The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, in 2026, for the 11th time! The popular holiday event features dazzling displays made from thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. There are many interactive elements. In addition, enjoy stage performances several times each night. The festival … [Read more...] about 11th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Entertainment
Poetry in the Park at Dix Park Aug. 28
Poetry in the Park is a free event that takes place at House of Many Porches Market in Dorothea Dix Park, 701 Palmer Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Read on for the two upcoming dates. Enjoy a relaxed, open mic gathering in the park celebrating poetry, short stories, and creative works-in-progress. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a first-time reader, or someone who just wants to listen, … [Read more...] about Poetry in the Park at Dix Park Aug. 28
Storytelling Open Mic at Common Market Durham Sept. 10
The Common Market Durham, 1821 Green Street, Durham, North Carolina, is home to a storytelling open mic, hosted by Hope Wilder. It will be taking place the 2nd Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. Next up is Thursday, September 10, 2026. The theme is Race against the clock! It's free to attend, whether you're telling a story or just listening. This event is a casual meetup to hear and … [Read more...] about Storytelling Open Mic at Common Market Durham Sept. 10
August events: Top things to do in the Triangle
August marks the end of the summer (although it might not feel like it) and the beginning of the school year for many kids. There's still lots to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the rest of the Triangle, in August. Read on for more than 20 of the top events in the Triangle in August. Then keep reading for a day by day calendar of everything on Triangle on the Cheap's calendar in August, … [Read more...] about August events: Top things to do in the Triangle
Piedmont Pear Party at The Plant Aug. 16
The Plant, at 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting Piedmont Pear Party on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drink, and additional activities, are available for purchase. Here's what's happening: And there’s even more pear-inspired fun happening around The Plant, including Gelli Printing with Pears at Roam Paint Press and a fruit … [Read more...] about Piedmont Pear Party at The Plant Aug. 16
Open Mic at Blackbird Brewery in Wake Forest on Aug. 16, and more…
Blackbird Brewery, 3608 Rogers Branch Road #101, Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a family-owned, brewer-owned brewery with a 1,000-square-foot taproom, and a 5,000-square-foot outdoor patio and beer garden. You can find their events on the brewery's events calendar or Facebook page. Upcoming Events Free Live Music: Last updated as of 8/13/2026. Events are subject to change. Double-check … [Read more...] about Open Mic at Blackbird Brewery in Wake Forest on Aug. 16, and more…
CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival in Raleigh Aug 15
The Raleigh-Durham AfroCaribbean-Association presents the Annual CaribMask Carnival Parade and Festival Village on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. The parade of bands starts at 11 a.m. at Salisbury Street and Davie Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, and ends around the same place. The festival follows. It's at City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. … [Read more...] about CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival in Raleigh Aug 15
Town of Garner Diwali Celebration Oct. 16
Town of Garner's Diwali celebration takes place Friday, October 16, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Garner Recreation Center, 215 W Main Street, Garner, North Carolina. It's free to attend. The event was announced on Facebook. Check back soon for more details, but you can expect: … [Read more...] about Town of Garner Diwali Celebration Oct. 16
Pawpaw Palooza at The Plant Aug. 30
The Plant and Fullsteam Brewery are presenting the second Pawpaw Palooza at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. It's free to attend. Celebrate North America’s largest native fruit at Pawpaw Palooza. Sample creative uses of this regional treasure while enjoying local food, drinks, shopping, and live music. Festival … [Read more...] about Pawpaw Palooza at The Plant Aug. 30
Songs for Humans Singalong at Common Market Durham on Aug. 15
Songwriter Jesse James DeConto, of The Pinterton Raid, is leading a Songs for Humans Singalong on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 6 p.m., at The Common Market, 660 Blackwell Street, Durham, North Carolina. This is a free event. The Common Market sells drinks and snacks. In partnership with Bull City Indivisible, Jesse will lead a singalong with the theme of "Songs of Hope." To start off the … [Read more...] about Songs for Humans Singalong at Common Market Durham on Aug. 15
