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
Colleges and Universities
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
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
Grand Menorah Lighting in The Pit at UNC Dec. 3 (rescheduled date)
Celebrate an early Chanukkah with Chabad at UNC/Duke and UNC Chancellor Roberts. The Grand Menorah Lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 12 p.m., in The Pit on the UNC Campus. This is a rescheduled date, due to the rainy weather on December 2. The celebration will also include music, latkes and fresh baked donuts. If you're a student at UNC, this is a chance to enjoy a … [Read more...] about Grand Menorah Lighting in The Pit at UNC Dec. 3 (rescheduled date)
37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden at North Carolina Botanical Garden
The 37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden show is taking place at North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Mason Farm Road (on the UNC Chapel Hill campus) from September 14 to December 7, 2025. You can come by and see the sculptures in the outdoor garden setting during the Garden's normal hours: The Garden is closed on Mondays and University holidays, including Thanksgiving. It's free to … [Read more...] about 37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden at North Carolina Botanical Garden
Tree Lighting Ceremony at William Peace University Nov 19: Free hot chocolate, cookies and photos
The community is invited to the William Peace University Tree Lighting event at 15 E Peace Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. It takes place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event includes performances by the Oakwood Waits carolers and members of the Broughton High School Marching Band. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. University president Lynn Morton will … [Read more...] about Tree Lighting Ceremony at William Peace University Nov 19: Free hot chocolate, cookies and photos
Día de Muertos Ofrenda at Duke Chapel Oct 3 to Nov 2
Duke Arts is hosting a Dia de Muertos Ofrenda, a Day of the Dead altar piece, at Duke Chapel, 401 Chapel Hill Drive, Durham, North Carolina. Honor the dead with Día de los Muertos Ofrenda, a Day of the Dead altar piece, at Duke Chapel. Visitors are invited to contribute to this sacred Mexican tradition by adding an offering in the form of photographs or objects that represent a departed loved … [Read more...] about Día de Muertos Ofrenda at Duke Chapel Oct 3 to Nov 2
45 NC colleges waiving application fees during NC Countdown to College October 20-26
You might want to target NC Countdown to College, October 20 to 26, 2025, for applying to college. During that time period, 45 North Carolina colleges and universities, plus, every North Carolina community college, will waive application fees for North Carolina residents. The lists of participating colleges differ slightly for first-time students, transfer students and readmission … [Read more...] about 45 NC colleges waiving application fees during NC Countdown to College October 20-26
Harvest Festival at Duke Gardens Oct. 19
Sarah P. Duke Gardens, at 420 Anderson Street, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting its Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a free, drop-in event, and no registration is required. Parking fees apply. Suggested parking location is in the H lot near the 2000 Lewis Street entrance. This festival takes place outdoors, at Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden (D3 … [Read more...] about Harvest Festival at Duke Gardens Oct. 19
