Social events, arts, music, sports, and entertainment options and activities in the Rocky Mount area.

2018 Concerts Return as Highlight of Downtown Rocky Mount Events

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downtown-rocky-mount-events

After a long, cold winter faded into the warmer months of Spring, it was just a matter of time before the warmth  of the summer sun came around. To many local residents, this means their favorite of all Downtown Rocky Mount Events, the Downtown Live concert series returns. This is just minutes from your new home at  Belmont Lake Preserve  in the heart of downtown Rocky Mount.

The schedule for the 2018 Downtown Live series has been released and it will feature no less than nine weeks of Downtown Rocky Mount Events. Beginning the week of May 24, and running through the week of September 18 these weekly concerts feature some great local talent.

These Downtown Rocky Mount Events take place every other Thursday during that time frame and as start at 6:00 pm. The Downtown Live concert series is held outside of the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences building, at 270 Gay Street in Downtown Rocky Mount. There will be local food and beverage vendors on site at each of these Downtown Rocky Mount and you can bring your own lawn chairs to set up, as admission as always is free.

The remaining 2018 Downtown Live concert schedule is:

  • July 19: Jim Quick & the Coastline
  • August 2: The Main Event Band
  • August 16: The Entertainers
  • August 30: The Band of Oz
  • September 13: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard

For more information on the Downtown Live concert series and all the great upcoming Downtown Rocky Mount Events, visit downtownrockymount.com.

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Art Classes in Rocky Mount : “Sculpting” a Family Friendly Community at the Imperial Center

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Art Classes in Rocky Mount

Moving from the winter months and into the Spring, the temperature is not the only thing seeing an increase here locally, as there is always an influx of activities being offered in Downtown Rocky Mount. Whether you are a toddler or a senior citizen, if your preference is science, art, or theatre, just a few minutes up the road from your new home at the premier North Carolina golf community, Belmont Lake Preserve, the Imperial Centre for the Arts open up their schedule with numerous options for Art Classes in Rocky Mount for all ages.

This first part in our three part series will look specifically at the Art Classes in Rocky Mount this month at the Imperial Centre, which is located at Gay Street in the heart of downtown. For starters, those ages 12 and up that wish to catch the “acting bug,” this Spring can partake in “Intro to Acting: Auditions and Scene Study.” Described at the official site of the Imperial Centre as “the perfect class for the beginning actor or for experienced actors who want to sharpen their skills. This class will focus on how to prepare cold scenes at auditions as well as how to dissect scenes into beats and make strong choices in the audition, rehearsal, and performance process.”

Whether acting and performance art is your thing, or whether your preference is to express your creativity on canvas, the Imperial Centre has you covered with Art Classes in Rocky Mount for all. “Intro to Painting,” is another class where anyone age 13 and older can learn to “Study the language of painting.” Technique, materials, and elements of art are all topics focused on in this course, as you learn to build a better understanding of different mediums.

For those looking for some fun activities that the whole family can partake in, look no further than the Art Classes in Rocky Mount and the “Paint Together: Family Workshop.” Join the pros at the Imperial Centre and “explore the basics of painting as a family” at this workshop. Working with acrylic paints, family members will work together on a project and leave with a beautiful piece of art to hang at home as a memory of what is certain to be a fantastic day of fun together.

Yet another genre of art will be focused on at another of the Art Classes in Rocky Mount offered at the Centre, as you and family members  can come out and “use their hands” as part of “Intro to Clay: Functional Wares.” A variety of items will be created at this truly, “hands-on” two session workshop and it is open to anyone age 14 and up.

The Art Classes in Rocky Mount offered up at the Imperial Centre are just a few of the fantastic things that everyone in the house hold can enjoy. For further information, ioncluding special lower rates on these courses for Rocky Mount residents, visit the Imperial Centre website here.

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New Rocky Mount Mills Incubator to Support North Carolina Breweries

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North-Carolina-Breweries

The bustling industry of craft beers across the state gained another boost from Rocky Mount Mills as it was recently announced that the venue will begin with its first “class,” consisting of several North Carolina Breweries joining a brewing incubator.

There will be four North Carolina Breweries sharing a refurbished, on site, 6,000 square foot shipping warehouse, and each will be able to produce up to 1,000 barrels annually and have a keg cooler featuring eight taps to serve their finished product from. In addition, they will be given the opportunity to take classes in the Nash Community College Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation program and be serving up their brews in a public beer garden.

The four North Carolina Breweries involved will be, Planetary Elixirs, HopFly Brewing Company, BDD Brewing Company and Bull Durham Beer Company. The Bull Durham Beer Company is already up and open for business, Planetary Elixirs will be soon bottling their product, and HopFly just “opened up shop,” on November 18. The fourth of the North Carolina Breweries involved, BDD Brewing Company is set to debut later this winter.

“Our inaugural class of brewers comes from all walks of life and bring with them different approaches, methods, and philosophies towards brewing,” says Sebastian Wolfrum, executive brewmaster of Rocky Mount Mills. “We see the spirit that built Rocky Mount Mills 200 ago, and that continues to make our community one of hard work and triumph in each of them. We’re looking forward to seeing and, more importantly, tasting what they have to offer.”

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Cummins Planetarium is an “Out of This World” Fun and Educational Experience

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Cummins Planetarium

Cummins PlanetariumLocated just minutes from the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount, Cummins Planetarium offers an array of fun-filled, educational special events that children of all ages and adults likewise have been enjoying since they first opened their doors in the Spring of 2006.

Upon its opening, Cummins Planetarium, which is housed inside the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences building, became the very first planetarium in North Carolina to feature a full-dome video projection system. In addition to this, the incredible 30-foot dome at Cummins Planetarium sets tilted slightly forward to allow for a maximum viewing audience of up to 50 people per show.Cummins Planetarium

Giving visitors both young and old a consistent and divers variety of shows, Cummins Planetarium runs four different shows monthly, with each being having a showing once daily every Tuesday-Saturday. One of the upcoming featured shows at Cummins Planetarium is called “Solar Superstorms,” which takes a dramatic look at the sun and the solar system. “The Amazing Telescope,” is also running at Cummins Planetarium  and will take detail how observatories use telescopes to bring you on an exploration of some of the universe’s great mysteries including the ring’s of Saturn, the spiral structures of the galaxies, and the Galilean moons.Cummins Planetarium

The two other  shows at Cummins Planetarium are more specifically aimed at different age groups, with one that is sure to have the youngsters smiling from ear to ear and a second that will get the parents in the family tapping their toes and maybe even reminiscing of some great music from the past.

A can’t miss showing for the young ones this month at Cummins Planetarium is , “One World, One Sky,” is advertised as “a magical musical journey into space for families with kids ages 3-6 years old. Featuring all your children’s favorite characters from the show “Sesame Street,” this is “Big Bird’s Adventure,” and he and many of his pals take you and the kids on a fun-filled journey to the moon and back. For the older generation, “Laser Classic Rock” will bring them back to the days of stadium-sized rock and roll from the late 1960’s and 70’s as this show is set to the tunes of some of the greatest classic rockers of all time, including, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, and many more.

For more information on the other upcoming shows and special events at Cummins Planetarium for this month and the remainder of 2016, visit their website at museum.imperialcentre.org.

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First Friday at the Imperial Centre offers Holiday Fun for the Whole Family

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Normally held on the first Friday evening of each month, the December 1 installment of First Friday at the Imperial Centre will carry a Christmas theme, featuring activities for the whole family, just minutes from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community in all sections of the downtown Rocky Mount arts center.The Imperial Centre website listed the following special activities that will be taking place on the December 1 First Friday at the Imperial Centre in addition to the lighting of the Imperial Centre Christmas tree, a visit from Santa Claus for the kids, and carriage rides and bounce houses in the courtyard where there has been a forecast for “snow,” to get all in the mood of the season.

In the Childrens’ Museum at First Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Free admission featuring new exhibit, Ocean Bound
  • Chris “JuggleBoy” Fowler – magic and juggling program at 6:30
  • Kid’s activities
  • Rocky Mount Wildlife Rehabbers
  • Planetarium Show: Season of Light at 7 pm
  • Lasershow: Laser Holiday  at 8 pm
  • Braswell Memorial Pop-Up Library
  • Meet naturalist, Tom Stutz

In the Arts Center at First Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Live Music
  • Photo Booth
  • Gallery Sketching
  • Craft
  • Hot Cocoa & Cookies

The Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. For more information on First Friday at the Imperial Centre and all their fun upcoming family friendly events, go to imperialcentre.org and for more information on all the great happening around Rocky Mount and happenings surrounding Belmont Lake Preserve check out our news blog here.

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The Classics to Headline Winter Lineup at Imperial Center in Rocky Mount

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With two legendary tales taking center stage at the theatre at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Science, the winter schedule for great entertainment, just up the street from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve NC Golf Community, will continue to heat up as the temperature drops with “Pride and Prejudice,” and the holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Starting on October 26 and running through the 29th, Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice is a brilliant tale of a simpler time in history. The Imperial Center home website describes the show as, “ humorous story of love and life among English gentility during the Georgian era. Mr Bennet is an English gentleman living in Hartfordshire with his overbearing wife. The Bennets 5 daughters; the beautiful Jane, the clever Elizabeth, the bookish Mary, the immature Kitty and the wild Lydia.”

Just in time for the holidays, the Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre welcome the Charles Shultz classic, “A Charlie Brown Christamas,” to the Rocky Mount stage, starting on November 30 and running until December 3. 49 years after first stealing the hearts of a nation and becoming a holiday staple on television in its near five decades of existence, the Peanuts crew will no doubt be a crowd pleaser that all ages can enjoy. The Imperial Centre Christmas Choir will also take part in this show, making this a can’t miss part of the Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre.

With these great offerings on the horizon and several familiar stage favorite already scheduled for the Spring, it is safe to say that the fantastic Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre is just the beginning, as 2018 promises to be a talented and entertaining ride for all to enjoy.

The Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. For more info on the Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre and all the other great vents coming up, visit imperialcentre.org

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9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is a “Smokin’” Good Time in Rocky Mount

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Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown

One of the most anticipated and for sure tastiest annual events on the Town of Rocky Mount calendar will be returning to town for a “smokin’” good time, as just a few minutes from the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, the 9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 7-8.

The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown festivities kick off this year on Friday at noon, at 101 Coastline Street in Downtown Rocky Mount, directly in front of the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station. And the “delicious” fun on opening day goes until 8:00 p.m. Saturday morning The “Throw Down” continues and swings into full effect as will be evident by the incredible smell wafting through town from the countless BBQ pros plying their craft from 10:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m.

For those who have not yet had a “taste” of the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, it is a professional cooking competition based on the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s (KCBS) official categories, which are chicken, pork ribs, pork brisket, and beef brisket. Awards are given out annually for the Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and the People’s Choice Award, decided upon by the attendees of the tops in Fall Events in Rocky Mount. Additionally, prizes to include cash awards, trophies, and plaques will be given out to the top ten finishers in each of the above categories.

Returning for the second consecutive years on the heels of its success at last year’s Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown will be the 2nd Annual Home Brew Competition, as once again, local beer enthusiasts and brewers will compete on Saturday. Each entrant in this competition may submit any style beer of their choosing, and each will be judged in different categories based upon the style they enter. If the entry does not fit into one of the specific categories they still are eligible for the overall “Best in the East” award that will awarded by a panel of judges representing this events sponsor from Rocky Mount Mills.

Although the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown begins at noon on Friday, and the judging will commence throughout the two-day festival, there will also be other great food and entertainment ongoing throughout. The “Kick Off Party and Concert” has become almost as much of a tradition as the ribs, chicken, brisket, and other delicious food, with great live, local music being played throughout the day. Always a family friendly event, there will also be an assortment of vendors, and kid specific activities throughout the weekend as well

The 9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is free to the public. For a full schedule of events and more information on the Eastern CarolinaBBQ Throwdown, visit their website at bbqthrowdown.net.

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Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle Options Could Increase with Upgrades to Battle Park

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Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle

With the Rocky Mount city council recently discussing possible upgrades to one of the city’s beautiful outdoor spaces that sits only minutes from your new home in Belmont Lake Preserve, the already plentiful options for Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle activities could increase with the proposed changes at Battle Park.

Although the upgrades that would include these Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle options at Battle Park are not likely to occur immediately, the interest from the city officials was genuine. The upgrades that were spoken of at the meeting would see a new “spray ground,” a butterfly garden, a zip line, widened walking paths, and a BMX track.

These proposed items were noted to be in the concept stage still, however, several other short-term efforts that also would offer some new Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle options were also brought up at the August 10 council meeting. An outdoor outfitter, environmental education, and educational hiking trails were the short term Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle ideas tossed around, and Assistant City Manager, Thomas Moton, Jr. explained that many residents have been behind this project because they’d like to see Battle Park made a focal point of Rocky Mount’s tourism industry and economy.

“With ideas for improvements we hope to make this area a destination location,” Moton, Jr. went on to explain. “With possible bike trails and other activities, we hope to attract more travelers and to maximize opportunities for people to enjoy the water.” He added, “Battle Park is also the hub to connect our assets from MLK Park to City Lake, so visitors can use the greenway to enjoy all seven miles of greenway trails that Rocky Mount has to offer.”

Being in such early stages of development, the cost of the Battle Park project that would see the addition of these great Rocky Mount Active Living options was not brought to the table. However, there has been some interest shown by Rocky Mount Mills (which is owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company) in a possible lease or purchase of Panther Island,  which is part of Battle Park. If this were the case, that company would implement improvements by itself and allow the city to focus on the remainder of the park.

Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department Director, Kelvin Yarrell addressed the possibility of the Battle Park upgrades, voicing the following conclusion.  “The true plan would come from working with our citizens, elected officials and the business community, such as Capitol Broadcasting, to look at the entire scope of the project once funding becomes available.”

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Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo Racing into Downtown

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on Saturday, July 30 for the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo

on Saturday, July 30 for the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle ExpoThe downtown Rocky Mount community will once again be “revving up their engines” in anticipation for one of the area’s great summertime traditions as auto enthusiasts will gather just a few short minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve North Carolina golf community on Saturday, July 30 for the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo.

The day of “fast fun” at the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo will start at 8:30 a.m. where participants can register their cars. Registration runs for two and a half hours, finishing up at 11:00 a.m.. The Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo will not only feature a cool assortment of classic cars and motorcycles on display in the downtown area, but the morning and afternoon will see some fantastic local live bands and area vendors serving up delicious food and refreshments throughout the day as well.

As in prevous years at the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo, some of the area’s top collectors and enthusiasts in addition to others traveling from all across the state of North Carolina are expected to be on hand to showcase their classic automobiles and cycles . These will be judged throughout the days’ festivities, starting once registration ends at 11:00 a.m. This years’ categories which the entries will be judged upon include, Best Import, Best Ford, Best Chevy, Best of Show, Sport Bike, Harley Cruiser and more. The general public will also have a chance to select the winner of the “People’s Choice” award, and trophies will be handed out for all winning entrants.

The live music and entertainment at the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo will begin at 12:30 p.m. and run until 2:00 p.m., when the presentation of the winning entries will take place on the event’s Main Stage. Once all winners have been announced, the annual Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo parade will commence at 2:45 p.m., with all entered vehicles and bikes being shown off as they maneuver through beautiful downtown Rocky Mount.

The full schedule of events for the 2016 Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo is as follows:

8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.- Car Registration

10:00 a.m. -Rockin’ Classic Begins

11:00 a.m. – Judging Begins

12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. -Live Entertainment

2:00 p.m. – Presentation of winners

2:45 p.m. – Motorcycle & Car Parade

The Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo is only the next in what is a continuous string of great events held in Downtown Rocky Mount NC. For full details on this event and all on the upcoming schedule, visit the Downtown Rocky Mount NC website at downtownrockymount.com.

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Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights are Family Fun Under the Stars

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Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights

Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie NightsBeginning on June 17, the summer season of fun is officially upon our area residents, as just minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve at the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences, the first installment of the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights, “Lawn Chair Theatre” kicks off with the George Clooney hit, Tommorrowland.

With the doors opening for the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights at 7:00 p.m., and the films beginning at 8:30 p.m., Lawn Chair Theatre is set to provide fun for all ages every other Friday night through the month of July. The movies are free of charge and shown on the lawn outside of the Imperial Centre, so it is advised that you bring chairs or a blanket to sit on during the showings.

In addition to a great family flick being shown every other Friday as part of the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights, there is always a little something more for the kids to enjoy at each Lawn Chair Theatre event. During the 90 minutes from when the doors open until the 8:30 start time of each movie, there are a variety of different fun filled games and activities for the youngsters on hand that are coordinated by the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center (which is also located at the Imperial Centre). Also, concessions, including food, drinks, and treats are available for purchase during the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights.

The full schedule of showings for this summer’s Lawn Chair Theatre is:

The Imperial Centre, which hosts the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights is located in downtown Rocky Mount at 270 Gay Street. In the case of inclement weather, the scheduled Lawn Chair Theatre movie for the week will be shown inside at the Imperial Centre’s Education Building. For more information on Lawn Chair Theatre and all the great upcoming events taking place here, visit imperialcentre.com.

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