Main Street, Louisburg NC. Follow FCAC on Facebook for updates.
Friday Nights on the Tar
Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 6:30-9:30pm
Free outdoor concert for all ages. Come and hear live music, pick up a meal/snacks from food trucks, and enjoy this monthly community gathering. Concerts are held on the third Friday of each month May through September, so this is the final concert of the season. Concerts take place in the downtown Amphitheatre, 116 N Main Street, Louisburg, NC. See more on the town website. (Article)
Fall Fest Vendor Event
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 9am-2pm
Join Magnolia Mill Clothing Co. at HS Howell Farms. Free admission and parking at the farm. This festival will have food trucks, mums at the nursery, local vendors selling their wares/services, and fun for the whole family. HS Howell Farms is located at 4371 Massey Road, Zebulon, NC (near Middlesex). Vendor additions and other updates may be posted on the event page.
Free Mobile Food Market
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 8:30-11am
Bread For Life Of America returns to the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club parking lot, 1320 Shepard School Road, Zebulon, NC, with their free, mobile, food market for those in need of food. Sign-in by 9am to choose from their market. Updates may be posted on the FB event page.
Fall Fest Vendor Event
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 9am-2pm
Come out to HS Howell Farms for their inaugural Fall Fest, organized by Magnolia Mill Clothing Co. Purchase mums from the nursery, check out the vendors, pick up something good from the food trucks, and enjoy the time at the farm. HS Howell Farms is located at 4371 Massey Road, Zebulon, NC. Watch for event info and updates here.
Around the Tables
Saturday, September 21, 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 Dates: October 19, November 16, and December 21, 2019. Follow www.facebook.com/Dreamcoatknightdale.
Rolesville’s BBQ & Bands Festival
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 11am-5pm
Entry is free for this annual festival. Cash may be used for food, shopping, and some kids’ activities. The Chamber will offer food for sale. Weather may cause cancellation, with no refunds for vendors. Address is 1101 Granite Falls Blvd, Rolesville, NC. See event details or visit the Chamber website at rolesvillechamber.org/bbqbandfest.
Tea with the Queen
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Dress for this afternoon of glamour and a Southern-style tea party. Tickets are $20 and include one adult and one child. Tea is served at the Wayne County Museum, 116 N William Street, Goldsboro, NC. Tickets may be purchased at the museum. See this event notice or read our article on museum events.
Creekside Music Series
Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 5-10pm
Bring family and friends for a night of live music, food, and adult beverages for those of age. This free concert — featuring Meredith Davis Johnson and the band Charlie — will be held at Stoney Creek Environmental Park, 455 W Washington Street, Nashville, NC. Event made possible by supported from the NC Arts Council.
¡La Fiesta del Pueblo 2019!
Sunday, September 22, 2019 @ noon-6pm
Enjoy food, art, performances, music, and entertainment plus vendor booths and kids’ activities. Festival entry is free. This is “The Triangle’s Largest and Longest-Running Latinx Festival.” Held at Raleigh City Plaza, 400 block Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC. Funds raised support leadership programs. See festival website for more. See details (English/Español) on Facebook. Or, Volunteer.
Undercover Accomplices to Successful Writers
Sunday, September 22, 2019 @ 2-4pm
What beta-readers and editors do to make each manuscript more publishable — and other insider information to help writers up the odds of success. Presented by Thomas Dew, Chapter Beta-Reading Service and author of true crime, and Chris Roerden, Chapter Editing/Review Service and author of Agatha Award-winner and Macavity & Anthony finalist Don’t Murder Your Mystery. Murder We Write events are held at the High Point Public Library, 901 N Main Street, High Point, NC. All writers are welcome at this free event. Future event: On Sunday, October 20, 2019, the topic will be “Marketing Know-How.” Time and location the same. See www.murderwewrite.org.
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
September 26-October 5, 2019
The 71st-annual fair returns with ag and rides and fun and more. Held at the fairgrounds, 2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (Wayne County). Details may be found on the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair website at www.waynefair.com.
Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie at The Nash Senior Center
Friday, September 27, 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 is located at 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. The movie shown September 27 is Going In Style. 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.
Mumkin Fest
Saturday, September 28, 2019 @ 10am-2pm
This fall festival includes inflatables, live music, food trucks, hay rides, and vendors. Pumpkin painting available for kids. Mums will be for sale. This annual fall festival is held in Knightdale Station Park 810 North First Avenue, Knightdale, NC.
Note: Interested in being a Mumkin Fest Vendor? Contact Knightdale Parks and Recreation at 919.217.2232.
International Food and Music Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2019 @ 11am-5pm
This annual day of food, vendors, music, dancing, and more is organized by St Eugene Catholic Church. Activities take place around downtown, the Woman’s Club lot, and the J. Ashley Wall Town Square, 99 W 3rd Street, Wendell, NC. For updates, follow St. Eugene’s annual festival on Facebook here.
National Pumpkin Festival
October 4-5, 2019
This annual festival offers activities, entertainment, food, contests, and vendors. The festival draws thousands of visitors to downtown along Railroad Street, Spring Hope, NC, each year. See details via the local Chamber event posting. Festival updates may also be found on this Facebook page.
First Fridays on the Lawn
Friday, October 4, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Enjoy a free community concert with a live band, food vendors, and entertainment. Held on the lawn at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. Visit the city’s calendar for this event and others.
First Friday Flix
Friday, October 4, 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 date: November 1, 2019. See this event and more on the Wake Forest Renaissance Center calendar.
Knightdale “First Friday Films” and Food Trucks
Friday, October 4, 2019 @ 7pm
Enjoy food trucks, a kids art activity, and a free outdoor movie. Food Trucks and activities and then the movie begins at dusk. Bring blanket and chairs for comfort. Organized by Knightdale Parks and Rec. Held in the Knightdale Station Park amphitheatre, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC. (Originally planned for August 2, weather caused postponement to October 4, 2019.) See details here.
Wendell Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 5, 2019 @ 10am-10pm
The Wendell Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Harvest Festival with loads of vendors, fair foods, Fall goodies, and activities for kids and families. A parade and live music too. Activities take place along Third Street and around the J. Ashley Wall Town Square, Wendell, NC. This festival draws 10,000+ people each year. See www.wendellchamber.com/pages/harvest-festival. Follow the Chamber on Facebook. Updates might be posted on Facebook here.
Raleigh Tamale Festival 2019
Saturday, October 5, 2019 @ 2-6pm
Enjoy tamales of all types along with other food options. Watch cultural performances and more. This event is free and open to the public. The festival will be held at the Dix Park Flower Field, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC. See Raleigh Tamale Festival details on the city of Raleigh website at www.raleighnc.gov/…/RaleighTamale.html.
Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down
October 11 & 12, 2019
This cooking competition offers awards/trophies for participating chefs, and a fun experience for the general public. Held at the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station, 101 Coastline Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See downtownrockymount.com/…/bbq-applications.
Indigo Moon Film Festival
October 11-13, 2019
This annual film festival is held in multiple locations around historic downtown Fayetteville, NC. An Opening Night Film and Reception on Friday provides the kick off for the festival. On Saturday, IMFF brings in dozens of films from around the world to screen in several walkable venues. Filmmakers provide insight during post-screening Q&A sessions. Awards Banquet is held on Sunday. See details and ticket information at IndigoMoonFilmFestival.com.
Black Creek Heritage Day Festival
Saturday, October 12, 2019 @ 9am-4:30pm
For this 21st-annual festival, enjoy food, meet vendors, see cars on display, dance, and enjoy the Fall weather outdoors at 112 West Center Street, Black Creek, NC. This event may be rescheduled if weather is unsuitable. Follow festival updates via the town’s Facebook page.
Flix4Kidz
Monday, October 14, 2019 @ 10:30am-12:30pm
Bring the kids for a free, family-friendly movie on the second Monday of each month. 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: November 11, and December 9, 2019. For more information, visit the town’s event calendar.
Town of Farmville’s Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival
Saturday, October 26, 2019 @ 8am-4pm
At this first-annual event, “Pumpkin hurling is going to be taken to a whole new level,” according to the Farmville Parks & Recreation Department. Location will be at the soccer field, 4240 West Horne Avenue, Farmville, NC. If signing up, competitor/vendor applications deadline may be Friday, September 6, 2019 at noon. See details at www.farmvillencparks.com/first-annual-pumpkin-chunkin-festival.html.
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.
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.
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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