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.
What’s missing? Let the editor know.
Friday
Bluegrass Island Festival (September 21-24, 2016)
Come to North Carolina’s Roanoke Island Festival Park, 1 Festival Park, Manteo NC, for a day or for all days of the event. Dubbed as “Bluegrass Island,” Roanoke Island Festival Park covers a 27-acre island across the water from Manteo NC. It includes Island Farm, a state living-history site. This event will benefit the nonprofit Island Farm.
Mayberry Days (September 21-25, 2016)
Held each year in Mount Airy NC. Mayberry Days events take place in locations around Mount Airy, with the Andy Griffith Playhouse, the Historic Earle Theatre and Blackmon Amphitheatre being the hubs of activity. Most everything is within walking distance, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes (the festival goes on, rain or shine). There is free parking in the numerous municipal lots downtown. Events are scheduled for minimal overlap where you can enjoy nearly everything.
Details including tickets and schedule are online at www.surryarts.org/mayberrydays/index.html.
Heaven Or Hell Drama (September 23, 2016 @ 7:30-9:30pm)
Hosted by Alert Pentecostal Holiness Church. Come and watch this walk-through, real life drama. This play is about real life situations and decisions people make everyday, performed by members of the church. There are 5 scenes in all and the last scene is the judgement. This performance’s main objective is seeing souls saved. During the event, the church is providing free donuts, coffee, and water. If it rains, the play will be all inside. Alert Pentecostal Holiness Church is located at 719 Alert Road, Louisburg NC. The church is on Facebook here with updates.
Outdoor Movie Night: Planet of the Apes (September 23, 2016 @ 5:30-10pm)
Knightdale Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs hosts this Outdoor Movie Night. This event is free and open to the public. Vendors open at 5:30pm, and the film begins at dusk. Bring a blanket and/or chair for your comfort. The series will be held at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater, 810 North First Avenue, Knightdale NC. Proceeds support local schools’ PTA groups.
Note that on October 7 , the Outdoor Movie Night showing is Big.
Saturday
Family Fun Festival (September 24, 2016 @ 12-4pm)
Community event this Saturday! Inflatables, raffle prizes, food, games, and more! Everything is free! Everyone is welcome! Held on the soccer field at Heritage Christian Academy, 615 Mack Todd Road, Zebulon NC.
Youngsville Fall Festival (September 24,2016)
This 11th annual event includes a car show, food trucks, vendors, and crafts. The festival is held at 125 US1-A, Youngsville NC. For more details, see the event website at www.youngsvillefallfestival.com.
Kids Fest (September 24, 2016 @ 10am-2pm)
This free event includes games, educational exhibits, fire trucks and rescue vehicles, safety tips, face painting and balloons, plus entertainment and prizes. Scheduled for the Berkeley Mall, 625 N Berkeley Blvd, in Goldsboro NC. See shopberkeleymall.com/events.html.
Downtown Beats & Eats (September 24, 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. The 217 Brew Works will not be open just yet; however, tours will be available.
This event will be held with a different band on October 22, 2016.
ABC Craft & Learn (September 24, 2016 @ 10:30-11:30am)
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers may participate in “an interactive program with an alphabet craft to nurture pre-reading skills through writing and play and to give opportunity to develop fine motor skills children require to start school.” This is a free event, and no Registration is required.
It is held at the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, in Zebulon NC. For more information, contact Margaret at 919.404.3610.
It is also held at the Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC. The time and date are the same as for Zebulon.
Computer Basics Class (September 24, 2016 @ 3-4pm)
The Wilson County Public Library main branch location also offers free computer classes. All programs are free and open to the public. Some programs may require registration. For more information and to register, contact the Main Library, 249 Nash Street NW, Wilson NC, at 252.237.5355 or visit the library’s website, www.wilsoncountypubliclibrary.org.
Coloring Club (September 24, 2016 @ 3-4pm)
This adult-oriented Club meets in the Wiley Conference Room at Braswell Memorial Library, located at 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. More information on the library is online here.
34th Annual Storytelling Festival (September 24, 2016 @ 11am-4pm)
Wake County Public Libraries and Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space are holding their annual Storytelling Festival at Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh NC. Bring a blanket or chair and get comfortable on the lawn. Listen to stories from professional storytellers including Donna Washington, Adam Booth, and Regi Carpenter. There will also be music by the Sandbox Band, an activity tent, food vendors, and a wagon shuttle. This is a family-friendly event, free to all ages, and scheduled rain or shine. The festival is on the library website here.
Mountain Heritage Day (September 24, 2016 @ 10am-5pm)
The 42nd annual Mountain Heritage Day will be a combination old-fashioned mountain fair and showcase for Southern Appalachian music, arts, dance and song, with the atmosphere of a big family reunion. Visitors will find three stages of traditional old-time, gospel, and bluegrass music and dance, with plenty of fiddles, banjos, and clogging. Festival-goers are invited to join in workshops at the Circle Tent and participate in shape-note singing, one of the mountains’ sacred traditions. Admission and parking are free so bring your family and experience all that our rich heritage has to offer. Festival schedule and vendor details are online at mountainheritageday.com. This event is held on the campus of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee NC.
Don’t miss the Smoky Mountain Splendor Quilt Show at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center on campus, featuring 300+ quilts, displays, vendors and more. September 22-24th. For more information visit www.smokymtnquilters.org.
Carrboro Music Festival (September 24-25, 2016)
The Carrboro Music Festival is an effort to host a free two day event that showcase Triangle-area performers and the varied musical styles they represent. All of the performers donate their talents to foster a strong sense of community and to reveal their talents to a wider audience. More online at www.carrboromusicfestival.com, including festival map to locations around downtown Carrboro NC.
Fall Festival (September 24-25, 2016)
Come for two days of fall fun on the farm! This event includes hayrides, animal barn, pumpkins, mums, children’s games, vendors, free face painting, and more. Deans Farm Market is located at 4231 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson NC. Fall festival hours are 10am-4pm Saturday, and 12-4pm Sunday.
St. Ann International Food Festival (September 24, 2016 @ 11:30am-6:30pm)
The 8th International Food Festival will be bigger than ever, featuring foods from 23 countries. Enjoy on-stage entertainment, children’s games, a silent auction, and more. Free admission and free parking. The event is at St. Ann Catholic Church, located at 4057 Hwy 70 Business West, Clayton NC. More details online at internationalfoodfestival.net.
Stepping into the Past Series (September 24, 2016 @ 10am-3pm)
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. **September 24 is Sunday Drive: Antique cars on display.**
Events Continued from Friday into Saturday
- Bluegrass Island Festival (September 21-24, 2016)
- Mayberry Days (September 21-25, 2016)
Saturday Farmers Markets and Farm Stores (Five County Area)
- Deans Farm Market — Fresh produce from the farm, plus kids activities, 8am-2pm. Located at 4231 NC Highway 42 W, in Wilson NC. More info, call 252.237.0967.
- Knightdale Farmers Market — A new theme each week! A food truck onsite from 11am-2pm. The market is at Knightdale Station, 810 S Main Street, Knightdale NC. It is open Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Contact the market manager via email with questions. (Article)
- Ray Family Farms — This farm store is open Saturdays from 10am-4pm. (They also have Friday hours.) The farm is located at 6913 Pearces Rd, Louisburg NC — just outside Bunn NC. For more information, visit rayfamilyfarms.com.
- Rocky Mount Farmers Market— This Saturday Market is held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC, 8am-1pm. Call 252.407.7920 or email with questions.
- Vollmer Farm Market — The farm store is open Saturday 10am-7pm (same hours Friday and Sunday). The farm is located at 677 NC 98 Hwy E, Bunn NC. More online at vollmerfarm.com.
- Wendell Farmers Market — The Wendell Farmers’ Market is open, 8am to noon. The market is located at 3700 Wendell Blvd, Wendell NC (Wake County). The market accepts EBT, debit and credit cards. For more information, email the market Director, Cathrine Evans.
- Wendell Yellow Dog Farm Roadside Produce Stand — Located at 1705 Eagle Road Road in Wendell NC, this farm stand is open each Saturday from 9am until noon. (Article)
- Wilson Farmers Market — The Saturday Market is held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds, Hwy 301, Wilson NC, and is open Saturdays, 7:30am-noon. Call 252.237.0111.
- Wrenn’s Farm — The farm store is open daily, with Saturday hours 8am-6pm. The farm address is Zebulon NC; they are close to Middlesex NC. Updates on their Facebook page.
- Zebulon Farm Fresh Market — Held on the grounds of the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC, this market is open Saturdays, 9am-1pm. For more details, contact Market Manager Maurine Brown at 919.823.0432 or email.
Sunday
Neuse River Cleanup (September 25, 2016 @ 8am-noon)
Sign up to help with this Neuse River cleanup day. The cleanup journey begins by gathering at Deep River Brewing, 700 W Main Street, downtown Clayton NC. The river clean up will begin at the Shotwell Road access and end at Covered Bridge Road access. Sign up here.
Wilson Greenwing Youth Fishing Event (September 25, 2016 @ 1-5pm)
The Wilson County Ducks Unlimited committee is hosting their annual youth greenwing fishing event at the Pittman farm, located off of Wiggins Mill Road, Wilson NC. Enjoy pond fishing, hot dogs, drinks, K9s from Wilson PD, Fire Department volunteers, hay rides, inflatables, and more. Fee is $10 per child and includes lunch, t-shirt, and fishing pole. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event. Contact Chelsey W. Griffith at 252.289.7060 with any questions. Wilson County Ducks Unlimited is on Facebook here.
¡La Fiesta del Pueblo 2016 (September 25, 2016 @ 12-7pm)
This festival of food, music, and more is being held at Raleigh City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh NC. Check out the schedule online at elpueblo.org/eng/la-fiesta-del-pueblo-2016.
Events Continued from Saturday into Sunday
- Carrboro Music Festival (September 24-25, 2016)
- Fall Festival (September 24-25, 2016)
Coming Soon
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair (September 29-October 8, 2016)
The 68th annual fair! Come and enjoy excitement like no year before! Entertainment, rides, foods, animals, tractors, and more. The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is held at 2801 US-117 S,
Dudley NC. Schedule and details are online at www.waynefair.com.
Spring Hope Pumpkin Festival (September 30-October 1, 2016)
Great annual event with food and fun activities downtown Spring Hope NC, alongside vendors and local shops. Festival updates and schedule are available on this Facebook page.
Railroad Days Festival (September 30-October 1, 2016)
Entertainment, parade, caboose run, family fun walk, and live entertainment on three stages! Carnival, dancing, pageant, and more. The event is scheduled in downtown Selma NC. More information on the town website at www.selma-nc.com/railroad-days-festival.
Enfield Peanut Festival (September 30-October 1)
The 2016 Enfield Peanut Festival will hold a block party on Friday, 6-9pm. Festival vendors and entertainment are on Saturday, noon-8pm. More information on this event and the Town of Enfield NC is on their website here.
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival (October 1, 2016)
The Annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival has become a one of Wilkes County’s biggest fundraisers. Over 100 civic, church, and other nonprofit organizations participate in the festival. For many of them, the festival has become the biggest fundraiser of the year. Over 160,000 people visit this festival during the day and it’s free. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, 4 different music stages. More online at www.applefestival.net/festival.php.
Fall Festival 2016 (October 1 at 10am-7pm)
Join New Life Church for a fun-filled day for the whole family. Bounce Houses, Games, Relay Races, Craft Vendors, Bingo, Silent Auction, Face Painting, Hay Rides, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Music and Entertainment, a Bake Sale, Hot Dog Lunch, Popcorn, Cake Walk, Cotton Candy, Chili Cook-off, and a BBQ Chicken/BBQ Pork Dinner fundraiser. Located at New Life Church, 6900 Zebulon Road, Wake Forest NC. More information at www.newlifenow.us/fall-festival.
Pepperfest (October 2, 2016 @ 2-7pm)
Celebrate the harvest, enjoy pepper-y foods, listen to music, and support local growers. This event is held at Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel, 185 Granite Mill Blvd, Chapel Hill NC. Festival details are online at pepperfestnc.org. Tickets available here ($5 to $30).
Fish Fry (October 3, 2016)
Franklin County Shrine Club is holding their charitable Fish Fry. For more details, call Jerry Chapman at 919.496.3160.
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance (October 6-9, 2016)
This festival is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, creating this family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education. Tickets range from $27 to $124 depending on days attending in this four stage, 50+ bands event in Chatham County, North Carolina. See schedule and buy tickets from the event website at shakorihillsgrassroots.org.
First Friday Coffee (October 7, 2016 @ 7:30-8:30am)
Nashville NC Chamber of Commerce holds this networking, community event on the first Friday of each month. Join the group at the Nashville Exchange, 229 W Washington Street, Nashville NC. More information on the Chamber website, nashvillechambernc.org.
Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down (October 7-8, 2016)
Join the fun and enjoy the food at this annual gathering, held in front of the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station, 101 Coastline Street, in Downtown Rocky Mount.
The 2016 BBQ Throw Down is scheduled for 12pm to 8pm on Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday. For details, visit bbqthrowdown.net.
Taste of Wayne County (October 8, 2016 @ 11am-2pm)
Since 1990 the Taste of Wayne County has taken place to benefit United Way of Wayne County. It is Wayne County’s only food festival featuring local food. Held on the City Hall block, 200 N Center Street, in downtown Goldsboro NC. Tickets are $15 per person, with children 6 & under FREE. More information on participating restaurants and event updates may be found at www.tasteofwayne.com.
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.
The Excelerate Experience (October 14, 2016 @ 8:30am-6:30pm)
For Entrepreneurs, Small and Independent Business Owners Ready and Willing to Excelerate their businesses to go from Great … to Extraordinary!
This ‘experience’ will is not a ‘nuts and bolts for business’ event, but rather you will learn from industry experts the soft skills required for your final ‘leap’ to the greatness you have earned … and deserve. Tickets are $97 and are available online at excelerateexperience.com. Scheduled for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, 15 TW Alexander Drive, Durham NC.
Free Family Movie Night (October 14, 2016 @ 7pm)
The Zebulon Parks & Recreation Department presents a free movie and popcorn — for all ages — at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC. A parent/guardian must be present for all children. This event repeats on the second Friday of each month, with a future showing planned for December 9, 2016 (no movie in November due to Veteran’s Day). Call 919.823.0432 to find out what movie is showing.
Annual Taylorsville Apple Festival (October 15, 2016)
The weather should be as crisp as the apples! The third Saturday in October, this event is expected to draw well over 30,000 visitors to shop at the vendor booths, enjoy food (including apples), watch performances on the stages, and let the kids play in the Kids Korner area. See the Alexander County festival event page, www.alexandercountyonline.com/applefestival/indexAppleFestival.htm, for vendor and attendance details. The Taylorsville Apple Festival is in downtown Taylorsville NC.
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.
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.
Stay tuned for “Things to Do in NC When You’re Bored” from Eastern North Carolina!
