Triangle on the Cheap

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

Entertainment

Falling for Local at Dix Park Oct 3: free hayrides, inflatables, pumpkin patch, more

Falling for Local is a free event at Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This festival is a celebration of fall and of local businesses. It's presented by Shop Local Raleigh, Dix Park Conservancy and Dorothea Dix Park. The festival features tons of local vendors, food trucks, North Carolina craft breweries, live music, … [Read more...] about Falling for Local at Dix Park Oct 3: free hayrides, inflatables, pumpkin patch, more

Carolina Theatre’s Family Saturday Series: Heartland Marimba Oct. 3

Carolina Theatre, at 309 West Morgan Street, Durham, is presenting Family Saturday Series, with performances perfect for all ages. These music, storytelling, dance, and magic performances will introduce young audiences to the magic of live performances, but will also be enjoyable to the older members of the family. The Family Saturday Series will take place once a month (most months), at 11 … [Read more...] about Carolina Theatre’s Family Saturday Series: Heartland Marimba Oct. 3

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Entertainment · Kids

Bands, Bites and Boats Concert Series at Bond Park: Amanda Peach Duo Oct. 2

The Bond Park Boathouse, at 801 High House Road, Cary, is playing host to musicians, food trucks and after-hours boat rentals at Bands, Bites and Boats. The special event features a local musician, a food truck and a brewery. These are FREE events. Pay for food and drink, and boat rental if you choose o enjoy the music while floating on the lake Or bring a lawn chair and enjoy it on … [Read more...] about Bands, Bites and Boats Concert Series at Bond Park: Amanda Peach Duo Oct. 2

PLAYlist Concert Series at Durham Central Park: Natura Wonder (Stevie Wonder tribute) Oct. 2

Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, will host PLAYlist Concert Series again in 2026. The concerts take place the first Friday of the month from May to October, 2026, except for July, when it takes place the 2nd Friday. It's free to attend. There are restrooms at Durham Central Park and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Parking is free in a lot next to the park. Local … [Read more...] about PLAYlist Concert Series at Durham Central Park: Natura Wonder (Stevie Wonder tribute) Oct. 2

Triangle Oktoberfest at Booth Amphitheatre — October 2-3 (free if you bring a wiener dog)

The popular Triangle Oktoberfest returns to Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026. This is an authentic German festival focused on family fun, traditional Bavarian food, local and authentic German beers from Munich. Kids activities include live music, inflatables face painting yard games, beer, arts and crafts, and more. The … [Read more...] about Triangle Oktoberfest at Booth Amphitheatre — October 2-3 (free if you bring a wiener dog)

Smashfest returns to The Scrap Exchange Nov 27 — smash stuff on Black Friday

Do you ever feel like smashing things? Or do you NEED to smash things? Head to The Scrap Exchange, 2050 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, for SmashFest on Friday, November 27, 2026 from 3 to 7 p.m. At this event you[ll be able to let out your frustrations by throwing various breakables against a wall. Enjoy a fun, carnival atmosphere with a large crowd, live art and more. Admission is free. Buy … [Read more...] about Smashfest returns to The Scrap Exchange Nov 27 — smash stuff on Black Friday

Duke Arts: Free concerts at American Tobacco Campus: Madison Cunningham Sept. 30

Duke Arts returns to American Tobacco Campus in September, 2026, with a new season curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt. This year’s theme centers foremothers and a lineage of women singer-songwriters who have shaped generations through storytelling and creative influence. The concert series will take place every Wednesday from September 9 to 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., at … [Read more...] about Duke Arts: Free concerts at American Tobacco Campus: Madison Cunningham Sept. 30

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Music Tagged With:

Sunset Music Series at Waverly Place in September

Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting Sunset Music Series every Wednesday in September, 2026. The concerts take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are free to attend. You can find all the concerts listed on Waverly Place's event list. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted. Each event will also feature a … [Read more...] about Sunset Music Series at Waverly Place in September

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