Steel Magnolias: Robert Harling's comedy-drama, 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

Fair and Tender Ladies: Quinn Hawkesworth's adaptation of the novel by Lee Smith (see below), 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Dixie Swim Club: Playhouse of Wilson's dinner theater revival of the Jones-Hope-Wooten play (first act), 5:30 p.m. Friday and May 24.

Lee Smith: 10 a.m. Saturday.

Derek Alderman: East Carolina University geography professor, on "Untangling Kudzu's Place in Southern Culture," 10 a.m. May 24.

F. Todd Lasseigne: Executive director of Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Kernersville, on "Magnolias: Southern Garden Aristocrats, noon May 31.

Concerts: Southern-themed performances, 4 p.m. Saturday and May 24.

Cooking demonstrations: Jason Smith of 18 Seaboard in Raleigh, noon and 4:30 p.m. Saturday; Stephen Ribustello of On the Square in Tarboro, noon and 4:30 p.m. May 24.

Gospel services: Block of Hope Southern Gospel Experience, 9:45 a.m. May 18, May 25 and June 1.

Garden party 5 p.m. May 31 at a private home.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.