Durham Beer Garden, 812 N Mangum Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting its 3rd Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1 to 10 p.m. It's free to attend. Enjoy a full day of German beer, food, live music, competitions and Oktoberfest fun, including pretzel necklace making. German-Style Beers: They'll be pouring a variety of traditional styles, including Märzen, … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest at Durham Beer Garden on Sept. 19
Music
Smithfield Oktoberfest October 10
Head to Downtown Historic Smithfield, North Carolina, for Oktoberfest on Saturday, 10, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m. This is a rescheduled date. This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Smithfield Oktoberfest October 10
Free: River Park Concert in Hillsborough Oct. 24
River Park Concert Series is a free, volunteer-driven outdoor music event presented by Triangle Music Alliance. It takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Downtown River Park, 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina. The headliner is The Brothers Comatose. The other artists performing at the event are Tan and Sober Gentlemen, Jack the Radio, and The Ghost … [Read more...] about Free: River Park Concert in Hillsborough Oct. 24
Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 22
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 22, 2026, 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 much … [Read more...] about Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 22
Saturdays in Saxapahaw Outdoor Concert Series
Saturdays in Saxapahaw is a free outdoor concert series that takes place outside of Haw River Ballroom, 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd., Saxapahaw, North Carolina. The series is every Saturday from May 2 to August 29, 2026. At each event there will be a farmers' market and food trucks from 5 to 8 p.m. The music starts at 6 p.m. The only exception to the time listed above is the first date. … [Read more...] about Saturdays in Saxapahaw Outdoor Concert Series
Durham Parks and Recreation Summer Concerts in the Park — Wilson Springs Hotel on Aug. 22
Durham Parks and Recreation is presenting a Summer Concert Series. It takes place twice a month from June through August, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. These concerts are free, family-friendly and full of local flavor, including a rotating lineup of food trucks. Pack a blanket or chair and enjoy live music and summer nights. The concerts alternate between these locations: Summer Concerts in the … [Read more...] about Durham Parks and Recreation Summer Concerts in the Park — Wilson Springs Hotel on Aug. 22
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
Magnetic Sound Studios Third Friday Concert Aug. 21: Possum Monorail
Magnetic Sound Studios, at Lakewood, 2020 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting FREE Third Friday concerts to coincide with Third Friday Artwalk in Durham. The next one one features Possum Monorail on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. Possum Monorail will bring a high-energy oldtime string-band sound with hot fiddle tunes, classic country songs, early blues and swing tunes … [Read more...] about Magnetic Sound Studios Third Friday Concert Aug. 21: Possum Monorail
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
