By Kay Whatley, Editor
This list covers events from the eastern North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond. Contact information or RSVP deadlines, where applicable, have been included.
In addition to the events below, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is hosting multiple events. Their January list may be found online here.
A variety of coastal events may be found via What’s On Wilmington’s calendar.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Retrofantasma: Invasion of the Body Snatchers & The Blob (January 27, 2017 @ 7-11pm)
Get tickets now to watch these retro films from 1978 and 1988. This Retro Film Series is held at 309 W Morgan Street, Durham NC. Tickets are available from ticketmaster.com for about $10.
Recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 27, 2017 @ 9am-2:30pm)
Speakers, community resource panel, call to action. Held at The Summit Church-Blue Ridge Campus, 3249 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. See details on the YMCA of the Triangle Darkness to Light Initiative’s Facebook event page.
Baby chick sale (January 27, 2017 @ noon-2pm)
Hosted by Sacred Woods Farm, this baby chick sale offers chicks approximately two weeks old. They are straight run and mixed breeds. There are lots of colors to choose from. Chicks are $3 a piece while they last. Bring your own box. Hosted at Truely Unique, 2006 US Highway 301 S, Wilson NC.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Wendell Family Movie Night (January 28, 2017 @ 6:30pm)
Come and enjoy a movie Saturday at the Wendell Community Center, 601 W 3rd Street, Wendell NC. Bring a blanket or chair and hang out with the neighbors while enjoying Finding Dory.
Motown, Soul and Groove (January 28, 2017 @ 7pm)
This concert is coming up at the Rudy Theatre, raising funds for a special needs music program. Held at the Rudy Theatre, 300 N Railroad Street, Selma NC. Tickets $20. Call 919.202.9927 to purchase, or visit www.Music-and-MoreStudio.com for a ticket link.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park Oyster Roast Fundraiser (January 28, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
Cooler weather means oyster season in Eastern NC. Sylvan Heights Bird Park is hosting its first annual Oyster Roast fundraiser. Tickets are $40 and include shrimp, oysters, slaw, hush puppies, beer, wine, and entertainment. There will be a non-seafood option and a vegetarian option. This event will raise funds to support the Park’s mission of conservation and education. Did you know that the staff use ground up oyster shells to feed nesting birds? The shells provide critical calcium to nesting shore birds and waterfowl. So come eat oysters and help the birds at the Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck NC. **UPDATE: Sold out. Other Sylvan Heights events here.**
Rocky’s Space Camp: Living on Mars! (January 28, 2017 @ 1-2pm)
Come for this special Space Camp event by the library’s Youth Services. Held at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC.
16th Annual African American Cultural Celebration (January 28, 2017 @ 10:30am-4:30pm)
Free event. Join the statewide kick off to Black History Month by celebrating our state’s diverse heritage and culture. Have fun while learning about the state’s diverse African American heritage and culture during this event for all ages. Features more than 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, chefs, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, reenactors, and more. Held at the NC Museum of History, 5 E Edenton Street, Raleigh NC. More information at ncmuseumofhistory.org.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Meal Packaging Event (January 29, 2017 @ noon-2pm)
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 202 N Goldsboro Street, in Wilson NC, would like volunteers to help on this date. St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church is hosting a STOP Hunger NOW meal packaging event. The group will be packaging over 10,000 meals in under two hours. Many hands make light work! Please sign up here.
A.S.K “Royal Dots” Youth Day Program (January 29, 2017 @ 10:30am-1pm)
This event includes face painting, cheering, singing, dancing, food, games, and silly picture taking. Held by Connecting the Dots Teaching and Deliverance Ministry at 507 Greenwood Blvd., Princeville NC. Invitation says, “Our youth have something to say about about Matthew 7:7, come hear them!”
Coming Soon
Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting (February 2, 2017 @ 6-8:30pm)
Tickets may still be available for this 113th-annual meeting at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount NC. To purchase tickets, see rockymountchamber.org.
Praxis Film Festival (February 3-4, 2017)
PRAXIS Film Festival is in its 7th year of screening independent film. The two day event includes narrative features and shorts, documentary features and shorts, animation, and student films. Held at the Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC. Tickets are $15 for one day, or $25 for both. For more information, see the lineup and ticket information at www.goldsboroparamount.com.
Take Your Child to The Library Day (February 4, 2017 @ 10am-noon)
All are invited to come to this annual celebration. Come for stories, crafts, snacks, door prizes, and more. This event is being held at the Edgecombe County Memorial Library. The address is 909 N Main Street, in Tarboro NC. For more information, call the Library at 252.823.1141.
Say Their Names: Reclaiming Wilson’s Slave Past (February 7, 2017 @ 7-8:30pm)
Come for this special event by the library’s adult programs. Held in the Assembly room at the main library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC.
Artists of the Year Reception (February 9, 2017 @ 6:30-8pm)
Recipients of this year’s award are Craig Kassan and Joy Ayscue. Join the festivities at FCAC Headquarters, 22 S Main Street, Franklinton NC.
Feast Down East Local Food Conference (February 10, 2017 @ 8am-3:30pm)
Feast Down East’s 7th annual Local Food Conference brings together all those in our community who are involved in supporting and growing the local food system in Southeastern North Carolina — farmers and fishermen, food retailers and establishments, foodies, advocates and community leaders, etc. Conference registration includes full access to workshops and activities, along with locally-sourced breakfast and lunch. Tickets range from $20-45 per person. Details, schedule, and registration link online here. Held at the UNCW Burney Center, on Price Drive, Wilmington NC.
NCHRC Volunteer Orientation (February 13, 2017 @ 6pm)
North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition is holding an orientation for new volunteers with information on NCHRC and what we do. Held at 2416 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh NC. RSVP by email if you are interested in attending. Food provided. Street parking on Hillsborough Street is free after 5pm.
Walk-up Rabies Clinic (February 25, 2017 @ 8-9am)
No appointment needed. Tar River Veterinary Hospital is holding rabies clinics at the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 351 T. Kemp Road, Louisburg NC. Rabies Vaccines will be $5 for one-year vaccines. Three-year vaccines will be available, but will only be administered with a current certificate of previous rabies vaccine. Also available are one-year vaccines, at $15 per vaccine, for the following: Canine Distemper-Parvo, Canine Kennel Cough,Feline Distemper, and Feline Leukemia Vaccine. Tar River says, “Be sure to thank Dr. Goldman for her service to Franklin County and the surrounding areas!” Call 919.494.5500 if you have any questions.
Seussical The Musical (March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12, 2017)
Performances will be at The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, located at 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC.
If you have any questions, contact the Theater Manager of the Imperial Centre via email, or visit the website at imperialcentre.org.
International Festival of Cultures (March 4, 2017 @ noon-4pm)
Celebrate the diverse cultures of Rocky Mount. There will be food and entertainment. Held in the Brown Auditorium, Nash Community College, 522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount NC.
Dig In! (March 4, 2017 @ 8:15am-2pm)
This annual event is organized by Advocates for Health in Action, and held at the Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh NC. All are invited to “Get all the “dirt” on starting and maintaining community, school and child care gardens and learn about the growing urban ag scene in Wake County.” Tickets $15-$25. See more on the event webpage.
