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 26, 2019
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, September 27, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, September 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.
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.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, September 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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. (Article)
Fall Fest
Saturday, September 28, 2019 @ 10am-4pm
Deans Farm Market is holding their annual Fall Fest with hayrides, farm activities, food, and more. Held at Deans Farm Market, 4231 NC Hwy 42 W, Wilson, NC. Tickets are $10 for various activities. See details in our article.
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.
Downtown Beats & Eats
Saturday, September 28, 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: October 12 and 26, 2019. Follow Downtown Beats & Eats on Facebook here.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Family Art Sundays
Sunday, September 29, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Drop-in event, meaning family registration is not needed. Event is free. Future Dates:
- October 6, 13, and 20, 2019
- November 3, 17, and 24, 2019
- December 1, 8, and 15, 2019
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. See event here.
Coming Soon
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.
Johnston County Writers Group Meeting
Thursday, October 10, 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.
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.
Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market
Saturday, October 12, 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 date: November 9, 2019. For information including vendor booth reservations, contact Melissa Dooley at 919.965.9841 x.8003 or via email.
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.
Food Truck Thursday: Lunch & Dinner
Thursday, 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)
Around the Tables
Saturday, October 19, 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: November 16 and December 21, 2019. Follow www.facebook.com/Dreamcoatknightdale.
Marketing Know-How (For Writers)
Sunday, October 20, 2019 @ 2-4pm
How do you get the word out about your book(s)? Guest speaker Melissa Bourbon/Winnie Archer, co-author of The Tricked Out Toolbox: Promotion and Marketing Tools Every Writer Needs, explains how to pick and choose which strategies and tactics will serve you best. 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 at this free event. Future event: On Sunday November 10, 2019 @ 2-4pm, join Murder We Write 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. Time and location the same. See www.murderwewrite.org.
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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