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
Colleges and Universities
Visit 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. Jump to: Upcoming Events at North Carolina Botanical Garden Please make sure to follow each link below to register (when required.) … [Read more...] about Visit North Carolina Botanical Garden
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
Nasher Museum of Art’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 18: performances, workshops, more
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12 to 7 p.m. The museum is at 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina. The celebration is open to the public and free to attend. Guests can enjoy art-making stations, interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, and special performances throughout the day. A variety of … [Read more...] about Nasher Museum of Art’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 18: performances, workshops, more
Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 23
Packapalooza is a huge, free, family-friendly block party and street festival welcoming the Wolfpack back to campus. It takes place on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, from Brooks Avenue to the roundabout near the Memorial Belltower, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The whole community is invited to this free street festival. The festival includes music, games, vendors and … [Read more...] about Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 23
