Community Calendar

Blue Star Families invites military and veteran families to celebrate the launch of our new Carolina East Chapter with a FREE Military Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 10, from 12–3 PM at the Rustic Barn at Half Moon in Jacksonville, NC.

Bring the whole family and enjoy bounce houses, yard games, putt-putt, batting cages, face painting, music, food, giveaways, and more while connecting with other military families and the Eastern North Carolina community.

This event is free, but registration is required. Space is limited! Families must join or log in to the Blue Star Neighborhood to register and reserve their spot: https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org/

This 71st annual family-fun event features thrilling midway rides for all ages, demolition derbies, Lance Gifford Magic Shows, visual comedian Just "JOEY," Flimsy the Clown, bicycle giveaways (8pm Wednesday - Thursday), community exhibits, educational booths, mouthwatering fair food and more.

Highlights: 39th Annual Cheerleading Competition (6:30pm Tuesday); Wrestling (7pm Wednesday); Lenoir County Schools Talent Showcase (6-8pm Thursday); Figure 8 Derby (7pm Friday); Carolina Classic Cruisers - Cruise-In (4-7pm Saturday); Demo Derby (5pm Saturday)

Fair admission: $8 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; $1 Thursday; $10 Saturday; free for kids 4 & younger; free for ages 62+ till 7pm Tuesday - Thursday

Dollar Thursday: Admission & rides are $1 each (10-ride min. purchase).

Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36" & taller) are $25 on site and 2/$25 on BOGO Tuesday. Admission/unlimited ride combo tickets are $26.25 each or 4/$76.75 before 5pm Oct. 6 at DreamlandAmusements.com. Ride tickets are also available on the midway.

Fair hours: 5-11pm Tuesday - Friday and 1-11pm Saturday

More information: LenoirCountyFair.org

Honest Pint Theatre Company, in partnership with Barton College, presents Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing, a funny, moving, and deeply life-affirming play about hope, connection, and the small things that make life worth living. Starring David Henderson and directed by Susannah Hough, this intimate production invites audiences into a uniquely engaging theatrical experience at the Kennedy Family Theatre in Wilson, NC. Performances run October 2–11, 2026. For tickets and information, visit honestpinttheatre.org.

Tim Burton's animated Corpse Bride movie. A classic love tale of a shy groom practices his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her. Rated PG. Movie is at 3pm with doors opening at 2pm to "celebrate" the wedding with some cake and punch. Costumes are encouraged.

Honest Pint Theatre Company, in partnership with Barton College, presents Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing, a funny, moving, and deeply life-affirming play about hope, connection, and the small things that make life worth living. Starring David Henderson and directed by Susannah Hough, this intimate production invites audiences into a uniquely engaging theatrical experience at the Kennedy Family Theatre in Wilson, NC. Performances run October 2–11, 2026. For tickets and information, visit honestpinttheatre.org.

CARTERET COMMUNITY SUNSHINE BAND RESUMES FALL/WINTER REHEARSALS — The Carteret Community Sunshine Band (CCSB) will begin weekly rehearsals for its 2026 fall/winter season on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.

Rehearsals will be held in the band room at Newport Middle School. The band will rehearse on Tuesday evenings unitl Monday, Nov. 16, when rehearsals will return to Monday evenings.

The CCSB is a volunteer concert band, and new members are always welcome and encouraged to join. The band is especially seeking trombone, trumpet and clarinet players.

For more information or to inquire about joining, contact Director Ritchel Lawson at Ritchellawson84@gmail.com. Visit the band’s Facebook page or website at ccsunshineband.wixsite.com/website.

This CCSB is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Emerge Gallery & Art Center is excited to announce a new schedule of classes and workshops for youth and adult learners. Classes include pottery, painting, bookmaking, sewing, and jewelry making. Workshops suitable for small children and families include Family Workshops, ArtWalk Workshops, Pop In Pop Art Workshops, and our newest Mini Makers Workshops. Times range from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Check out the full listing at www.emergegallery.com!

The Underground Railroad of New Bern invites you to join us on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:30 PM–7:00 PM at St. Peter's AME Zion Church, 617 Queen St, New Bern, NC. We'll share what URRNB has been doing since New Bern's addition to the National Network to Freedom.
Sailing to Freedom, the name of our site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, tells the story of Underground Railroad activity at the port of New Bern from the early eighteenth century until Union occupation in March 1862. With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, the port was one of North Carolina's three top refuges for freedom seekers, who were aided by sympathetic sailors and watermen. A network of Black watermen drove New Bern's maritime Underground Railroad, while the surrounding tributaries and forests provided concealment and work for those seeking freedom via the waterfront. The National Park Service has recognized the site as a significant contribution to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history.
Come hear our research and the stories of freedom seekers who lived in or were headed to New Bern and discover how to be part of this journey with us.
Free and open to all. No RSVP needed, just come!

Come Again is a social respite program where people in early to middle stages of dementia spend time with trusted, trained volunteers in a safe, judgment-free space. We aim to bring joy, friendship, and purpose to everyone while giving care partners a chance to rest. Activities include fellowship, music, art, movement, and service projects, plus a hot lunch. Starting May 1, Come Again meets every Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2311 Elizabeth Ave. There is a small fee to attend. Come Again honors our loved ones living with dementia by lifting up their remaining strengths in a supportive, creative and purposeful way. For more information about joining Come Again or volunteering, contact director Lindsay Roberts at lindsayroberts@newbernrespite.org, 919.428.0618 or www.newbernrespite.org.

Area musicians come together to play traditional music in an acoustic string jam. This is a fun, friendly easy-going group. New musicians and traditional music fans are welcome. Please visit www.bctma.org for more information