Triangle on the Cheap

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

Art

Tips for shopping on Etsy and how to support sellers from the Triangle

This post contains affiliate links.

Etsy is a global, online marketplace where you can buy anything from hand drawn stickers to spreadsheet bundles to custom toilet plungers. Etsy was founded with the goal to keep commerce human and create a more immediate link between sellers and buyers globally. Find more about Etsy's mission here. When Etsy was originally founded, the concern was that automation was going to remove the human … [Read more...] about Tips for shopping on Etsy and how to support sellers from the Triangle

Posted by Mackenzie Dunne Filed Under: Art

Hillsborough Gallery of Arts: Artist talk for Pattern Recognition Sept. 12

Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton St., Hillsborough, is owned and operated by local artists. Hillsborough Gallery of Arts represents established artists exhibiting modern and contemporary fine art and fine craft. Artworks include painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber art, jewelry, blown glass, fused glass, stained glass, metals, encaustics, enamels, watercolors and … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Gallery of Arts: Artist talk for Pattern Recognition Sept. 12

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Art

African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County Labor Day Weekend

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual Labor Day Weekend celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, dance, food and community. It is taking place September 5 and 6, 2026, and is free to attend. The Festival’s Main Stage will be located at 500 Fayetteville Street, with the festival footprint extending throughout the … [Read more...] about African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County Labor Day Weekend

Beats N Bars: Labor of Love Weekend Festival in Durham Sept. 5 and 6

Beats N Bars Music Festival returns to Durham, North Carolina for the 10th year on September 5 and 6, 2026. Beats N Bars is a celebration of music, culture and creativity. This year the celebration takes place on Labor Day Weekend. Saturday Labor of Love Fest: Day Party + ConcertSaturday, September 5, 20264 to 9 p.m.The Fruit305 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC$10 Labor of Love Fest brings … [Read more...] about Beats N Bars: Labor of Love Weekend Festival in Durham Sept. 5 and 6

First Friday at Raleigh Times Sept. 4 — music, art, more

The Morning Times, 10 E. Hargett Street, in Downtown Raleigh, hosts First Friday at the Times on the first Friday of every month, during First Friday Raleigh. These events typically include live music, an art market and more. September First Friday First Friday at the Times on September 4, 2026. Between 7 to 11 p.m., come by for: … [Read more...] about First Friday at Raleigh Times Sept. 4 — music, art, more

Margaret Lane Gallery: Opening reception for Musical Notes, live music, art creation station, more…

Margaret Lane Gallery, 121 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina, features work from 35+ local artists, monthly curated show and rotating exhibits. The art gallery also hosts events and workshops. Learn about upcoming events on their website and Facebook page. Last Friday Art WalkFriday, August 28, 20266 to 9 p.m.Free During Last Friday Art Walk: Opening reception for Musical Notes, … [Read more...] about Margaret Lane Gallery: Opening reception for Musical Notes, live music, art creation station, more…

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Art · Music

Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival August 22-23

The Town of Cary's Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is back for 2026! It will take place August 22 and 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The setting is Cary Town Hall Campus in Downtown Cary, 316 N. Academy Street, Cary. This is a free festival. The 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival features: Jump for more information on: Artist Gallery Over 250 artists are … [Read more...] about Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival August 22-23

Chapel Hill Día de Muertos Oct. 25

Chapel Hill's Día de Muertos celebration takes place Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m., at 140 West Franklin Street Plaza, 140 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It's free to attend and open to everyone. Celebrate this holiday with art experiences, vendors, live performances, and more. … [Read more...] about Chapel Hill Día de Muertos Oct. 25

Scrap Exchange celebrates 35rd birthday at Third Friday at CCB Plaza Aug. 21

The Scrap Exchange is celebrating its 35th anniversary at Third Friday Durham on August 21, 2026. There will be lots of festivities at CCB Plaza, 201 N Corcoran Street, Durham, North Carolina, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Scrap Exchange’s beloved blue mascot, brought to life by Jeghetto’s Entertainment (Tarish Pipkins) will be there, with live music from Emma Jane and also DJ MARRS spinning … [Read more...] about Scrap Exchange celebrates 35rd birthday at Third Friday at CCB Plaza Aug. 21

Festifall Arts Market in Chapel Hill Nov. 7

Festifall Arts Market returns to Chapel Hill on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m. This year it's at a new location, the parking lot at 100 East Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It's free to attend. Meet artists, take part in art activities, and enjoy live performances, and shop paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, clothing, soaps, candles, and more. Check back … [Read more...] about Festifall Arts Market in Chapel Hill Nov. 7

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