JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, aims to introduce, display, and promote plants that diversify the American landscape, as well as educate visitors and provide a living laboratory for research. The Arboretum is free to visit. Its hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Arboretum hosts many … [Read more...] about Winter Storytime at Raulston Arboretum, and more…
Colleges and Universities
Indivisible – A One-Man Performance by Dr. Sonny Kelly at UNC’s Friday Center Feb. 22
Indivisible – A One-Man Performance by Dr. Sonny Kelly is a FREE event on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., at William and Ida Friday Center, 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This event is in honor of Black History Month and is suggested for ages 10+. It's free, but registration is required. In this compelling and interactive Black History Month presentation, … [Read more...] about Indivisible – A One-Man Performance by Dr. Sonny Kelly at UNC’s Friday Center Feb. 22
Free Drawing in the Galleries Event at Ackland Art Museum, Jan. 24, and more
Ackland Art Museum, on the University of North Carolina campus, at 101 South Columbia Street, is always free to visit. The Ackland's permanent collection features more than 19,000 works of art, including Asian art, North Carolina pottery, collections of European masterworks, and more. Visiting Ackland Art Museum Hours Ackland Art Museum is free to visit. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday … [Read more...] about Free Drawing in the Galleries Event at Ackland Art Museum, Jan. 24, and more
Free concert by Eric Pritchard and Guests at Duke University Jan. 18: Music of Bill Robinson
Duke University is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m., at East Duke 201 (Nelson Music Room), 1304 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina. The concert is free and open to the public. The following description is from Duke University. Step into a heartfelt musical celebration as Duke violinist Eric Pritchard and an ensemble of distinguished guest musicians honor … [Read more...] about Free concert by Eric Pritchard and Guests at Duke University Jan. 18: Music of Bill Robinson
Free skywatching events with Morehead Planetarium
Morehead Planetarium + Science Center frequently facilitates skywatching sessions, during which guests can look through telescopes at the night sky and learn about what they're seeing. Sometimes Morehead Planetarium is joined by other groups, who also help with the event. In general these are free events. Upcoming Skywatching Events Skywatching at Little River Regional ParkSaturday, … [Read more...] about Free skywatching events with Morehead Planetarium
National Girls & Women in Sports Day Clinic with Duke Athletics Feb. 7
Duke Athletics is hosting a National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in Cameron Indoor Stadium, 115 Whitford Drive, Durham, North Carolina. This is a FREE event that's open to kids (both boys and girls) from 1st to 8th grade. Registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Each participating women's varsity sport will … [Read more...] about National Girls & Women in Sports Day Clinic with Duke Athletics Feb. 7
The 22nd Krispy Kreme Challenge Feb 7 — run 5 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts, and help UNC Children’s Hospital
The Krispy Kreme Challenge was started by NC State students with a passion for running and for doughnuts. The race puts your stomach, not just your legs, to the test. As they say, it is a "unique challenge of both athletic and gastrointestinal skill." The Krispy Kreme Challenge requires participants to run 2.5 miles, starting at the Memorial Belltower on the NC State campus, at 2011 … [Read more...] about The 22nd Krispy Kreme Challenge Feb 7 — run 5 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts, and help UNC Children’s Hospital
Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House Dec. 17 (and more)
Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, is often filled with music, and much of the time it's available for the public to listen to, for free. During weekdays, there is typically a 15-minute Carillon recital at 5 p.m. Events at Duke Chapel See all upcoming events on the Duke University Chapel website. Here's some of what's coming up: Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas … [Read more...] about Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House Dec. 17 (and more)
Nature Tales for Children at North Carolina Botanical Garden
North Carolina Botanical Garden's Display Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, is free to visit. Read on to learn about some upcoming (free or inexpensive) events, as well as about visiting the Display Gardens, Coker Arboretum and Battle Park. Upcoming Events at North Carolina Botanical Garden Please make sure to follow each link below to register (when required.) Also, please take … [Read more...] about Nature Tales for Children at North Carolina Botanical Garden
Durham Medical Orchestra: 15 Years in Harmony Concert Dec. 7
The Durham Medical Orchestra, which is associated with Duke University, was founded in 2010 by volunteer musicians with the mission to unite health-related professionals, Duke University, and the surrounding community through musical performance and collaboration to foster health, wellness, and the cultural enrichment of its audiences and members. The orchestra now has more than 100 members, … [Read more...] about Durham Medical Orchestra: 15 Years in Harmony Concert Dec. 7
