Things to do in North Carolina this weekend. While most events listed are in the Five County Stadium area and surrounding towns, some events are in other parts of the state.
The Grey Area News has attempted to confirm each event, as many local events are cancelled. Folks across Eastern NC face flooding and hardship. Venues are flooded. Needs of the area come before event rescheduling. If you see an event we have missed, or that has been canceled, let the editor know.
Friday, October 21, 2016
NC State Fair (October 13-23, 2016)
Held at the State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC. Visit www.ncstatefair.org for general event information, tickets, and stage/event schedules.
Cherokee County Fair (October 21-23, 2016)
Cherokee County is holding this secound annual Cherokee County Fair with skilled artists, tasty food, a tractor show, educational exhibits, farm animals, music, bounce houses, and more. Admission ranges from $8 down to free. Address is Folk Center Circle, Murphy NC. See www.cherokeecountyfair.com.
Vintage Hitchcock, A Live Radio Play (October 21-23, 2016 @ times vary)
This spooky and thrilling play brings to life three tales in the style of a 1940’s radio broadcast – complete with vintage commercials and the magic of live sound effects. Dates available Oct. 20 through Nov. 6 at the Flat Rock Playhouse downtown, 125 S Main Street, Hendersonville NC. Tickets range $15-$40. More details and tickets at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
Pleasure Island Fall Surf Fishing Challenge (October 21-23, 2016)
Each year Carolina Beach continues to focus their efforts on providing a beach-friendly, family-fun, well-organized fishing event that gives anglers a chance at winning great prizes. Headquarters is the Town of Carolina Beach Public Parking lot, at 224 Canal Drive, in Carolina Beach NC. $70 per angler to enter. More information and rules here.
Carolina BalloonFest (October 21-23, 2016)
Carolina BalloonFest is a fun-filled weekend of outstanding entertainment, attractions and family activities. Bring cameras, lawn chairs/blankets, and dress for the autumn weather. Over 50 hot air balloons are scheduled to launch twice daily. Festival Location is near Statesville Regional Airport, at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville NC. More details at www.carolinaballoonfest.com.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Fall Festival at Zebulon UMC (October 22, 2016 @ 8am-5:30pm)
This is the new date, postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. Come out for a day of fun, shopping and good food. We’ll have children’s activities, plant sales, crafts, baked goods, great jams and jellies, etc. in our country store, chicken and pork BBQ plates for $8, and live and silent auctions. Held at Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC.
Knightdale Public Safety Day (October 22, 2016 @ 10am-2pm)
This is the new date, as Public Safety Day was rescheduled due to Hurricane Matthew. In Knightdale NC. See this article.
Dogtoberfest (October 22, 2016 @ 12-3pm)
Bring family, friends, and pups and get to Ashley Wilder Dog Park — the grassy area across from the Knightdale Station Park playground and Oak City Brewing — at 810 North First Avenue, in Knightdale NC. Enjoy fun, a run, and much more. See this town event page.
Rolesville Fall FunFest (October 22, 2016 @ 10am-4pm)
The event will be a street festival held on Main Street near the park in Rolesville NC. This FunFest will feature various arts/crafts vendors. There will be food trucks and live bands. Get an early jump on holiday shopping! Vendor application PDF is available on this link.
Local Artist Showcase (October 22, 2016 @ 4-8pm)
Come and meet local artists and enjoy singing, poetry, and more. This $10 event includes food while it lasts. All must be 21 or older to enter. All proceeds from this show are being donated to a family affected by the recent flooding. The event is being held at the Mosaic Wine Lounge and Bar, 517 west Jones Street, in downtown Raleigh NC. For more information, call 919.438.3528.
Downtown Beats & Eats (October 22, 2016 @ 11am-3pm)
Historic Downtown Wilson presents this event in the Beer Garden, 217 Brew Works, 217 South Street, Wilson NC. The event includes a free concert, and all are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase. Leave pets and coolers at home.
Tea with Belle (October 22, 2016 @ 2-5pm)
Little Princesses and Little Princes are invited to have tea with Belle from Beauty and the Beast. In addition to tea, there will be songs and stories, and etiquette too.Children’s admission is $20, Adults $10. Held at Common Grounds Coffee & Music House, 20 Cheves Road, Bunn NC. Visit their Facebook page for updates.
Koichella (October 22, 2016)
This full day of music, food trucks, beer, peace, and family fun is shaping up to be a blast! Music by Matty Begs, The Sunspots, The Balter Brothers, milo, Acoustic Bus, and Strange Velvet. There will be food trucks, children’s activities, and beer from local companies. There is a $2 cover charge for adults, kids get in for free. Organized by Koi Pond Brewing Company in Rocky Mount NC. See details at koipondbrewing.com.
Scaremongers’ Showcase (October 22, 2016 @ 3pm)
Families are invited to this special event at the main branch Wilson County Public Library, located at 249 Nash Street W, in Wilson NC. Children are invited to wear costumes as they listen to library staff tell holiday tales!
Truely Unique Halloween Carnival (October 22, 2016 @ 5-7:30pm)
Two hours of games, crafts, food, and fun at this seasonal carnival! $5 per child. Held at 2006 US Hwy 301 S, in Wilson NC.
Truely Unique is also holding a Cemetery Walk and class on October 29, 2016, 2-5pm, also in Wilson.
Spinning Yarns Storytelling Festival (October 22, 2016 @ 6-9pm)
Happy Hills Alpaca Farm in Monroe will host this event featuring storyteller Linda Goodman, Celtic music, and farm tours. Feed the alpacas and sheep that make the yarn and see it spun too. Fee is $30 for adults and $15 per child. Details at happyhillsalpacafarm.com/events.html.
Stepping into the Past Series (October 22, 2016 @ 10am-3pm)
**See Facebook for updates.** This Saturday retro event includes demonstrations and displays of traditional arts, crafts, and trades at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, 709 North Church Street, in Kenly NC. All activities are included with regular admission to the Museum ($8 for adults, $7 for Seniors age 55 and over, $6 for children and students, and free for children under 2 years old. More information on the museum website at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/events/stepping-into-the-past.
Movies-on-the-Barn at Vollmer Farm (October 22, 2016 @ about 6pm)
Bring the family out for movie night and watch a movie projected on the barn while enjoying the warmth of a bonfire — and s’mores if you like! Get comfortable on the lawn to watch. The evening movie is included with a Day Pass; or, arrive at 5pm or later for a discounted admission fee of $10 for the movie/bonfire. Vollmer Farm is located in Franklin County at 677 NC Hwy 98 East, in Bunn NC. More information on Facebook and the farm website, www.vollmerfarm.com.
Wilmington Seafood Festival — WSF (October 22-23, 2016 @ 10am)
Cooking demonstrations, vendors, food, and more. Festival details at www.wilmingtonseafoodfestival.com, including parking suggestions. $5 admission, with kids 12 and under free. The address is 4114 River Road, Wilmington NC.
Events Continuing from Friday
- NC State Fair (October 13-23, 2016)
- Cherokee County Fair (October 21-23, 2016)
- Vintage Hitchcock, A Live Radio Play (October 21-23, 2016 @ times vary)
- Pleasure Island Fall Surf Fishing Challenge (October 21-23, 2016)
- Carolina BalloonFest (October 21-23, 2016)
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Walking DEAD (October 23, 2016 @ 9pm)
Free admission. All new season shows will be exhibited. Tickets will be issued to make sure we do not overfill the theatre. Tickets will be issued to individuals present, until they run out. Held at Mission Valley Cinema, 2109 Avent Ferry Rd Ste 124, Raleigh NC.
Events Continuing from Saturday
- NC State Fair (October 13-23, 2016)
- Cherokee County Fair (October 21-23, 2016)
- Vintage Hitchcock, A Live Radio Play (October 21-23, 2016 @ times vary)
- Pleasure Island Fall Surf Fishing Challenge (October 21-23, 2016)
- Carolina BalloonFest (October 21-23, 2016)
- Wilmington Seafood Festival — WSF (October 22-23, 2016 @ 10am)
Coming Soon
Fall Festival (October 29, 2016 @ 6-8pm)
The Miracle League of Franklin County annual fall festival is at a new venue — Long Mill Elementary School Gym & Cafeteria, 1753 Long Mill Rd, Youngsville NC. This is a free event for any family with members with special needs! Costumes are welcome but not required…just be comfortable. This free event includes, food, fun and fellowship! We will have pizza & PDQ chicken.
Tricks, Treats & TBC (October 29-30, 2016)
Held at Tarboro Brewing Company, 526 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. Come for a weekend full of Halloween fun for all ages including a food truck, candy, games, costume contests for both adults and kids, a pumkpkin carving/decorating contest, and their great beer! See this Facebook event page.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market “Holiday Market” (November 12, 2016 @ 9am-3pm)
Calling all crafters! The Zebulon Farm Fresh Market will be hosting a Holiday Market at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. We are presently taking vendor applications. Call Maurine Brown at 919.823.1816 or visit townofzebulon.org. to download a vendor application.
First Friday Coffee (November 4, 2016 @ 7:30-8:30am)
Monthly on the first Friday. Held at the Nashville Exchange, West Washington Street, Nashville NC.
First Friday at Imperial Centre (November 4, 2016)
The First Friday kickoff will be held Friday, November 4, 2016, featuring hay rides, live music in the Maria V. Howard Arts Center and in the Children’s Museum and Science Center, along with a live band in the courtyard. First Friday is free and feature a magic show, a blacksmith, a home brew competition, free hands-on activities, and free admission to the Children’s Museum and Science Center. Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC. Note that the December 2, 2016, First Friday event will offer holiday activities, such as carriage rides, Santa, live music, and the Christmas Chorus.
Wendell Harvest Festival (NEW DATES ARE November 4-5, 2016)
This event has been rescheduled from October to November due to Hurricane Matthew and its after-effects. Held in Wendell NC. See www.facebook.com/wendellharvestfestival for updates.
Whirligig Festival (November 5-6, 2016)
Held each year in Historic downtown Wilson NC, this Arts Festival celebrates all things whirly, and draws more than 35,000 attendees for music, arts, crafts, food, kids activities, and much more. There will be three stages of entertainment! The event is 10am-5pm Saturday, and noon-5pm on Sunday, rain or shine. Vendor applications are online, along festival details, at whirligigfestivalnc.org.
