April Events
Softball & Baseball Camps
TopHand Foundation is offering Spring Break Softball and Baseball camps available for 4 surrounding localities! This includes baseball and softball players, ages 7-12 years old. ONLY $10 to learn age appropriate skills just in time for spring ball seasons! Register NOW at https://www.flipcause.com/host
Price will increase to $15 if registering the day of camp.
Date: April 2 & 3, 2024
Time: varies by location
Location: Franklin|Emporia|Roanoke Rapids|Brunswick
Bethlehem Ruritan JAM
“The Roadhouse Band” will perform at the Bethlehem Ruritan Clubhouse. This event is open to the public there is no admission charge. Donations to the Band go to the tip jar, please give generously. Come early doors open at 5:30 p.m. BBQ, Hot Dogs, Homemade Desserts, Pop Corn, and Soft Drinks. Also 2 lb. containers of Hardison’s BBQ will be available to purchase. For more information, call George Fowler 757-617-5955
Date: April 5, 2024
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Bethlehem Ruritan Club| 140 Manning Rd. | Suffolk, Va
Spring Home Run Concert
The Sedley Recreation Association is sponsoring their 2nd annual Spring Home Run Concert! Food by Captain Bob’s and live music by RT Johnson and Love Tribe. Tickets are $40, available from any Sedley Rec member.
Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 4:30 – 7pm
Location: Southampton County Fairgrounds
Stony Creek Spring Fling
The Stony Creek VFD is sponsoring their 3rd annual Spring Fling at Stony Creek Park.
Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 9am -3pm
Location: 12478 Blue Star Hwy. | Stony Creek, Va
Basket Workshop
The NC Cooperative Extension is offering a basket making workshop at the Gates County Library. Cost for the workshop is $25 and includes lunch. Space is limited to ten participants. Reserve your spot by March 28th.
Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 11am -3pm
Location: 14 Cypress Creek Drive | Gatesville, NC
Pancake & Sausage Fundraiser
The Winton Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor this fundraiser at the Winton Firehouse on April 6th.
Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Location: 501 Main Street | Winton, NC
Captain Bob’s Fundraiser
Down the Middle Foundation will sponsor this Captain Bob’s dinner. Plates will be sold for $12 and include chicken, BBQ, slaw and hushpuppies. See any T-ball, 8u, 10u, coach pitch, or mustang players or message DTM Foundation for tickets! Ways to purchase:
– Cash
– PayPal: [email protected]
– cash app: $dtmiddle
– Venmo: dtmiddle
Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 11am – 2pm
Location: Armory Field | Franklin, Va
Franklin Blood Drive
The City of Franklin will sponsor this Red Cross Blood Drive. Scan the QR code to sign up today and help save a life!
Date: April 9, 2024
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: 601 N. Mechanic Street | Franklin, Va
Paddlefest at Merchant’s Millpond
Come celebrate PaddleFest at Merchants Millpond State Park! From Wednesday, April 10 to Friday, April 12 we will host a series of programs including canoe tours, American Canoe Association kayak lessons, nature walks, history programs, bear talks, and s’mores-making.
Camping packages are available for each of the three nights. Each package includes a t-shirt, overnight camping, lunch for the day, and first access for program sign up. Packages are a great way to ensure that you have your choice of programs throughout PaddleFest. All water-based programs require reservations.
Date: April 10-12, 2024
Location: 176 Millpond Rd | Gatesville, NC
Child Abuse Prevention Golf Tournament
The 12th annual tournament sponsored by the Joyner-Gray-Yale Ruritan Club and Southampton Social Services. Proceeds used to support programs helping with child abuse prevention in Southampton County. Complimentary BBQ diner after the tournament. Rain date is April 2oth.
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 12 Noon
Location: Cypress Cove Country Club | 20333 Country Club Rd | Franklin, Va
Civil War Battlefield Tour
The Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society is sponsoring this tour with Kermit Hobbs. Space is limited and prepayment registration is required.
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Book Sale
Friends of the Windsor Library are sponsoring this book sale.
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 10am – 1pm
Franklin Fun Fair
Who says we don’t know how to have fun! At the Franklin Fun Fair you’ll find food, rides, and games. Purchase an all-you-can-ride wristband and get dizzy off the fun you’ll have on over 30 amusement rides!
Date: April 18 – 21, 2024
Time: Thursday 5pm-10pm | Friday 5pm-10pm | Saturday 1pm-10pm | Sunday 1pm-close
Location: Franklin Walmart Supercenter Parking Lot
Bethlehem Ruritan Jam
“The Mac Express Band” will perform at the Bethlehem Ruritan Clubhouse. This event is open to the public there is no admission charge. Donations to the Band go to the tip jar, please give generously. Come early doors open at 5:30 p.m. BBQ, Hot Dogs, Homemade Desserts, Pop Corn, and Soft Drinks. Also 2 lb. containers of Hardison’s BBQ will be available to purchase. For more information, call George Fowler 757-617-5955
Date: April 19, 2024
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Bethlehem Ruritan Club| 140 Manning Rd. | Suffolk, Va
Red Cross Blood Drive
Give the gift of life! Windsor High School will sponsor/host this Windsor community blood in the schools’ gymnasium. Save time and schedule your donation appointment today by visiting http://www.redcrossblood.org and entering the drive code: WHS
Date: April 19, 2024
Time: 8am – 2pm
Location: Windsor High School| 24 Court Street | Windsor, Va
Precision Ag Workshop
The Precision Ag lab by Dr. Chandel is organizing this Drone image analytics workshop at Tidewater AREC in Suffolk. The workshop brings insights on processes of collecting drone imagery from crop fields and hands-on image stitching and analytics. The workshop is free, but registration is required.
Date: April 19, 2024
Time: 9am – Noon
Location: Tidewater AREC | 6321 Holland Rd. | Suffolk, Va
Fried Catfish Dinner
The Purdie Masonic Lodge is sponsoring this fried Catfish Dinner. Plates will be sold for $12 and include fried catfish, mac n’ cheese, cole slaw and hushpuppies catered by Captain Bob’s. Take out only. For tickets, see any lodge member or call Brandon Spannagel at 757-416-8942.
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: Purdie Masonic Lodge | 19 Bank Street | Windsor, VA
Franklin Farmer’s Market Opening
Franklin’s Market on Main Farmer’s Market opening day for the new season. Come shop from local vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and more.
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: 210 S. Main Street | Franklin, Va
Franklin Spring Fest
Kick off spring in historic downtown Franklin with vendors, educational exhibits, artists, food trucks, the Farmer’s Market, and shopping at the many downtown district businesses!
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: Downtown Franklin, Va
Garden Week Suffolk Tour
Historic Garden Week Tour Tickets are NOW ON SALE! Get your tickets now for the Suffolk Tour of Homes & Gardens in the Riverview community of Suffolk. The residents invite visitors to soak in the timeless charm by experiencing six well-preserved homes with manicured landscapes and well-loved gardens. .
Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/h
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Suffolk, Va
Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival
Keep Suffolk Beautiful and the Suffolk Art League present the Suffolk Earth & Arts. This is a family-friendly celebration of art, culture and environmental stewardship. Over 130 vendors to include local artisans, authors, animal rescue and environmental outreach organizations, plus face painting, dance performances, live music, food trucks and more. Suffolk Transit is also offering FREE-FARE DAY! Come and check us out at https://www.suffolkva.us/calendar.aspx?eid=1861 and on Facebook.
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Main Street | Suffolk, Va
Waverly Spring FEST
Enjoy a community yard sale, music, food, face painting and more at this spring benefit for the Miles B. Carpenter Museum.
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 9am – 1pm
Location: 201 Hunter Street | Waverly, Va
Community Concert Series
The Franklin-Southampton Community Concert Series presents Key of G, a tribute show to Garth Brooks music. Enjoy an evening of all of Garth’s greatest hits performed by AJ Bisto. The performance takes place at Southampton High School Auditorium.
Date: April 21, 2024
Time: 3pm
Location: Southampton High School | 23350 Southampton Parkway |Courtland, VA
Windsor Ruritan Club Pig Pickin’
Tickets available now for the 48th Annual Windsor Ruritan Pig Pickin’ at the Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds. All you can eat BBQ, cole slaw, beans, cornbread, beer and spirits and live music will feature Island Boy. Tickets are $35, available at Windsor Hardware, Scott & Associates, DeWitt’s Automotive, TowneBank Smithfield and Mike Duman Auto Sales.
Date: April 25, 2024
Time: 3pm -7pm
Location: Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds| 21311 Courthouse Hwy. | Windsor, Va
Fish Dinner Fundraiser
The Corinth Friends Meeting is sponsoring this Captain Bob’s catfish plate dinner. Plates will include fried catfish, cheesy potatoes, cole-slaw and hushpuppies for $12. Pickup at the Ace Hardware parking lot in Franklin.
Date: April 26, 2024
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: 1100 Armory Drive | Franklin, VA
Birding Festival
Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival: April 26-28th, 2024. FREE guided bird and nature walks, bus tours, natural history presentations, live animals and family fun activities! Registration required for guided walks & bus tours (recommended for presentations). See detailed program/registration information at: https://www.fws.gov/event/grea
Date: April 26-28, 2024
Location: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Concealed Carry Class
The Conway VFD Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring this class at the Conway Fire Department. Cost is $85 and includes lunch. Gun and ammo use provided.
Date: April 27, 2024
Time: 8am
Location: Conway Fire Department | 113 White St | Conway, NC
BBQ Chicken Fundraiser
Come enjoy this plate dinner fundraiser by the Sunbury VFD. Enjoy BBQ chicken, green beans, potatoes, roll & dessert for $12. Tickets available at Tom Perry’s Service Station, Kittrell & Sons or from any Sunbury VFD member.
Date: April 27, 2024
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: 56 NC Highway 32 | Sunbury, NC
Spring Fest
Spring Fest returns this April to the Joel C. Bradshaw country fairgrounds with three days of family fun & entertainment. Vendor registration opens January 31st. More info to come!
Date: April 26-28, 2024
Time: TBA
Location: Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds
May Events
Franklin Farmer’s Market
Enjoy the best local vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and more each week from spring through fall!
Date: Saturdays
Time: 9am – Noon
Location: 210 S. Main Street | Franklin, Va
Carrsville Ruritan Catfish Dinner
The Carrsville Ruritan Club is sponsoring a Captain Bob’s catfish dinner at the Carrsville Community Center. Plates will be sold for $12. Take out only.
Date: May 2, 2024
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: 5336 Carrsville Hwy.| Franklin, Va
Lumberjack Festevent
One the newest and fastest growing spring events, the Franklin Lumberjack Festevent features chainsaw competitions, axe throwing, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show, competitions, vendors, petting zoo, a giant cornhole board and more!
Date: May 4, 2024
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Downtown Franklin Riverfront | Franklin, Va
Waverly Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Sussex County Chamber presents a Cinco de Mayo Celebration in downtown Waverly. Come enjoy live music from Smoke & Wine band, food vendors, beverages, children’s activities and chamber member info booth. This is a free event.
Date: May 4, 2024
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Downtown Waverly, Va
Garden Party
The Murfreesboro Historical Association presents their 4th annual Garden Party at John Wheeler House Garden. Entertainment – Refreshments – Hat Contest. Donation is $25 and $10 for 12 and under.
Date: May 4, 2024
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: 407 East Broad St. | Waverly, Va
Heritage Day
The 30th Heritage Day sponsored by the Southampton County Historical Society and the Southampton Heritage Village/Agriculture & Forestry Museum. Visitors will see how the previous generations lived, and made a living. Learn how they made the items in their homes and on the farm. Food-Petting Zoo-Model Trains-and more!Admission: $5 Adults & $2 school age children.
Date: May 4, 2024
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: 26315 Heritage Lane | Courtland, Va
Flower & Bake Sale
The Conway Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor this spring Flower and Bake Sale at the Conway Fire Department. There will be a 50/50 raffle. A great time to buy Mother’s Day presents.
Date: May 11, 2024
Time: 8am
Location: Conway Volunteer Fire Dept | Conway, NC
Holland Ruritan Car Show
Enjoy custom cars, trucks and motorcycles at this annual spring show in Holland. There will be concessions, door prizes, DJ and trophies for show entrants.
Date: May 11, 2024
Time: 8am – 1pm
Location: Holland Ballfield | Suffolk, Va
Windsor Blood Drive
Give the gift of life during the Windsor Community Red Cross Blood Drive at the Windsor Town Center. Schedule your appointment time by visiting redcrossblood.org and searching Windsor.
Date: May 13, 2024
Time: 1pm – 6pm
Location: Windsor Town Center | 23361 Courthouse Hwy | Windsor, Va
Ultimate Fish Fry
The Isle of Wight Commission on Aging presents the ultimate Fish Fry experience. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable day filled with mouthwatering food, bingo with prizes, and more. Tickets will be available for purchase starting on April 15 at Nike Park, AmeriCare Plus, Windsor True Value, and the Smithfield Visitor Center. If you have questions or need more information, contact Marisa Taylor at (757) 357-5951.
Date: May 16, 2024
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: The Smithfield Center | 220 N. Church Street| Smithfield, Va
Doggie Fashion Show
The Emporia-Greensville Humane Society is sponsoring this Doggie Fashion Show at Golden Leaf Commons to celebrate it’s 20th anniversary. Entries for small, medium and large dogs plus cash prizes, door prizes and more.
Date: May 18, 2024
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Location: Golden Leaf Commons | 1781 Greensville County Circle | Emporia, Va
The Hit Men of Country
The Hit Men of Country are made up of Nashville’s most talented singers and musicians who have toured with and played on recording for some of country music’s greatest artists – hit-makers like: Wynonna Judd, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Lee Greenwood, Travis Tritt, Jason Aldean, and more! You are in for a real treat! Purchase your tickets today at https://suffolkcenter.org/performances_events/the-hit-men-of-country/
Date: May 18, 2024
Time: 8pm
Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts | 110 W. Finney Ave. | Suffolk, Va 23434
Captain Bob’s Dinner
Ivor Community Events is sponsoring this Captain Bob’s plate dinner with proceeds to help keep the Ivor July 4th event free everyone to enjoy. Plates will be sold for $12 and include Chicken, BBQ, Cole Slaw and Potatoes. For ticket information, call 757-859-6397 or message the Ivor Events Facebook page www.facebook.com/IvorEvents
Date: May 23, 2024
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: Ivor Municipal Building | 8430 Bell Ave| Ivor, Va
Tidewater Academy Golf Tournament
Grab those clubs and get ready for a fun afternoon of golf at the Country Club of Petersburg to benefit Tidewater Academy. Registration fee is $150 per golfer or $600 per team, which includes green fees, snacks, cart, dinner and more. For more info, contact Gail Ford-Westbrook at 757-899-5401 or by email: [email protected]
Date: May 31, 2024
Time: 1pm
Location: Country Club of Petersburg | 1250 Flank Rd.| Petersburg, Va
June Events
Bark in the Park
Fundraiser to benefit the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter will be held at Nike Park in Carrollton. There will be on-site pet adoptions, agility course, cat yoga, games, contests and more!
Date: June 1, 2024
Time: 4pm -7pm
Location: 13036 Nike Park Rd | Carrollton, VA
BNB Shrimp Feast
This is annual joint fundraiser to benefit the Boykins, Newsoms and Branchville Volunteer Fire Departments. Come enjoy all-you-can-eat shrimp and fried fish, live music with Hickory Knoll & Silver Street and adult beverages. Take out plates will be available too.
Date: June 1, 2024
Time: 4pm -8pm
Location: Draper’s Pond | Boykins, VA
Pork Fest
The Murfreesboro Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring this brand-new event featuring authentic North Carolina Barbecue, vendor fair, car/tractor show and live music by DJ Jesse Skosh & RT Johnson! Find out more information and purchase tickets at https://murfreesboroncvfd.com/PorkFest
Date: June 1, 2024
Time: 11am – until
Location: Murfree Center | 201 E. Broad Street | Murfreesboro, NC
Bobby Marks Classic Golf Tournament
The Southampton Academy Athletic Association presents this 30th annual tournament at Cypress Cove Country Club in Franklin. Morning & Afternoon flights. Various sponsorships available. Cart Sponsor $500, Tee sponsor $250 and Friend of the Raiders $100. To register email Rebecca Fretz at [email protected]
Date: June 3, 2024
Time: Morning Flight: 8:30am / Afternoon Flight: 1:30pm
Location: Cypress Cove Country Club | Franklin, VA
Vacation Bible School
Prepare to swing into fun at the Great Jungle Journey Vacation Bible School at South Quay Baptist Church. Kids will enjoy crafts, snacks, games and music each night. Open to children in grades K-6th
Date: June 17 – 21, 2024
Time: 6pm – 8:30pm
Location: South Quay Baptist Church | 9617 South Quay Rd | Suffolk, Va
July Events
IOW County Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate American’s birthday at Isle of Wight’s Independence Day event at Heritage Park in Windsor. Enjoy food vendors, the new kids zone, games, activities, live concert from Chase Payne and fireworks!
Date: July 3, 2024
Time: 6:30pm
Location: 21311 Courthouse Hwy. | Windsor, Va
Shrimp Feed
Joint fundraiser between the Drewryville Vol. Fire Department and Joyner-Gray-Yale Ruritan Club. Enjoy shrimp, cole slaw, beans and beverage plus live music from 58 East. Gates open at 3pm | meal served at 4pm. The event is held at the Joyner-Gray-Yale Ruritan Clubhouse. Advance Only tickets are $30.
Date: July 20, 2024
Time: 3:30pm -7pm
Location: 24210 Courthouse Road | Yale, Va 23897
