Triangle on the Cheap

Live well in the Triangle on a budget. Find fun, free things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC

Jody Mace

Costume parties, parades and contests for dogs this Halloween in the Triangle

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for somewhere to show off your pet’s Halloween costume? Do you think you have a dog that’s cuter than the pirate dog in the picture, or the one in the squirrel costume below? (Hard to imagine, but anything’s possible, I guess.) Bring your pup to one of these canine costume parties in the Triangle. These events are for 2025. Make sure to click on the links for all the details. Also, … [Read more...] about Costume parties, parades and contests for dogs this Halloween in the Triangle

Trunk or Treat with Hillsborough Police Department Oct. 24

The Hillsborough Police Department is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the parking lot behind the Hillsborough Police Department, 127 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough, North Carolina. The event will include treats for children of all ages and kiddie rides provided by Efland Trash Service. Free to attend. All pets attending must be on a leash … [Read more...] about Trunk or Treat with Hillsborough Police Department Oct. 24

Boo Bash at Lightbridge Academy in Durham Oct. 24

Lightbridge Academy, 1015 Yunus Road, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting Boo Bash on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free and is open to the community. The event features: Wear your costume and bring your trick or treat bucket! … [Read more...] about Boo Bash at Lightbridge Academy in Durham Oct. 24

3rd Annual Chelsea Theater Halloween Horror: Film, live music, costume contest, more…

Chelsea Theater, 1129 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is hosting the 3rd Annual Chelsea Theater Halloween Horror on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $15. The price for students and members is $12. Schedule … [Read more...] about 3rd Annual Chelsea Theater Halloween Horror: Film, live music, costume contest, more…

Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park Oct 24

The Town of Cary's Pumpkin Flotilla takes place Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary. Participation is free. Learn about the Town of Cary's other Halloween events too, including a haunted house, a big pumpkin carving event, and more. Drop off your carved pumpkin on October 23, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. Floats are limited and will be assigned on … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park Oct 24

Weaver Street Market Carrboro Halloween Stories Under the Stars (costume contest, treats, more) Oct. 24

Weaver Street Market Carrboro's annual Halloween event, Stories Under the Stars, takes place Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event takes place on the lawn, 101 East Weaver Street, Carrboro. It includes kid treats, apple cider, cookies, a costume contest and entertainment. Stories on the Lawn Schedule … [Read more...] about Weaver Street Market Carrboro Halloween Stories Under the Stars (costume contest, treats, more) Oct. 24

Haunted Hill Halloween event in Chapel Hill Oct. 24

Haunted Hill is a free Halloween event at Chapel Hill Community Center, 120 S Estes Dr Chapel Hill, on Friday, October 24, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. Grab a costume and join in for Trunk-or-Treat, a pumpkin decorating contest, games and food trucks. If you'd like to compete in the pumpkin decorating contest or host a trunk, you need to register. … [Read more...] about Haunted Hill Halloween event in Chapel Hill Oct. 24

10th Annual Zombiepalooza at Downtown Cary Park Oct. 24

The Cary's 10th annual Zombiepalooza takes place Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The event is free to attend, and will take place on the Great Lawn. If the weather is bad, it moves inside to The Cary Theater. Zombiepalooza will feature local filmmakers’ zombie short films. The films will be between one and five … [Read more...] about 10th Annual Zombiepalooza at Downtown Cary Park Oct. 24

North Carolina State Fair: how to save money at the fair

Mark your calendar! The North Carolina State Fair will take place October 16 to 26, 2025. Read on to learn how to save money and to learn about some of special features of the Fair. The N.C. State Fair takes place at the N. C. State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Prices and Discounts at N.C. State Fair You can save money by buying tickets in advance, online … [Read more...] about North Carolina State Fair: how to save money at the fair

Track or Treat Halloween Express at New Hope Valley Railway

New Hope Valley Railway is also known as Triangle's Train, and is at 3900 Bonsai Road, New Hill, North Carolina, which is just 24 miles to the southwest of Raleigh. New Hope Valley Railway’s (NHVR) family-friendly Track or Treat: Halloween Express takes place on October 11, 18 and 25, 2025, with departures each day at 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6:30, and 7:45 p.m. During the spooky but … [Read more...] about Track or Treat Halloween Express at New Hope Valley Railway

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Triangle on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.